I am planning a trip to Bermuda in June, I am looking for advice on hotels, restaurants & fun. Suggestions ?

Answer 1

Bermuda is my favorite place in the world – I have been 9 times in the last 7 years. There is a reason my username is 12BNBDA.

I usually stay at Grotto Bay (www.grottobay.com). While this is not on the famed South Shore, it is reasonably priced, convenient to everywhere on the island, and very friendly. It has 2 indoor restaurants and 1 outdoor restaurant, pool, swim-up bar, fitness center, hot tub, on-site watersports and tennis, a beach, and a natural aquarium that is great for snorkelling. Other nice hotels are Elbow Beach (www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda/) and the Southampton Princess (www.fairmont.com/southampton/). Both are expensive. Elbow Beach has probably the best "hotel beach" on the island. The Reefs (www.thereefs.com) is also nice, a unique hotel - but it is a hike down to the beach. If you want seclusion, check out 9 Beaches (www.9beaches.com). I have never been to this property, but have always wanted to check it out. The have over-the-water bungalows as well as on-the-land ones. If you are willing to not really know what you're getting yourself into, and want to linve among the locals, several Bermudians rent out parts of their homes as guest apartments. Try www.bermudarentals.com - several properties are less than $100 a night, some as cheap as $25 (although this is rare during high tourist season).

Dining out is very expensive - if you are staying at a hotel, see if they have a meal plan - where I stay (Grotto Bay), they have a meal plan that is about $60/day and includes breakfast and dinner (soup, salad, appetizer, entree and dessert), and the menu changes daily. It sounds expensive, but if you eat out for dinner, you will have to take a taxi, which combined with the price of the meal, will far exceed that. Believe me, it is worth the price to get the meal plan.

If you do decide to dine out, check with your hotel's concierge - several of them have menus from local restaurants on hand.

As for what to do:
There are 3 “main” areas of the island – Hamilton, St. George’s, and Dockyard. Department of Tourism offices are located in Hamilton (near cuise ship docks) and St. George (in the square), and there is a wealth of information available.

Hamilton is the capital and the only true city on the island. Start on Front Street. There is lots of shopping - but to be honest, there really is not a whole lot there that you can’t get at home – and since they have to import everything, some stuff can be pretty pricey – but there are a few things that are unique to the island and worth purchasing. Definitely check out the Island Shop – it is on Queen Street, which intersects with Front Street at the birdcage (where the policeman directs traffic – you’ll know it when you see it). It has a lot of really nice things, and I feel that it is the best place for gifts. For gifts/souvenirs, also try AS Cooper (they are building a mega-store, so their shops/departments are scattered throughout). For jewelry (or jewellery, as they spell it), your best bet is probably Crisson (best quality with lots of BDA-themed items) or Astwood-Dickinson. For T-shirts, my favorite is Flying Colours (next to the Island Shop).
Also in Hamilton, definitely go to the Cathedral – it is a beautiful, gigantic gothic cathedral – you can pay a couple of dollars and climb to the top of the tower – the view is worth it. You may also want to go to the BUEI - Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute - interesting, but better suited as a rainy-day activity. They have exhibits on sunken treasure, sea life, etc. DEFINITELY go to Harbour Nights - Wednesday night, usually starts about 6:00 - they shut down Front Street and there are vendors, music, and usually a show by the Bermuda Regiment band or the Gombeys - a dance group that is a great deal of fun to watch. Show them your appreciation by throwing change at them - this is how they raise their money.

St George’s is the old capital and a pretty little town. There are several things to do there as well. St Peter’s church is oldest continually used Anglican church in the western hemisphere (or something like that), and is a pretty church, made with lots of Bermuda cedar. I suggest getting ice cream at Temptations Ice Cream Shoppe next door, and eat it on the steps in front of the church. Fort St Catherine is pretty much what it says it is – a fort – it’s pretty large, and they have turned it in to somewhat of a museum – if you have some time, go, but it’s a pretty good walk – the bus does not go up to the fort – you might want to take a cab - I think it's about $5. There is also a little town square where they do a reenactment daily – I believe it is around 11:30 or so – of public punishment – it’s actually pretty amusing, and I try to see it whenever I get the chance. They also have stocks, which I guess is always good for a family photo. There’s some shopping, but it is mostly just a good little town to walk around in – quaint alleys, etc. – there is also a good size beach in Tobacco Bay – it has a snack shop, etc – but it is also a good walk (about 20 minutes from the dock). Tuesdays, they have Heritage Nights - pretty much the same thing as Harbour Nights in Hamilton, but on a smaller scale. They do the public punishment re-enactment on this night, too, and they usually also have the Gombey dancers. I usually try to go to both this one and Harbour Nights, because the Gombeys usually do not perform at both in the same week, and I love the Gombeys.

Dockyard is the old naval dockyards – and there are really only 3 things to do there: the Maritime Museum/Dolphin Quest, the Dockyard Mall, and a snorkel park that is actually quite nice. My personal opinion of the best thing to do in Dockyard is to get on the bus and head up to the South Shore. This is where you will find the absolute best beaches, famous for their pink sand. Horseshoe is the most famous beach; but not my favorite. If you go, beware – it is a heck of a hike back up the hill from the beach, but in-season, there is a mini-bus that charges a dollar to take you to the top. It will also be jammed with people, particularly if there is more than 1 ship docked (which there usually will be - in June, up to 5 ships are docked at any given time). If you require a beach that has refreshments, changing rooms, etc, then this is only bet. My favorite beach is definitely Warwick Long Bay. I think it is more scenic and it is definitely less crowded. Elbow Beach (the public park part) is also pretty nice. There are lots of other little beaches along the way. All of the public beaches are part of the national park system and are clearly marked. If you get on the bus at Dockyard (which is the end of the line), take the 7 bus, and make sure you sit on the right side of the bus – it has the better view.

