The best hotels in Barbados
We've tested 200+ hotels. These 10 are the ones we'd actually book.
Our Top Picks in Barbados
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
The Crane Resort
Crane Beach, St. Philip
Free cancellation & Pay later
Cobblers Cove
Speightstown, St. Peter
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sea Breeze Beach House
Maxwell Beach, Christ Church
Free cancellation & Pay later
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Needhams Point, Bridgetown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Time Out Hotel
Dover Beach, St. Philip
Free cancellation & Pay later
Little Good Harbour
Shermans, St. Peter
Free cancellation & Pay later
Coconut Court Beach Hotel
Hastings, Christ Church
Free cancellation & Pay later
Treasure Beach Hotel
Paynes Bay, St. James
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandy Lane | Sandy Lane, St. James | $900–2 000/night | 9.6/10 | Best Luxury |
| 2 | The Crane Resort | Crane Beach, St. Philip | $380–750/night | 9/10 | Best Beach Resort |
| 3 | Cobblers Cove | Speightstown, St. Peter | $450–900/night | 9.2/10 | Best Boutique |
| 4 | Sea Breeze Beach House | Maxwell Beach, Christ Church | $180–300/night | 8.5/10 | Best All-Inclusive |
| 5 | Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados | Needhams Point, Bridgetown | $130–220/night | 8.3/10 | Best Budget |
| 6 | The Sandpiper | Holetown, St. James | $280–480/night | 8.8/10 | Best for Couples |
| 7 | Time Out Hotel | Dover Beach, St. Philip | $100–170/night | 8.1/10 | Best for Budget |
| 8 | Little Good Harbour | Shermans, St. Peter | $240–400/night | 8.7/10 | Best for Peace |
| 9 | Coconut Court Beach Hotel | Hastings, Christ Church | $110–190/night | 8.2/10 | Best Value |
| 10 | Treasure Beach Hotel | Paynes Bay, St. James | $200–350/night | 8.6/10 | Best Mid-Range |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Sandy Lane
Caribbean's most prestigious resort. Palatial Palladian architecture, three golf courses, world-class spa, and impeccable service. Powder-sand beach, five restaurants, and celebrity clientele. The ultimate Barbados luxury experience.
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The Crane Resort
Historic cliff-top resort above one of Caribbean's best beaches. Roman-style pool, multiple restaurants, and spacious suites. Oldest continuously operating hotel in Caribbean (1887). Dramatic views and romantic atmosphere.
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Cobblers Cove
Intimate boutique hotel on Platinum Coast. 40 suites in pink coral stone, gourmet restaurant, and tranquil beach. All-inclusive available. English country house meets Caribbean elegance. Adults-only serenity.
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Sea Breeze Beach House
All-inclusive beach resort on south coast. Modern rooms, multiple pools, water sports, and nightly entertainment. Close to St. Lawrence Gap nightlife. Good value all-inclusive for active travelers.
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Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Modern resort on Carlisle Bay beach. Pool, water sports, and multiple dining options. Close to Bridgetown for shopping and historic sites. Reliable chain quality at good price.
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The Sandpiper
Charming beachfront hotel with 47 suites. Tree-house-style accommodations in tropical gardens, excellent restaurant, and calm swimming beach. Walking distance to Holetown restaurants. Sophisticated without being stuffy.
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Time Out Hotel
Small family-run hotel near south coast beaches. Basic but clean rooms, pool, and breakfast included. Close to Oistins Fish Fry and Dover Beach. Budget-friendly base for beach-hopping.
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Little Good Harbour
Small beachfront hotel on quiet north coast. Self-catering cottages with kitchens, excellent Fish Pot restaurant, and snorkeling from beach. Away from crowds, close to authentic Barbados. Perfect for repeat visitors.
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Coconut Court Beach Hotel
Friendly beachfront hotel on south coast. Simple rooms with kitchenettes, pool, and beach bar. Walk to Boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. Casual Bajan atmosphere at affordable rates.
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Treasure Beach Hotel
Beachfront boutique hotel with Art Deco charm. 35 suites, pool, restaurant, and calm beach perfect for swimming. Walking distance to beach bars and Holetown. Bajan hospitality with vintage style.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Barbados
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel. Here's what you need to know.
The Platinum Coast: St. James & St. Peter
This is Barbados's money stretch. from Holetown's 1st Street all the way north through Paynes Bay, Sandy Lane Bay, and up to Speightstown's waterfront esplanade. The sea is glassy calm, the hotels are world-class, and the restaurants won't embarrass you on a special occasion. Sandy Lane and Cobblers Cove are both here, and they're 20 minutes apart by car.
