We stayed at Dover Beach Hotel for 11 nights. Overall we were reasonably pleased with the hotel. We had a sea view room (304) which was amazing and would definitely recommend. The hotel itself was very basic but very clean, we couldn’t really ask for much more with the price that we paid.

The only real complaint that we had was that there were far too many groups staying in the hotel. We did a check with the hotel and they confirmed that their were and we asked to be accommodated somewhere else if this was the case. So we ended up with one of the best rooms with no extra cost.
I would definitely recommend that you double check with the hotel about groups staying. We had cricketers, footballers and tennis players. It can get a little noisy around the hotel at times and we had a rather annoying welsh group who murdered the karaoke both times on Saturday night.

The reception staff were always very efficient and the staff are always willing to help. However, like most places in Barbados, they take their time in doing so, and if you are anything like me (someone who likes things done now) you will get extremely frustrated. They are a bit too laid back for my liking.

We went to the Rum Punch night on one of the nights and Marcia was a fantastic hostess. She made us feel so welcome and answered all the burning questions we had about Barbados. She made such a difference to our stay just by talking to her.
Overall I would definitely recommend this hotel. It’s not 5 star and it doesn’t pretend to be. I’d definitely go back; it’s in such a perfect location.
Thanks Steven for a wonderful time!! xxx

Stayed at the Dover Beach with my husband and sister in Jan 2008.Natalie in reception was more that helpful as we had to change dates a couple of times.Rooms were basic but clean. Poolside area is looking a little tatty,could do with a paint job. Situation of hotel is just right for walking down "the Gap" Have stayed in Barbados several times and would definately stay here again. Don,t be put of by negative reviews, seem to be mostly Americans who are not overly keen??

I stayed here for eight nights. My room was impeccably clean and the house staff did a good job. the service in the restaurant/bar was terrible. I had to get up and walk over to ask for a second cup of coffee from the waitress who was yaking on her cell phone for over 20 minutes while I waited.

An 'island view' is a view of an alleyway.
There is no exercise facility as advertised. One night ~8:00 pm I was jogging on the beach and startled a Bajan who was walking home. He told me ' you shouldn't be out here alone at night it is dangerous!'

I was solicited for prostitutes on the first street cornor.

As a comparison I am planning a trrip to Tennessee in September. I can get one of the best hotels for less than I paid for this one which is more along the lines of a motel 6 in the US.

They charge for a safe deposit which, given my experience in Barbados, is a necessity.

We booked thru Travelocity and arrived late. The check in staff was great and told us where to get a bite to eat that late at night. When we booked our room, we chose the queen size bed. When we got to the room after the staff left, it was 2 twin sized beds pulled together on the marble-tiled floor. We sat on the edge and the beds began to move apart. Too late to get it changed and we were exhausted so in the morning my husband went to front desk and lo and behold, "ms. thang" was pleased to inform us that they did not have any available. You have got to be kidding me. They velcroed the beds together and I will leave the rest to your imagination.

On a lighter note, the drinks at the bar are watered down. The exterior surroundings were more pleasing than the velcroed bed and slow water moving sink.

You have to take a shower early or when you think everyone is at the beach or out somewhere so you can get a nice warm shower.

The housekeeping staff, kep the rooms impeccably clean. The outside staff, kept the other areas clean too. The hotel is CLEAN!!!! SPOTLESS!!!

There are no rooms on the beach. The beach is actually a half a block from the room. And i you were to walk direclty from the room facing the so called ocean, you would walk right into the pool, then up to the photo with the balcony and then there's a cliff right below you. Not too steep. SO the phot on the website is misleading. ANd the rooms are actually facing the side, not the ocean.

To the right of the photo where you see the beach is actually the only good piece of beach that is there. The other side of that is the cliff again. So you can't walk all the way down the beach.

The paint o the hotel is beautiful and the surroundings rooms are too. You can get a taxi- ask them to call for you at the front desk.

Or you can walk to most of the places there. We enjoyed the walks- we saw more and coul stop and browse and talk with the locals.

Food

Most restaurants serve American , chinese, european etc.
Try JUST STOP- food is fresh and cooked daily- local owner (Christine). She also has the best coconut bread and you get quite a nice chunk.

We had our anniversary dinner at Harlequin and loved it. Spent 200.00 for the seafood platter and drinks.

There are also karaoke bars and locals selling grilled food on the streets after hours for reasonable prices.

You can also buy souvenirs at night from the locals - much cheaper than the stores.

Internet cafe-3.00 u.s./ 15 minutes.
Phone 1 U.S. Dollar/minute.

Trips-

to Harrison's cave was neat!
Island tour was nice too.

THere was a lot to do in so little time.

We had fun, we really did in spite of us squeezing up on the twin beds and waking up on 2 different sides of the room like that Tom Hanks movie where he was stranded on an island :)


Sunsets

Breathtaking. You can sit and get carried away with the waves lapping against the "cliff" while looking a thte perfect sunset.

Since our beds were an issue for us, we stayed out all night and slept for 3 hours and left again.

No one bothered you, just a few locals pressing you about buying weed from them.

Currency exchange rate
1.80 Bajan dollars to 1.00 u.s.
I round up to 2.00 because most people do.


Warnings

DO NOT FLY AMERICAN AIRLINES- they will mess up your vacation.

They will squeeze the daylights out of your body sitting in such an anorexic seat. I am only 152 and my husband 185 and I spent most of the trip on half of his thigh with he other passenger all on top of me.

Air Jamaica is much better than nasty, rude AA. ANd besdes, Air Jamiaca is always on time, serve food and get there early.

AA- free soda or water but you have to pay for the peanuts you used to get for free a year or two ago. Shame on them.


I am tired from writing this review. Now we need another vacation. When we turn 45, we will be going to Bora Bora for our 20th and you better believe, we will be checking everything out.


Hope this review is helpful to you.

The Rands,
Georgia.