Barbados is known for its tropical weather, clear water beaches and warm friendly environment. Speaking as a proud Bajan, over the years I have seen the country evolve its tourism landscape and built many hotels, guesthouses and villas that cater to all travelers.
However, when choosing the best places to stay in Barbados, your preferences for activities and ambiance play a huge role. In addition, the time of year makes a difference as this may be around important festivals such as Crop Over. In this article we will go through the best places to stay in Barbados.
Some things to consider before booking your stay:
When travelling to Barbados bare transportation in mind as you will want to get around the island. Depending on where you are staying, supermarkets, stores and some events may be in walking distance. While the island is small, getting around can become tedious if you are not in a central location. Locations such as the east coast while beautiful are secluded. If you are looking for a budget friendly travel experience consider the costs involved in renting a vehicle and paying for taxis.
Transportation in Barbados
- Public Transport: Buses and ZR vans (minibuses) are affordable and plentiful, however, Transport Board buses stop operating around 12 pm and most minibuses will stop operating long before that. Therefore, this mode of transportation is best suited for day time travel. Bus fare in Barbados is $3.50 BDS which is around $1.75 USD. The great thing about Barbados is that it stays the same rate no matter the distance you are going, this is not the same for some other Caribbean destinations.
- Taxis: Luckily taxis are widely available but confirm the fare before starting your trip.
- Car Rentals: This is the best mode of transportation and can prove to be the most affordable if you plan on doing a lot of travelling while on the island it is ideal for exploring the island at your own pace.
Another thing to consider is that accommodation will become more expensive around the winter season. Hotel rates will rise around this time so bare this in mind as well.
West Coast
This area will be home to the more luxurious hotels in the island, however, as it still caters to all budgets it is one of the best places to stay in Barbados. The West Coast comprises of St. James, St. Peter and St. Michael. While you will find some hotels in St. Michael such as the Hilton hotel, the majority of accommodation will be in Holetown, St. James and Speightstown, St. Peter.
Holetown, which is known for its luxury resorts and calm beaches, is great for families and those looking for upscale experiences. It offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, and dining options, as well as shopping at the Limegrove Lifestyle Center. Famous spots include Sandy Lane Beach, Paynes Bay and various high-end hotels.
List of hotels in St. James to consider:
- Sandy Lane Hotel: The Sandy Lane Hotel is a AAA Five-Diamond rated hotel and one of the leading tourist accommodation in the world. It is a premium beachfront resort featuring three golf courses, fine dining, a spa, and multiple pools. This is a luxury hotel and will be on the more expensive side of the spectrum.
- Coral Reef Club
- The Sandpiper
- The Club Barbados Resort & Spa
- Crystal Cove
- Fairmont Royal Pavilion
- Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels
- Mango Bay
- The Sandpiper
- Tamarind Bay – This resort offers family-friendly excursions, open-air dining, and various water sports. It features spacious rooms with ocean views and multiple pools.
- Treasure Beach
List of hotels in St. Peter to consider
Speightstown: A quieter alternative to Holetown, Speightstown features charming local shops and a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a more authentic experience while still having access to beautiful beaches.
South Coast
The South Coast is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and wide range of accommodation. I believe this is one of the best places to stay in Barbados because the area offers visitors a mixture of relaxation and adventure. The majority of hotels on this coast will be in Christ Church and will cover the areas of St. Lawrence Gap, Worthing, Hastings, Rockley and Oistins.
St. Lawrence Gap: This area is perfect for nightlife enthusiasts, with numerous bars and restaurants lining the beachfront. It features popular beaches like Dover Beach and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite among younger travelers.
Here are some notable hotels in St. Lawrence Gap, Worthing, Hastings, Rockley and Oistins each offering unique amenities and experiences:
- South Gap Hotel: A cozy all-suite hotel with sea views, outdoor pool, restaurant/bar with newly renovated with modern accommodations and close proximity to restaurants and nightlife.
- Southern Palms Beach Club & Resort Hotel: This is a beachfront resort with 2 pools and a restaurant which offers bright quarters with sea views in a casual setting.
- O2 Beach Club & Spa by Ocean Hotels
- Divi Southwinds Beach Resort: This hotel is located on St. Lawrence main road Christ Church and not exactly through St. Lawrence Gap itself. It has three pools and upscale beachfront dining. It is a polished resort with spacious suites and casual dining options.
- Time Out Hotel: This is an outdoor pool and sports bar. It is a modest hotel near the beach offering free breakfast.
- Rostrevor Hotel: Informal beachfront hotel with pool and gym. It offers laid-back rooms with kitchenettes and balconies featuring sea views.
- Accra Beach Hotel & Spa: This is one of the best places to stay in Barbados because of its location. A taxi stand is within walking distance and a variety of restaurants, clothing and accessory businesses are near as well. The hotel provides many amenities, however, these are good options to have.
- Worthing Court Apartment Hotel: Offers self-catering units with an open-air restaurant and an outdoor pool with a pool bar. It is conveniently located near the beach.
- Palm Garden Hotel: A comfortable hotel located on Worthing Main Road, providing a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Sands Barbados: This is a beachfront location with modern amenities and a variety of dining options.
- Blue Horizon Hotel: A minimalist hotel with courtyard dining and an outdoor pool.
- Savannah Beach Club: A polished beachfront resort with three restaurants, four bars, two outdoor pools, a spa, and a gym.
- Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive: All-inclusive resort with dining options, water sports, pools, and a spa. It is a chic beachfront resort ideal for families with a kids’ club.
East Coast
The East Coast of Barbados is famous for is beautiful landscapes, beaches and rocky shores. The East Coast is made up of three parishes St. Andrew, St. Joseph and St. John. The soup bowl in St. Joseph provides a popular surfing spot and the coast provides many natural attractions through other beaches such as Cattlewash, Bottom Bay and Bathsheba beach.
However, while the East Coast provides breathtaking views it is far away from the amenities and activities provided on the other coasts in Barbados. This is something to bear in mind if transportation is a concern or yours. Here are some nice places you can stay on the East Coast.
- Rest Haven Beach Cottages: A cozy lodging option located near the beach, ideal for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Atlantis Historic Inn: This elegant hotel features ocean views, an open-air restaurant, and a pool. It is noted for its historic charm dating back to the 1800s and proximity to Bathsheba Beach.
- ECO Lifestyle & Lodge: A rustic-chic guesthouse offering modest rooms with balconies and ocean views, along with a casual restaurant
Each of these areas offers unique advantages depending on whether you’re looking for nightlife, family-friendly environments, or cultural experiences. Consider what activities you prioritize when choosing your accommodation and considering the best places to stay in Barbados. If you are travelling to Barbados for Crop Over I would recommend staying on the South Coast. You will be closer to all of the action and transportation whether public or private is always readily available. If you have any additional questions feel free to comment below or add us on WhatsApp via the numbers on our site where you can send us a direct message.