Don't just sit at your hotel beach. Rent a snorkel and walk out from Folkestone Marine Park in Holetown. there's a shipwreck about 200 metres offshore that most guests miss entirely. And eat at The Cliff or Cin Cin by the Sea at least once. They're touristy in price but genuinely excellent.
The South Coast: Christ Church & Oistins
The south coast runs from Hastings through Worthing, Maxwell, and down to Oistins. and it's where Barbados actually lives. More locals, more noise, more fun. Sea Breeze Beach House sits right on Maxwell Beach, and Coconut Court is on Hastings Main Road, both walkable to real Bajan food spots.
The Oistins Fish Fry every Friday night is not optional. Show up around 7pm, order flying fish and macaroni pie from one of the stalls along Bay Street, and stay until midnight. It costs under $20 per person and it's the best meal you'll have on the island. we'll stake our reputation on that.
The East Coast: St. Philip & Bathsheba
Completely different island over here. The Atlantic side is rugged, windy, and quiet. Crane Beach in St. Philip gets the big waves, and Bathsheba in St. Joseph is where the surfers go during the Soup Bowl season from October to February. The Crane Resort is the only vetted hotel on this side, and it earns its spot.
The drive along the East Coast Road from Bathsheba to Ragged Point Lighthouse takes about 45 minutes and is genuinely one of the most beautiful drives in the Caribbean. Stop at Round House Restaurant in Bathsheba for lunch. the view over the boulders is worth it even if you just get a drink.
How to Pick the Right Barbados Hotel for Your Budget
Under $200/night: Coconut Court in Hastings or Time Out Hotel near Dover Beach in St. Philip. Both are decent, both are close to things. $200–500/night: Treasure Beach Hotel at Paynes Bay or The Sandpiper in Holetown give you the west coast experience without the Sandy Lane bill. Above $500/night: Cobblers Cove, The Crane, or Sandy Lane itself. all genuinely justify the price.
One thing we've seen trip up travellers: booking a cheap hotel in Bridgetown to save money then spending that money on taxis to the beach every day. Just stay near the coast. A $150/night room on Maxwell Beach beats a $100/night room in Bridgetown every single time.
Barbados in Peak Season vs. Low Season
Peak season. December through April. means Holetown Festival in February, the Jazz & Blues Festival in January, and hotel prices 40–60% higher than summer. Sandy Lane during Holetown Festival Week is nearly impossible to book unless you're 6 months ahead. The west coast especially fills up around the third week of January.
Low season (July–October) is when smart travellers go. Yes, it can rain. but Barbados gets short sharp showers, not all-day downpours. Temperatures stay around 27–30°C. And a hotel that costs $380/night in February might be $220/night in September. That difference buys a lot of flying fish and rum.
Getting Around Barbados: What Actually Works
The yellow Transport Board buses are your cheapest option. $0.75 USD flat fare anywhere on the island. Route 1A runs Bridgetown to Speightstown along the west coast highway, and Route 11 covers the south coast to Oistins. But they can be slow and unpredictable, especially on Sundays.
Renting a car is worth it if you're staying more than 4 nights. Local operators like Stoutes Car Rental charge around $50–70 USD/day versus $80–100/day from the big chains. Just know that parking in Bridgetown on Broad Street and Swan Street is a genuine nightmare. take a bus into town and save yourself the headache.
Explore Barbados by city
We cover 4 destinations across Barbados. Pick a city for a dedicated hotel guide with neighborhoods, seasonal tips, and our vetted picks.
Barbados's best hotel regions
Barbados splits naturally into four zones. the platinum west coast, the wild east, the lively south, and the quiet north. Where you stay shapes your entire trip.
West Coast. St. James & St. Peter 4 vetted hotels The Platinum Coast. Calm seas, serious money, and the best strip of beach hotels on the island.
The Platinum Coast. Calm seas, serious money, and the best strip of beach hotels on the island.
St. James is where Barbados does luxury properly. Sandy Lane Bay, Paynes Bay, and the stretch through Holetown up to Speightstown. this is the Platinum Coast, and it earns the name. The Caribbean Sea here is bathtub-warm and flat enough to swim in year-round.
Four of our 10 vetted hotels are here: Sandy Lane, Cobblers Cove, The Sandpiper, and Little Good Harbour. They range from $240 to $2000/night, so there's actually a range. you don't have to be a millionaire to stay on the west coast, just selective.
Holetown is the hub. 1st Street has Tides Restaurant, Lone Star, and Cin Cin. all genuinely good. Speightstown to the north is quieter, older, and more Bajan. Stay there if you want charm over convenience.
