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Bermuda's Small Hotels

Choice locations for visitors on vacation or for anniversaries or special events

By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) exclusively for Bermuda Online

To refer to this webfile, please use "bermuda-online.org/accomm2a.htm" as your Subject.

Recommended hotels are shown in bold. Some have the facilities shown by the following symbols. Hotels shown with 5-2 Stars reflect the symbols shown on Expedia.com. 

- 5 Star hotel	- 4 Star hotel	- 3 Star hotel	- 2 Star hotel
- business center	- business facilities	- Ship view	- dining
- disabled access	- fitness	- golf course	- meeting room
- pool	- public buses	- public ferries	- shopping
- walking area

Preface

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. 

Some have lower rates from November to March. In addition to what properties charge - ask them directly - visitors should expect to pay the following Bermuda Government Taxes (a) Occupancy Tax of  7.25% and (b) a Resort Levy of 10%. Ask any property at which you stay about any further extras. Small hotels usually have a private beach, gardens and pools, other luxury facilities, sports, shops, beauty salon, cycle livery, bars, restaurants, nightclub and more.  They all have television. Some are on or close to Bermuda's public sector bus or ferry routes.

Internet Access at these 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, giving clients the ability to send and receive not only emails but ftp files and attachments including digital photographs. If/when they do, is it "unlimited" to them and free to their clients also or at cost?  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 always 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.

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 conform to ADA, nor are there yet any locally-legislated equivalents at this time. 

Coco Reef Bermuda

Formerly Stonington Beach Hotel.  It first opened in 1980 as a training ground for students at the Bermuda College. Name changed June 2003 to reflect the Coco Beach name of its Tobago-based Bermudian owner John Jefferis who once managed the Elbow Beach Hotel. 28 ocean front, 32 ocean view rooms and 2 one-bedroom ocean-front suites. South Road, Paget Parish. Telephone (441) 236 5416. Taxi fare from/to airport from $26 per taxi for 1-4 passengers or from $32 for 5-6 passengers. Overlooking the ocean and with a shared  - by Elbow Beach - gorgeous private beach (it used to be public Elba Beach until the hotel was built), complete with superb boiler reefs. It is less than a ten minute drive from the City of Hamilton and is served by buses on the 2 and 7 routes. It has 2 tennis courts, bar, two restaurants open to guests and the general public and a fresh water pool. The 2 tennis courts are plexi-pave. Owned by the Bermuda Government, it was up to March 2002 part of the Bermuda Government-owned Bermuda College, a junior college (it awards associate degrees, not full degrees) and the hotel of the Hospitality and Culinary Institute of Bermuda. But it is was hived off to the Ministry of Tourism which in turn lease-contracted it out in 2003 to Mr. Jeffries, initially for 21 years, then extended to 50 years. In January 2008 a Bermuda Government -issued Special Development Order was granted, which by-passed normal planning regulations, for an additional  66 luxury holiday apartments.

This resort will begin paying rent in 2008, after functioning rent-free for the first five years of its lease. The Bermuda College has not received rent or profit rent. The lease stated that Coco Reef would not pay rent for five years; hence, the first year for the hotel to pay rent will be this year. The hotel's audited financial statements show that there was no gross profit up to 2006, hence no profit rent due. The Bermuda College is still awaiting the audited statements for the 2007 year end. The new part of the deal more than doubled the length of the lease from the agreed 21 years to 50 years, drastically reduced the amount of rent to Government, acquired an extra 1.9 acre plot of oceanfront land with two cottages, which were not on the table, and gave permission to build condominiums which can be sold off.

In January 2008 Mr. Jefferis, former Elbow Beach managing director, was granted an SDO by Environment Minister El James to build 66 apartments on woodland. Government stated it was important for the Island's tourism product, though the Premier confirmed that the 66 hotel units will be sold to potential buyers and leased-back to the hotel for transient visitors for six months of the year, through terms established by the developer, in accordance with Bermuda legislation, government policy and the developer's lease with the College. The units will be leased back to the hotel for transient visitors for at least six months of the year for five consecutive years.

Grape Bay Beach Hotel

Formerly White Sands Hotel and Cottages. 24 rooms. 55 White Sands Road, Paget Parish, PG 05, Bermuda. P.O. Box PG 174, Paget PG BX Bermuda. In USA call toll-free 1-800-548-0547. In Bermuda (441) 236-2023 for reservations. Fax (441) 236-2486. Miami-based hotel management company Tecton Hospitality took over the running of the hotel in March 2009. Re-opened in 2003 under new ownership and management after being closed for nearly two years. Now owned by Bermudian businessman Jeffrey Amaral, who also owns the Palmetto Gardens condominium development. It was owned by New Jersey-based American property developer James M. Dwyer, with then General Manager Esan Frederick. But after severe problems in staff not being paid for months, the property went into receivership with substantial debts and was advertised on March 22, 2002 as up for sale. It finally reopened July 14, 2003 after extensive refurbishment by the Bermuda Resort Hotels management group who now operate it for the owner. It is a fair walk from the hotel to bus routes 7 (going west, not east and 8 ). It has nice rounds and gardens. It overlooks spectacular Grape Bay, a spectacular private beach for hotel guests, guests of intimate Grape Bay Cottages and approved local residents. 

