Hummingbird Beach Resort

With an intimate atmosphere and no busy entertainment programs, the small Hummingbird Beach Resort is better described as an inn than a resort. The entrance is marked by a faded sign with a teal wrought-iron gate opening onto a short pathway. A tiny building on the left houses the reception, which features a wooden ceiling painted white and latticed windows. The pathway continues to the restaurant and gallery, beyond which the pool and guest-room buildings are tucked amid shady gardens. Verdant greenery and an abundant use of natural materials like stone and wood give the property a down-to-earth feel. True to the hotel’s name, dozens of hummingbirds can be spotted flitting around the gardens, particularly around sunrise and sunset. The hotel’s relaxed ambiance and simple features make it a good fit for couples and families on a budget. Some areas look past-their-prime, and the hotel lacks a certain polish, but rates are among the cheapest in Soufriere and the location is fantastic.

Hummingbird Beach Resort is set in the town of Soufriere, the second largest settlement on the island. The town’s colorful, French colonial-influenced buildings are  charming, although it does have some seedy areas. There are a handful of good restaurants, as well as conveniences like banks and pharmacies. The hotel backs on to the town’s beach, and most of St. Lucia’s most popular attractions are a short drive away. The prettier beaches of Anse Mamin and Anse Chastanet are a 10-minute drive away. Sulphur Springs as well as Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths can also be reached in 10 minutes by car. It’s about a 45-minute drive to Hewanorra International Airport.

No two rooms at Hummingbird Beach Resort are exactly alike, but the decor is a bit mismatched and old-fashioned across the board. Throw pillows featuring cartoonish sea animals might be paired with faded floral prints or stripes. The furniture is a mix of older rattan and wooden furniture, some of which is painted white. Many rooms have four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting, and some have attractive white stucco walls. Pillows and mattresses are firm, and past guests have complained that they find them uncomfortable. Most rooms include a few colorful pieces of artwork. All offer either flat-screen or tube TVs. No-frills bathrooms have shower/tub combos and outdated fixtures. Some have pedestal sinks, while others offer ample counter space. Basic toiletries are provided in wall-mounted dispensers

While Wi-Fi is not guaranteed in rooms, the signal from the free Wi-Fi in the restaurant does reach some of the units. Some rooms have air-conditioning, but many are cooled by ceiling or standing fans. Most rooms have private patios with views of the hotel gardens or pool, the sea, and/or the Pitons. Some room categories have mini-fridges, kettles, and personal safes. The Hummingbird Suite features a small sitting area. An independent cottage set across the street from the main hotel includes two bedrooms, a living area, and a full kitchen with an oven.  

Hummingbird’s small line-up of features cover all the basics. The hotel’s freshwater pool is surrounded by a rock deck furnished with lounge chairs and patio tables with wooden beach umbrellas. The Hummingbird backs onto a small public beach with brownish sands and nice Piton views, but it's not as nice as some of the island's more popular beaches, and the hotel doesn’t provide chairs. 

The on-site restaurant offers French Creole cuisine and draws locals as well as tourists staying at other properties, and while the food gets consistently great reviews, it's on the expensive side. With stone walls and wood beamed ceilings, the restaurant interior exudes a rustic charm, although some of the fabric patterns clash with one another. It has lovely views of the hotel pool, backed by the Pitons. World flags hang from the ceilings and beautiful wood carvings are dotted throughout. Free breakfast is included in room rates and includes a choice of a few different a la carte dishes. There’s also a cute bar set in a wooden hut closer to the beach.

Other on-site features include the Batik Studio and Gallery, which showcases the work of the owner and her son. The gallery features colorful prints and wall hangings depicting tropical plants and wildlife along with some gorgeous wood carvings. There are a few parking spots right in front of the hotel, as well as a large, free lot just adjacent to it. Free Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant, but the signal can often be picked up in other areas of the property as well.