Blue Horizon

The three-pearl Blue Horizon sits across the street from the beach, providing easy access to the sand but with affordable rates. Rooms are spread amongst two- and three-story buildings with white facades and bright blue and green balconies -- some of which have ocean views. The lobby has lots of windows, comfy wicker seating with earth-tone cushions, and a corner stocked with free tea, coffee, and nibbles for guests. A large outdoor courtyard has terra-cotta tiling, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and greenery along the edges. While on-site, guests tend to congregate here, though the restaurant rarely gets a crowd -- only in the mornings when free breakfasts are served. The resort sees many repeat visitors who prefer the modest, quiet atmosphere to some of the bigger, buzzier hotels on the strip.

Located on the south coast of Barbados, Blue Horizon boasts a central location off Highway 7 that gives guests easy access to explore the island. Lovely stretches of white sand are within easy walking or driving distance, particularly Rockley Beach, which is just a three-minute walk across the street; all beaches in Barbados are open to the public. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to St. Lawrence Gap or "The Gap" -- a mile-long area of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. There's free self-serve parking in the front of the hotel or taxis can be requested from the front desk. The local bus system (nicknamed "reggae bus") is considered simple to navigate and costs just $1 per ride. Popular stops on the route include Oistin’s Friday Fish Fry (15-minute ride) in one direction, and the capital Bridgetown (20-minute ride) in the other. Farther north -- about a 30-minute drive -- is Holetown, the spot where settlers first landed and claimed the island in the name of England. Today, this is where the most luxurious hotels and villas are located, as well as many restaurants and shops. The bus route also travels to the ruggedly beautiful east coast. 

The property's 67 rooms have simplistic furnishings, and suites are more contemporary than the Standard Rooms. Standard Rooms have dark wooden furniture and beige headboards that blend in with the walls and tile floors, and pops of color are in the blue bed runners and yellow throw pillows. Suites, on the other hand, have wooden furniture and bright pops of orange and neon green in chair cushions, leather headboards, and sea-inspired artwork. All rooms have balconies furnished with one table and two chairs -- some have partial views of the sea, while others face the garden or pool. Rooms on the top floor feel larger thanks to cathedral-style ceilings. All rooms are equipped with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles for instant coffee and tea. Bathrooms have walk-in tile showers with basic toiletries. Superior Rooms add kitchenettes with microwaves, stovetops, full refrigerators, utensils, glassware, and dishes. For even more space, the 30 Deluxe Room Suites are one-bedroom units that have separate living rooms with dining tables and sofabeds. Modern kitchens are fully equipped to serve four people. Their more modern bathrooms have monogrammed towels and rainfall showerheads. All rooms are accessed by stairs (no elevator).

The closest beach to the hotel is right across the street, called Rockley. It's an easy jaunt, but guests should be extra cautious while crossing the road as this is a busy highway with lots of speeding cars and buses. There, guests can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from vendors, or plant their towels into the white sand. This is a great spot for swimming or walking, while other pleasant beaches such as Worthing, Dover, or Needhams Point can be reached by foot or bus. On the property, there's a small rectangular outdoor pool surrounded by loungers, tables, and umbrellas. Excursions or other activities can be arranged by hotel staff.  The on-site restaurant, aptly named The Courtyard, offers a mix of a la carte international and local cuisine for lunch and dinner in an open-air space by the pool. Past guests report low quality food for the price. All rates include a free breakfast consisting of tea, coffee, juice, cereal, toast, pastries, and fresh fruit. Those who want a made-to-order cooked breakfast can pay extra. Free laundry machines are a major plus, and the hotel also has a free business center with computer terminals and photocopying services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Near the lobby is a small gift shop and market for snacks and beverages.