Hamiltonian Hotel & Island Club

Langton Hill, Pembroke Parish.  Telephone (441) 295-5608 or fax (441) 295-7481. 32 ocean-view, one-bedroom timeshare suites in a sub-tropical garden setting, all overlooking the North Shore ocean. Situated on the top of Langton Hill, Pembroke, above the City of Hamilton and within walking distance of it on a cooler and not humid day. In the 1950s it was the site of the Eagle's Nest Hotel. Rents out apartments with swimming pool and tennis court facilities. No beach, no restaurant, but pool, TV (not cable, local channels), refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker. Walk to the North Shore Road to catch buses to and from Hamilton and beyond. Listed by RCI as one of the two timeshare properties in Bermuda. 3 asphalt tennis courts, 2 lit for night use (for a fee).  A former operator of the hotel, American Harold Stavisky, died in 2004. There's been a change of ownership since.

Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa

27 Harbour Road, Paget PG 02. Phone (441) 236-6060. Fax (441) 236-2296. On the harbor’s edge overlooking the city of Hamilton.  Owned by Bermudian developer Kevin Petty.  Bermuda’s first hotel to open (in April 2008) on the island in 35 years. On hand were Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, who call Bermuda home, the Premier, affluent members of society, the entire staff along with the resort's first guests. Offers deeded part ownership of luxury suites to non-residents. Owning at a luxury fractional development such as this is essentially the only feasible way for foreigners to own real estate in Bermuda, due to a government policy that restricts the amount of real estate that can be sold to non-Bermudians. Because of their affiliations with hotel properties, private residence clubs are not affected by these regulations. This new resort is built from the remnants of two once-elegant Bermuda hotels called Newstead, once a 19th century colonial manor, then a hotel, and the former Belmont Manor a less luxurious but also spectacular in water views 20th century hotel circa 1920, plus the rebuilt Belmont Golf Course near the latter. The full service resort destination offers amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, located nearby at Belmont, a world class spa, two tennis courts, infinity pool overlooking Hamilton Harbour, two restaurants (including Beau Rivage), room service, concierge service, housekeeping service and bell service. It combines traditional Bermuda architecture with new Bermuda design, keeping the old world charm of a small boutique hotel and cottage community.  Guests at the facility can travel to and from Hamilton by a private water ferry, which will run throughout the morning and evening. Through an exclusive arrangement, Newstead guests will be able to use the Elbow Beach Hotel's private beach facilities, a complimentary shuttle service will take guest to the nearby resort. Guests will receive even more perks if they pay between $129,000 to $360,000 for fractional ownership of the cottages, which amounts to eight weeks throughout the year.

Pompano Beach Club

Pompano Beach Road, Southampton Parish. Phone (800) 343-4155 in the USA or Canada or (441) 234 0222 directly. E-mail info@pompano.bm. Offers all-inclusive rates on application. 74-room hotel, family-owned since 1956, originally as Bermuda's first fishing club, named after the pompano game fish prolific in these parts. It has expanded appreciably since. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006. Has many repeat guests and long-serving staff. Taxi fare from/to airport from $38 per taxi for 1-4 passengers or from $48 for 5-6 passengers. Managing Director Tom Lamb III and his brother Larry are owners  It offers dramatic ocean views from the main clubhouse and all guest rooms. With two fine restaurants, pool, its own private South Shore beach, fitness center, bar and much more. A spectacular location, in gorgeous turquoise waters, but not for the disabled. The two tennis courts are clay. It is on its own private road well away from all the noise of traffic, so it offers peace and tranquility. The 8 bus route is on the main Middle Road a mile away and if you stay here a courtesy shuttle bus from the hotel will take you there or collect you to and from the bus stop at the junction of Middle Road and Pompano Beach Road.

