May 1, 2019

Bridgetown, Barbados: Hilton Barbados Resort; hotel review

Hilton Barbados Resort  

Needham's Point, St Michael, 11000, Bridgetown, 246-426-0200.  355 rooms+suites.  Pool and hot tub complex; fitness center; 4 tennis courts; health spa; beauty salon.  5 restaurants.

view from room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
view from room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados


Located on a prime peninsula position at the southwestern tip of the island,  the Hilton Barbados Resort offers an ocean view from every guest room.  Each room also has a private balcony, and bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower.  The pool complex is expansive and well equipped, and though the surf is often too rough for swimming, plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs await napping or reading.  Children under five eat for free and those ages 5-12 years get free breakfasts.  Additionally, the hotel provides activities and areas for kids as part of its Kidz Club program.  My room on the 6th floor had a divine high ceiling, and I was able to turn off the air conditioning and open the balcony door to a perfect temperature and the sounds of the surf.  It also attracted a sweet little bird that stopped by regularly to raid the coffee tray.

guest room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
guest room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados






A 17th-century fort and one of the island’s four lighthouses are on the hotel’s grounds.  Built at Needham’s Point in 1650 by the British military to protect beautiful Carlisle Bay from any enemy attacks, Charles Fort was originally called Needham’s Fort.  Its name was changed in 1660.  With 33 guns (at one time it had 40) and 4 swivels, this important fort was part of the garrison and the largest of the forts built around the island.  The fort became a part of the British Military Garrison in 1836.  Visitors can see how the cannon were strategically positioned.  The area now fronts an important nesting beach for Hawksbill turtles.

cannon at Charles Fort at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
cannon at Charles Fort at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados


Constructed in 1855, the Needham's Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse on Barbados.  Featuring an octagonal shape and a stationary light, it is also a little different from the others that are all located at Harrison Point.  The lighthouse tower is closed to visitors.

Needham's Lighthouse at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
Needham's Lighthouse at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados


Just a short walk away, guests can find several inexpensive local snack shacks.
●A popular roti house is around the corner of the entrance gate.
Cuz Fish Shack is a short walk away at Pebbles Beach.  Customers step up to the window of this popular fish shack to place their order.  The menu is simple--a fish cutter (a “cutter” is a sandwich)--and the price is right, BB$10.  Customers squirt in a condiment sauce or some mayo.  The day I ate here the fish was fresh marlin, and it was pretty darn good washed down with a cold local Banks beer.  Choices for seating are few--one bench is adjacent, and a beach wall where you can perch and enjoy the atmospheric surf is just a few steps away.

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados


Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados


cutter/sandwich at Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
cutter/sandwich at Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados





images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


5 comments:

  1. This review would be a good addition to any Caribbean Pinterest board. If I don't already have one, I'm starting one. My one visit to Barbadoes was as a cruise port stop. It looks like it's also a good place to stay over.

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  2. Wow, a Fort right on the resort complex! That is awesome. I love that fish shack, too, that the resort allows near it.

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  3. I've always wanted to visit Barbados. Now I'm equipped with good ideas and ready to go.

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  4. I've been to Barbados a few times, and would go back in a heartbeat. The beaches are gorgeous and diverse, the food wonderful, and the people extremely friendly. The Hilton looks fabulous and I'll stay there next time!

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  5. I have visited Barbados last summer and it was amazing experience for me, The Barbados island was gorgeous, I like walking in sandy lsland.

    I visited St. Christ Church
    St. Michael - South West Barbados
    St. James - North West Barbados

    through Intimate hotels of Barbados I booked my hotel rooms it was also an amazing experience.

    ReplyDelete

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