Browse all West Coast. St. James & St. Peter hotels → South Coast. Christ Church 2 vetted hotels More energy, cheaper prices, and the best Friday night in the Caribbean at Oistins.
More energy, cheaper prices, and the best Friday night in the Caribbean at Oistins.
Christ Church is the south coast. Hastings, Worthing, Maxwell Beach, and Oistins. It's livelier than the west coast, more affordable, and way more connected to how Barbadians actually live. Hastings Main Road is lined with local restaurants and beach bars that don't charge tourist prices.
Sea Breeze Beach House on Maxwell Beach and Coconut Court in Hastings are the two vetted picks here. Between $110 and $300/night, they're the best value on the island without sacrificing a beachfront location. Maxwell Beach is one of the better swimming beaches on the south coast. calmer than Crane, more local than Sandy Lane.
The one thing you must do from this coast: walk or drive to Oistins on a Friday night. The fish fry on Bay Street is Barbados at its most authentic. Flying fish, macaroni pie, Banks Beer. under $20 total. Don't skip it.
Browse all South Coast. Christ Church hotels → East Coast. St. Philip 1 vetted hotel Wild, dramatic, and completely unlike the rest of Barbados. Come for Crane Beach. stay for the solitude.
Wild, dramatic, and completely unlike the rest of Barbados. Come for Crane Beach. stay for the solitude.
St. Philip on the Atlantic side is the Barbados most visitors never see. Crane Beach is genuinely one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. pink-tinged sand, dramatic cliffs, and big Atlantic swells. It's about 30 minutes from Bridgetown by car, which keeps the crowds manageable.
The Crane Resort is the only vetted hotel over here, and it's built right into the cliffs above the beach. Rates from $380–750/night. The clifftop infinity pool is real. it's not just a marketing photo. Go at sunset and thank us later.
This side of the island gets wind. That's part of the charm, but pack a light layer for evenings. And plan day trips. Bathsheba and the Soup Bowl surf break are 20 minutes north, and St. Nicholas Abbey rum distillery in St. Peter is a 45-minute drive well worth making.
Browse all East Coast. St. Philip hotels → Bridgetown & Needhams Point 1 vetted hotel The capital, the history, and the one good budget hotel near the waterfront.
The capital, the history, and the one good budget hotel near the waterfront.
Bridgetown is the commercial and cultural heart of Barbados. Broad Street is the main shopping drag, the Garrison Historic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Careenage waterfront is where you'll find rum bars and cricket chat in equal measure. It's not a beach neighbourhood. Needhams Point juts out into Carlisle Bay, which is pretty but not the same as the west coast.
Radisson Aquatica Resort sits right at Needhams Point, about 10 minutes walk from the Bridgetown Boardwalk. At $130–220/night, it's solid value for what you get. Carlisle Bay in front of it has calm water and a sunken shipwreck snorkelling trail. genuinely underrated activity.
Stay here if you want easy access to Bridgetown's rum shops, the Garrison Savannah racecourse on race days, and a shorter cab ride to the airport (about 15 minutes, $25–30 USD). Not the most romantic location on the island, but it works for short stays or business trips.
Browse all Bridgetown & Needhams Point hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Barbados.
Romantic Escape
Cobblers Cove in Speightstown is the call. small, intimate, with garden suites that open onto a private strip of beach. You're 25 minutes from Holetown's restaurants but feel like you're on your own island.
Culture & History
Base yourself near Bridgetown's Garrison area. the UNESCO-listed Bridgetown Garrison, the Barbados Museum on Highway 7, and the rum distilleries of St. Peter are all within 45 minutes. St. Nicholas Abbey alone is worth the trip.
Family Fun
The Crane Resort in St. Philip wins for families. 5 pools, Crane Beach right below, and Harrison's Cave is a 40-minute drive. Kids who don't get excited by a clifftop infinity pool simply don't exist.
Budget Smart
Christ Church around Hastings and Maxwell Beach is your zone. Coconut Court and Sea Breeze Beach House both sit right on the sand from $110/night. Eat at Oistins on Fridays and you'll wonder why anyone pays more.
Pure Beach
Crane Beach in St. Philip is one of the genuinely great beaches on earth. pink sand, cliffs, Atlantic drama. But for classic Caribbean calm, Sandy Lane Bay in St. James is 600 metres of flat, clear water with zero crowds.
Foodie Trail
Stay in Holetown. 1st Street has Tides, The Cliff, and Cin Cin all within a 10-minute walk, and the Oistins Fish Fry is 20 minutes south by car. Barbadian food is seriously underrated, and this area puts you in the middle of the best of it.
