Palmetto Beach Hotel

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Traveler Review Rating :

This property is no longer open.

Palmetto Beach Hotel is really the only affordable hotel on Barbuda. It is stylishly decorated, with beautiful fabrics decorating the restaurant and bar and original silk paintings by a local artist on the walls.

The main part of the hotel has a bar and restaurant. The restaurant and bar are located on the pool-side terrace, close to the beach and with an enchanting view of the Caribbean sea. The Italian chef prepares excellent international cuisine. Bar service and lunch is also available at the beach. Comfortable seating, lots of cushions and a small library emphasise the hotels "away from it all" philosophy. You won't find a television here either or in the rooms; music plays from the bar but otherwise all you will hear is the sea.

Palmetto Beach Hotel is on one of the most spectacular and wild natural beaches in the Caribbean. Every day the sea looks different and the 21 junior suites and 1 bedroom suite villa are no more than a few hundred yards from it. Sun-beds and beach towels are available at the beach and by the pool. The ocean here is for the confident swimmer. It does have strong currents and often large waves mean that you may have to walk half a mile or so along the beach to a safer place. But walking is a pleasure, pelicans dive a few feet away and the occasional yacht sails by in the distance. The only other people you will see are local fishermen passing in a boat or guests from the hotel. If the sea is too rough, a large pool overlooking the beach is just as good.

The suites are very large and spacious each with their own balcony looking out over the beach. Each suite has a large bathroom with shower en suite and the style is simple and cool, white walls and tiled floors throughout with a good natural breeze or air conditioning. All the suites have two queen-size beds, individually-controlled air conditioning, a mini bar and safety deposit box. The covered verandas have a table and two chairs. There is also a larger villa suite for those who need a bit more space.

The staff are friendly, informal and efficient and have a good local knowledge. If you are looking for the best snorkeling, a different beach or a visit to the village they will happily arrange a driver or an island tour.

Barbuda is relatively quiet with very little tourism so making friends with the staff is likely to get you invited to anything that is happening in the village. Birthday party or wedding, you are always welcome.

The hotel is located several miles from the village of Codrington on a coastal point with no other developments for miles. You will see it if you look down as you fly in on the plane from Antigua. The roads in Barbuda are poor but traveling slowly over the bumps you will see more and it will help you adjust to the slow pace of life. There is little or no entertainment at the hotel and so a visit to a local bar or restaurant is an excellent way to experience the nightlife of the village.

The hotel is wheelchair accessible.