Expert: Nan - 4/27/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nan,

My boyfriend and I would like to visit Bermuda in May for 5 nights.  Our idea plan would be to purchase a ferry pass and stay in different parishes each night.  Do you think this is realistic and that we would be able to find accommodation between $100 - $130 a night?  I'm noticing a lot of guesthouses have minimum stay requirements.

Also, would you be able to list off the top of your head some budget friendly restaurants?

Thanks so much!

ANSWER: Hello Neera,

In theory, your plan sounds like a fun idea; in actuality, it would be a bit difficult to find one or two night accommodations in your budget in each parish. And, keep in mind that Bermuda is a small destination and really doesn't require a change in accommodations to see all it has to offer.

My suggestion would be to stay put for your five nights and hop around by ferry, by bus, or by taxi and enjoy beautiful Bermuda while making the most of your budget and your time. (Don't forget, it takes time to pack up, check out, and check in at a new place every day while you could be out exploring!)

Having said that, I'd suggest that you choose a somewhat central location from which to venture out, such as Sound View Cottage in Southampton or Little Pomander in Hamilton.

At Sound View, for instance, you can prepare simple meals with a few groceries from the nearby store and spend your budget on other things. Though groceries can add up, it's more economical to have breakfast and/or lunch "at home." Plus, the view is spectacular.

While eating out in Bermuda can take a toll on one's pocketbook to be sure, there are "budget-friendly" places to enjoy.

Try these:

- Chopsticks in Hamilton (88 Reid Street) Asian, Chinese, Thai
- House of India in Hamilton (57 North Street) Indian
- Hog Penny Pub in Hamilton (5 Burnaby Hill) Pub Grub
- Rustico in Flatts Village (8 Northshore Road) Italian (Great pizza!)

These are just a few of my favorites that I've found to be a bit easy on the budget. You'll find lots of hype surrounding restaurants in Bermuda (not unlike anywhere else really). As you finalize your trip, I'm happy to suggest more!

Bermuda is a wonderful, wonderful place. Very beautiful with warm and friendly locals who can guide you along as your visit unfolds.

A few things to know: gratuities are generally included in the price of restaurant meals, there is no sales tax, transportation passes are available for unlimited travel by bus or ferry (pick up a Bermuda pocket map at the airport when you arrive - here you'll find lots of handy information), there are no rental cars in Bermuda, traffic drives on the left (as in the UK), Bermuda is NOT in the Caribbean so the water temps in May can be a bit chilly.

Enjoy your trip! And thank you for asking me this question.
Nan



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

QUESTION: Hi Nan,

Thank you so much for your detailed response.  My boyfriend and I have booked our trip and we ended up booking a guesthouse in Warwick close to the south shore (there was limited selection but it seems like a central enough location).

We have drafted an itinerary and I have included the restaurants you've listed, do you have any more recommendations?  So far we have also added to the list:
Frog and Onion
Jamaican Grill
Black Horse Tavern
If you have any other budget recommendations, or advice (good or bad!) on the above, please do let me know :)

Also, we know about the crystal caves, however we have also heard that there are caves you can actually swim in.  Do you know which caves these are?

Thanks again for your help, 2 weeks until we are there and we are so excited!

Neera

Answer
Hi Neera,

I know you're looking forward to your trip! I just made my own airline reservations for July! Every year I look so forward to Bermuda!

Though I haven't visited the restaurants you've added to your list, I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience. Check out Frog and Onion at http://www.frogandonion.bm/home. Dockyard is full of places to visit and things to see. This is a local favorite.

I do know about caves - in fact, a taxi driver told us about lots of intricate places to swim. Ask your cab driver about specifics. Be sure, though, to ask him/her about the best time to do this as tides will certainly impact cave swimming.

It sounds like your guesthouse is in a great location from which to explore both "ends" of Bermuda.

Enjoy your trip! And let me know it went!

All the best,
Nan