Elbow Beach

Wonderful Escape

This was our second stay at Elbow Beach. We returned because of the very positive experience the first time. The service is unbelievable! They treat guests like royalty. Everyone is so friendly. Food was delicious and beautifully presented, though a bit expensive..but we knew that before booking. The Rum Swizzles are to die for!! We felt comfortable and safe and really enjoyed our stay. We love the beach and the weather cooperated so we got the relaxation and sun we hoped for. The view from our balcony was breathtaking and I was able to capture a sunrise with my digital camera. We certainly would go again!

We like Oct..the weather is great and the water is warm. We found breakfast was a bit of a problem. The buffet was wonderful, but way more than we wanted for breakfast. We enjoyed it one day, then went to a nearby market and got muffins and fruit to have on our balcony the other days.

One of the best options in Bermuda

Top ranked hotels in Bermuda do not necessarily compare to top ranked hotels in other parts of the world, but Elbow Beach is one of the best the island has to offer.

Very comfortable; excellent food; but expensive

Elbow Beach Resort was very comfortable. Nice balcony overlooked the pool and beach. Very pleasant grounds. The place is old, but well maintained and/or renovated. The pool is very nice for either serious swimming or wading. The beach is also fine, but the wind made the surf to rough for swimming while we were there. Service was very good. The restaurants served excellent food, with imaginative presentation, and the international staff were fun to talk with, and were first rate as servers. The air conditioning in the room was a bit noisey, but we found that we could run it while we were out, then shut it off while we were present and it stayed cool (in late September). Often the dehumidifier sufficed. It was an expensive stay for us, even though we enjoyed it, especially the food.

Traveler's tip

Although we knew that the currency was pegged to the US dollar, we did not know that US money was universally accepted (except on buses where tokens or passes are required) so don’t bother to get any Bermuda dollars.

excellent hotel

Great service. Very friendly. We had a great location and the hotel even surprised us with some champagne and a happy anniversary cake.

Fine hotel if you stay out of main building

I would say this hotel is fantastic IF you are to stay at one of the premier rooms or bungalow type buildings. The actual hotel is in extremely poor conditions. The rooms in the main building looked small, dank and very old. The main building had a terrible smell. The shops were awful. Having said that - we stayed in a premier room which is on the elbow beach property. they actually look like little motels but are quite nice. Beds were comfortable, flat screen tv, nice patio. The room service was great. It is a big property and you’ll be in for a lot of walking (up hill and down) unless you call for a shuttle service - which was prompt. The spa is the most expensive I have ever been to - but fantastic. I would not consider this a mandarin oriental property by any stretch. But if you stay out of the main building you will be happy. The beach is very nice and the water was great (fyi there are waves which i did not expect - we traveled with 2 small children). The pool is in need of updating but it wasn’t the worst. Overall we had a great time. But if you are looking for a 5 star (which you would expect from the price) this is not it.

There is a beach rental shop which appears to be on the property. I was scammed by renting rafts, boogie boards, etc... However EB offers boogie boards and beach toys free of charge where they hand out towels.

Elbow Beach---be aware in advance

Although the hotel is lovely, the food is average and the prices of the food extraordinarily high. I was there with two children which made it difficult to go elsewhere for meals, especially breakfast and dinner...but breakfast was always (for 3 of us) up around $75 and dinner routinely over $100.

Unreal

My two friends and I stayed at Elbow Beach for a week and we were floored with the staff and how genuinely helpful they were. It is a beautiful resort with delicious restaurants and fun activities. I would stay there over and over!

Great views & relaxed atmosphere

Excellent location, excellent views of the ocean and plan to return for another stay. Only negative comments are that the conditions are slightly below that of an American 5 star hotel & room wasn’t ready for almost three hours after check in time.

