Island Inn, Barbados reviews - Caribbeanhotels.com

Trip Advisor Rating Details

Rooms

Service

Value

Cleanliness

Excellent

102

Very Good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Trip Advisor Reviews

“Small in Size but Big on Character”

by Montreal155004 in Ottawa, Canada about 11 days ago

My wife and I spent our 2012 vacation in Barbados. We were looking for an all-inclusive resort, quiet, near the beach, shopping and restaurants. We found The Island Inn located on the south shore in the parish of Christ Church, in the Garrison area. The food was good and the location was great; just a 2 minute walk to Carlisle Beach and restaurants. The service was great; the staffs were always helpful, polite and offered service with a warm atmosphere. Being an all-inclusive resort, we never needed to carry money for snacks and drinks. The Island Inn is much smaller than most other resorts with only 24 rooms. It doesn’t have 2 or 3 pools, no Jacuzzi, no fountain in the main entrance, etc. However, it does make up with its amazing simplicity, practicality, and its aesthetic historic building. It previously was a Rum Storage facility in the 1800, and has conserved its old stone appearance, and its unique surrounding. The rooms are well laid out, and practical. Most of the storage shelves (for clothing) are located in the washroom, instead of the bedroom. The roof has a long overhang over the porches, which permits you to stay outside during the rain, while remaining dry. It does have a few gems: the cascading waterfall near the pool that lights up at night. We would sit near the pool, just to observe it for an hour on most nights. Also, they have an open-air English style cobblestone courtyard. I highly recommend the Island Inn Hotel to travelers who are looking for a quieter resort, all inclusive, with a profound character, and perpetual charm. This resort is a gem. Robert Farley, Ottawa, ON. Canada. « less

“First trip to Caribbean”

by 599JohnH in Cardigan about 22 days ago

My wife and I visited the Island In in March and had a wonderful time,we booked throough BA and then upgraded to a Garden room direct with the Hotel. The staff are fantastic and really make the hotel,they all seem to have been there for minimum of 20 years and are a credit to the Hotel and the Island. Sandra on reception deserves a special mention,but they are all stars whether in the bar(Michael etc) ,restaurant(Angela etc) or in the Kitchen. The position is perfect,we strolled along the beach virtually every day to Brigetown.,used the sister hotel for 2 lunches. Recommend you hire a car for at least 3 days and take a packed lunch from the hotel. Racing at the Garrison on the Saturday and Cricket at the Oval and the 3 ws was great. Cannot recommend this hotel enough. « less

“A SECRET LITTLE GEM”

by MILLYDM in Bristol, United Kingdom about about 1 month ago

I booked to come to watch the WI vs Australi cricket and tried to book the Hilton with Virgin but it was full. They gave me several options and this was one - Virgin do it no justice, but thankfully I checked this site and trust me the reviews just do no lie and are spot on. This place and/or Virgin will soon realise they are well under-priced and so get in quick it is amazing! Small 24 room hotel that is 3 star classed but with a small investment could be a 5 star and I mean a small investment like a touch up of paint here and there and maybe cleaning the external fish tanks - that is all!!! It is just so friendly and you get to know all the staff and guests and their names and it is like one big family. I took my 14yo son and whilst he was the youngest by 10 years - he was treated like a young adult. Not a true all inclusive buffet hotel, as 5 nights it is a la carte with meat, fish and vegetarian choice to supplement starter and desert with wine and drinks served at your table and topped up by the sip at times! Buffet style one night and manager BBQ the other!! They say long trousers for men, but I wore cargo shorts as did most men. Breakfast is a buffet style and very good choice plus they will cook omlettes or eggs on request. Lunch is again a la carte 5 days and buffet twice - same options as dinner! They will also provide a packed lunch if you book the day/night before and give it to you in a cooler full of ice! No bottled water is included, but tap water is safe here and if you take any size plastic bottle to the bar, they will fill it for you with ice cold water from their drinks dispenser - tip for the beach! Beach towels also povided and changed upon request and the beach with white sand and sloping gently to the sea is 90 seconds away. gets busy only on a Sunday and is deserted most other times. Hilton is a 3-4 minute walk away and some guests walked through and used their beach - we did not bother - what is the point! Taxis come within 2-3 minutes by asking reception and it is 25 minutes from the airport and 10-15 minutes form the Kensington Oval by taxi - just agree the fare in advance and haggle if you have had a cheaper trip! Free safe in the rooms and also free phone if calling within the island to book trips etc yourselves! Iron and ironing boad also supplied in the room if so inclined to iron whilst away... Large TV with lots of channels - no BBC or SKY, but sports if so wanted via ESPN and Fox. Keep camera with you as a family of monkeys wanders through and over the hotel at various times - you get some great snaps! The only only downfall is that it is a 90 second walk to the beach and so no all inclsuive bar - but come on 90 seconds and you can stroll back and sit in the shade with a drink or 2 and then stroll back to the beach. « less

