Bay Street, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | (937) 315-4602
Small guest house run by a friendly couple
Pretty sea views from patios and grounds
Walking distance to swimmable beaches and Pigeon Island
Three of the four rooms have kitchenettes or kitchens
All rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and tea/coffee
Close to non-touristy bars and restaurants
Popular, weekly fish barbecues just a block away
24-hour on-site security
Free Wi-Fi and street parking
No pool or on-site dining
Standard room does not have a kitchenette
While interiors are clean, expect to see signs of age
Local vendors might be a nuisance on nearby beaches
It's a 90-minute drive to the major international airport
The couple-owned Bay Guesthouse is a waterfront value property in the less touristy area of Gros Islet. There are only four modest rooms -- including a spacious two-bedroom apartment on the top floor -- and all come with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Aside from the rooms, the only other features are a book exchange and lawn area with pretty sea views, a few hammocks, and loungers. However, guests are within walking distance to great beaches and local dining and bar spots. Travelers willing to pay more for additional amenities may prefer the Coco Palm Resort, which has a large freeform pool, two restaurants, and live music, but it's not along the ocean.
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Scene
Small guest house with beautiful views; geared toward laid-back travelers
The Bay Guesthouse is run by owners Will and Stephanie, a couple that lives offsite but are often present to take care of the property and offer local advice. However, their two friendly dobermans, Pepsi and Polka, are always at the hotel and there's 24-hour security. The two-story building is painted a cheery orange and sits next to the water for stunning sea and mountain views from the outdoor patio and grassy lawn dotted with loungers and hammocks. Given that there's only ever a handful of guests at a time, plus there are no neighbors on either side, the atmosphere is peaceful. Since the Gros Islet area is less touristy and rooms are basic, the property typically sees laid-back travelers on a budget.
Location
Waterfront setting on the less tourist-centric north side of St. Lucia
The Bay Guesthouse is located in the northwestern part of the island in the authentic, less-touristy area of Gros Islet. Though there's no on-site beach, it's an easy walk to swimmable beaches and the town center. Historic Pigeon Island, famous for hiking and interesting ruins from the Anglo-French War, is a 20-minute walk away. Note that the area might feel a little intimidating at first, but it's safe and allows guests to partake in local culture, especially given the close proximity to popular weekly barbecues (a block away), restaurants, and bars.
Those traveling by taxi should expect a 90-minute ride from Hewanorra International Airport, or for regional flights, it's a 30-minute ride from George F. L. Charles Airport. Guests can arrange a driver in advance with the owners, though it might be worth considering renting a car as there's free street parking. Those with cars should be cautious of narrow, winding roads with large potholes, however. Travelers interested in taking day trips can get to Marigot Bay in just under an hour, while the drive to Pitons near Soufriere takes about 90 minutes. The developed part of Rodney Bay and Reduit Beach -- packed with hotels, restaurants, and bars -- are five minutes away by car. Additionally, the local bus system is an easy and cheap way to get around during the day.
Rooms
Clean and comfortable rooms with minimal furnishings
There are only four units at this small guest house, each with modest furnishings consisting of tile floors, white walls, wooden furniture, and blue bedspreads and curtains. Certain aspects certainly show some age, but the units are clean and well-maintained. Each room includes a private bathroom with a small shower and hand soap, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning. Additionally, fridges are stocked for new arrivals with two bottles of beer and a large bottle of water.
The Standard Room is located on the first floor with a double bed under a mosquito net. Though this is the smallest unit and it doesn't have a kitchen or kitchenette like the others, it does have a mini-fridge and electric kettle for instant coffee or tea. The two Oceanfront Studios are also on the bottom floor and face the ocean; each has one double bed and one single bed, along with a stocked kitchenette and pretty views from the shared patio -- however, this area also acts as an unofficial reception area.
The more modern top-floor, two-bedroom unit is spacious and bright, equipped with a double bed in each room but only one bathroom for the apartment. The living room has wicker furniture and shelves stocked with books, plus an adjacent kitchen with a full-size fridge, microwave, stove, kettle, and toaster. A roomy and private balcony includes a dining table and two hammocks facing the sea.
Features
No restaurant or pool, but a pretty lawn overlooking the water
Well-maintained grounds consist of hammocks, a fire pit, and a few sun loungers facing the water. The adjacent patio also has a few wooden tables and a book exchange. There is no pool on-site but beaches can be reached within minutes of Bay Guesthouse -- in fact, a stretch of sand lays to either side of the property. Plus, with the proper shoes guests are free to climb past the rocks in front of the property and enter the sea there. The water in this part of St. Lucia is calm and clear, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
The hotel lacks a restaurant, but it's a short walk to a market and general supply store for those who want to stock their fridges with food and drinks. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
