With my 10+ years of traveling (for which I am grateful for), I’ve found this statement to be very true: every trip that I take has its own blessings along the way, and comes with its own needs. Having lived in the Caribbean for more than a decade, traveling to Barbados has become routine for me: be it for a short layover, a transit or a visa application trip (Barbados being a Caribbean hub and popular location for international consulates and embassies). These trips are usually short lived (1-3 days), but can have such a huge toll on you physically and mentally that sometimes, you want to have a better upscale experience and perhaps ditch the airbnb.
This was what I wanted when looking for Barbados hotels near the airport, where I could stay for this short lived trip that ended up becoming one of my fondest memories. I wanted a treat, or perhaps, more of a mini-retreat. To escape a little bit, experience Barbados differently than what I used to, while still feeling connected to the island and… staying on a budget. I wanted to feel pampered without breaking the bank, and fully recharged before my next flight. Lo and Behold, the South Beach Hotel Barbados was exactly what I needed, wanted, and more.
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Things that make South Beach Hotel Barbados Unique
With Barbados being one of the mini-mecca for touristy hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, it can be difficult to know which one is “the best” because there are so many options to choose from. But let me remind you that superlatives are all relatives, and “good”, “better” or “best” all depend on what you want and what you need at a special point in time. And at that point, I needed affordability, accessibility, proximity to the city and to the airport, elegance and mini-luxury.
Proximity to the airport is key
Take it from a frequent flier and “occasional” flight misser. When you are on a layover in Barbados (or anywhere else), go for Barbados hotels near the airport (5-15 minutes drive). This is especially relevant if you are traveling for business, meetings, conferences or taking international flights from Barbados. The hustle from leaving your airbnb that is 45 minutes away on the day of your trip, the anxiety around whether or not the cab driver will make it on time, and the attempts to control traffic in your head are not worth it. It just might awaken the stress you are trying to avoid and melt away all the endorphins you got from your beautiful stay in Barbados. Luckily for you (and I), the South Beach Hotel in Barbados is only 15 minutes away from the airport, so we’ve got that box checked.
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Proximity to the city is gold.
Yes, you want a Barbados hotel near the airport, but you also want one close to the city when you’re considering where to stay in Barbados for your mini-vacation. Whether it is for a quick shopping trip to Bridgetown, strolling down the historical district or simply heading to a local restaurant downtown, you want it to be easy. On a short layover, you don’t have time to figure out the bus system, and every minute counts! Fortunately, the South Beach Hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Barbados based on its location: right outside of the hotel, there is a bus stop where you can get a local bus to downtown (only 3.5 BBDs = 1.75 USD), with no hassle.
Proximity to the beach is … heaven!
In the category “Barbados hotels on the beach”, South Beach Hotel should definitely be on top of your list! Waking up in the morning (afternoon or evening) and seeing, feeling and hearing the beach right in front of you is a vibe. A mood. A blessing. Call it what you must, but it’s giving! Rockley Beach is literally at your footsteps when you stay at South Beach Hotel (I mean, you’ve got to cross the road for 2 seconds). And just to show you how much they care about you getting your beach experience: for every night spent at South Beach Hotel Barbados, you get 2 free beach chairs at Rockley Beach. Even if you’re not a water lover… you’ve got to go, just for the tan or the views!
Modern, elegant and simplistic decor.
The elegance and simplicity of the South Beach Barbados hotel makes it really hard “not to love”. In a world where more is more, this hotel reminded me that matter-of-factly, less is more. You can strike the right balance between comfort and beauty when you know your brand, and who your ideal customer is.
Large rooms for families and groups of friends.
Unlike many of the best Barbados hotels, the South Beach Hotel Barbados features large rooms for families or groups of 4. This means, if you’re traveling in a group, you don’t need to split your party and everyone can stay in the same room!
Ability to make your meals in your room.
No, we are not talking about an Airbnb, but indeed, a boutique hotel! I loved the fact that during my stay at the South Beach Hotel in Barbados, I was able to cook some meals in my room (equipped with an electric stove as well as pots, pants, plates and cutleries). This made it easy for me to cut down on my food budget and save more during my trip! If this isn’t a win, I don’t know what is.
