The best hotels in Bermuda

These self-catering cottages sit directly above Grape Bay Beach, one of Bermuda's quieter pink sand stretches. The accommodations are simple and a bit dated, but the setting is hard to argue with at this price point. You get a full kitchen, which saves a lot of money on Bermuda's notoriously expensive restaurant scene. The walk down to the beach takes about two minutes. Good for independent travelers who want space and privacy without paying resort rates.

Edgehill Manor is a small guesthouse on Rosemont Avenue, about a ten-minute walk from Hamilton's Front Street ferry terminal. The colonial-style house has eight rooms that are clean and modest, with no frills but solid beds. Breakfast is included and served on a terrace with a decent view over the city. It draws repeat visitors who know Bermuda well and want a local feel rather than a resort. Not ideal if you need a pool or beach access on site.

Surf Side sits on the South Shore cliffs with direct stairway access to a small private cove, which is its biggest selling point. The apartments-style rooms are spacious and well-equipped with kitchenettes, making it popular with families and longer-stay guests. The public South Shore beaches, including Warwick Long Bay, are a short walk away. The property feels a bit worn in places but is maintained well enough. Moped rental nearby makes getting around the island straightforward.

Grotto Bay is one of Bermuda's more distinctive resorts, built around a natural limestone grotto and cave system that guests can swim in. The location on the northeast side of the island near Bailey's Bay is less central but peaceful. Rooms are spread across hillside cottages with views of the bay, and the main beach is calm and good for families with young children. The cave snorkeling experience is genuinely memorable and not something you find at other Bermuda properties. Water sports rentals on site are well-organized.

Cambridge Beaches sits at the far western tip of the island on a private peninsula with five separate beaches, which gives it a seclusion that larger resorts cannot match. The resort has operated since 1923 and the grounds show that history, with mature gardens and traditional Bermudian cottage-style accommodation. The spa is well-regarded and worth booking ahead. Getting to Hamilton takes about thirty minutes by ferry from the nearby dock, which feels like part of the island experience rather than an inconvenience. Food options on the property are better than most comparable resorts.

Rosewood Bermuda occupies a prime position on Tucker's Town peninsula, a historically exclusive part of the island, with access to a private pink sand beach. The resort is spread across manicured grounds and the rooms are among the largest and most thoughtfully designed in Bermuda. The Mid Ocean Golf Club is adjacent, which draws serious golfers from around the world. Dining at the property is genuinely good, not just resort-good, with fresh seafood handled well. The level of service is consistent and attentive without becoming intrusive.

Coco Reef occupies a quiet headland on the South Shore Road near Elbow Beach, with its own small beach area and clear water access. The hotel has a genuinely intimate feel, with fewer than fifty rooms arranged around a central pool. Rooms are well-furnished and most have ocean views worth paying extra for. The on-site restaurant is reliable but not exceptional, so plan to explore outside. Couples tend to do well here, especially off-peak when rates drop and the place gets even quieter.

Rosedon is a handsome manor house hotel on Pitts Bay Road, a short walk from Hamilton Harbour and the city center shops. The rooms in the original building have more character than the newer annex rooms. The garden pool area is a calm retreat after a day of sightseeing. Staff are genuinely helpful and know the island well, which makes a real difference for first-time visitors. Breakfast is better than average for this price range in Bermuda.

Newstead Belmont Hills sits above Harbour Road with strong views across Hamilton Harbour and easy ferry access into the city. The property ties into the Belmont Hills Golf Club, so golfers get convenient access to the course. Rooms and suites are stylish and well-maintained, and the pool area is one of the better hotel pools on the island. The ferry dock at the bottom of the hill means you can be in Hamilton in ten minutes without renting a moped. Service is polished without being stiff.

The Hamilton Princess has been the landmark address on Pitts Bay Road since 1885 and remains the most recognizable hotel on the island. The pink exterior and harbour-front position are iconic, and the interior art collection is worth seeing even if you are not staying. A dedicated ferry runs guests to the Beach Club at Sinky Bay, which solves the problem of having a harbour hotel without beach access. Rooms in the main building vary in size but the harbour-view rooms justify the premium. The restaurants, particularly the Marcus restaurant, are among the best on the island by a clear margin.