Bermuda's Accommodation for Tourists and Business Visitors

Free courtesy hyperlinks (links) to the main websites of places and organizations, which include full details of their histories and operations, will be shown gladly, to give their full details as Bermuda resources, once they return the courtesy with a  free reciprocal link to our main Bermuda Online website at http://www.bermuda-online.org. See our Links and Mentions policy at http://www.bermuda-online.org/links.htm. 

Excluding private, unlicensed premises, Bermuda has 47 official guest accommodation properties comprising hotels, guesthouses and cottage colonies and about 134 restaurants.

Access for visitors with disabilities

Unlike in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Bermuda has no laws equivalent to the ADA or UK's Disability Discrimination Act. Nor have legislators indicated any interest in bringing Bermuda up to international standards. Access is not good compared to the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, etc. 

When space is available for the disabled - accompanied if in a wheelchair - this symbol indicates this. Always confirm this with the proprietor and note that properties in Bermuda do not have to conform to ADA or any locally-equivalent standards at this time. 

The Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association has facts about Bermuda showing the true level of access for the disabled. It is not a Government Department but a registered charity for the disabled. Handicapped - disabled - persons should check in advance that bars, cottage colonies, efficiency units, guest houses, hotels  and restaurants they favor really are wheelchair friendly, with accessible toilet facilities and ample room for wheelchairs or entrances without stairs or steps. Places that are wheelchair friendly include pedestrian crossings in the City of Hamilton which are flush with pavements or sidewalks and ATM cash machines are low enough for people in wheelchairs to reach. 

All visitors

All who visit by air or cruise ship should not attempt to enter Bermuda without a confirmed reservation in writing from a recognized place to stay, or from a private home which can be verified, without a passport and valid return ticket for an onward  or return journey in three weeks or less. Some travelers have had serious problems for not following this mandate. Nor should they attempt to overstay their maximum of three weeks, or attempt to look for a job while here.

Average 2010 daily hotel or guest property cost to visitors in descending price order

Sometimes with a free night after a qualifying minimum stay of 3+ nights

From left to right: Elbow Beach Hotel from $695; The Reefs from $615; Cambridge Beaches from $595 

From left to right: Tucker's Point Club from $550; Pompano Beach from $520; Newstead Belmont from $500

From left to right: Willowbank from $450; Fairmont Hamilton Princess from $399; St. George's Club from $385

From left to right: Rosedon from $360; Grotto Bay from $346; Surfside from $319

From left to right: Royal Palms from $319; Fairmont Southampton Princess from $249; Rosemont from $222

From left to right: Clearview Suites from $220; Granaway from $200; Greenbank from $175.

Average price per night of all the above in July 2010 is $395.58

Not all premises are shown above, just those that took part in a special July - August 2010 program.

Average length of stay and sources of visitors

Average length of stay in the year ended September 30, 2009 was 6 nights (6.0 for air arrivals, 3.9 for cruise visitors). In the previous year it was 5.8 nights. Also in the year ended September 30, 2009, the number of bed nights was 820,917. 

Visitor spending averages in their entire stay:

• By air: $1,975 in 2009

• By cruise ship: $425 in 2009

Bermuda is one of the most expensive countries in the world for visitors, with virtually everything imported, whether food or slate, and Customs Duty on top of that.

Bermuda laws

Bermuda is marketed as being British but no British laws of any kind from the United Kingdom apply in Bermuda. Bermuda makes all its own laws and they are Bermudian laws, not British laws. The Bermuda Constitution protects Bermudians only. Human Rights laws are very basic compared to UK, USA and Canadian laws. Unlike the Human Rights and/or Civil Rights laws in those countries, there are none in Bermuda specifically covering codes and standards, accommodation and social security pensions for seniors, or transportation policies for the disabled. Also, young men are conscripted - required by local law to serve in the Bermuda Regiment.

Bermuda has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the world

The Island’s total GDP – the market value of all the goods and services produced – was estimated at $4.857 billion – or a remarkable $76,403 per head. According to the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook web-site and World Bank records, that puts Bermuda at the top of the GDP per capita global league table, with second-placed Luxembourg more than $10,000 behind. In comparison, the US had a GDP per capita over the same year of $53,600, Canada $43,900 and the UK $33,100. The figures showed substantial rises in the output of construction, tourism, business services and real estate, as well as international business. But the output of the retail sector saw only a slight rise – a decline after inflation was taken into account.

British visitors

Visitors from Britain should note that tea sold in Bermuda is mixed for the American palate and is very weak compared to teas imported into the UK. Even familiar brand names such as Twining's and Typhoo seem to sell a different formula in Bermuda and USA.

Camping sites

Bermuda, one of the world's most expensive places to go on vacation, is undeniably lovely of course for high-spending tourists. But very expensive for budget travelers. Campgrounds are seasonal, by permission only, strictly enforced and policed and are for locals only. Tourists who are not organized school campers should always have firmed-up hotel or guesthouse or cottage colony or licensed efficiency unit, to avoid problems if they arrive without them. 

