Affordable rates in the most expensive area of Barbados
Adjacent to beach club that's available for a refundable fee
Small outdoor pool with sun loungers
Apartments have living rooms and furnished balconies
Kitchenettes are stocked with the bare essentials
Sister resort nearby has an all-day restaurant and mini-mart
Large penthouse unit for groups at sister property
Rooms and public spaces are tired and need renovating
Reception is located at the sister resort a few blocks away
Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and in-room safes require a fee
The two-pearl Halcyon Palm has 25 one-bedroom apartments with basic furnishings that are showing wear and tear. Located near the west coast of Barbados, the hotel is an affordable option for those who want easy access to nearby pretty beaches, upscale restaurants, and shopping. Apartments are dated, but they come with furnished balconies and kitchenettes stocked with the bare essentials. Guests can use the small on-site pool, or a nearby beach club for a refundable fee. The property lacks a restaurant and travelers should expect to pay for air-conditioning, in-room safes, beach towels, and Wi-Fi. For travelers that don't need kitchenettes, consider the Palm Paradise Guest House, which has more charming rooms, free Wi-Fi, and owners that offer personalized service.
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Scene
Quiet atmosphere at this dated value hotel
The small, outdated property is located in a residential community and lacks a reception office, so guests of the Halcyon Palm have to check in at sister resort Travellers Palm. There, a small staff can help arrange excursions and there's an area stocked with beverages and snacks for sale. The Halcyon is more like a compact condo complex, featuring some tropical vegetation and two-story coral buildings with mint-green detailing that make a "U" shape around the outdoor pool. Wear and tear is visible throughout, but the hotel's setting is quiet and most guests tend to be low-key couples that appreciate the affordable rates in a pricey area of Barbados.
Location
A sleepy residential area that feels far from the tourist crowds
Halcyon Palm is located in the parish of St. James on the west coast of Barbados -- a 40-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport. This residential area is inland, but just a five-minute walk to the beach (all beaches are public in Barbados). The area is technically called Sunset Crest but guests will likely be more attracted to the fact that it is a mile from the center of Holetown -- a historic spot where British settlers first landed and claimed the island. Today, Holetown has the best hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops in Barbados. Nearby shopping plazas also offer conveniences such as groceries, alcohol, and ATM machines.There's free street parking in front of the hotel, or a local bus stop is about a five-minute walk away. Bus fares, no matter how long the journey, cost $1 in either direction. The capital of Bridgetown and Speightstown can both be reached in about 20 minutes by bus.
Rooms
One-bedroom apartments are in need of renovations, but have kitchenettes and balconies
Halcyon Palm has 25 one-bedroom apartments, which are decorated with dated furnishings, white tile, and pieces of artwork that give the spaces a homey vibe. The ample white wooden furniture, glass doors, and mostly white linens help keep the units bright and cheerful despite them showing their age. The layout includes a separate living room with pullout sofa, kitchenette, and a set of French doors that lead to a furnished patio. Kitchenettes have the basic necessities, including microwaves, stovetops, and coffeemakers, though some may have incomplete sets of dishes, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Old microwaves and tube-style TVs are the most obvious amenities in need of replacing. Bathrooms, on the other hand, are more modern and have walk-in glass showers. Rooms have fans, but it will cost extra for air-conditioners and in-room safes. Guests can also request cots and starter food packages. Also available at the sister property is a luxurious three-bedroom unit called The Palms Penthouse. It has contemporary decor, high ceilings, modern fixtures, flat-screen TVs, and marble countertops. The gorgeous open-plan kitchen has top-of-the-line appliances, along with a sophisticated dining area and outdoor porch.
Features
Passes for the nearby beach club include use of the pool, bar, and restaurant
Since Halcyon is more like a condominium than a hotel, the only on-site amenity is a small rectangular pool with loungers and a few umbrellas. Guests can also walk a few blocks and use the slightly bigger pool at the Travellers Palm. The closest beaches are within walking distance -- about five to 10 minutes away by foot. A popular option is the available beach club pass (requires a refundable deposit), which offers access to the adjacent Beach House -- featuring a beachfront, pool, bar, and restaurant. All beaches in Barbados are public, but beach towels are only available for purchase at the Halcyon.The closest restaurant is Travellers Palm's all-day, open-air spot with ceramic tiles and brightly colored linens, plus a small bar stocked with basic liquors. Also located at the sister property is a small mini-mart with beverages and snacks for sale. A walk or bus ride into Holetown offers much more choice for restaurants and nightlife, as well as a supermarket, shopping, the Limegrove Center with designer brands, and a movie theater. Local dining packages are available -- ask the staff to describe the prepaid voucher system for participating restaurants. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