“So so friendly”

by jandancer in wales about about 1 month ago

I have been home a week, and i am feeling quite depressed...i am missing Barbados. My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here, Lovely rooms ,we had room 12, very quiet, and very clean,and a really comfy bed. Island Inn is a very quiet ,small hotel, good food and really friendly staff,many people staying here have been back many times Its a great location,and has some of the best beaches on it's doorstep, also close to Bridgetown, and the racecourse. Management and staff are exceptional , very friendly and they cant do enough for you. excellent cocktails and table service, wine glasses constantly topped up . I will be back. Thank you Island Inn for a very lovely Holiday. and thank you for the champagne on our anniversary . xxx. « less

“Like staying with friends”

by Tomar21 in Wokingham, Berks about about 1 month ago

We stayed for 2 weeks in March in a poolside room. These give you chance of getting a sunbed if you want one as there are not enough to go round. The rooms are a good size, cleaned pretty thoroughly every day and provided with everything you need. As everyone says, you cannot fault this place for it's friendly and helpful staff and due to it's small size the guests soon become acquainted with each other. Alcohol flows freely at all times (OK you might wait while the barman collects a few glasses but this is Barbados - why be in a hurry??). Take a plastic water bottle to get refilled at the bar to keep in your room. Other reviewers have commented on the food. Breakfast is buffet style but you can order eggs cooked to your liking (including omelettes); lunch can be buffet or a la carte with sandwiches as an option - picnics available if you plan to be out. Evening meal is buffet or a la carte. All reasonably well cooked. It was not a formula so we did not have the same meal twice in 2 weeks. We did not have afternoon tea although it was available. Comments about how run down the area is are misleading - most of Barbados is run down. The roads are full of potholes and the footpaths stop and start without warning. That is because there is no money (a bit like the UK??). However, unlike the UK areas around beaches are swept most days. so whilst run down are fairly clean. The immaculate areas tend to be within the grounds of the hotels. Nearby Pebbles Beach is fantastic: soft sand and warm, clear sea. You can see turtles swimming as well as myriads of fish. Further round Carlisle bay are 2 wrecks which are within swimming distance of the beach - again loads to see. The South coast beaches are also accessible from here (just walk through the Hilton). These have large waves on the sea and hotels fronting the beach - totally different from Pebbles. The hotel is in a good location. You can catch a bus in any direction and for 2$ go anywhere. You do not need to pay taxi fares to go to Bridgetown if the walk is too much. 2$ on any bus - the reggae buses are an experience not to be missed. If you want to go "corporate" for the day - wander along to the 380 room Hilton next door. You'll soon want to come back here. As I said it's like staying with friends - not perfect, but such charm and well-meaning that it would be unfair to criticise. « less

Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Excellent 102
Very Good 42
Average 13
Poor 6
Terrible 4

“Small in Size but Big on Character”
by Montreal155004 in Ottawa, Canada about 11 days ago
My wife and I spent our 2012 vacation in Barbados. We were looking for an all-inclusive resort, quiet, near the beach, shopping and restaurants. We found The Island Inn located on the south shore in... more »

