Just came back from a long weekend trip and stayed for the first time at Grotto Bay. I was very impressed with the general upkeep of the resort. The grounds are beautiful and well cared for. The resort has some age but has recently been spruced up and looks great. This was off season so there were very few people about. The poolside bar/restaurant was closed but the heated pool was open. The caves on the property are unique. There is one that you can enter anytime and swim in the underground pool. The other is reserved for massage therapy and spa treatments. It is a very special atmosphere. It is magically lit and there are winding walkways along the mineral formations. A canopy tent is set up on a platform overlooking the water. Gentle music plays as the stalactites drip water sounds randomly. It really takes you away as the trained therapist works you over. I opted for the deep tissue. Pricey? Sure. Unique and worth it? I thought so.
Our room had an ocean view. It looks like most of them do. The property is near the airport so one can watch the planes land and take off. It's not so close that the noise would be considered a nuisance, just the sound of distant jet traffic across the bay at a not too busy airport.
I will say that the walls are pretty thin. One can hear muffled conversations in the next room or the occasional toilet flushing. The property is staffed by wild hens and roosters that live in the bushes so be prepared to be awakened at sunrise by cocks trying to out crow each other. The very comfortable king size beds with memory foam mattresses make up for the Roosterpalooza by supplying a solid nights sleep. The bathrooms are on the small side. The pool area is nice, comfortable and well maintained but showing some age. The hot tub is inadequate for the size of the resort. One seven person tub for hundreds of potential guests doesn't cut it. They should scatter a few more around the resort. Perhaps one per building. They do keep it on the very hot side though. I'd say about 104 F. The beach is small, sandy, private and very swimmable. There's water sports equipment available, including fishing tackle and kayaks.
The food is well above average and the service was swift yet friendly. I really recommend the buffets. They are plentiful and varied in choices. The international buffet on Friday night had everything from sushi to Peking duck to prime rib and was as good as a la carte dining. The breakfast buffet is all you could hope for with an assortment of fruits, yogurts, pastries all the way up to omelets made to order, fresh waffles and eggs any style. There are all manner of sides to go with either buffet.
The resort is well located directly on the main bus route between St. George and Hamilton. The bus really is the most convenient way to travel in Bermuda. It is safe, frequent and simple to learn. Watching the locals come and go is an added experience. The Bermudian people are friendly and hospitable. I love watching the generally well behaved children go about their after school commute. If you have a death wish, you can choose to rent a moped just outside the resort entrance. The Swizzle Inn, a well known tourist and local mingle pub is about five hundred steps up the road. Well withing staggering home distance. I would stay at the Grotto again.
Room Tip: One way or the other, you are facing lots of stairs. If you stay near the main lodge, you have to wa...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
