Hotels and Resorts

Most visitors stay either on the fashionable west coast north of Bridgetown or on the action-packed south coast. On the west coast, the beachfront resorts in St. Peter and St. James parishes are mostly luxurious, self-contained enclaves. Highway 1, a two-lane road with considerable traffic, runs past these resorts; strolling to a nearby bar or restaurant can be a bit difficult. Along the south coast in Christ Church Parish, several hotels are close to the busy strip known as St. Lawrence Gap and convenient to a number of small restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. On the much more remote east coast, a few small inns offer oceanfront views and get-away-from-it-all tranquility.

In keeping with the smoke-free policy enforced throughout Barbados, smoking is restricted to open outdoor areas such as the beach. It is not permitted in hotels (neither rooms nor public areas) or in restaurants.

Room rates in Barbados may be twice as high in season (December 15–April 15) compared to rates in the quieter months; however, special promotions and vacation packages are available throughout the year. Most hotels include no meals in their rates, but some include breakfast and many offer a meal plan. Some require you to purchase a meal plan in the high season, and several offer all-inclusive packages.

Resorts: Great resorts run the gamut—from unpretentious to knock-your-socks-off—in terms of size, intimacy, amenities, and price. Many are well suited to families.

Small Inns: A few small, cozy inns are located in the east and southeast regions of the island. These can be ultraluxurious, fairly simple, or something in between.

Villas and Condos: Families, groups, couples traveling together, and long-term visitors may find a villa or condo rental to be the most economical option. Villas can be luxurious, simple, or something in between; condo complexes range from busy time-share resorts to more sedate vacation complexes. Apartments are also available for vacation rentals in buildings or complexes with 3 or 4 units to 30, 40, or even more.

Private Villas and Condos

Local real-estate agencies arrange vacation rentals of privately owned villas and condos mainly along the west coast in St. James and St. Peter but also elsewhere on the island. All villas and condo units are fully furnished and equipped—including appropriate staff depending on the size of the villa or unit, which can range from one to eight bedrooms. The staff usually works six days a week. Most villas have TVs and other entertainment devices, all properties have telephones, and some have Wi-Fi. International telephone calls are usually blocked; plan on using your cell phone, a phone card, or calling card. Vehicles generally are not included in the rates, but rental cars can be arranged for and delivered to the villa upon request. Linens and basic supplies (such as bath soap, toilet tissue, and dishwashing detergent) are normally included.

Villas or condos with one to eight bedrooms and as many baths run $250 to $4,000 per night in summer and about double that in winter. Rates include utilities and government taxes. The only additional cost is for groceries and staff gratuities. A security deposit is required upon booking and refunded seven days after departure less any damages or unpaid miscellaneous charges.

Many property owners participate in AirBnB. Vacationers can book a villa, house, cottage, condo unit, or apartment at prices ranging from as low as $70 per night for a studio apartment to as much as $3,000 per night for a super-luxe four-bedroom penthouse.

Contacts

Airbnb. 855/424–7262; 415/800–5959; www.airbnb.com.

Altman Real Estate. Hwy. 1, Derricks, Durants, St. James, BB24008. 246/432–0840; 866/360–5292; www.altmanbarbados.com.

Blue Sky Luxury. Newton House, Hwy. 1B, Little Battaleys, St. Peter, BB26094. 246/622–4466; 866/404–9600; www.blueskyluxury.com.

Island Villas. Trents Bldg., Holetown, St. James, BB24017. 246/432–4627; 866/978–8499; www.island-villas.com.