My boyfriend and I just returned from a week at the Hummingbird in St. Lucia. I would like to preface my review by saying that we prefer smaller and less touristy places. The Hummingbird fits the bill--it is a "resort" of 12 rooms with actual hummingbirds buzzing around. Everything is clean, functional and borderline cute. Staff and service was excellent as was the food at the restaurant. There is a small pool and the beach is just steps away. However, this is not a typical "Carribbean" beach as it is a bit rocky and the water is not the turquoise shown in the travel mags. Great snorkeling right off the beach. Amazing views of the Piton mountains from the rooms. Mosquitos can be bad (it is a tropical island!) so our room had a mosquito net which worked just fine.

Chester is the awesome dive master at Action Adventures. Right on the beach at the resort. Great scuba and with only a few other people (no overcrowded dive boats).

One reason we selected Hummingbird because it was in the town of Soufriere--walking distance to local restaurants and a few sightseeing places. The town was my biggest disappointment. There was nothing quaint about it. Much dirtier than I expected (and I have travelled extensively), hassled by panhandlers and stray dogs everywhere. We did NOT feel UNsafe and did venture in for groceries and dinner a few times. We did not go to the main town of Castries (cruise ships/all inclusives) so I cannot compare. Had heard that Castries is certainly less authentic and has a definite tourist whitewash.

Before my actual stay in the Hummingbird, I had visited the hotel grounds, beach and restaurant for numerous times. It is a small, rustic hotel with only 10 rooms, right on the beach. The place is relatively nice and has good views of the Petit Piton (depending on your room choice). I decided to stay for couple of nights but extended my stay because I just enjoyed the secluded environment and the view of the Piton and coconut trees a way too much :)

The room was nice and clean. I have attached some photos, so you can get a better idea of the room. I paid under $100 for my room, which was definitely a good value and well worth! I had some mosquitoes bothering me in the evening but sleeping under the net solved that problem. The room comes together with a complimentary breakfast. The complimentary breakfast options were limited to toasts, cereal and muffins but you can also order some eggs and pancakes for an extra charge. The staff is friendly and can arrange tours and transportation for you easily. The hotel is within a short walking distance (about 6-7minutes) from the town center, as well as major attractions including the Botanical Garden, the Sulphur Springs, the Pitons and waterfalls are in a short drive from the hotel.

The French-Creole restaurant has lovely ambiance and excellent food. I have to say that the prices in the restaurant are quite reasonable compared to other surrounding hotels. I also enjoyed the Wednesday night entertainment program, while zipping some cocktails.

The pool is relatively small but there is actually no need to use it when you can swim in the sea. The hotel is located right on the beach but the Hummingbird beach is not the nicest one in the area. It can be quite crowded and noisy during weekends, as a lot of locals go there to enjoy their weekends. However, you can always take a water taxi to Anse Chastanet Beach or Jalousie, which are approximately 10 minutes from the hotel. There are locals offering water taxi service right on the beach, therefore there is no need to walk to town to get a water taxi.

Overall, it is a nice, quiet and affordable place in the town of Soufriere. If you look for a lot of amenities and entertainment, the Hummingbird Beach Resort is not for you!

We stayed for just 3 days at Hummingbird. It was a totally delightful experience. We were in the least expensive room, but had access to all of the advantages of the resort. The restaurant was top notch. We loved the staff and the food and the ambiance. And for any snorkeling lovers this is paradise. Right down the beach is a wonderful site with fish,coral and fantastic visibility.

There are many beautiful resorts in the hills around Soufriere, including old plantations etc. But if you want to stay in the actual town, the Hummingbird seems like the best option.

HOTEL
The hotel is lovely, with lots of flowering bushes. The hotel name is appropriate because there are plenty of hummingbirds around.

The swimming pool is pretty small but looked inviting. The views towards the Petit Piton mountain was gorgeous. The beach just in front of the hotel was pretty good, and even the snorkling was OK there (at the end, along the rocks).

I found staff to be very helpful. Remember this is the Caribbean, if you show some warmth and humour, you will see how helpful and lovely people can be here.

There is free Wi-Fi internet in the lobby area, in my room I was able to catch a very weak signal, but i don't think it reaches all rooms.

The restaurant was also very good, even if it's pricey for local standards (mains are around USD 20-25). The hotel is at the edge of the town, about 5 minutes walk from the main square. Most restaurants in town are more simple, local style.

ROOMS
I was in an "AC suite" which was large, clean, had air-con and TV, but was a bit dark since it's literally located under the swimmingpool terrasse. It cost USD 120 + tax in March. The Hummingbird has many different room categories, which can be a bit confusing and potentially a bit of a lottery.

I thought the "Honeymoon Suites" looked nice since they get more light than my room, but I heard they didn't have air cons and that some mosquitoes did get in (I had no mosquitoes in my room). There are also economy rooms for only USD 60-65 but they were all taken when I stayed at the hotel.

In summary, I do recommend the Hummingbird if you want to be based in Soufriere town.

By the way, the hike up the Gros Piton peak was beautiful. It's a 3-4 hour steep walk, up and down, with very good views. No climbing, just walking. The hotel reception arranged it with the local village at the mountain base, total cost including transport was about USD 50-70 depending on group size (you can also go alone with a guide for about USD 70).