Bermuda - educate me please

[PA Girl]

The horrible airfare situation is putting a dark cloud on our July STJ trip.

Just being curious, I checked out vacay option through Amex and we could go to Bermuda, fly direct from Philly, 5 nights at the Fairmont Princess for $940 per person, $2,818 total. Other offerings include 9 Beaches for $1,109, Fairmont Hamilton $1,224 pp, Surf Side Beach Club $1,364 pp. All include airfare.

For those that have been to Bermuda (calling Liamsaunt and all others), could you answer a few questions?

I know I could cruise other forums but I value your opinions, as STJ lovers who have visited Bermuda.

My questions -

Any opinion on the hotels?

Food Costs? I often hear Bermuda is so expensive but then again, people say the same thing about STJ and T & C. What would an average lunch cost, with a drink or two? Same for dinner? We do like to eat well so paying for great food doesn't turn us off.

Just how formal are the restaurants? I don't know how thrilled Hubs would be about wearing pants each night. He definately won't want to take a jacket.

We would like to stay somewhere that had a beach or access, short walk to a beach. I could care less about a pool. I envision this a beach and exploration vacation.

[jmq]

There was a full page ad in the Sunday NYT travel section pushing this Bermuda summer promo:

http://bermudatourism.com/bermudas_summer_offer.aspx

Dont know if it can compete with (or somehow be combined) with your deals. Just an FYI. The short door to door aspect of traveling to Bermuda is quite appealing.

[liamsaunt]

You called?

I have to tell you that Bermuda is definitely formal, even in the summer. Hubby will need to bring pants for dinner, unless he is going to go the traditional Bermuda shorts with tie and jacket and long socks route. Most, meaning about 90%, of guys wear jackets to dinner (pub-style places excepted of course!). Ladies, nice dressy dresses and nice shoes. I have to admit that I was really thrown last summer! I'd gotten spoiled by St. John's casual dress code and had forgotten the Bermuda drill, even though we used to go there all the time. We ended up not being able to eat at some of the places we had planned to go because we did not bring proper "Bermudian" attire. So, be forewarned about that.

Hotels: Surf Side, although a sentimental favorite of mine (we used to go there a lot when I was a kid), has gotten run down over the years. It is too bad because they have a beautiful (small) pool, a deserted beach with great snorkeling, and a really nice staff. It's not horrible, but it really, really needs a facelift in terms of rooms/decor, etc. We did enjoy our stay last summer, but we were upgraded to the Penthouse...even that was tired, and I am not fussy. I heard a redo is scheduled for next year, and I am not sure if I will stay there again until it's complete.

Princesses (Hamilton and Southampton)....the Hamilton was recently redone but has no beach. Southampton really caters to families and conventions. The hotel beach is kind of small. I guess I personally would stay at the Hamilton for access to town for dinner, and take the complimentary hotel ferry every day to the South Shore for beaches. One nice thing about the Southampton though, is that you can walk to many of the terrific South Shore beaches from there.

Nine Beaches is interesting, but it is WAY out on the end of the island. You probably won't be heading in to town if you stay here. One plus, though, is that it's casual! No jacket, no long pants required. If you just wanted to stay on the property or nearby for beaches and meals, this could be a decent choice.

Food costs: I would say it's about the same as St. John. I did not think it was ridiculously overpriced. I do remember that the wine prices were cheaper than St. John (and Boston restaurants!). I could check at home and give you more specific prices if you think you are going to go...I always save my vacation receipts.

One thing that was shockingly expensive was the taxis! I think we spent about $500 on taxis in four days, and we only went out once a day.

You did not mention this hotel in your post, but my all-time favorite is The Reefs. You might want to see if it's available. It's beautiful and in a great location.

[PA Girl]

I'd gotten spoiled by St. John's casual dress code and had forgotten the Bermuda drill, even though we used to go there all the time. We ended up not being able to eat at some of the places we had planned to go because we did not bring proper "Bermudian" attire. So, be forewarned about that.

Wow! Now that is service!

Spoiled by STJ casual dining describes both of us. While neither of us mind dressing up, it has become one of those "things" we prefer to leave at home in our real lives.

I could see us doing two nice dinners and then trying to go casual the other three nights.

Good hotel info. Helps narrow down the choices if we do go this route. The Reefs didn't show up on my first Amex search but I am going to check that out.

[Greenskeeper]

Bermuda is the only island that even compares to STJ for our family. All information above is terrific and I wholeheartedly agree on formality. I will say that the people in Bermuda are among the friendliest, most polite I have met in my travels.

If I were you, I would look at the "true" cost of STJ vs. Bermuda- meaning, will you get to relax as much or will you be spending more time primping and preening to go out, will you end up buying some new formal clothes vs. just bringing what you have that you know you can wear on STJ.

We went to some casual establishments in Bermuda and even casual is more than what you find in STJ. Like Liam's aunt, I recall not having sticker shock dining out but at the time, we lived in the Boston area so we were used to paying a premium. We feel the same way about STJ now living on the Cape. We don't pay that much more than we do at home.

Let us know what you decide. I had considered The Reefs at one point but we ended up doing something else.

[PA Girl]

It is the flight times coming home from STT that bother me the most.

The only halfway acceptable flight in terms of times was an $820-some (when I checked Monday) fare. And that still didn't get us home until after mid-night.

Delta is in the low $400s but I do not want to arrive at 9pm or leave STT at 6:50 am.

I need to sit him down and show him schedules and then make a decision from there.

Like jmq mentioned, the under 2-hour direct is very tempting.....especially when flight+hotel+all fees is just a smidge more than a STT flight

[liamsaunt]

If you have never been to Bermuda, I do encourage you to check it out. There's a lot about it that I think you'd like, based on reading other posts you've made here.

