Courtyard Bridgetown by Marriott

Hwy. 7, Hastings Main Rd., Garrison, St. Michael BB15156, Barbados

Why We Like It

Expect a comfortable room that’s typical Courtyard—but not tropical; a convenient location—walk to the beach and restaurants; and functional—no surprises, and everything works.

Fodor's Expert Review

A four-story hotel just off the main road (on the inland side) on the busy south coast of Barbados, this is especially appropriate for business guests and for vacationers who don’t need a lot of resort activities or entertainment—and don’t want to pay for what they don’t need. The contemporary style and atmosphere here is similar to stateside Courtyard hotels: very good service; well-appointed accommodations; good value; and, overall, a pleasant environment.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

The hotel’s rooms and suites each have a king or two queen beds, an ergonomic workstation, and a minifridge; some rooms have balconies, and connecting rooms are available. Executive suites all have balconies, a separate living room with pullout sofa and dining table, and kitchenette. There’s elevator access to each floor, and some mobility-access rooms that are specially equipped with wide doorways and roll-in showers. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for a small charge.

Tip The hotel has an onsite coin-op laundry.

Bathroom

The bathrooms themselves are not large, but they are modern and have granite-topped vanities. Most rooms have a walk-in shower; executive suites have a shower/tub combination with louvered windows that open out to the bedroom.

Lobby

In an alcove next to the reception desk, guests can purchase sundries and convenience items, as well as snacks from vending machines. Newspapers are available in the lobby. There’s a lot of comfortable seating, a virtual concierge system, and a business center.

You Should Know There’s very little “Caribbean vibe" here. And it’s definitely a hotel, not a resort.

Pool

A small outdoor lap pool on the second floor overlooks the courtyard; an adjacent terrace has tables and chairs—mainly for meeting/conference use, but you're welcome to have a seat!

Spa

Soothing Touch Day Spa offers an array of treatments; there’s also a barber/beauty shop on the premises.

Gym

A large, air-conditioned fitness room on the second floor, near the pool deck, has cardio equipment, medicine balls, and free weights. Also, you can meander over to the South Coast Boardwalk for jogging, walking, or a casual stroll.

Dining

Centro, a casual dining area in a corner of the hotel lobby, has buffet, grab-n-go, and hot dishes at breakfast and light meals at lunch or dinner.

You Should Know It’s hard to call this a “restaurant,” as service is cafeteria-style with limited (yet relatively expensive) choices and seat-yourself tables and chairs.

Drinking

Beer, wine, and cocktails are served at Centro in the evening. You can sit at a table in the restaurant area or in more comfortable seating in the lobby lounge.

Beach

You can walk to Coconut Beach, where complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels are set aside for Courtyard guests.

Tip The hotel doesn’t offer any water-sports activities; if you’re looking for adventure, though, Dread or Dead Surf Shop offers surfing and standup paddleboard lessons, rentals, and tours—and it's within walking distance.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Courtyard Bridgetown is on the inland side of Hastings Main Road (Hwy. 7), which has frequent bus service to and from Bridgetown or elsewhere along the south coast. The hotel is a stroll away from Coconut Beach and the South Coast Boardwalk and within walking distance of the Garrison Historic District—Barbados Museum, George Washington House, Garrison Savannah (horse racing), and several other sites. Taxis are always available; the fare to or from the airport is about $30. To explore the island on your own, car rental agencies are located at the airport and nearby on the south coast; the hotel has ample free parking.

Restaurants

Tapas (10-minute walk), about halfway along the South Coast Boardwalk, is open for lunch, dinner, and, of course, tapas anytime—and always with an ocean view.

On the waterfront in Rockley, east of the hotel, Champers (10-minute drive) is a classy but comfortable place to enjoy lunch or dinner. Just west of the hotel in Aquatic Gap, Brown Sugar (5-minute drive) serves a full Bajan buffet (dozens of courses) at lunchtime and a full menu for dinner. And on The Careenage in Bridgetown, Waterfront Café (10-minute drive) is a great place for alfresco dining at lunch or for dinner accompanied (some nights) by live jazz.

Definitely take in the Oistins Fish Fry (20-minute drive), a must-do event on Friday evenings. All along the waterfront, local folks grill fresh fish (and chicken for landlubbers), served with traditional Bajan sides. Seating is at communal picnic tables, servings are huge, prices are low, and music adds to the fun.

Bars

Bubba’s Sports Bar (5-minute drive) on the main road in Rockley and just a little east of the hotel, is exactly that: a sports bar. And St. Lawrence Gap comes alive at nighttime. Try The Old Jamm Inn or Scoopie's Jazz (10-minute drive) for drinks, music, dancing, and a convivial crowd.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 246-625–0000