Lance Aux Epines Cottages

The Lance Aux Epines Cottages started in the late '60s as a vacation place for family and friends, and later grew into a small hotel offering quaint self-contained cottages. It is still owned and operated by the same local family, and the atmosphere stays true to the hotel’s humble beginnings: It feels more like staying at the vacation house of a family friend than at a hotel, and the staff helps make guests feel right at home.That retro charm is still present in the style of the buildings as well as the low-tech ambience, and harkens to simpler days gone by -- though some may find it dated or old-fashioned. The vibe is laid-back, casual, and quiet -- especially at night. Since the cottages have big, open windows to take in the views, music and voices are apt to carry, and guests are asked to have any nighttime get-togethers in the communal Game Room.  With well-equipped kitchens and spacious living areas, the cottages are great for families and longer stays. However, travelers looking for an all-inclusive experience with drinks and meals served up to them poolside should look elsewhere. There’s no restaurant, and most guests stock the fridges themselves here (though staff will do the shopping, for a fee.) The full kitchens are perfect for guests who like to cook their own meals, and there are some dining options in walking distance as well.

Lance Aux Epines Cottages is located on the southwest corner of the vibrant island of Grenada. The property rests on a small section of serene beach in Prickly Bay, which is a quieter area that does not get a lot of foot traffic, as at bigger beaches like Grand Anse.A local road runs right next to the property, making it an easy walk to a handful of bars and restaurants, but guests may hear cars going by. The hotel is close to the airport, about a 10-minute drive away, and the occasional plane may pass overhead.

Self-contained one- or two-bedroom cottages and apartments all include full-sized kitchens and spacious living room areas. Most rooms face right out toward the beach, and all have at least a partial ocean view. Cottages have an open-air style, with big windows lining the length of the rooms to let in the sunlight and warm Caribbean breezes, and to maximize the beautiful views. There are no TVs in the rooms, as guests are meant to relax and enjoy the serenity.The cottages were built in the '70s and are styled to that era, featuring rock-wall facades and midcentury breeze-block sunrooms, which can either be seen as charming and retro, or dated. While a bit old-fashioned, the cottages are big, open and airy, with high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and decor accented in bright Caribbean greens and blues. Certain elements, like the curtains and bedspreads, are due for an update. Bathrooms are basic and clean, with walk-in showers, but no bathtubs. Bar soap is provided, but bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.Kitchens are stocked with microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, a variety of dishes and cookware, and even blenders -- should blended drinks be desired (spoiler alert, they will -- it’s the Caribbean).  Each cottage has a small yard with its own designated hammock, padded lounge chairs, and picnic table.

Each cottage comes with a personal housekeeper, who will even do small amounts of laundry and ironing for free (and larger loads for an additional fee). Guests can order a chef to come cook dinner at their cottage, as long as groceries are provided, or they can also arrange for shopping to be done, for an extra charge.There is no restaurant or bar on the property, except for on Sundays when the Sand Bar opens on the beach for a casual barbecue grill. Drinks and cocktails, including a signature Rum Punch, are served up while burgers, sausage sandwiches, and more are fired up on the grill, for a fun, friendly day. There are a handful of restaurants and bars within a 10-minute walk, and dozens of others a short drive away. The quiet beach is in a protected bay, and the water is calm. The beachfront is relaxed and peaceful, with plenty of chairs and shady areas. There is a nice, large air-conditioned game room on one corner of the property called The Roost. It features a pool table, ping-pong table, and foosball, as well as a large TV and couches, if guests want to catch a big game or pop in a DVD in the evenings. (There are no TVs in the rooms.) There’s also a computer for guest use, as well as tea and coffee facilities. All rooms have free Wi-Fi. The low-key hotel lacks other amenities, such as a pool or fitness center.