My wife and I spent our 2012 vacation in Barbados. We were looking for an all-inclusive resort, quiet, near the beach, shopping and restaurants. We found The Island Inn located on the south shore in the parish of Christ Church, in the Garrison area. The food was good and the location was great; just a 2 minute walk to Carlisle Beach and restaurants. The service was great; the staffs were always helpful, polite and offered service with a warm atmosphere. Being an all-inclusive resort, we never needed to carry money for snacks and drinks. The Island Inn is much smaller than most other resorts with only 24 rooms. It doesn’t have 2 or 3 pools, no Jacuzzi, no fountain in the main entrance, etc. However, it does make up with its amazing simplicity, practicality, and its aesthetic historic building. It previously was a Rum Storage facility in the 1800, and has conserved its old stone appearance, and its unique surrounding. The rooms are well laid out, and practical. Most of the storage shelves (for clothing) are located in the washroom, instead of the bedroom. The roof has a long overhang over the porches, which permits you to stay outside during the rain, while remaining dry. It does have a few gems: the cascading waterfall near the pool that lights up at night. We would sit near the pool, just to observe it for an hour on most nights. Also, they have an open-air English style cobblestone courtyard. I highly recommend the Island Inn Hotel to travelers who are looking for a quieter resort, all inclusive, with a profound character, and perpetual charm. This resort is a gem. Robert Farley, Ottawa, ON. Canada. « less
“First trip to Caribbean”
by 599JohnH in Cardigan about 22 days ago
My wife and I visited the Island In in March and had a wonderful time,we booked throough BA and then upgraded to a Garden room direct with the Hotel. The staff are fantastic and really make the... more »

My wife and I visited the Island In in March and had a wonderful time,we booked throough BA and then upgraded to a Garden room direct with the Hotel. The staff are fantastic and really make the hotel,they all seem to have been there for minimum of 20 years and are a credit to the Hotel and the Island. Sandra on reception deserves a special mention,but they are all stars whether in the bar(Michael etc) ,restaurant(Angela etc) or in the Kitchen. The position is perfect,we strolled along the beach virtually every day to Brigetown.,used the sister hotel for 2 lunches. Recommend you hire a car for at least 3 days and take a packed lunch from the hotel. Racing at the Garrison on the Saturday and Cricket at the Oval and the 3 ws was great. Cannot recommend this hotel enough. « less
“A SECRET LITTLE GEM”
by MILLYDM in Bristol, United Kingdom about about 1 month ago
I booked to come to watch the WI vs Australi cricket and tried to book the Hilton with Virgin but it was full. They gave me several options and this was one - Virgin do it no justice, but thankfully... more »

I booked to come to watch the WI vs Australi cricket and tried to book the Hilton with Virgin but it was full. They gave me several options and this was one - Virgin do it no justice, but thankfully I checked this site and trust me the reviews just do no lie and are spot on. This place and/or Virgin will soon realise they are well under-priced and so get in quick it is amazing! Small 24 room hotel that is 3 star classed but with a small investment could be a 5 star and I mean a small investment like a touch up of paint here and there and maybe cleaning the external fish tanks - that is all!!! It is just so friendly and you get to know all the staff and guests and their names and it is like one big family. I took my 14yo son and whilst he was the youngest by 10 years - he was treated like a young adult. Not a true all inclusive buffet hotel, as 5 nights it is a la carte with meat, fish and vegetarian choice to supplement starter and desert with wine and drinks served at your table and topped up by the sip at times! Buffet style one night and manager BBQ the other!! They say long trousers for men, but I wore cargo shorts as did most men. Breakfast is a buffet style and very good choice plus they will cook omlettes or eggs on request. Lunch is again a la carte 5 days and buffet twice - same options as dinner! They will also provide a packed lunch if you book the day/night before and give it to you in a cooler full of ice! No bottled water is included, but tap water is safe here and if you take any size plastic bottle to the bar, they will fill it for you with ice cold water from their drinks dispenser - tip for the beach! Beach towels also povided and changed upon request and the beach with white sand and sloping gently to the sea is 90 seconds away. gets busy only on a Sunday and is deserted most other times. Hilton is a 3-4 minute walk away and some guests walked through and used their beach - we did not bother - what is the point! Taxis come within 2-3 minutes by asking reception and it is 25 minutes from the airport and 10-15 minutes form the Kensington Oval by taxi - just agree the fare in advance and haggle if you have had a cheaper trip! Free safe in the rooms and also free phone if calling within the island to book trips etc yourselves! Iron and ironing boad also supplied in the room if so inclined to iron whilst away... Large TV with lots of channels - no BBC or SKY, but sports if so wanted via ESPN and Fox. Keep camera with you as a family of monkeys wanders through and over the hotel at various times - you get some great snaps! The only only downfall is that it is a 90 second walk to the beach and so no all inclsuive bar - but come on 90 seconds and you can stroll back and sit in the shade with a drink or 2 and then stroll back to the beach. « less
“So so friendly”
by jandancer in wales about about 1 month ago
I have been home a week, and i am feeling quite depressed...i am missing Barbados. My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here, Lovely rooms ,we had room 12, very quiet, and very clean,and a... more »

