As the title above suggests the Bel Jou is a home from home for British Elderlies.
Whilst the rooms are clean and comfortable the decor is old fashioned but the rooms are well serviced each day. The hotel is situated up a hill away from Castries and the beach. A minibus service does run to take you to a number of places. If you like beach walking directly from your hotel, as at Coyaba Beach Resort, Grenada, this hotel is not for you.
The pool is small as is the pool seating area although there are about 16 loungers in the gardens.
The food is typically British cavery as would be available in any pub in the UK. Nothing exciting!
With no youngsters in the hotel life stops at about 10.30. There is no area for having a drink and a chat as the outside Cobana shuts at six .
Definitely a SAGA oldies hotel and very disappointing after the other hotels, Blue Haven, Coyaba Resort and Buccament Bay Resort experienced on the SAGA Islanda of the Caribbean tour.

Lots of steps which are dangeous when wet. On arrival found the swimming pool to be filthy had not been cleaned as they stated they had run out of chemical. Food was Hospital type food very basic. Set three meals a day no coffee shop to get a sandwich, cake etc. which normal all inclusive have. Room smelt unpleasant and again very basic. Bedding inadequat especially when it is necessary to have the air conditioning on. The shuttle bus did not always run. Although when it did it was good. Hotel very isolated and it was necessary to use the bus. There are only 17 louge type chairs to sit on and relax in the evening, so you had to remain at your dining table for anythis that was going on. The only good point was the Saga Rep. Henry who did try his best without much help from the management There was no room service and no fitness centre. Guest were very unfriendly and were waitng for god..

The hotel provides what Saga claims - 'Boasting fantastic views over Castries from its setting atop a steep hill, and excellent service from our friendly staff'. The hill is steep and you do have to rely on the minibus transport but that is very good and reliable. Food is plentiful and good but don't expect Michelin star quality! The clientele makes the hotel a bit like God's waiting room but it is Saga after all! Very good attention from Saga rep, Henry, who tries to please everyone. Music provided most evenings but not to our taste - however there are DVD players in the rooms. Some old DVDs in library but bring one or two of your own if you want.

Stayed for two weeks at Bel Jou in Dec 12. First time with Saga and not sure what to expect.We have been used to the big all inclusive resorts in the Carribean and found Bel Jou a lot different.

Location:
A bit isolated as the hotel is not on the beach but above the town of Castries. The shuttle bus was very good from the hotel and took you to Castries, Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island, only drawback was that you had to book return journey time previous day which limited you to your trips out. We found we had to catch the local bus service back up the hill a couple of times during our stay (good way to meet the locals).

Food:
food was very nice at the hotel, well cooked and presented although if you are more used to the larger all inclusive resorts it was lacking in choice. Became a bit monotonous after a while.

Accomodation:
Great: Had a room in the main block on level 4. Balcony overlooking the gardens and the sea. Very clean, spacious and well serviced every day.

Entertainment:
Very low key entertainment..singers
and dancers. Good for what they were. Most guests were up and dancing every night but disappeared by 10.30pm (Saga don`t you know)

Ambience:
Great for meeting people. Everybody talks to each other as it is all Brits together. Learnt how to play Croquet after a fashion. If you would like a comfortable holiday to make you feel at ease then this is for you.

Trips:
The included trips were excellent and can
recommend them. If you require a trip round the Island then I recommend you go to the cruise Terminal when a British ship is in and hop on one of the tours at the terminal (half the price of the saga trips) Sorry Saga.

Overall:

Very nice holiday, very enjoyable,being beach bums we are not likely to go to Bel Jou again but if you like to just chill out by the pool, eat and drink then this will suit. (English tea)