Other aspects that I loved about the South Beach Hotel Barbados:
Many other aspects of this Barbados boutique hotel made it stand out to me: for instance, the continental breakfast that is included in the room rate (buffet style, with a generous variety of items to pick from every day), the easy access to its gym for morning and evening workout sessions, the fantastic plunge pool that I could enjoy at any time, and the caring and exceptional staff. They tr犀利士 uly made my experience there unique with their natural sense of hospitality, attention to details and candor.
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How to get to the South Beach Hotel Barbados
From the Grantley Adams International Airport, get an airport taxi and indicate your destination. The system works so aimlessly that you will know exactly how much it costs beforehand, and the taxi driver will drop you in front of the hotel in Christchurch. Easy to find.
The Rooms at South Beach Hotel, Barbados
The South Beach Hotel Barbados features two categories of rooms: junior suites and larger suites. If you’re traveling solo or in a couple (with or without 1 kid), a junior suite would be more appropriate (this is the room I went for). The bed is considerably large to fit 2 adults and a kid, and there is a generous amount of living space! But if you’re traveling with a bigger group (about 4 adults), then opt for the family suites. They are just as elegant and beautiful, but with even more space. All rooms also come with a private balcony, where you can chill and enjoy the picturesque views all day long!
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The Restaurant and Pool Bar at South Beach Hotel, Barbados
Can we have Happy Hour everyday? Yes! And even better: we can have it twice a day at the South Beach Barbados Hotel! During Happy Hour, you get discounted house cocktails (two for the price of 1), which gives you the opportunity to sample more cocktails, while also keeping with your budget. And while you are sipping your cocktails with a view, order something to eat (lunch or dinner) from the pool restaurant: the menu items are delectable, and before you take your dip in the pool, you’ll be returning for seconds!
Things to do near South Beach Hotel, Barbados
Undoubtedly, one of the reasons why the South Beach Barbados Hotel is one of the best hotels to stay in Barbados, is its location. Close enough to the city (and the airport) to make it easy and convenient for you to explore other things to do in Barbados, but self-sufficient enough that even if you chose to stay in the hotel for 2-3 days, you would not be bored! There are so many things to do around, and here is a list:
Chilling, Swimming or Lazing at Rockley Beach: every guest at the South Beach Hotel Barbados gets 2 complimentary beach chairs for every day booked. The hotel also provides you with free beach towels that you can use while on the beach. On one of my days, I left my room after breakfast, grabbed a towel at the reception, headed to Rockley beach (across the road) in my bathing suit, and came back before the sunset. What else could I ask for?
Cocktail Tasting at Tiki Bar: Tiki Bar is the most popular bar on Rockley Beach, known for its incredible panoply of house cocktails (more than 50 cocktails and counting!) So, while you’re chilling on one of Barbados most beautiful beaches, sample a cocktail or 2,3,4 or 5 (you know yourself!) Either way, your room is just across the road, right? (Drink responsibly, though). My personal tip: ask one of the bartenders for his recommendation based on your preferences, otherwise it might be too overwhelming to know which cocktail to go for!
Go for a Boardwalk Promenade on Rockley Beach Alley: the Rockley beach boardwalk is lined up with a wide variety of shops that you should definitely explore! Whether you want to buy something or simply look around, you’ll find the creative options very enticing. And if you get hungry, there are many restaurant options to pick from!
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Take a ride to Bridgetown, Downtown! It only takes 15 minutes (or less) on a public bus to get to Bridgetown, from the South Beach Hotel Barbados. While there, stroll around the streets or the capital city, head over to Rihanna’s drive by taxi or opt for a Mount Gay Distillery Rum tour! The choice is really yours, and you’ve got several options of things to do in Barbados near Bridgetown!
How to book South Beach Hotel, Barbados for your next layover or short Barbados getaway
Ready to make your stay there a reality? You are a few steps away from staying at one of the best hotels in Barbados, for short getaways or long layovers! Book your room at South Beach Hotel Barbados directly on their website. And after you’ve experienced it, come back here and let me know what it was like. I can’t wait to hear about your experience, and I hope this recommendation of a new hotel to stay at in Barbados will add value to your existing hotel collection.
Happy Travels!
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