Expert: Nan - 1/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nan, a friend and I want to have a short getaway before our college graduation in coldcold Boston.

So far, we found affordable flights for under usd300 through jetblue but haven't found anything suitable for accomodation. Can you help us?

ANSWER: Yaah!  Good for you!  Cheap flights make me happy. Affordable accommodations make me happy too.  You'll find affordable options in Bermuda and have money left over to HAVE MORE FUN.  Check out the many "housekeeping" apartments and guest houses including Sound View Cottage in Southampton, Little Pomander, Greenbank or Salt Kettle House in Paget Parish.  There are many more to choose from and your experience will be more personal and "local" as opposed to a large hotel.  You can Google these places or search the Bermuda Tourism website (www.bermudatourism.com).  Prices for accommodations like these can start at $130 - $160 per night.  Budget bus fare, cabs or rent a scooter and you'll be set.  Enjoy!  More questions? Just ask... Nan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Nan!

This is great, thanks! We are looking at Sound View. Can the online reviews be trusted? I had initially thought Paradise Vacation Villa looked pretty good until I saw a couple of negative reviews.
We are looking for some great views and less people, would Southampton Parish be the best idea? Lastly, how long does it take to get to Southampton from St. George since thats where the airport is?

Answer
Greetings!  I have to say that I can't comment on the online reviews of Sound View Cottage in Southampton. But I can tell you that Sound View has been my destination of choice for the past 8 years.  There are only 3 units.  Each is a self-sufficient efficiency.  And there's a bar-b-cue grill for everyone's use.  So, it's the perfect choice for several folks or a family -- rent the whole darn place and have it to yourself.  It may feel like an isolated place, but, in reality, it's a quick walk to Horseshoe Bay, which, if you hit the tide right, leads you all the way to Warwick Long Bay.  A very lovely walk with, of course, spectacular views. The view from Sound View is, as the name suggests, wonderful.  From the Sound side, you view the Great Sound with all its cruise ships and sail boats; from, what I like to call "up top" or South side, you get a less spectacular view of the ocean.  Both are wonderful.  It's one of the highest locations in Bermuda - near Gibb's Hill Lighthouse. That's the only place that's higher than Sound View!  The Raynors are perfect hosts.  They'll drive guests to the grocery store for supplies, take guests golfing, just about anything you'd like.  Speaking of golfing, Mr. Raynor has just about finished his putting green -- by now the lights for nighttime play are probably installed.  (Beware!  He is a worldclass golfer and an internationally known cricket player.) For the most part, I think, Sound View guests are return visitors, like us.  It's clean, affordable, tucked out of the way but with easy public transportation access and really all you'd need for a nice relaxing break.  Did I mention the pool you'll have almost to yourself?  No need to say that it's quite the place for a moonlight dip.  I can't say enough good things about Sound View.  IF, and only IF, you don't require luxury, spas, swim-up pool bars, or gift shops.  You might even book an apartment for $100 per night if you're lucky.  Can't beat that!  Southampton Parish is an ideal location because it's on a main transportation artery and the home of the beautiful South Shore beaches.  And, if you're itching to dress up and have a night on the town or at least a night out for a great meal, you can easily get into Hamilton.   (Though one of my personal favorites for dinner is in Flatts Village called Rustico.)  Let's see, the airport could be about a half-hour cab ride to Sound View (on the way "in").  Maybe more depending on the road construction or traffic.  You never know these days. (Bermuda is only about 21 square miles, very narrow and long.)   I'd recommend you travel by scooter (Oleander's is a fine company to rent from. Get an online booking discount.)  If you're not feeling that adventurous, the buses are fine and the ferries are fun.  If you have more questions, I'm happy to try to answer them for you.  Enjoy!  Nan