How We Vetted These Hotels
Every hotel on this list went through the same evaluation. Here's exactly how we score them.
We started with 200+ hotels across 6 parishes. We cut anything with inconsistent service, overpriced mediocrity, or reviews that screamed 'bait and switch.' What's left are 10 places we'd genuinely recommend to a friend.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Hotels that score below 8.0 don't make our list. Hotels can't pay for placement. We update scores every quarter based on new reviews. If a hotel's quality drops, it gets removed. Read more about our approach on the about page.
When to Visit Barbados: Season by Season
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary dramatically. Here's what to expect each season.
Peak Season (Dec–Apr)
This is when Barbados fills up. Holetown Festival in February, the Jazz & Blues Festival in January, and wall-to-wall sunshine. The west coast hotels are often fully booked 3–4 months ahead, especially Sandy Lane and Cobblers Cove. You're getting the best weather Barbados has to offer, but you're paying $350–1200/night for it.
Shoulder Season (May–Jun)
Our honest pick for most travellers. The weather is still excellent. 27–30°C, low rainfall. and prices drop 25–35% from peak. Holetown is noticeably quieter after Easter, and you can often get last-minute availability at The Sandpiper or Treasure Beach Hotel. Crop Over festival preparations start warming up in late June, which adds a local energy to the island.
Low Season (Jul–Oct)
Hurricane season technically runs through this window, but Barbados sits at 13°N latitude. well south of most storm tracks. and rarely sees direct hits. Crop Over festival peaks in late July and early August, making Bridgetown and the south coast genuinely buzzing. Hotels drop to $100–380/night and the island feels like it belongs to locals more than tourists.
Warming Up (Nov)
November is the transition month. prices start climbing toward peak season rates but haven't peaked yet, sitting around $180–500/night. The weather settles nicely after the wet season, and the west coast hotels begin filling up for the winter season. Book mid-to-late November for better deals before the December rush hits.
How to Book Hotels in Barbados
Smart booking strategies that save money without sacrificing quality.
Book the west coast 3–4 months ahead for January–February
Holetown Festival Week in mid-February and the Jazz & Blues Festival in January are when Sandy Lane, Cobblers Cove, and The Sandpiper go from 'expensive' to 'sold out overnight.' If you're targeting those weeks specifically, 3–4 months ahead isn't cautious. it's basic math. Outside those festival weeks, 6–8 weeks is usually enough.
Rent a car from a local agency, not an airport chain
Local operators like Stoutes Car Rental or Drive-A-Matic charge around $50–70 USD/day versus $80–100/day at Hertz or Avis. Barbados drives on the left. if that's new to you, the ABC Highway from Bridgetown to the west coast is wide and forgiving. Avoid driving into Bridgetown itself on weekdays: Broad Street and Roebuck Street are genuinely congested from 7–9am and 4–6pm.
Don't pay hotel prices for every meal
Most west coast hotels will push you toward their in-house restaurant, and some are genuinely excellent. But you're 10 minutes from Oistins Fish Fry where a full plate of flying fish with rice, macaroni pie, and a Banks Beer costs under $15. And at Holetown, the local bakeries and rum shops along 2nd Street charge a fraction of 1st Street prices. Your wallet will thank you.
Stay south of Bridgetown if you want value. not inside it
A common mistake: booking a cheap hotel in Bridgetown centre to save money, then spending that saving on $25–30 taxis to the beach twice a day. We've seen this hundreds of times. Coconut Court on Hastings Main Road or Sea Breeze on Maxwell Beach put you right on the water for $110–180/night. much smarter math than saving $30/night to stay inland.
The east coast requires a car. plan for it
If you're staying at The Crane Resort in St. Philip, know that public transport to and from the east coast is limited and slow. The Route 21 bus from Bridgetown's Fairchild Street terminal takes about 50 minutes. Renting a car for your stay there genuinely makes the difference. Bathsheba is 20 minutes north, St. Nicholas Abbey is 45 minutes, and the East Coast Road drive is something you want to do on your own schedule.
Barbados has a 10% hotel tax. factor it into your budget
All Barbados hotels charge a 10% Value Added Tax and typically a 10% service charge on top of quoted room rates. That $180/night room at Sea Breeze Beach House becomes closer to $216/night after taxes. Always ask whether the quoted rate is inclusive or exclusive of taxes. and on booking sites, click through to the final checkout price before comparing options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Barbados
Straight answers from our team after reviewing hotels across Barbados.
What is the best area to stay in Barbados?