I have been home a week, and i am feeling quite depressed...i am missing Barbados. My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here, Lovely rooms ,we had room 12, very quiet, and very clean,and a really comfy bed. Island Inn is a very quiet ,small hotel, good food and really friendly staff,many people staying here have been back many times Its a great location,and has some of the best beaches on it's doorstep, also close to Bridgetown, and the racecourse. Management and staff are exceptional , very friendly and they cant do enough for you. excellent cocktails and table service, wine glasses constantly topped up . I will be back. Thank you Island Inn for a very lovely Holiday. and thank you for the champagne on our anniversary . xxx. « less
“Like staying with friends”
by Tomar21 in Wokingham, Berks about about 1 month ago
We stayed for 2 weeks in March in a poolside room. These give you chance of getting a sunbed if you want one as there are not enough to go round. The rooms are a good size, cleaned pretty thoroughly... more »

We stayed for 2 weeks in March in a poolside room. These give you chance of getting a sunbed if you want one as there are not enough to go round. The rooms are a good size, cleaned pretty thoroughly every day and provided with everything you need. As everyone says, you cannot fault this place for it's friendly and helpful staff and due to it's small size the guests soon become acquainted with each other. Alcohol flows freely at all times (OK you might wait while the barman collects a few glasses but this is Barbados - why be in a hurry??). Take a plastic water bottle to get refilled at the bar to keep in your room. Other reviewers have commented on the food. Breakfast is buffet style but you can order eggs cooked to your liking (including omelettes); lunch can be buffet or a la carte with sandwiches as an option - picnics available if you plan to be out. Evening meal is buffet or a la carte. All reasonably well cooked. It was not a formula so we did not have the same meal twice in 2 weeks. We did not have afternoon tea although it was available. Comments about how run down the area is are misleading - most of Barbados is run down. The roads are full of potholes and the footpaths stop and start without warning. That is because there is no money (a bit like the UK??). However, unlike the UK areas around beaches are swept most days. so whilst run down are fairly clean. The immaculate areas tend to be within the grounds of the hotels. Nearby Pebbles Beach is fantastic: soft sand and warm, clear sea. You can see turtles swimming as well as myriads of fish. Further round Carlisle bay are 2 wrecks which are within swimming distance of the beach - again loads to see. The South coast beaches are also accessible from here (just walk through the Hilton). These have large waves on the sea and hotels fronting the beach - totally different from Pebbles. The hotel is in a good location. You can catch a bus in any direction and for 2$ go anywhere. You do not need to pay taxi fares to go to Bridgetown if the walk is too much. 2$ on any bus - the reggae buses are an experience not to be missed. If you want to go "corporate" for the day - wander along to the 380 room Hilton next door. You'll soon want to come back here. As I said it's like staying with friends - not perfect, but such charm and well-meaning that it would be unfair to criticise. « less