Expert: Michael - 3/5/2003

Question
Hi Michael,
Great info! We are planning a Bermuda escape for Aug or Sept this year, travelling with a Fairmont employee so get an amazing deal on accom @ the Princesses - any advice on which is best as far as "friendly" goes and access to things to do (both look rather posh and isn't our usual style)? Also, can you suggest a few more economical places to eat & enjoy views/friendly atomosphere? Thank you in advance for your time - it has been a pleasure to hear the delight in your comments. Can't wait to experience Bermuda!
Jackie

Answer
Good morning Jackie,

September or August.  Who-ahh!  As a matter of fact Linda and I recently decided to change our regular Bermuda time to September.  Both August and September are unquestionably beautiful and comfortable summer weather months.

The Fairmont Southampton Princess is megaplex.  A huge resort.  It has on its premises a 9 hole par 3.  It resides on a rise, as you know in southampton.  The scene from the hotel overlooking their property is that of the southshore on one side and the great sound from the other.  From a room high above I can imagine it to be breathtaking.   The beachclub is for both facilites and a short trolly ride to the private beach of same quality from the Southampton Princess, and taxi or bus trip from the Hamilton Princess.

The Southampton has had millions pumped into it for renovation recently.  The top floor for instance is exclusive for the likes of shakes and hollywoods who don't know what to do with their money.  Nevertheless it is way plush.  Do not too that this location caters to conventions.  This element is somewhat different from people like you or me going on vacation.  I think if a convention was in it would be quite busy.

But on the other hand this may in fact be the best of the large hotels on the island.  Also, if you are on Bermuda during the Jazz Festival and this draws you, transportation will be provided from this resort's location. Speakin of the Jazz Festival ... it traditionally is in September.  Oh how it hope it falls within the first week as this when we are scheduled to travel.  The last one we attended was well worth the money.  Spyro Gyra was the headliner.  Along with Roberta Flack and Norman Brown from the states.  We were in the front row.  This was an extreme treat.

The Hamilton Princess has been around for decades and the service is friendly and impeccable.  We experianced this first hand at their Colony Pub. Friendly chaps the bartenders.  We also had a 4th of July B-B-Q outdoors they put on.  Nice but expensive.  It sits on Hamilton Harbor and is a rifle shot from Front Street.  Front Street will put you in very close approximation for anywhere you'd want to eat including timly bus service to parts beyond town.  I kinda like the central location.  That is to say the trip to either end of the island is cut in half.

Here are my thoughts for you Jackie.  Downtown offers unprecidented shopping and dining very nearby, even a fort worth a moderate stroll.  You will find pubs too.  Not remembering previous suggestions of moderately priced places I'll probably be repeating myself.  But here goes ... Portofino's in town, M.R. Onions in town, Paradisio's in town is a delightful place with small white painted rod iron seats and tables for lunch, The Scoop overlooking the harbour for lunch, Country Squire in Sommers Village with a spectacular view of Mangrove Bay or whatever it is called, the first place on the left as you enter the Dockyard has the very best Fish & Chips (sorry I don't remember the name but it is as close to the short stone columns as the bus passes through), Sunday Brunch at the Carriage House in St. George will give you hours of enjoyment and is something Linda and I must do each visit.  The piano player always playes for us Bermuda Is Another World, The Last Farewell and Tonight We Love (even though I'm not from that generation).  We love Blackbeard's at Archillies Bay anytime.  This would require a taxi from St. George's Town Center.  We like a few places in St. George requesting outdoors.  San Giorgio's for Italian, the Whitehorse, and the Wharf which has a new name now.  These are pubs or taverns and the price variation is wide.  Bangers & Mash to Whahoo dinners.  But all great views and moderately priced.

When you arrive Jackie, you can get a copy of Dinning Out In Bermuda from a drug store or Trimminghams.  It has many restarants listed with their menus and pricing and where you can do early bird specials.

All these places are quite Bermudian in atmosphere and have excellent views.  M.R. Onions has not a view.

And do know that you can call any hotel if you would like to dine at any of them.  You would dine for a set price for several courses and be pampered.  I find this a deal too.

Did I tell you that the Hamiton Princess was the sight of espionage during WWII?  The caracture who James Bond was taylored after had headquarters in the basement and intercepted all documents as they passed back and forth from the states and europe.  His codename was Intrepid.

Have a wonderful trip.

Happy planning!
Michael