Lone Star Hotel

Hwy. 1, Mount Standfast, St. James, Barbados

Why We Like It

It’s chic, it’s unique, it’s trendy, it’s tiny…it’s special.

Fodor's Expert Review

This 1940s-era service station was transformed into a sleek beachfront boutique hotel that—fortunately or unfortunately—has since been discovered by celebrities. A shady terrace overlooks the beach; golf, tennis, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding are available nearby.

You Should Know While kids are certainly welcome, the atmosphere and amenities are more suited to adults.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

The hotel's six large, architecturally fascinating suites—two penthouse suites, two oceanfront, and two in a separate beach house—are elegantly decorated in neutral colors and furnished with grand mahogany four-poster beds (that match the polished mahogany floors) and chic Italian-designed upholstered chairs, sofas, and settees. Each suite—appropriately dubbed Buick, Cadillac, Studebaker, Lincoln, Shelby, and Corvette—has a spacious private (furnished) veranda or terrace with a view of the sea. Rooms are just steps from the beach.

You Should Know The hotel is close to the road, so early morning traffic may be distracting. Bring earplugs if that's an issue!

Bathroom

The bathrooms are lavish—huge, fresh, serene, really quite extravagant—with modern fixtures, long vanities with double sinks and a huge mirror above, enormous glass-wall shower, elegant toiletries, and lots of plush towels. Penthouse suites also have a large soaking tub.

Lobby

There is an office for check in/out, information, and so forth—not really a lobby.

Spa

“Lone Spa” massages, body treatments, facials, and nail care are delivered in the privacy of your room.

Gym

An outdoor fitness studio offers yoga, Pilates, and personal training.

Dining

The beachfront restaurant, which is open to the public, is extraordinary—both in terms of cuisine and atmosphere. The chefs turn the finest local ingredients into gastronomic delights. Have breakfast on the boardwalk (it’s included). At lunch, tasty salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas are served in the oceanfront bar. After sunset, the casual daytime atmosphere turns trendy. The menu offers enough land, sea, and vegetarian dishes to please any palate.

Tip There’s a kids menu, too.

Drinking

The bar overlooking the beach is a good place to escape the sun and have a cold drink—or to just sit and gaze at the ocean. Plan on cocktails in the lounge at sunset; you can depend on a spectacular view.

Beach

A long, fairly narrow beach extends all along the ocean side of the hotel. The sand is powdery and clean; the water is crystal-clear and calm for swimming and snorkeling. You may even see a sea turtle swimming along with you. Loungers and umbrellas are allocated to each guestroom, so there’s no concern about not having one when you want it.

Tip Need water? A snack? Fresh towel? Your personal beach butler is at your service.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Buses pass right by the front of the hotel, heading north to Speightstown or south to Holetown and then Bridgetown. The fare is $1. Taxis are always available, but a rental car is a good idea if you plan on frequently going elsewhere for dinner or exploring the island on your own. Depending on taxis can be costly. Some restaurants in Speightstown offer complimentary round-trip transportation with a minimum spend. The hotel offers complimentary airport transfers.

Restaurants

Just south of Holetown (which is south of Lone Star), The Tides (12-minute drive) has long been considered one of the island’s best restaurants. Once a private mansion, the dining room—just feet from the sea—has huge tree trunks growing right through it. The cuisine is as dazzling as the atmosphere.

Heading north from the hotel, The Lobster Pot (15-minute drive)—on the beachfront in Speightstown—serves lobster in many styles, along with Caribbean specialties. Nearby, Juma’s Restaurant (15-minute drive) specializes in French and Thai cuisine—with a Caribbean flair, of course. Both host a Sunday afternoon beach BBQ with live music. Kids are always welcome.

Just beyond Speightstown, on the waterfront, The Fish Pot is a great spot for lunch when heading out for a tour of the east coast or dinner anytime—fresh seafood, of course. Much more appealing than its name implies, The Fish Pot is one of the most popular dining spots on the west coast.

Bars

In Holetown, enjoy a sophisticated evening at Drift Ocean Terrace Lounge (12-minute drive) or a more lively night at Red Door Lounge or Duke’s Night Lounge (10-minute drive).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 246-629–0599