We went to the Southampton for a quick weekend getaway from the NYC area...it could not have been easier, 7:45am flight and having lunch on the beach at 12:30-1pm. The Southampton is a great facility with a gorgous beach area, a good pool and plenty of resteraunts with excellent food. The golf course looked very well maintained and it was easy to get a tee time, I'll bring my clubs on our next trip. We had excellent meals at Wickets for lunch (great dessert called the Bowler). The sunday brunch at Windows was fantastic. Happy Hour on Friday's during the summer at the sister hotel, The Faimont Pricess Hamilton (free intra-hotel ferry) was excellent. The pool area is a little small for the size of the hotel and the service in general was just ok, one woman at the reservations desk was downright rude but other than that, the hotel experience was great. We spoke with a woman for conferences, Tara, she was VERY helpful and a great resource for information about the hotel and the island.

We stayed for 10 nights. The hotel and grounds were beautiful. We did have stormy weather which did bring seaweed onto the private beach but towards the end of our stay there was little to no sign of seaweed. After reading a previous review, in all fairness, stormy weather can bring forth jellyfish and seaweed. We didn't find it a problem considering the weather. Service is very good but it should be . You are paying top dollar. The rooms were very clean. Our room was updated, however, it is true, the TV is very small.The lobby is beautiful and the view is spectacular. What really makes this place special is you can easliy get to Hamilton with the complimentary ferry. Access to other parts of the island can been done from there either by bus or scooters. Honestly though, all the great beaches are right by this hotel. The beaches have the volcanic rock and caves that are magnificent. It reminds me of some beaches you would see in Hawaii. My boys loved the beaches because there was so much to discover. One downfall, as a guest, you never know what is going on at this hotel. For instance, the 4th of July was celebrated and complimentary cake, ice cream, and popcorn were given to guests but noone was informed. We happened upon it. Daily, a bullitin was placed under our door but it never mentioned these festivities. In additon, it would have been nice to get a layout of the area when checking in. We had to discover and ask. Also, bring plenty of cash. Food is extemely expensive($250 for a family of 4 eating pasta with 2 glasses of wine). With those prices a person expects great food. This was not always the case. Gibbs lighthouse is nice(not part of the resort). Same prices, but unique in that you can say you have eaten in a lighthouse. Waterlot(part of the resort) is memorable as well. Food was very good and the place was charming. Bermuda is extremely refined and proper. There are no tank tops, no "riff raff". I think it is a special place that is reminiscent of days gone by. On Sundays natives are home with family...no shopping on that day. No stores are open in the evening during the week too. Family plays an important role here. Not of alot of entertainment because it is a place in which families visit and enjoy the simple pleasures...tennis, golf, and beaches. In short, we loved the Southampton, but I would advise all to always look for a promotion. $400-500 a night with incidentals, gratutiies, and anything else you can imagine would have definately tainted my review. For a 5 star resort , I think many amentities should be included(tennis courts, non mototrized sports, fitness center ), but they are not. We travel frequently and this is not the case elsewhwere. All and all, get a great deal and you wil be very pleased. Bermuda is dignified, refined , and a must as a memorable experience ! So pack your bermuda's and collared shirts and remember to take those manners out from your back pocket gentlemen! Ladies be prepared to be wined and dined with every door always opened for you! Enjoy!

My husband and I traveled with another couple to the Fairmont in late May. We had all been able to get a great rate (around $200) so I expected the worst. And to be honest, at least I have found, Bermudian hotels are usually not that great. We were so pleasantly surprised when we checked in and the hotel was absolutely lovely. There was some sort of event that had ended so people were decked out (men in jackets/ dress shorts) -- it felt very elegant. The hotel is kind of a throw back (but in a good way).

We ate in the bar and the drinks and food were excellent. The flatbread pizza was strangely (for a hotel) one of the best I have ever had.

The rooms are big and well appointed.

The beach (that you have to take a trolley to) is pretty nice. But I agree with some of the other commenters that it needs a little more attention/ a refresh. And I agree with the observation previously stated that the pool is tiny (and kind of sad to be honest).

The last night we ate at the Waterlot and the food was excellent. It was somewhat pricey (on par or slightly above Manhattan prices) but worth it.

We were visiting a friend who lives on the island so we didn't spend as much time at the hotel as you normally would during a resort vacation, but I think we got a good feel for the place and I would recommend it to a friend and would certainly return.

We had some initial issues while we were there but I have to say the management team went out of their way to call directly and speak with us. This is something in the email/internet age that almost never happens. They took our feedback and corrected things.

My hats off to the team and the beautiful property. Can't wait to go back again.