And, Greenskeeper is right....most of the people there are so welcoming. Bermuda truly appreciates its tourists. I cannot count how many times someone has gone out of their way to be sure we are having a good time there. The taxi drivers and airport workers are the friendliest I have ever met! And it's genuine hospitality, not fake friendliness.

[STX lady]

It's a hidden treasure of the Atlantic, ONE fabulous island!!!

[JJShaw]

Im not sure if this is something that would interest you or not...but...we have been looking at going to Bermuda..its one of those things we have been wanting to do for a while...and was also in a bit of shock as far as flights...hotels...etc. And after reading Liamsaunt report...I just wanted to go that much more..But, Norwegian Cruise Line has 2 ships that sail and just sit in Bermuda one from NY and one from Boston..The one from NY sits in Bermuda from Wed AM til Fri. PM and the one from Boston sits there from Sunday 11AM til Wed. 6AM I thought it would be a good way to see the Island and have food, Hotel...and transportation( at least getting there covered) Both sailings have days at sea as well. Which can be relaxing, I was hoping to get to do one of the sailings this yr. but we have had so much going on here...we just havent gotten around to it. I know its less expensive in say...May...or Sept...than it would be in July. I had originally priced it for the 1st week in may and it came out to be about 1300 for 2 for 7 days for the cruise. I have not priced it for July though, I book for Expedia Cruiseship Centers, If I can help you..or if you have any questions...feel free to contact me..and feel free to visit: www.Janiceshaw.cruiseshipcenters.com

[PA Girl]

Well, we are back to STJ but looking at different dates. Hubs liked the options for Bermuda but we decided it would be a better trip when our son is a year or two older.

Right now, we just want to lounge and play at the beach all day, which is what we can do best at Caneel.

So, now we are shuffling dates. He needs to look at the calendar and pick the dates. Summer is our busiest time and the July 1-6 period was the "ideal" time to go but we are now going to pick the next best time.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I booked marked this thread for future reference.

[equineannie]

The horrible airfare situation is putting a dark cloud on our July STJ trip.

Just being curious, I checked out vacay option through Amex and we could go to Bermuda, fly direct from Philly, 5 nights at the Fairmont Princess for $940 per person, $2,818 total. Other offerings include 9 Beaches for $1,109, Fairmont Hamilton $1,224 pp, Surf Side Beach Club $1,364 pp. All include airfare.

For those that have been to Bermuda (calling Liamsaunt and all others), could you answer a few questions?

I know I could cruise other forums but I value your opinions, as STJ lovers who have visited Bermuda.

My questions -

Any opinion on the hotels?

Food Costs? I often hear Bermuda is so expensive but then again, people say the same thing about STJ and T & C. What would an average lunch cost, with a drink or two? Same for dinner? We do like to eat well so paying for great food doesn't turn us off.

Just how formal are the restaurants? I don't know how thrilled Hubs would be about wearing pants each night. He definately won't want to take a jacket.

We would like to stay somewhere that had a beach or access, short walk to a beach. I could care less about a pool. I envision this a beach and exploration vacation.

Well, I was on Bermuda awhile back...very British, rather stuffy, and somewhat expensive. Its not really the Caribbean...actually off the coast of NC.

[ShipwreckPat]

Since I lived in Bermuda for 5 years and go back to visit friends, I may have a little different outlook than vacationers. I may also have a slanted view since I live in St John but still think of Bermuda as my second home. To me their slogan of "Bermuda is another world" is the truest marketing I have ever seen. It does not compare to anything else in the Caribbean and certainly not St John.

If anyone is considering it for a vacation and wants some direction, please feel free to pm me. I was just there for my best friend's milestone birthday so I have fresh eyes on the place.

I also want to suggest that if you are the villa type instead of hotel, there are lots of cottage rentals, many with pools that are more affordable.

Shipwreck Pat

[Agent99]

Fellow Bermuda lovers, I would love some feedback on the following.

We are going at the end of August...airfare is booked but are vacillating on the accomodations. We've stayed at the Southhampton Princess and Elbow Beach but were thinking of trying something new. The Reefs is booked and I recall that Becky felt Surfside needs a facelift. 9 Beaches is closed for rennovations.

Pink Beach Club is getting very bad reviews but I like the sound of the location and the snorkling is supposed to be good right there. Pompano gets great reviews but is kind of far out. We love to go into Hamilton for dinner. When we stayed at the Southhampton Princess we took the ferry to Hamilton and a cab back and that worked out well. Tucker's Point looks kind of generic for the price tag. If we are going to spend that we like the look of Cambridge Beaches better and they are having a special now 4th night free. The only reservation I have is the distance to Hamilton.

In your opinion is Cambridge Beaches worth the extra $$ and the inconvenient location to Hamilton or is the distance by ferry not all that different than Southhampton? What would you do?

[Wolfhound]

I've been to Bermuda twice. Loved it. We stayed at Elbow Beach both times. I highly recommend the location. You are right on a beautiful beach and away from Hamilton but not too far if you wanted to go there for dinner. The hotel was just great when I was there but its been over 15 years. Where does the time go? As Becky said, it's very formal at mealtime. You'll have a great time.

[Agent99]

Thanks Wolfhound! We love Elbow too but since we've always stayed in Southhampton we thought we'd like to try something new.

We ended up booking at Cambridge Beaches because they are having a special 4th night free and we've heard good things about Somerset. The reservations service was beyond perfect. In fact, we had a small special request which required the manager's ok and he called us himself to assure that he would see to it that we were all set.

Aside from the physical beauty, what I love most is the gracious manners of the locals.....and the snorkling! If only it were warm there in February!