The Reefs

South Road, Southampton Parish. Phone (800) 742-2008 in the USA or Canada or directly at (441) 238-0222. Fax (441) 238 8372. E-mail reefsbda@ibl.bm. Taxi fare from/to airport from $35 per taxi for 1-4 passengers or from $45 for 5-6 passengers. A beach resort, nestled into coral cliffs above a private pink beach with good diving and snorkel facilities. Each guest room has Bermuda-inspired colors. Each private lanai is situated to give maximum privacy. With three gourmet restaurants, bar and fitness center. The 2 tennis courts are plexi-pave. On the 7 bus route. Owned by David Dodwell, a former Minister of Tourism for the United Bermuda Party. (He also owns a hotel on the island of Nevis, Caribbean). It applied for and got major renovations under the Hotels Concessions Act and has invested US$5 million on renovations and additions. It has new suites, entrance area, landscaping and first "infinity" hotel swimming pool in Bermuda. The USA's Travel & Leisure magazine voted this hotel as best in in the Caribbean region for the standard of its rooms, facilities, service, food, restaurant and value - and 23rd best in the world. in June 2007 work started on a $40 million dollar new development, The Reefs Club, expected to be complete by the 2009 tourist season. It is a Private Residence Club (PRC) with 19 two-and-three bedroom residences all with unobstructed ocean views and will feature a spa on the patio of every unit. Residents will also have access to an infinity pool, whirlpool, club lounge and state-of-the-art fitness centre. The PRC will be located immediately west of The Reefs property. The PRC units will be fractionally owned, meaning there will be ten owners per unit. When a unit is purchased the owners get to select the dates they will be residing there, but also have the right to use the unit whenever it is free. Owning at a luxury fractional development such as this is essentially the only feasible way for foreigners to own real estate in Bermuda, due to a government policy that restricts the amount of real estate that can be sold to non-Bermudians. Because of their affiliations with hotel properties, private residence clubs are not affected by these regulations.

Rosedon Hotel 

47 rooms. Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke Parish. Or P. O. Box HM 290, Hamilton HM AX, Bermuda. Phone (441) 295-1640. Fax (441) 295-5904. Toll free in USA 1 800 742 5008. Owned by the Kitson family of Bermuda. Operates 365 days a year, offering all guests "Old English Bermuda Charm." Taxi fare from/to airport from $26 per taxi for 1-4 passengers or from $32 for 5-6 passengers. An old former Bermuda colonial home in a central and convenient location, a lush and immaculate garden setting  with flowers of every colour and featuring comfortable and pleasant guest bedrooms in the main house and wing off a secluded garden setting. There are two large lounges with television with wide verandahs for guests in the main house, also a self-service bar. The swimming pool is fresh water and one of the few in Bermuda to be heated in winter. It is a short and pleasant walk to the City of Hamilton and its ferry terminal for the western and eastern parishes, many attractions, public transportation buses, restaurants and services. Most of the staff have been there for 20 years. 

Royal Palms Hotel

25 rooms. 24 Rosemont Avenue, Pembroke Parish, HM 05. Telephone 1 441 292 1854. Taxi fare from/to airport from $26 per taxi for 1-4 passengers or from $32 for 5-6 passengers. Owner managers are Susan Weare, Richard  Smith and Edmund Smith. 

A 90 year old converted gracious estate with a fresh water pool. It also has small suites with kitchenettes and  a buffet continental breakfast is available as an option from 7 am. Within 10-15 minutes walking distance to the City of Hamilton on a cooler and not humid day. There are no regular buses serving this property. With its own "Ascots" restaurant for guests and the general public. 

Surf Side Beach Club

90 South Road, Warwick Parish. Facing the South Shore ocean. On 7 bus route. Telephone (441) 236-7100. Fax (441) 236-9765. E-mail: surf@ibl.bm. USA and Canadian residents can call 1 800 553 9990. Miami-based hotel management company Tecton Hospitality took over the running of the Club in March 2009. On the South Shore at the Warwick Parish and Paget Parish boundary, about 15 minutes drive from Hamilton and 35 to 40 minutes from the airport. Catering mostly but not exclusively to families. With a full restaurant ("Palms") for breakfast, lunch and dinner, open to guests and the general public, and bar. The 38 guest units are in a semi-circle on 5 acres of landscaped oceanfront. They include three-bedroom units, each unit with a full kitchen, cable television. No tennis (at another facility a few minutes away). The owner is Nam International, for Sharad Tak and Naval Mehra, both of Washington, DC. They also own the Harmony Club, above. Collectively, they own the Bermuda Resort Hotels company of which Surfside is one. They invested US$5 million into the property for major concessions under the Hotels Concessions Act, first major addition since 1971.  Sine May 2009 facilities include Aqua Restaurant, formerly at Ariel Sands.

The Wharf Executive Hotel

Darrell's Wharf, Harbour Road, Warwick Parish. Formerly the Palm Reef Hotel, and before that the famous Inverurie on Hamilton Harbor, but mostly rebuilt. Taxi fare from/to airport from $29 per taxi for 1-4 passengers or from $38 for 5-6 passengers. Geared towards the corporate business traveler. It opened officially on July 10, 2002 as a 15-suite boutique hotel with high speed Internet, office facilities, 24-hour concierge service and kitchens. There is a ferry stop adjacent to the hotel. There are adjacent condominiums, ranging in size from 2-4 bedrooms. The property was bought by the owners of the Harmony Club and Surfside Beach Resort, Nam International,  for Sharad Tak and Naval Mehra, both of Washington, DC. Collectively, they own the Bermuda Resort Hotels company of which the Wharf is one. Naval Mehra is CEO and Billy Griffith is President. 

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