Barbados experts

Hi all

Looking for some advice from any Barbados experts if possible please.
We're looking at spending 2 weeks in Barbados, and currently checking 2 hotels out.....

1, Accra
2, Hilton

Can anyone give any advice on these 2 hotels, we don't want to go all inclusive as we like to get out and about so these two seem to fit the bill but I'm open to any advice from more experienced travellers to Barbados. We've never been to the Caribbean before so all this will be new to us. Obviously were open to all alternatives if you know of better hotels.

Thanks in advance and if you need any further information so the question can be answered please let me know.

Thanks again

Trevor

[Neil]

Depends on exactly what you're after, but have a look at Beach View. We stayed last year and it was fantastic, it's not a big hotel style resort but really cannot recommend it enough. No 1. on Trip Advisor too.
The managers cocktail evening is worth staying for alone!

[buns]

I have stayed at the Hilton in Barbados and its situation is on a rocky headland just north of the Capital.

whilst this is good for getting to the airport, it is not on the west facing (and most popular) side of the island.

I only stayed for a long weekend, wheras before I had stayed at an all inclusive resort - which was far more affordable

buns

I'm not quite sure if to call myself a Barbados expert since I'm a local, but I have had the pleasure of staying for a weekend each at both hotels. I can only advise as a local, so my judgement might be off in relation to a visitor. Both hotels are excellent and both have a great, relaxing atmosphere and lovely beaches and pools. If you're looking to be trying a new restaurant every mealtime, I suggest Accra because the number of restaurants, bars and shops in the immediate area is amazing. You can easily walk to and try someplace new each day and not run out of places to eat. The area is a bit busier and nosier than Hilton however. Hilton is much closer to the Capital, but there are very few restaurants which you can walk to. So if you're looking to relax and try someplace new every now and then, I'd go to the Hilton, but if you plan to try someplace new everyday, I definitely suggest Accra.

As a visitor of 27 times to the south coast hopefully I can help. Personally Accra would be great if you don't go for an island view room - It faces the road or the taxi rank. I love the area and stay at Coral mist/Blue Orchids. I wouldn't choose the Hilton because it is too corporate and because there are better locations.

Sorry for all the trivial questions

It seems quite a few regulars to Barbados prefer the west cost to the south cost, what is the difference. For a first timer to Barbados is the west better then the south?

What actual location/hotels would you recommend on the west cost?

Thanks in advance
Trevor

[Neil]

The West Coast is where the majority of the 'posh' and expensive hotels are located. The beaches and sea are better, calmer on the West Coast. Pretty much anywhere on the West is good, transport via the yellow busses is cheap and easy to travel up and down on, so it's easy to get around to restaurants and other areas. Holetown is probably the main 'town' (loosest possible term).

If you can afford to stay on the West Coast do it, it's great and as mentioned it is posher. Stayed at the Club this year and doing a Villa next year with access to the Fairmont. You'll love the Island and more importantly the people.

I've just come back from The Club and whilst it's good and I would go back the only downside is it doesn't really have its own beach with sun loungers on.

We love Barbados and have stayed at Sandals,Hilton, Butterfly beach and the Dover beach hotels. Depending what you want all inclusive or great location and cheap there is a good mix. Whilst the west coast is nice it's more expensive, I love st Lawerence gap area very vibrant and great beaches nearby as well as restaurants .

Would fully recommend The Dover beach very cheap but lovey rooms and pool and a 10 min walk to st Lawrence gap and 2 mins to the beach. Agree Hilton very nice but corporate and expensive drinks and food. Sandals is excellent but I am bais as I love the free scuba diving.

Again it depends what want and how n]much is your budget but one thing is certain you will love Barbados

I am a regular to Barbados.
Visited 40 times and own a small house on the West coast.
I would recommend the Colony Club to you on the beautiful west coast. It is on a lovely beach with calm waters and is a fantastic smallish hotel. You would also be very close to Holetown where there are some of the best restaurants on the island.
West coast is the best area.

You will find that people tend to either love the south coast or the west coast.

I'm a southie! It was the first place I stayed on the island and I like the choice of self catering accommodation, wider beaches, a bit more wave action, most importantly the breeze, and the array of places to eat and drink within a short walk.

If you are looking for the "posher" hotels, very calm waters then the west coast is better for you.

We do venture up west for places like the Cliff, but my favourite beaches are down south - Carlisle Bay, Rockley, Worthing, Miami, then round to the south east for Bottom Bay and Foul Bay