Can anyone recommend a good hotel in Bermuda? Restaurants? Sites to make sure you see? Thanks for your help

Answer 1

I stay at Grotto Bay (http://www.grottobay.com/). This is a really nice hotel, and probably the most convenient as far as being able to get around. It is a reasonably-priced resort – there are 2 indoor restaurants and 1 poolside restaurant (open in-season), a nice pool with swim-up bar, fitness center, hot tub, and watersports center. They also have a meal plan, which I recommend you do, as eating out is very expensive (2 people, meal plus cab, over $100). The meal plan provides you with breakfast and dinner for about $60/day per person. They also have a manager’s rum swizzle party every Monday, where you can meet the manager, and other guests, and enjoy complimentary rum swizzles (yummy). They also have complimentary tea every afternoon. You will probably find this at most other hotels on the island as well. Other hotels you might want to consider: Southampton Princess, Elbow Beach Club, 9 Beaches (very very secluded), and The Reefs. All are somewhat pricey. Grotto Bay is closest to the airport (about a $10 cab ride); whereas the others will run you at least $30-$40 cab from the airport. Cab is the only way to get to your hotel from the airport.

As far as restaurants, try The Docksider, Little Venice, Lemon Tree Cafe, or the Lobster Pot in Hamilton. In St. George's there is the White Horse Tavern, Cafe Gio, and the Carriage House. At Dockyard, there is the Frog & Onion Pub or Beethoven's Pub. Other restaurants on the island: The Swizzle Inn with 2 locations, the original located in Bailey's Bay, and a new location on South Shore Rd; Bailey's Ice Cream shop in Bailey's Bay - a great place to just stop and get a sandwich and ice cream; Tio Pepe, a Mexican restaurant right across the street from Horseshoe Bay.

Sights to see:

SOUTH SHORE BEACHES: these pink beaches are what Bermuda is famous for. . Horseshoe is the most famous beach; but not my favorite. It will be jammed with people, particularly if there is more than 1 cruise ship docked (which there usually will be). If you need a beach that has refreshments, changing rooms, etc, then it would be fine. 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. If you do not need changing rooms, etc., try Warwick Long Bay. I think it is more scenic and it is definitely less crowded. Elbow Beach 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.

IN HAMILTON: 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.
During tourist season, on Wednesday nights, they have Harbour Nights - do not miss this - Front Street is closed to vehicular traffic and the street comes alive with sparkling lights, vendors offering the best in local arts and crafts, and music.

IN ST GEORGE: St Peter’s Church, the oldest continually used Anglican church in the western hemisphere (or something like that), and is a pretty little 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. 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). On Tuesday nights, they hold Heritage Nights - similar to Harbour Nights in Hamilton, but on a smaller scale. They also do the punishment re-enactment during Heritage Nights.

AT DOCKYARD: the Maritime Museum offers a good look at the rich maritime history of Bermuda; Clocktower Mall has several shops and a few restaurants; a craft market;Dolphin Quest, an interactive swim-with-the-dolphins attraction; there is also a nice snorkel park.

GIBBS HILL LIGHTHOUSE: offers a great panoramic view of the island. Make sure that it is open - it was damaged by a hurrican a few years back and they closed it - I do not know if it has reopened yet.

FLATTS: probably my favorite place to just walk around - the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo is located here - and it is really cool.

CRYSTAL CAVES AND FANTASY CAVES: located in Bailey's Bay. I did it once, and probably would not do it again; but it is a good rainy day thing to do. Hint: there are free caves on the property at Grotto Bay - check them out first, and if you want to see more, it is about a 10-minute walk to Crystal Caves from there.

You actually can find someone to driver you areound the island - there are numerous certified taxi guides that will do it - bear in mind, it is not cheap. The best way to get around the island is either by bus or moped. Definitely get a bus pass – 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, 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 (and in the summer, they run a special ferry from St George to Dockyard a couple of days a week that offers a good view of the “outside” of the island). I highly recommend that you do NOT rent a moped, unless you are used to riding a motorcycle on the left 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 are going to go out at night, I would suggest a cab, as the bus service cuts back after 6:00, and is almost non-existent after 9:00. Also, during the high season, buses tend to fill up with cruise ship passengers, so don't take it personally if a bus goes right past the stop you are waiting at - there's just no more room. Be patient, take some pictures, smell the flowers - another bus will be by soon enough.

Answer 2

There's so many beaches in Bermuda it's hard to pick one favorite. Horseshoe bay and tobacco bay though they are the main tourist spots are there still great, imo.
Check out 9 Beaches Hotel on the web. It's very different and not for everyone but my wife and I liked it.
As far as sightseeing, my preference is for swimming and snorkeling but the town of St. George is nice if you're into that.
Eating out in Bermuda is really expensive. That's why the cheapest way to see the island is to go by cruise ship. You can use your boat as the hotel and restaurant.
The literacy rate in Bermuda is like 90%, so you're not going to find someone to drive you around the island or sell you things for $2.00. It's an expensive place but really nice. Have fun.

Answer 3

hi, stay far off from hearth, its a livestock mart. its so large and constantly packed with huge communities. there's a remarkable truly remarkable one extra alongside from the merrion referred to as Pearl (the michelin stared one is Guildbaud's and its no longer truly somewhat worth the money). somewhat extra you have Ely, large wines. there is likewise Marco Perrire Whites place on Dawson's highway, its stable fee. the terrific meal I even have had in years replaced into approximately 2 weeks in the past on the Tea Room in the Clarence lodge in temple bar. 3 courses for E26.00 and it replaced into fab.