which side to stay on

[tayl]

We are staying in Barbados for two days in Dec. pre-cruise. It was suggested to us that we stay at either turtle cove on the south side or crystal cove on the west. Which is the better side to stay on for this short time?:rolleyes:

[barbados]

Both places are very nice.

Elegant Hotel Group owns both Crystal Cove in St. James and Turtle Beach in Dover.

Crystal Cove in St. James (West Coast) is quite nice plus you are SO close to all the West Coast beaches.

Turtle Beach in Dover (south Coast) is close to plentiful nightlife and only 10-15 minutes to B-town (west)

Brits like Turtle Beach, Americans like Crystal Cove.

I think they're both great, but you'll have to choose depending upon your needs. South Coast is a younger crowd, West is older. Poor analogy, but you understand, yes?

Where would I stay for two days pre-cruise?

Crystal Cove.

Enjoy! :)

[tayl]

Thanks for your reply,
What do you like best about the west or crystal cove? Having never been to Barbados, will it be easy to get to bridgetown and the st lawrence gap from crystal cove? Or
Is the west just nicer, and I wouldn't be missing anything by not staying in the south? Also
which area has the calmer beaches?
I'm very interested in your thoughts. Thanks again.

[tayl]

I forgot to add that we are in our 50's and 60's and not big party people.

[barbados]

Thanks for your reply,
What do you like best about the west or crystal cove? Having never been to Barbados, will it be easy to get to bridgetown and the st lawrence gap from crystal cove? Or
Is the west just nicer, and I wouldn't be missing anything by not staying in the south? Also
which area has the calmer beaches?
I'm very interested in your thoughts. Thanks again.

The West coast is the calm, Caribbean side. The South can also be calm, but has the Atlantic influence from the East and can get choppy/windy.

The West is our platinum coast. This is where our US$6,000/night resorts are and wonderful places to eat within walking distance or a short US$.75 bus ride. B-town is here, but I wouldn't put it on your short-list.

Now The Gap, or the south coast is also quite nice. There are loads of eatteries, you're close to Oistins (The best Friday night fresh fish fry in the Caribbean!), B-town is a 15-20 minute cab ride. Beaches are nice. Hummm....

I would look at both resorts and see which you liked the best and let that become the decision factor. The two places are seperated by only a 25-30 minute cab ride or a US$.75 bus ride.

For your first time on the island and you ages, I believe that Crystal Cove in St. James would better fit your needs.

Is there another islander that could offer some input, please?

[tayl]

Dear Barbados,
Thanks for getting back to me with the added info. I appreciate it.
Take care.

[loisswanson]

There is really nothing much in Bridgetown (other than shopping). On the West Coast you will be near some fabulous restaurants if you care to try them, great swimming and some interesting shops at the Chattel House Village across from The Tides restaurant.

I'm not that familiar with Crystal Cove. Personally I would stay at The Sandpiper -- you can walk to several things and their food is quite good if you don't want to go anyplace else. However, you can walk to several nice places in Holetown.

You may want to write me for my tips for cruises at:
swanson@ballardspahr.com

Our 25th trip to the island is coming up in a couple of weeks, so I'm fairly knowledgeable.

Lois

[cprincess]

Is Crystal Cove a beach or resort? If it's a resort, do they have day passes for cruise passengers available? And are they chairs and umbrellas available?