Barbados Apartments

You can find some place to stay at every price point on Barbados, although there are quite a few more places at the top end than at the budget end.

The west coast, or tellingly the ‘Platinum Coast,’ is home to most of the posh resorts and boutique hotels plus rental apartments and a smattering of more affordable places. The south coast aims for the masses and there are many places to stay, ranging from simple guesthouses to beachfront hotels. Your money will go further in the south; the west is where you go if money is no concern. Throughout the rest of the island you’ll find a number of interesting places, including cool and funky places in and around Bathsheba.

In high season (December to April), expect to spend at least US$150 per night for a nice midrange double on, or more likely near, a beach. But shop around online as there are deals to be had.

The Barbados Tourism Authority maintains a list of families who rent out bedrooms in their homes, from about US$30 per person per night. The staff at its booth in the airport can help you book a room. Camping is generally not allowed.

Most hotels add a 7.5% government tax plus a 10% service charge, and many have a minimum stay in high season. As elsewhere in the Caribbean, rates decline by as much as 40% outside of high season.