With Bermuda's population the 3rd highest in the world per capita, many houses very close together, and the cost of living one of the highest in the world, don't risk offending people and causing a problem if you ask if you can camp on their property or using a couch and have not met them personally or well enough to call anyone a friend. 

Only the licensed tourist properties have more space. To avoid any problems in accommodation, stay only in one of them, to discover for yourself how nice Bermuda can be. We have made some personal recommendations in each category. 

Camping is limited to residents of Bermuda. There are NO camp sites for visitors except by special arrangement for organized school groups only  if and when space permits and with the prior approval well in advance of the Bermuda Government's Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation (unless otherwise indicated) to which all enquiries should be addressed directly. Residents, and persons staying in the private - non-commercial - homes of residents - must apply in person with name, full postal address and local telephone number, not through any third party, and may qualify:

• On application in advance to the Department of Parks (via the Park Ranger Office at 236-5902 or 236-4201) or Department of Youth and Sport if on an approved school visit. 
• For a strictly limited period only, as many others will want to use the same place afterwards. 
• On a first-come, first served basis
• At a 2008 cost per night per sight in conjunction with a deposit, price to be determined by the Department of Parks.
• Must bring their own approved tents and leave with them
• Must be on a structured, designated campsite
• Must adhere to Bermuda National Park Regulations
• To prevent fires, must cook in an approved barbecue with charcoal, propane or coal. No open wood fires are permitted.
• Under no circumstances may any trees or vegetation be damaged or destroyed.
• Garbage must be disposed of in trash bags and deposited in trash barrels provided.
• Generators are not permitted in the campground.
• Pets are not permitted in the campground.

Structured, designated camping is offered seasonally at these locations, during the camping season of May to mid-September, as administered by either the Department of Parks or Youth and Sport:

• Astwood Park
• Chaplin Bay
• Clearwater Beach
• Darrell's Island, Great Sound. 14 individual rustic campsites with a maximum of 30 campers per site. There are washrooms and showers.
• Hen Island, St. George's Harbour. 2.75 acres, north-west of Smith's, St. George's Harbour, St. George's Parish. With a campsite operated by and requiring the permission well in advance of the Bermuda Government's Department of the Environment (Parks).
• Higgs and Horseshoe Islands
• Ferry Point
• Coney Island (except in 2004, owing to Hurricane Fabian in September 2003).
• Messina House. Bermuda Government-owned and regulated. Bermuda campers take preference. Not residential for any visitors or resident or working student  but a camp, only one on the mainland, between Somerset and Dockyard, in Sandys Parish. Only one group of 30 campers is accommodated at any one time. It has a number of rooms at ground level and several bedrooms with bunk beds, in a dormitory. There is a dock for campers, as well as a small gym behind the main house with washroom and showers; open area on waterfront; with restaurant, shops and ferry service within easy walking distance.
• Paget Island, St. George's Harbour. Local and overseas groups camp on the campground site each year, only one group at a time with a maximum of 70 campers. Many outbuildings for different purposes.
• Ports Island. Great Sound, Warwick Parish. With a 20 acre campsite. Only one group at a time.
• Rabbit Island, Harrington Sound. Weekends. Only for members of Bermuda National Trust. Bookings via phone 236-6483. Supply your own boat, food, tent and respect the environment.
• Shelly Bay. 
• Turtle Bay
• White's Island. Hamilton Harbour. Now also a campsite.

Caribbean Tourism Organization

Bermuda is a member, via the  Bermuda Ministry of Tourism. Bermuda also competes heavily with the Caribbean for tourism business from USA, Canada, UK and Europe.

Climate

January is one of the least humid months for walking but check our Climate/Weather file. Remember, Bermuda - for exact position see www.bermuda-online.org/abcbda3.htm - is 1,000 miles north of the Caribbean, so the sea will be cold compared to Florida and Caribbean. See the Beaches at www.bermuda-online.org/beaches.htm
file.

Highest in the world. Unfortunately, neither the Hogg Robinson Group nor Mercer Consulting give any cost-of-living costs for Bermuda

There are no youth hostels or YMCA or YWCA facilities. The combination of heat and humidity noted in Climate/Weather are not good for hiking.

Hotels

Expense of hotel rooms, by jurisdiction, most expensive first, year 2010 year-round average daily rates in US$.

Unfortunately, neither the Hogg Robinson Group nor Mercer Consulting, both of which state they show world-wide rates, give any hotel costs figures for Bermuda.

This is done by the Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism. But, unlike the few other places on the world like Bermuda where tourism and tourist boards are national or state or province or county run and administered, there is no grading system or star or diamond system in effect. Nor is there any table giving a summary of each property's features - and no mention anywhere of features for the disabled. Overseas, where they are in place, both operate to a high standard of uniformity by grading or star or diamond system and in being helpful to prospective visitors.

