My husband and I traveled to Bermuda in April 2001. In part to save money, and also because it was too early in the season to be "beach bums", we were lucky enough to book a room at Salt Kettle House.

Hazel, the very charming, very British, owner, is wonderful! She sat us down in the parlor on arrival, served us hot tea, pulled out a map and pen, and started circling what we "must" and "must not" do. For instance, we had decided that during a day trip to St. Georges, we would eat at one restaurant that sounded good in the guidebooks (won't name names). Hazel pronounced with authority that we were not to eat there, that the service was "simply ABYSSMAL". She then gave her blessing for another restaurant, but added that, if we simply must go to the first establishment, then it should only be to have a drink. She knows everyone on the island, knows the history of every single place, and is not shy to impart her wealth of knowledge. Lest you think I'm being hard on Hazel, let me say that I loved every minute of it! She genuinely cares for her guests and makes you feel that she is always looking out for your best interests. After the initial "orientation session", she was there when we needed or wanted her, but otherwise worked her magic behind the scenes -- the embodiment of the perfect B&B hostess.

The house is lovely, the location couldn't be better, the accommodations are comfortable, but the real charm of Salt Kettle House is the interaction of the guests. Although I'm a people person, I initially fought this, since we were celebrating an anniversary and I had envisioned a lot of quiet time with my husband. But I kept interacting in spite of myself -- the place is just so warm and friendly that you can't help yourself. And because of the blend of guests our particular week (New Englanders and Brits), I felt we had dropped into one of those great British television comedies. Very quirky and very fun!

If you want to be by yourself, this is probably not the place for you. If you want to make life long friends (like we did), then book a room at Salt Kettle House.