Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean and populated by about 280,000 people. The island is formed by limestone rocks and measures about 430 square kilometers. Barbados is just north of the equator and far away enough from the hurricane belt that it usually gets spared from them. While less known than other Caribbean destinations, Barbados might be worth a visit. In this post, we share some hotel recommendations to help you plan your trip based on some of the places we have stayed and have researched.
1. Condo style resort on the West Coast: Beach View Hotel
The Beach View is located on the West Coast of Barbados and overlooks Paynes Bay. While it is not directly on the beach, it is a short walk across the street. The Beach View also has 4 pools with adult and children sections. The suites and villas include fully-equipped kitchens with oven, stovetop and dishwasher and rooms have a small kitchenette. The hotel facilities include a gym, and spa. Homemade banana bread, salads, and paninis are just some of the items available at The Sugar Apple Café, open for breakfast, lunch and, dinner. It also easy enough to walk or take a public bus to a grocery store and some restaurants/cafes. There is also a fish market where you can buy the fresh catch of the day just across the street.
2. For snorkeling and watersports: Cobblers Cove – Barbados
Watersports lovers will love Cobblers Cove with its beachfront location and free watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing. Snorkelling is possible above an expansive reef, which is just offshore. Each air conditioned suite features a private balcony or terrace and all furnishings and fabrics feature traditional island design. Views of the Caribbean Sea can be enjoyed from the freshwater swimming pool. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the award-winning Camelot Restaurant serves a local and international menu. Massages and beauty treatments can be enjoyed in the Sea Moon Spa at Cobblers Cove – Barbados.
3. Budget-friendly Family or Couples Vacation on the Beach: Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
This is a basic hotel on a very nice stretch of beach close enough to some dining options within walking distance. The rooms are very outdated though, the air conditioning is loud but the rooms have balconies. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a restaurant. The property offers free parking and is within walking distance to some budget friendly food options.
4. Mid-range Family or Couples Resort: Hilton Barbados Resort
Located on a nice stretch of beach and walkable to others, the Hilton Barbados in Needhams Point offers 3 tennis courts, an infinity pool complex, fitness centre, spa, and various in resort dining options. Every room offers an ocean view balcony and floor to ceiling windows and many have been renovated recently. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Barbados Hilton guests can enjoy fine dining at The Grille or casual dining at Lighthouse Terrace. Careenage Bar features live entertainment while Water’s Edge has a beachside bar. The food is so-so here but it is convenient.
5. Private Pool Rooms: The Crane Barbados
Not many resorts or hotels offer private pool rooms in Barbados but the The Crane Barbados does: some are ground floor with ocean views, some are small corner plunge pools on higher floors, and others in a courtyard setting. The Crane is located on the east side of the island and always has nice breezes and sunrises. The pools are useful, especially when the beach is unusable due to the sargassum seaweed that washes up. This resort hotel offers 5 restaurants and a few swimming pools (one is adults only). Each 19th-century-style room includes a kitchen or kitchenette, a balcony or patio with furniture, vaulted ceilings, a 4 poster king sized bed, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. The marble bathroom is furnished with a whirlpool tub and shower. A shopping complex with clothing and jewelry stores are part of this Barbados resort. The resort has a small gym and a spa. There are a number of resort dining options: L’Azure Restaurant specializes in seafood and provides seating on its outdoor balcony. Zen Restaurant offers traditional Japanese and Thai cuisine. Donofrios offers Italian food. The Carriage House is a poolside restaurant that serves light meals and cocktails in a casual atmosphere and there is a restaurant/bar on the beach. Like many resorts, the food is so-so here and there is very little within walking distance but we do recommend checking out Dis Ole House if you have a rental car.