Traveler's tip on dining

Hog Penny, Hamilton

Don’t go for the cheaper rooms

We stayed here for 8 nights in June 2009. We felt lucky that we stayed in one of the more expensive rooms closer to the beach as the main hotel building looked a bit tired. Our room on the other hand was modern, airy, spacious and had a great view of the ocean. We’d go back there any day. Although we ordered room service a lot it was very expensive to the point of ’why don’t we go to the super market and buy some groceries because this is getting out of hand’. We didn’t because the food was very good (the nasi goreng) and the view from our veranda even better but we talked about it which if you’d know us says a lot. But dining out in Bermuda is expensive anyway. Do NYC prices times 1.5 - at least. The private beach is fantastic and worth going for. And the hotel is GREAT for kids. The beach is safe and the pool is real meeting spot for children of all ages.

Great hotel, expensive

Yes, as others have said, food is very expensive. But food in town is expensive too. Hotel food is also extraordinarily good! Service was satisfactory, if the front desk was sometimes short on staff requiring a wait. Don’t know why someone commented on tipping. Gratuities all included, including bell staff, no one ever asked for or suggested a tip. Pool boy turned down money after rearranging chairs and umbrellas to our liking "no money necessary" he said. Paying for internet access in such a pricey hotel was sort of an insult, and my connection was poor. And yes, it is a steep and long walk from main hotel to the beach - but you will need exercise to walk off all the food. Went here 25 years ago for honeymoon when 50% of guests were honeymooners. Now young couples are much smaller percent of guests, maybe because of the cost of stay. More middle aged couples and even some families (tough to recommend for families when hot dogs cost $14, but to each his own!)

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

do the scooter. staff there was great, took us on a training ride, even led us down the main road a bit to be sure we were ok. Great fun!

Fabulous Experience

Excellent location. Wonderful places to dine on the grounds. The food was delicious. Our room was elegant and comfortable with lots of "extras". The staff was professional and helpful. We are alreadly planning our return trip to Elbow Beach!

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

The location of the hotel was ideal for travel into Hamilton, and to each end of the island. It was also on the bus line which was delightful!

Very nice.

Very nice but the food and drinks are too expensive.

Elbow Beach Hotel in Bermuda

We had been there before and knew the hotel and the island from previous times. Staff and ameneties were great as always, they have a beatuful beach which is fairly private and well attended. Numerous restaurant choices on the compound and a great concierge. One of the best places on the island to go.

Great place for a honeymoon!

We went for our honeymoon and this hotel is all that and then some.If you are looking for privacy and beautiful beaches this is the place!The food was fantastic,room service was great. All of the staff was very polite and went out of their way to make sure we were happy. Be sure to go to downtown Hamilton. There are a lot of differnt resturants,bars,and shops. Bermuda is the kind of place where you feel safe!

Traveler's tip on nightlife

This is a laid back place with out a lot of night life to offer. The beers are $7.75 a piece so I would recommend taking a taxi to the grocery store where you can buy a six pack for $11.00.

would go back

I would definitely go back and stay - everyone was extremely nice and the rooms were nice - the only thing I would say is that the room had a little musty smell to it - but it wasnt unbearable. It was very relaxing and very safe for 4 woman.

Traveler's tip on dining

The best meal was on the beach at the hotel - there was alot of different selections. Also would recommend the room service for breakfast - worth every penny - and on time and clean

Bermudas Best

We have been to the island many times and have stayed at Elbow Beach a few of those times. Great beach, great staff,a great place to have a bermudaful day. Bermuda is the only place to vacation for us. Yes, the sand is pink.

Good Choice in Bermuda

Clean rooms, attentive staff, quality restaurants with good food on site.

Excellent Resort

Enjoyed the hotel a great deal. Had a King bedroom suite in the Jasmine building overooking the ocean. Was very pleased with the modern styled room. Very spaious and comfortable. Staying at Coco Reef this week and must say that Elbow Beach resort is MUCH nicer. The only things I can complain about were not getting my minifridge re-stocked with Orange Juice and having to pay for internet access. Other than that - a great hotel.

