Located in the capital city of Bridgetown, the Hilton feels larger than its 355 rooms -- likely because of its high-rise structure and the fact it holds the biggest hotel meeting facility on the island. Sure, it checks all the boxes of a reputable chain hotel, but it lacks a certain charm synonymous with Barbadian hospitality. Rooms are modern and appeal to both leisure and business travelers, but free amenities are rare. Don’t expect a welcome drink, and Wi-Fi comes with a fee; therefore, hotel tabs add up fast (beware of the lounge chairs with “flag up” bar service). For those seeking a big hotel chock-full of American conveniences, though, this is the place.
Located in the capital city of Bridgetown, the Hilton feels larger than its 355 rooms -- likely because of its high-rise structure and the fact it holds the biggest hotel meeting facility on the island. Sure, it checks all the boxes of a reputable chain hotel, but it lacks a certain charm synonymous with Barbadian hospitality. Rooms are modern and appeal to both leisure and business travelers, but free amenities are rare. Don’t expect a welcome drink, and Wi-Fi comes with a fee; therefore, hotel tabs add up fast (beware of the lounge chairs with “flag up” bar service). For those seeking a big hotel chock-full of American conveniences, though, this is the place.
Situated in the Aquatic Gap close to Bridgetown, the Radisson Aquatica Resort has a beautiful beachfront location – the water is calm, blue, and clear. An upscale chain, it has clean and modern rooms, business and fitness centers, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant. Towering over the area at seven stories, it also has the ambience of a chain hotel, and can feel large and impersonal. The pool area is somewhat small but has a grill and bar nearby. The Hilton Barbados up the road has a much nicer, larger, bi-level pool complex.
Situated in the Aquatic Gap close to Bridgetown, the Radisson Aquatica Resort has a beautiful beachfront location – the water is calm, blue, and clear. An upscale chain, it has clean and modern rooms, business and fitness centers, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant. Towering over the area at seven stories, it also has the ambience of a chain hotel, and can feel large and impersonal. The pool area is somewhat small but has a grill and bar nearby. The Hilton Barbados up the road has a much nicer, larger, bi-level pool complex.
Belonging to the Marriott brand, the Courtyard, Barbados is an upper-middle-range chain hotel that may be better suited to business travelers than vacationers looking for an island experience. Its 118 rooms are all spacious, impeccably clean, and comfortable, with pillow-top beds, mini-fridges, work desks, coffeemakers, and Paul Mitchell toiletries. Interiors are contemporary yet generic, and features include a lap pool, a small fitness center, extensive meeting rooms, and an on-site restaurant. The hotel also has private gated beach access over the road, and deck chairs are available for guest use. The off-street setting is calm, but there’s still plenty to see, eat, and do nearby. Travelers seeking a familiar brand right on the beach may also want to consider the Hilton Barbados Resort.
Belonging to the Marriott brand, the Courtyard, Barbados is an upper-middle-range chain hotel that may be better suited to business travelers than vacationers looking for an island experience. Its 118 rooms are all spacious, impeccably clean, and comfortable, with pillow-top beds, mini-fridges, work desks, coffeemakers, and Paul Mitchell toiletries. Interiors are contemporary yet generic, and features include a lap pool, a small fitness center, extensive meeting rooms, and an on-site restaurant. The hotel also has private gated beach access over the road, and deck chairs are available for guest use. The off-street setting is calm, but there’s still plenty to see, eat, and do nearby. Travelers seeking a familiar brand right on the beach may also want to consider the Hilton Barbados Resort.
One of the least-expensive all-inclusive properties on the island, Island Inn Hotel has a great location -- in the Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and less than a six-minute drive to Bridgetown. It is also near bars, restaurants, and entertainment. While it is not directly on the beach, the beach is a two-minute walk down the road. Despite its location, the hotel has some drawbacks, including a small pool that gets crowded, and only one restaurant on-site. Rooms here are retro-modern (with an emphasis on retro); rooms at the nearby Savannah Beach Hotel are more updated. For a bit more money, the Sea Breeze Beach Hotel, another all-inclusive property, offers a larger pool area, and is much more picturesque, offering a beautiful view of the beach. Barbados Beach Club, in the same price category as the Island Inn Hotel, also has a better pool.
One of the least-expensive all-inclusive properties on the island, Island Inn Hotel has a great location -- in the Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and less than a six-minute drive to Bridgetown. It is also near bars, restaurants, and entertainment. While it is not directly on the beach, the beach is a two-minute walk down the road. Despite its location, the hotel has some drawbacks, including a small pool that gets crowded, and only one restaurant on-site. Rooms here are retro-modern (with an emphasis on retro); rooms at the nearby Savannah Beach Hotel are more updated. For a bit more money, the Sea Breeze Beach Hotel, another all-inclusive property, offers a larger pool area, and is much more picturesque, offering a beautiful view of the beach. Barbados Beach Club, in the same price category as the Island Inn Hotel, also has a better pool.
The Palm Garden Hotel is a cheap and cheerful, mid-range property set in a peaceful location within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and St. Lawrence Gap nightlife. Its low-key vibe, outdoor pool, and lush tropical gardens make it a smart option for families and couples that want to unwind after exploring the island (or partying late). Other features include an affordable on-site restaurant serving Caribbean dishes, as well as poolside and sports bars. The 26 rooms and apartments are dated, but they’re all clean and comfortable with basic kitchens or kitchenettes and Cable TV. Travelers seeking a comparably priced option even closer to the beach could try the nearby Time Out Hotel -- but rooms lack kitchenettes, and noise from nearby nightlife can be an issue.
The Palm Garden Hotel is a cheap and cheerful, mid-range property set in a peaceful location within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and St. Lawrence Gap nightlife. Its low-key vibe, outdoor pool, and lush tropical gardens make it a smart option for families and couples that want to unwind after exploring the island (or partying late). Other features include an affordable on-site restaurant serving Caribbean dishes, as well as poolside and sports bars. The 26 rooms and apartments are dated, but they’re all clean and comfortable with basic kitchens or kitchenettes and Cable TV. Travelers seeking a comparably priced option even closer to the beach could try the nearby Time Out Hotel -- but rooms lack kitchenettes, and noise from nearby nightlife can be an issue.