6. Adults Only All Inclusive: Sandals All-Inclusive Barbados
We understand people like all-inclusive resorts and how they can be convenient, this one gets mixed reviews but seems to be one of the better options in Barbados. Situated in Christ Church, a few steps from Maxwell Beach, Sandals Barbados All Inclusive – Couples Only features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Boasting free shuttle service, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a bowling alley and a terrace. The accommodation offers karaoke and a shared lounge. At the resort rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests, while some rooms have a balcony. At Sandals Barbados All Inclusive – Couples Only all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
7. Family-friendly All Inclusive: Sugar Bay Barbados
Sugar Bay Barbados is a newly renovated, 138 key, All-Inclusive Resort located on the majestic south coast of Barbados. Sited in the UNESCO World Heritage Garrison Historic Area, this property straddles a magnificent stretch of crystal clear turquoise waters. The lagoon itself is a fantastic swimming area with gentle waves lapping at white and pink sandy shores, sheltered by rows of coconut trees swaying in the trade-winds. Sugar Bay is not only two minutes outside of Bridgetown it is also right on the liveliest coast on island offering easy access to many different activities, places to see and dining opportunities. The Boho-Chic style property offers 5 restaurants* (Sizzle Steakhouse & UMI Japanese included), 5 bars (Including a Pub) with Premium Alcohol Drinks Free. Further, excellent kids facilities, lush tropical gardens, spa, Crossfit stylized gym, hair-salon, arcade and so much more is just waiting for you to visit and explore this island in the sun!
8. Boutique Hotel in the St Lawrence Gap: South Gap Hotel
Just 500 metres from Dover Beach, South Gap Hotel has an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi available for its guests. Located in St. Lawrence Gap district, guests will have many choices to dine and seek for entertainment in its nightclubs. The newly renovated rooms are functionally decorated and offer air conditioning, satellite TV and a kitchenette with a fridge. They also have a balcony and the private bathroom has a shower. The property also has a restaurant and a bar. The Front desk is available 24 hours a day, and free public parking is possible on site. The Grantley Adams International Airport is 14 minutes’ drive away.
9. Adults Only Boutique Hotel: Little Arches Boutique Hotel
Located across the street from Enterprise Beach, Little Arches Boutique Hotel – Adults Only is set in Christ Church offers the amenities of a small hotel. Hidden from the hustle and bustle districts, Little Arches overlooks the pristine sands of Enterprise (Miami) Beach on the South Coast. Ten unique rooms and suites feature imported Italian ceramic flooring, king-size beds, feather-top beds, high thread-count cotton sheets, individually controlled air conditioning, ceiling fans, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, kettle, mini-fridge, direct dial phone, sitting area, private shower plus custom-crafted signature pottery basins, personal safes, cable plasma TV. Enjoy elevated views of the Caribbean from the rooftop pool deck and the acclaimed al fresco restaurant Café Luna. The property offers free bikes and has a concierge to help organize tours.
10. To Splurge: Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados Resort
Set on the Glitter Bay Beach and 2 km from Holetown City in St James, this complex features an extensive garden, in-room massage services, a swimming pool and free WiFi in all areas. The plantation-décor rooms and suites offer air conditioning, ceiling fan, seating area and a flat-screen satellite TV with DVD player. All accommodations include a balcony or terrace with sea views, and a private bathroom with bath and separated shower. The lobby and all the guest rooms and suites have been newly renovated on November 2017. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados Resort features 2 restaurants serving international and Caribbean cuisine. Private dinner and in-room dining facilities are available. Guests can also arrange activities as canoeing, diving, fishing and snorkelling. Among these amenities, there are available a gym, tennis courts, laundry and a gift shop. Certified baby sitting service with an extra charge can be arranged upon request of at least 24 hours prior guests need it. This complex is 5 minutes’ drive from the Royal Westmoreland Golf Course and 15 minutes’ drive from the Flower Forest. The Grantley Adams International Airport is 19 km away.
Other Barbados Related Posts:
- Visiting Barbados: Pros and Cons
- Dining Guide for Barbados: Cheap Eats
- Review: The Crane Resort in Barbados
** Disclaimer: Your mileage may vary. Information in this post is accurate at time of posting and things may change, including reviews, pricing, and room availability. We would stay at most of these properties with some exceptions. Some listed were recommended by others and found through research based on regional knowledge. We cannot be responsible for negative experiences.
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