An improved best of the bunch

As a frequent visitor to Bermuda, I have had the opportunity to stay in many of the better hotels on the Island over the last few years. I now keep going back to Elbow Beach because of the better value, the courtesy to guests, the good attitude of staff and the quality/location of the premises and the food that goes with it. I put this down to a change in Ownership/Management that concentrates on the traditional values mentioned. A word of warning - rooms in the main hotel do need some refurbishing so if your budget allows it opt for the cottage accommodation situated close by the sea and within beautiful gardens.

Traveler's tip for business travelers

The gym is well equipped but jog the old Railway track

A class act in every sense!!

A beautiful hotel with every amenity. Service was prompt, friendly, and professional. When we did have a minor problem, they more than made up for it. The room was even better than we expected. The beach is both beautiful and large. No feeling of a "sardine" factory here. The grounds are equally spacious and well kept. Yes, there is "sticker shock", but in our experience that is true of all the established hotels at Bermuda. Overall, we give this hotel our highest rating and can’t wait to go back!!

Excellant place to visit and stay

While the hotel was built 101 years ago please don’t let that keep you away. The reception area was build only 10 years ago and very nice. The mail body of the hotel is up the hillside and going down the hill is various cottages. I suggest you upgrade and stay in a newly remodeled cottage. Very upscale with opening French Doors onto patio overlooking the ocean. Everyone at the hotel was extremely polite and helpful the entire trip. Good location on the route 7 with great bus service through the island. Very clean at the hotel and island with so many happy faces to great you every where. Expect to pay more of everything but keep focused you are on vacation so enjoy Bermuda. Jim

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Go to one of the many small stores and purchase breakfast items and items for a packed lunch each day. Food is expensive every where so save if for a great nightly meal. Get bus tickets (sold for 1,2 or multiple days) at the hotel which is good on all bus routes and ferry routes. Put on sun screen when out.Don’t miss the Clay works at the Dockyard. Dress casual except for some evening meals. Shops close about 5:00 pm so plan your shopping.

Elbow Beach - Bermuda

This is a lovely hotel - great pool. Our room was musty - and the smell stayed the entire stay. Our king bad was very old - the sides wrapped around us when we got into it! BE sure to check the bill for mini bar charges you may not have made - they take them off immediately. I cannot say enough good things about the service - FABULOUS. Eating here - in fact eating in Bermuda is stupidly expensive so be prepared. Overall a great place to sit in the sun.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Ride the bus and ferry - clean, safe, efficient and a great way to get around - buy a day pass. Be sure to say hello to EVERYONE - it is expected and appreciated, and you never know who you will meet and what tips they will give you.

Enjoyed a wonderful stay!

This is a beautiful hotel in a great setting. The staff, service and room quality were all top class. Definitely recommend!

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

Everything is very expensive, including restaurant prices. Try getting some cheese, fruit and wine in your room as a substitute for eating out every night.

Beautiful and great service!....be prepared for an expensive stay

The hotel was beautiful and seated right on the southern beaches (the best in Bermuda). The hotel is a little older but it is very nice. All of the staff is very helpful (except for the business center girl). There are a lot of restaurants onsite that make it so you don’t even have to leave if you don’t want to. The private beach was beautiful. Everything in Bermuda is very expensive due to import taxes so be prepared to be spending 3X what you would in the US. Quality of seafood and leisure is worth it though!

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

Rent scooters to get around the island! Much cheaper than taking taxis everywhere and it is makes it so you can explore every part of the island from shore to shore! A lot of the recreational activities are closed Nov. - March. We went in Decemeber and it was hard to scuba, rent snorkel equipment, rent boogie boards, jet ski, etc.

Location was awesome...

The hotel and staff were great. Being right on Elbow Beach is the best. However, the hotel is older and my room smelled a little mildewy. The staff cleaned it up, but it never really went away. But, again, the staff was awesome, and the beach was the best... I’d go back...

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Hotel on the beach, 10 minutes from main town (Hamilton)and Horse Shoe Bay beach and the grounds on the hotel were gorgeous.