Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown, Barbados

The Courtyard is set just off the main road in a private pocket surrounded by tall trees. An L-shaped building houses four floors of rooms, and much of the hotel overlooks a pool and sundeck below. Inside, tiled floors, wooden tables, chairs, and curvaceous lounges are softened with cool-hued patterned cushions, while vibrant pineapple artwork (in the restaurant), and a shell-patterned feature wall (near check-in) are more or less the only nods to the tropics. The vibe is calm, low key, and conservative, with lots of business travelers among the clientele. It’s a far cry from the vibrant (and often charismatic) resort establishments that dominate the island, and this hotel could really be anywhere -- so it’s perfect for travelers craving the consistency and familiarity of the Courtyard by Marriott brand, but totally unsuited to anyone after an authentic (or in any way unique) island experience. Simply put, there’s nothing Barbadian about this place. 

Located on the southwestern edge of Barbados, straddling Hastings and historic Garrison, the Courtyard is 20 to 25 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport by car and 15 minutes from Bridgetown. There’s a beach suitable for swimming right across the road -- although other resorts occupy the prime beachfront setting. However, the Courtyard does have private gate access from the street. It’s a three-minute walk to Dread or Dead Surf School, five minutes to West Side Scuba Center, and plenty of eateries and bars are also within easy walking distance. It’s a two-minute drive to Barbados Museum, six minutes to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, and 15 minutes to Mount Gay Rum Distillery. The hotel provides plenty of free on-site parking for guest with cars.

Guest Rooms at this Courtyard feel more refreshing than the generic common areas: They’re spacious and minimalist, with cobalt-blue feature walls, dark-wood furniture, wide headboards, and crisp white bedding with comfy pillow-top mattresses contrasted by warm accents in bed runners and artwork. Each of the spacious Guest Rooms comes with a king or two queen beds, while Superior with Balcony Rooms and one-bedroom Suite with Balcony units are also available. All rooms feature large work desks with ergonomic office chairs, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers, but the use of safes incurs a fee. Given that the hotel is set back off the street, rooms are incredibly quiet. Bathrooms are generously sized with granite vanities, shower/tub combos, and individually packaged Paul Mitchell toiletries.

Features, like the hotel at large, are well-rounded but don't reflect the local culture. The pool is long and narrow, making it great for laps, but there's no poolside dining or bar, and it certainly doesn't have the typical resort vibe seen at other Barbados properties. The pool neighbors an expansive patio with deck chairs and outdoor dining settings. The fitness center is on the small side, but it’s got all of the modern cardio- and weight-training equipment required for a good workout. Plenty of meeting rooms cater to business travelers, and there's space for events of up to 120. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The Centro restaurant neighbors the lobby and features a good range of local and Western dishes. Centro does decent espresso drinks and has a full bar, but for guests seeking something less generic, there are plenty of restaurants nearby catering to all budgets, including Buzo (upmarket Italian), right next to the driveway. There’s also a little drink and snacks shop next to the check-in desk, and it stays open all night.