Other places to go:
Flatts: This is one of my favorite places on the island. There is a nice Aquarium/Zoo, and a cute little Harbor. Not much to do other than the Aquarium, but it is just a nice quiet place to explore.
Bailey’s Bay: this area has what is arguably the most famous restaurant in Bermuda, the Swizzle Inn. It’s been around forever, and it just seems to be "the" place to go. Make sure you take a business card or two to tack up on the wall, and of course, you must have a Rum Swizzle or a Dark 'N Stormy. Also in Bailey's Bay is the best little ice cream/sandwich shop - Bailey’s Ice Cream. Bailey’s ice cream is great (and also what they serve at Temptations in St George). This is the perfect place for lunch. Sandwiches are very reasonably priced. Or, get a cone and walk around the corner to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves – an underground cavern that is pretty cool.
Gibbs Hill lighthouse: make sure that you check with the Tourism Board office to see if this has reopened – the railing was damaged by a hurricane a couple of years ago, and it was closed – but if it has reopened, it is definitely worth the climb to the top – the views are awesome.
Verdmont: if you’re into the historical preservation thing, this is one of the oldest houses on the island, furnished with 17th or 18th-century items.

Other things you might need to know:
As far as dress codes, there are a few things that you need to remember: in public (other than on beaches), bathing suits are generally frowned upon; as far as restaurants, for the most part, they are not jacket and tie, but some are - most are "smart" casual - no jeans; jeans are generally OK in bars/pubs. If you are staying at a hotel, check with your concierge on the dress code for wherever you are going. Bermuda is so small, any good concierge will know info on any restaurant off the top of their head.

There are no rental cars on the island, so you have 2 choices: rent a moped, or get a bus pass. Definitely get the bus pass (you can get 1-, 3-, or 7-day passes) – public transportation is very efficient, clean, and if you tell the driver where you want to go, he/she will let you know when you get to your stop. Just remember that pink pole stops go into Hamilton (the capital – see below), blue pole stops are going out of Hamilton. Make sure you get a schedule/map – very easy to read. The pass is also good for the ferries that go between Dockyard and Hamilton. I highly recommend that you do NOT rent a moped, unless you are used to riding a motorcycle on the wrong side of the road. I have seen a newlywed husband spend his entire honeymoon pushing his wife around in a wheelchair because of a moped accident, and the vast majority of accidents involve tourists. I did it once, but that was in the middle of winter when there was nobody on the island. Trust me, the bus and a few minute walk is better than having to have your relatives fly in just to get you onto the plane (saw that, too). If you do get a moped, the island is very easy to get around - the cycle livery you rent from will likely have a map of the island - it is not very detailed, but it will be enough to get you around.

The Bermuda dollar is on par with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. Most merchants are good about trying to give you change back in $US, but try to get a couple of BDA coins – they are much prettier than US coins and a cheap souvenir.

Be aware of your surroundings – crime is pretty rare, but is picking up. Most of the people are very nice and friendly, and the island is very clean – you will not see the poverty that you see in the Caribbean.

Take lots of film or a big memory card, and I always take an underwater camera or two – great for snorkeling.

Have fun!!!

Answer 2

The best hotel I have stayed at is the Pompano Beach Club.
Laid back and fairly small compared to some of the larger ones. Great food. Check out the lighthouse across from the Sonesta, shopping in Hamilton, the cave, the beaches and the pink sand. You cannot rent a car but modpeds are available. Driving is on the left side. The island is British and some restaurants require a jacket for gentlemen for dinner. In June it is likely to be fairly humid. Have fun.

Answer 3

Fairmont Southhampton is one of the best hotels on the island. In June you can expect top pay about $400+ per night. I aos heard good things about the Elbow Beach Resort and Airel Sands. How much are you looking to spend? If you don't want a pool and the other amenities there are alot of cheaper places like Rosemond Hotel. It's an old mansion. Just about every restaurant is good. Try Cairo Cafe, Silk (Thai), Barracuda Grill, Little Venice. Make sure you try the fish chowder and rum swizzle. For fun there is snorkeling, golf, night clubs, booze cruises, tennis.

Answer 4

The Reefs is the best hotel in Bermuda. It is located on Bermuda's beautiful South Shore.

Take a look at their website www.thereefs.com

In June accommodation prices are at their highest - you will not find anything cheap! My best advice is to pay for the best to get the best!!!!

Coconuts Restaurant at The Reefs is an amazing experience. The tableware is unique and the dishes are elegant fusions of flavour! You get many run of the mill restaurants in Bermuda but this is not one of them!

If you visit St Georges make sure you go to The George and Dragon Restaurant cause its one of the best in St Georges. Don't go to White Horse unless you want to join the cruise ship crowd. If you want to spend an evening hanging with the locals go to Blackbeards Hideout.

The best way to get around the island is by scooter (moped) but drive with care.

Enjoy your trip to Beautiful Bermuda!!!!!!!

Answer 5

I'd probably go to Manchester. Nottingham has amazing nightlife, lots of restaurants and a lot of shops (2 shopping centers). It's probably cheaper too, and I know there's a few of the clubs that even open on a Sunday. You can also get a bus to Derby which only takes 30 minutes and runs all day, so there's more shopping and stuff to do there. If you're going for the big cities though, then Manchester!