Finding right accommodation in Bermuda could be challenging, primarily because it is an expensive country. Before making a decision, I wanted to make sure that I got the best combination of factors like price, location, facilities, and special features meeting my individual needs. For my visit to Bermuda, I selected Grotto Bay Beach Resort.
Normally when planning my trips, I would spend hours trying to put a free vacation together using credit cards points,miles, or cash back. My trip to Bermuda was different. For the first time in a long time, I was not restricted by my credit card earning. This trip was a present and my choices were wide open. I have to admit, it was a welcomed change. There were a lot of choice, but without major deliberation, I decided on Grotto Bay Beach Resort.
What Works for Families at Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Views
Typically, my number one criteria when choosing a hotel is its view. I reserved a waterfront room with a large balcony. It was exactly I was looking for. Majority of hotels rooms at Grotto Bay Beach Resort are facing the water. Those that do not, overlook beautifully landscaped grounds.
Beach
The beach is rather small but nice. It is sheltered and safe for children to swim. There is also large inflatable floating playground for those who need more than just a relaxing time on the beach. Towels and umbrellas are available with no charge.
Right next to the main beach, there is a beautiful crystal little bay where you can swim with the fish. It is a picturesque place perfect for a private swim or just relaxing time in beautiful surroundings.
Pool
I loved the pool. It is large, crystal clean, and overlooks the bay. I have to admit, its main feature for me was a swim-up bar. The pool is open 24/7 which almost unheard of in the USA. Close to the pool there is large secluded and inviting hot tub.
Grottoes
There are two grottoes at the hotel. One is available only for guests who pay for their relaxing massage, and the other one is free for hotel’s guests. Without hesitation, I skipped the $300 massage and went to explore the free one. I was blown away with its beauty.
Swimming in the grotto was the highlight of my trip. For the most part I was alone there. I enjoyed the silence and the serenity of the place. Floating in this surreal scenery was purifying and relaxing beyond description.
Dining
A variety of dining options are available at the hotel, from formal to a beach bar. I enjoyed the outside dining where prices were more reasonable.
Grounds
The hotel’s grounds are beautiful and well manicured. It feels like a tropical oasis there. Because of the hilly terrain, you can enjoy the views of the bay from almost any outside areas.
Rooms
I loved waterfront view from a private large balcony. Taking under consideration the high prices on the islands, I liked having a refrigerator. I kept some basic food and drinks on hand there for convenience and saving. The bathroom looked like it was recently renovated – nice and spotless.
Convenient location to a public bus
There are no car rentasl in Bermuda. Even locals are only allowed one car per household so public transportation is a good alternative to expensive taxis or scooter rentals. Buses are clean, air-conditioned, and run frequently until late hours.
Walking distance to Bermuda’s major attractions
Attractions like beautiful Crystal Caves and Swizzle Inn – famous for swizzle, a signature drink of Bermuda – are within walking distance. Also very interesting nature preserve can be reaches on foot.
What Does Not Work for Families at Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Staying at Grotto Bay Beach is Expensive
Just like the entire country of Bermuda, Grotto Bay is expensive. Costs for not only accommodation but also food are surprisingly high. There is no other choice for breakfast than the $26 buffet. Drinks are also overpriced.
SheBuysTravel Tip: One of our favorite things to do when taking a beach vacation is to hire a photographer for family photos. This is a special gift and souvenir that we cherish. We use Flytographer to book a local photographer located in the area that we're traveling to. Use this link and you will get $25 off your photo session.
Rooms not up to today’s standards
Room are clean but not very inviting. Furniture is a bit dated and overall there is no beachy feel you would expect in Bermuda. Also, there is no designated office area.
In today’s world of electronics, the number of outlets is very important. I had to unplug a coffee maker and a few lamps to charge my cameras, laptop, and phone. Internet connection was good in my room and very spotty in common areas.
Not safe for small children and handicapped
Because of the very hilly terrain and the number of steps throughout the resort, Grotto Bay could be challenging for small children and people with movement disabilities.
Distance to Bermuda’s famous beaches
The hotel resort is nowhere near Bermuda’s most beautiful beaches. It requires a taxi or a bus ride to reach them.
Other suggested destinations for a beach vacations:
- Sunny Costa Rica
- Zakynthos, Greece
- Dominican Republic
Dayna says
I’ve stayed at Grotto Bay Beach Resort. The beach is the Bay hence the name of the hotel.
First of all “the grotto” you swimmed at was called Crystal Caves.
Second, there is another option to cut costs. It’s call All Inclusive. Don’t write an article without researching the hotel information first. You can also get breakfast and lunch only or breakfast and dinner only.
Third there’s a playground for little children.
Fourth when I got a spa treatment it didn’t cost me $300!
Sixth I loved the rooms. They weren’t out dated when I went in September 2018.
Seven you didn’t mention that the hotel is 5 minutes from the airport and you never hear the planes come in or out.
Jimney Crickets I could’ve written this article and included the major important that this hotel and surrounding area has. The distance and the friendly staff!
Dayna says
Cathedral Caves I ment.
Yvonne Jasinski says
Any kind of reviews is just an author’s opinion based on his/her own experince. I respect your opinion even though I do not agree with your tone.
Bill says
We have stayed at Grotto bay 6-8 times. On our last stay we could not get our favourite room in Sandys Lodge as they were renovating it. We witnessed them throwing out the old furniture etc. ad hauling it away. From pictures on the Grotto Bay website I expect if you get a room after the renovation which apparently is on going at Grotto Bay the interior will look very different.
We do not go for the beach but for the atmosphere of the entire Islands and love the convenience of the bus right at the from door,
We always buy the meal plan but know others make do with an occasional meal out and bring various food items back to their rooms for many meals to reduce their food costs.
When on holiday the cook likes to be fed rather than have to make more meals, works for us.
Yvonne Jasinski, Credit Card SheBuysTravel says
I did not go with the all inclusive plan. I feels to me that it restricts my freedom of exploring. Thank your for your comment.
Dayna says
No it doesn’t restrict you. You have to plan out your day.
Renee says
It would be helpful to note that this is the only all inclusive resort on the island, which is a huge perk for families. Also, the resort offers a cheaper breakfast option. At the lobby bar you can order pastries, cereals and coffee a la carte if you would prefer to skip the huge breakfast buffet.
Yvonne Jasinski, Credit Card SheBuysTravel says
Thank you for your comment. I was not aware of that even though I specifically asked about other options.
Dayna says
You have to research before you write an article like this! Anything you omit hurts this hotel and others.
Gina says
We loved Grotto Bay, but I disagree with one thing you commented on- the room decor didn’t feel “outdated” to me. Bermuda is a British influenced island, and the decor was very Tommy Bahama island inspired to me. It felt authentic to the place, rather than being a generic Western feeling hotel with a stainless steel lobby and griege walls that could be found in any chain hotel in any city or country. Otherwise, I think your review was spot on.
Yvonne Jasinski, Credit Card SheBuysTravel says
Thank you for your comment. I was referring to the room not the hotel in general. I like the decor of the hotel and agree that it should be authentic to its location. I will go back to my post and change it to be more specific.
Yvonne Jasinski, Credit Card SheBuysTravel says
Thank you for you for your valuable comment. I do agree that hotels should reflect their specific roots. I loved the decor of the resort in general but was not in love with my room. It was not the style. The room just needed to be updated with newer furniture. I would hate to see this hotel with a “stainless steel lobby”!