Inspectors for the current year for Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism (as the licensing agency) include individuals, Bermuda Police Service of the Bermuda Government and Health Department of the Bermuda Government's Ministry of Health & Family Services. All commercial properties operating in the various types of hotels in Bermuda - resort hotels, small hotels, guest houses and efficiency units - are inspected before they qualify for licensing approval - between September and March. But a second inspection takes place in May and June for properties wishing to be considered for the Hotel Merit Awards which focus on health, fire and tourism. The period of time between their annual inspections and the May or June re-inspections is for the properties to address what was laid out in the initial report.

Three areas are inspected, the exterior, interior and guestrooms. Hotel inspectors make an appointment with the property to ensure rooms are unoccupied and available for inspection. It can be a time-consuming process, especially with the larger hotels. One inspector may end up inspecting 30 rooms. Outside and inside, they look at everything, the state of the roof, the grounds. Outside, their inspection includes seeing if there is mildew in the concrete and if the pool is clean. If there is a restaurant or eating area, it is examined. Rooms and suites or villas can easily take up to half an hour each, depending on the size and facilities. They include a close look at bathrooms, toilets, showers, shower curtains and liners. Hotel inspectors do not shrink from withholding or pulling approval and licensing of rooms if, for example, a door or window do not lock or is missing fittings essential for the security of a guest. Hotel inspectors invite a hotel employee to join them in the inspection. They talk to the cleaners and maids who often make thoughtful comments. Most property owners have no problems at all with the reports or making the necessary changes.

Hotel inspectors hope any guests with complaints will contact inspectors before they leave Bermuda. In such cases, they go over in hours. Complaints are important but it should be noted that only licensed properties are inspected. Unlicensed properties are not.

Internet Access at Bermuda Properties

Prospective clients who are internet savvy should make a point of checking this out thoroughly well in advance. It can be hugely important that where you stay has wireless (WI-FI) Internet either as a standard or an optional extra throughout the property, giving clients the ability to send and receive not only emails but ftp files and attachments including digital photographs. Many clients assume wrongly that they will have these same abilities on their business visits or vacations, via their laptops or the property's, as they do ashore in their homes and places of employment. But this is not the case. Some Bermuda properties don't have all rooms or suites with wireless Internet access but, if they have internet access at all may limit their service to Internet rooms for passengers to send and receive text emails only, no attachments such as photographs, with no ftp facilities as are now common in most good hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs worldwide for those who have or want to send ftp files. Those who travel to wonderful places want to be able to email photos back home to their families, friends and colleagues. If they cannot, it's a significant opportunity wasted for both clients and properties in terms of publicity and more clientele. 

Modified American Plan (MAP)

No youth hostels, YWCAs or YMCAs.

Senior Citizens visiting

Unlike in other countries - USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, etc. where visiting senior citizens are given special discounts or may have those given to locals, Bermuda does not. Only local seniors with appropriate passes may travel free on busses and ferries, or ask for discounts.  

How does Bermuda treat its senior citizens? See Senior Citizens in Bermuda. 

Non-smoking visitors cannot assume that the hotel is for non-smokers only. Some may have non-smoking sections. Always check directly with the hotel concerned. Effective April 1, 2006, smoking in public places was banned in Bermuda. Legislation enacted in late 2005 makes it an offence to light up in bars, restaurants hospitals, hotels, offices and schools across the Island. It also sees cigarette vending machines banned along with tobacco advertising at sporting events and it is illegal to sell cigarettes to under 18s. There is a $1,000 fine for those who break the law.

Due to the many worrying incidences of theft from visitors staying at hotels, guest houses, apartments, cottages and efficiency units - which are never named in press reports to the newspapers - unlike in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe - an early 2007 review of security was carried out on all guest properties in Bermuda. The Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) formed a security and safety committee, to coordinate and advise BHA members on all matters relating to the safety and security of the guests and hotel employees. News of the committee comes after reports of burglaries in Paget guest properties in February and March 2007 and attacks earlier in the year, with one visitor being held at knife point on the golf course at the Fairmont Southampton Princess. The BHA security and safety committee comprises directors of security and hotel managers whose main focus is to review the current security and safety measures already in place. The Committee will also help to establish a networking system allowing the different hotels to liaise and communicate security information which will heighten their awareness and improve securing our hotel properties. Heading the committee is retired senior Police officer and current Director of Security for the Fairmont Southampton Princess, Winston Esdaille. John Harvey, chief executive officer of the BHA said: "The committee has the support of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bermuda Police Service who have attached a senior officer to help us." 

Transportation

World Tourism Organization (WTO)

Bermuda, with over 650,000 tourists a year and a British Overseas Territory not an independent nation, has made repeated attempts to join.