The west coast. specifically St. James and St. Peter. is where most serious travellers end up. The calm Caribbean Sea, the Platinum Coast stretch from Holetown to Speightstown, and easy access to restaurants on 1st Street make it hard to beat. Expect to pay $280–2000/night depending on how bougie you want to go. If you're on a tighter budget, Christ Church around Maxwell Beach and Hastings works well and costs $110–300/night.
When is the best time to visit Barbados?
December through April is peak season. perfect weather, temperatures around 26–28°C, and prices to match. The sweet spot is mid-January to late March: Crop Over festival is done, crowds thin slightly, and you're still getting 8+ hours of sunshine. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June–November, but Barbados sits south of the main hurricane belt and rarely takes direct hits. and hotels drop to $100–350/night during this window.
How much does a hotel in Barbados cost per night?
Budget options around Hastings and Needhams Point in Christ Church start at $100–190/night. Mid-range places in St. James like Treasure Beach Hotel at Paynes Bay run $200–350/night. For the full Platinum Coast luxury experience at Sandy Lane, you're looking at $900–2000/night. and that's not including the green fees at the golf course.
Is it better to stay on the west coast or south coast of Barbados?
West coast (St. James, St. Peter) is calmer, more upscale, and the sea is flat enough to swim in year-round. perfect around Paynes Bay and Sandy Lane Bay. The south coast around Maxwell Beach and Oistins has more energy, cheaper eats, and the legendary Friday night fish fry at Oistins is just a 10-minute drive from most hotels there. If you want to party and save money, go south. If you want to decompress, go west.
What is the best luxury hotel in Barbados?
Sandy Lane in St. James is the answer. full stop. It's been the benchmark on the Platinum Coast for decades, with the golf course, the spa, and that iconic Sandy Lane Bay beach right outside. Rates run $900–2000/night, but you're getting access to one of the most meticulously run hotel operations in the Caribbean. Book the Country Club wing if you want more space and a quieter pool.
What is the best beach resort in Barbados?
The Crane Resort in St. Philip takes it. the clifftop pool above Crane Beach alone justifies the trip, and Crane Beach itself consistently ranks among the top 10 beaches in the world. It's about 30 minutes from Bridgetown by car, which puts you away from the crowds. Rates are $380–750/night, and the Atlantic-side waves make it a completely different experience from the west coast.
Are there good all-inclusive hotels in Barbados?
Honest answer: Barbados isn't really an all-inclusive island the way Jamaica or Antigua is. But Sea Breeze Beach House on Maxwell Beach in Christ Church does it properly. solid food, right on the beach, and rates from $180–300/night that actually make sense. For everything else, you're better off staying at a regular hotel and eating at Oistins or the restaurants on Holetown's 1st Street.
Is Barbados a good destination for couples?
One of the best in the Caribbean. The Sandpiper in Holetown is specifically built for it. quiet, boutique, 5 minutes walk from Holetown's restaurants and Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. Cobblers Cove in Speightstown is another strong pick for couples who want even more seclusion, about 20 minutes north of Holetown. Rates between the two run $280–900/night depending on season.
How do I get around Barbados without a rental car?
The yellow minibuses cover most of the island cheaply. a ride from Bridgetown to Holetown costs around $1.50 BBD (about $0.75 USD) and takes 25–35 minutes. Route taxis (ZR vans) are faster but more chaotic, and they run along the ABC Highway corridor regularly. Renting a car through a local agency rather than a chain saves you 20–30%. just remember they drive on the left here.
What areas of Barbados should I avoid?
The area directly behind Bridgetown's Cheapside Market and around Nelson Street at night isn't where you want to be wandering as a tourist. It's not Barbados's roughest spot by regional standards, but it's genuinely sketchy after dark. Stick to the west coast strip, the south coast from Hastings to Oistins, or the north around Speightstown. all are safe and walkable.
Is Barbados good for families with kids?
Very good. The Crane Resort has 5 pools and the beach is wide and supervised. Sea Breeze Beach House on Maxwell Beach is another solid family option with calm water and all-inclusive meals from $180/night. Harrison's Cave in St. Thomas is a 40-minute drive from most west coast hotels and genuinely impressive for kids. book the tram tour in advance because it sells out during school holidays.
What's the cheapest way to stay in Barbados without sacrificing quality?
Coconut Court Beach Hotel on Hastings Main Road in Christ Church is our top pick at $110–190/night. it's right on the beach, clean, and has none of the grim budget-hotel energy. Radisson Aquatica at Needhams Point is another decent option at $130–220/night, about 10 minutes from Bridgetown's Broad Street. Travel in September or October and you'll find rates drop 30–40% across the board.
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