Bermuda's Accommodation options for Tourists and Business Visitors

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

Internet, WIFI, websites, pricing, services, 2012 Olympics coverage

Bermuda Online (BOL) at http://www.bermuda-online.org will gladly establish a free courtesy web link to the websites of Bermuda properties offering accommodation to our visitors, and show their property's email address in addition, when those properties reciprocate our web link. Via this exchange of links anyone from the world wide web who is interested in Bermuda and wants to stay at any place in particular will be see all the info they want to, about all aspects of accommodation such as room or suite pricing; history and other special features of the premises; location; transportation options; whether or not television and WIFI are available and if so whether the latter free or at cost; and all other services, directly from the websites of the properties at which they want to stay. But it's simply not practical to link to or give any pricing info about or show an email address, any place that won't reciprocate the link. We state all this in our Links at http://www.bermuda-online.org/links.htm.

In 2012 generally and especially with the Olympic Games in August, all guests who rely on the Internet will want to bring a laptop or eBook such as a Kindle or Kobo or netbook or IPad or IPhone or playbook or notepad or tablet or ultrabook. Internet-savvy American visitors to Bermuda should note NBC has secured exclusive Olympics rights through 2020 and should check http://www.nbcolympics.com/. Canadian visitors will want to tune in to CTV, not CBC, to watch http://www.ctvolympics.ca/. British visitors should tune in to the BBC Olympics at http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/2012/. 

In forthcoming months BOL will also link to a site on how US citizens in Bermuda during the Olympics can check the NBC Olympics website from abroad from where they are staying in Bermuda if that hotel or guest house or apartment is appropriately equipped with WIFI or at least wired Broadband in their guest rooms.

Having Free WIFI or paid WIFI or wired ADSL (Broadband) available for their guests is more important than ever before in 2012. Many clients assume they will have this same ability during their business visits or vacations as they now do in their homes and places of employment. Their guests or prospective guests who travel to wonderful places like Bermuda want to be able to email photos, including where they stay of course, 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. It is noted that while some guests write nice web reviews of Bermuda overall they invariably also state whether or not they've had WIFI or other Internet access and other key communications and telecommunications facilities at where they stayed.

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 2011 daily hotel or guest property cost per person to visitors

Sometimes in the off-season (November to March) 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 Hotel 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; 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

In the calendar year 2010 Bermuda recorded the lowest number of air visitors in 30 years, but had one of the best years ever for cruise ship visitors. Cruise arrivals accounted for 60 percent of Bermuda's visitors in 2010. Air arrivals fell 1.5 percent compared to 2009, which had previously been the worst year on record. In total, 232,262 people flew to the Island in 2010. 61% came on holiday (vacation); others were on business or to visit friends and family. Despite the drop in air arrivals Bermuda's peak season, May to August, had improved compared to 2009. 4,000 fewer people flew to the Island in September 2010 compared to 2009. It was the third lowest September arrivals figure in ten years. While air visitation was down in 2010, these visitors stayed longer on Island. The average length of stay for the year increased to 6.21 nights, up from 6.09 nights in 2009. In 2010, the Bermuda Hotel Association reported it had an overall occupancy level of 54 percent. Only 2001 and 2009 saw lower occupancy levels at hotels this decade. Cruise arrivals accounted for the majority of visitors on the Island in 2010. In total, 585,266 people visited Bermuda, one of the highest arrivals figures in the Island's history. Only five other years surpass the total arrival figure. Cruise and yachts brought 353,009 of those visitors, accounting for 60 percent of total visitors. Cruise arrivals to the island increased for the year to the tune of just over nine percent. This is a direct result of the additional 14 cruise ship calls for the period. In 2011 cruise arrivals are projected to continue to rise. The number of people arriving by cruise this year was the second highest figure in 30 years. Thirty years ago 99,602 people came to Bermuda by cruise. 

• Visitor spending averages in their entire stay:

• By air: $1,995 in 2010

• By cruise ship: $445 in 2010.

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

In 2010 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. 

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

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.
• 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.

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 2011 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. 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.

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.

It should be noted that only licensed properties are inspected. Unlicensed properties are not.

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.

Modified American Plan (MAP)

No youth hostels, YWCAs or YMCAs

Smoking and non-smoking

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.

Transportation