Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Barbados, Caribbean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Hidden away on the beautiful west coast of Barbados, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion sits on an unrivalled half-a-mile stretch of powder-soft beach and 11 acres of lush, tropical gardens. You'll find welcoming staff, impeccable service, and complimentary facilities including a freshwater swimming pool, non-motorised water sports and tennis. This elegant resort features 72 rooms and suites, with glass fronted balconies in the Luxury and Signature Oceanfront rooms. The spacious Beachfront Suites come complete with a butler service and decked terraces that are a step away from the beach, perfect for moonlit dining overlooking the ocean. The Palm Terrace restaurant has breathtaking views of the sunset over the Caribbean Sea, whilst the open-air Taboras provides exceptional international and local cuisine in a relaxed setting, just a stones throw from the waters edge. All rooms include full buffet breakfast to set you up for the day, while the Beachfront Suites and Villa categories enjoy the added benefits of daily afternoon tea, and evening canapes to ensure you're always well fed!

Amenities

  • Golf
  • Hobie Cats
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Tennis
  • Water Skiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Yoga
  • Babysitting service
  • Wheelchair access

Where is it

In the parish of St James, on the calm west coast of Barbados, set on a half-a-mile stretch of white sand. Transfer time from airport: 45 minutes.

Hotel information

72 rooms and suites, all with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private balcony or terrace, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD/CD player, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar*, safe, iron and ironing board, marble-floored bathrooms with deep soaking tub and separate shower, Seersucker bathrobes, and a hairdryer. 

Luxury Oceanfront Rooms are located on the 2nd floor, with either 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 people. Interconnecting rooms for families are available (on request and subject to availability).

Included with all room types: Daily breakfast for 2 and all rooms benefit from VIP Airport fast track service on arrival.

Please note: Children eat for free when dining off the kids menu, and 50% off when dining off the adult menu. Adults must be present at dining to receive discounted prices.

Signature Oceanfront Rooms are located on the 3rd floor with unobstructed ocean views from the oversized balcony, and either 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 people.

Beachfront Suites are larger with direct beach access, additional seating both inside and on the private terrace, and 1 king-size bed plus a queen-size sofa bed, sleeping maximum 3 people. Wheelchair accessible Beachfront Junior Suites feature a roll-in shower and 1 king-size bed.

The Villa Junior Suite is located less than 100m from the beach and occupies the full upper level of the villa, offering plenty of space, with 1 bedroom with king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

The Villa 2-Bedroom Suite is located on the ground floor, and consists of two bedrooms either side of the large lounge, and a terrace with garden and partial sea views, and 2 king-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

3-Bedroom Villas are one-of-a-kind stand-alone villas located in the lush tropical gardens, offering breathtaking vistas of the azure Caribbean Sea from 2 furnished terraces, a spacious living room featuring seating and dining areas, and 1 king-size bed in each bedroom, sleeping maximum 7 people.

Included with Suites and Villas: Daily breakfast for 2, VIP Airport fast track service, daily afternoon tea, butler service, daily canapés and special amenity from the chef.

Palm Terrace Restaurant (Caribbean style menu, open for breakfast daily and dinner Wed-Sun, with a separate bar and lounge area). Taboras Restaurant (Oceanfront restaurant and bar, open for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and drinks throughout the day). Beach Club (open for lunch, and drinks throughout the day).

Nightly live music and weekly manager's cocktail reception.

Freshwater swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi. 24-hour fitness centre. 2 hard court tennis courts. In-room holistic spa treatments* and massages*. Complimentary swim with the turtles daily. Non-motorised water sports including kayaking, snorkelling, hobie wave sailboats, stand up paddle boarding, paddle boats and sea floats. Motorised water sports* including fishing trips, water-skiing, and scuba diving. Seasonal complimentary daily activities including kayaking, sailing, beach cricket, soccer, local Bajan sporting games, treasure hunts, films, arts and crafts, fitness classes, and yoga. Garden tours. Access to exclusive 18-hole Royal Westmoreland golf course*.

Complimentary WiFi acces. Salon. Boutique. 24-hour room service*. Babysitting* (reservations required). Laundry service*. Complimentary self-parking. 24-hour guest services. 

A Tourism Fee will be charged per bedroom, per night and will be collected at check out. The rate is subject to change by the Government, and varies by hotel room. Fees currently range from 8.75 Barbadian dollar (approximately £3.90) to 35 Barbadian dollar​ (approximately £16.00) per bedroom, per night. 

Wheelchair adapted rooms with partially accessible amenities or facilities available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. To discover all the special assistance services we offer please see additional information below.

5 nights between 26 Dec—31 Dec.

* Denotes local charge.

Special assistance

Please note: Child ages 0-12 years.


Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1171)
  • Very good (326)
  • Average (112)
  • Poor (61)
  • Terrible (28)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great stay at the Royal Pavilion

Dec 6, 2023 WayneB1972 Norwich, United Kingdom

We arrived 27 November for 10 days and write this on our last evening. Shared the same concerns as the review immediately below, but were not overly affected by the finishing of works. There appears to be an ongoing upgrade to the Fairmont, with the main restaurant and bar looking good for the improvements. Breakfast was perfect with good choice… Read more
We arrived 27 November for 10 days and write this on our last evening. Shared the same concerns as the review immediately below, but were not overly affected by the finishing of works. There appears to be an ongoing upgrade to the Fairmont, with the main restaurant and bar looking good for the improvements. Breakfast was perfect with good choice and a change in offering from day to day. We often ate in Holetown in the evening and JuJus during lunch so it wasn’t an issue as the Tabora kitchen was being finished. Most of the buildings and the entire grounds are immaculate. What set this hotel apart for us was the friendliness of staff. We were constantly greeted and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome and valued. Likewise the guests who reciprocate that which creates a good atmosphere around the hotel. Too many staff to mention but Michael by the beach and Anthony on maintenance were excellent, as were all the bar staff. Look forward to returning to Barbados and the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Hotel In The Main…

Dec 4, 2023 Nidgehammer Stevenage, United Kingdom

We arrived on November 23 for an 8 day break somewhat nervously having read some recent negative reviews regarding both ongoing work and lack of professionalism amongst staff. We were quickly shown to our room which was just two doors along from the one we stayed in 4 years previously and it was still in excellent order, a lovely comfortable… Read more
We arrived on November 23 for an 8 day break somewhat nervously having read some recent negative reviews regarding both ongoing work and lack of professionalism amongst staff. We were quickly shown to our room which was just two doors along from the one we stayed in 4 years previously and it was still in excellent order, a lovely comfortable queen sized bed and of course that amazing view from the balcony - very difficult to beat. We found the vast majority of staff to be very helpful and friendly (big up Ryan, Michael, Gabrielle, Kyle et al) and didn’t have a problem with any of them for the whole week or so and there was very little noise while finishing off the Taberna restaurant and bar. We spoke to people who had been there the previous couple of weeks and they clearly had encountered issues but I can only speak as I find. The breakfast is good here with slightly variable omelettes depending who was on station although we felt the quality of the coffee could be improved. We ate in the restaurant twice and it was decent but expensive as you would expect in a 5 star hotel. The pool is lovely to relax around with comfortable sun beds and the occasional glimpse of green monkeys in the huge trees fringing the area. It has to be said though that the real place to lounge is on the beautiful beach where the warm sea sometimes laps right up to the sunbeds - it’s truly beautiful. The hotel isn’t perfect, I’ve never stayed in one that is, but I think they’re pulling their socks up and trying hard to rectify issues that have been highlighted on here previously, let’s hope they don’t let it slip again.. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating You. Should think again

Nov 15, 2023 E1953EJrichardd London, United Kingdom

I am still here and the latest review is absolutely correct by Susie JM Beach 5 star ,food 1 star ,staff 3 star. We eat out every night and the manager should study Lone Star to see how a real five star establishment operates. It feels Fairmont are more interested in maintaining their profit margins than giving five star quality to their… Read more
I am still here and the latest review is absolutely correct by Susie JM Beach 5 star ,food 1 star ,staff 3 star. We eat out every night and the manager should study Lone Star to see how a real five star establishment operates. It feels Fairmont are more interested in maintaining their profit margins than giving five star quality to their guests. If you want 4 star quality for five star cost the this is the place for you. PS the building works are ongoing and the management can’t even stop the contractors from shouting continually spoiling the pool.surround You should think again Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Should be much better for the money

Nov 14, 2023 SusieJM Essex

We recently returned from 8 days (9 in the end as BA cancelled our flight home) at the Fairmont and can only say that, despite having a great holiday, we were very disappointed with the hotel itself. This is supposed to be a luxury 5 star hotel, but there were none of the little touches you would expect - no complimentary ice box with water on the… Read more
We recently returned from 8 days (9 in the end as BA cancelled our flight home) at the Fairmont and can only say that, despite having a great holiday, we were very disappointed with the hotel itself. This is supposed to be a luxury 5 star hotel, but there were none of the little touches you would expect - no complimentary ice box with water on the beach, no sorbet or fruit or cold flannels brought round, in fact bar service on the beach was very hit and miss completely. We often had to help ourselves to beach towels as there was no-one in the hut at the beach and on a few occasions around the hotel it felt as if we had to interrupt personal conversations to get attention. Again, not 5 star. Despite BA warning us (though only after booking I would add, as we would have booked elsewhere had we known) that the main restaurant and bar would be closed during our stay, we had no idea how much this would impact our holiday. The area was covered in ripped plastic and the noise, dirt and sometimes even smell made the pool and outside bar area unusable. Even some of the beach was made unusable too - who wants to listen to hammering and drilling while they are on holiday? We were informed by BA that another restaurant would be available, which we did try on our first night, but despite the food being ok the service was unbelievably slow, so we ate out every night after that. Also the bar available was soulless with harsh lighting. The hotel beach bar was shabby and not a nice place to spend any time. In our view, the hotel should have been closed while this refurbishment was carried out, as to charge customers top dollar and yet provide such poor value for money is unacceptable in our view. We will be taking his matter up with BA as they were our holiday provider, but the Fairmont should really take responsibility for this. On the plus side, the hotel is in an idyllic setting on arguably the best beach on the island. The gardens are beautiful and we spotted monkeys a couple of times. The rooms are good with great balconies and views, but we feel this hotel trades on it's location and could be so much better. The staff however were all friendly and tried to be helpful, but the service wasn't slick like in some other hotels we have stayed at on the island and elsewhere. The fact that we are not new to the island saved this holiday, as we knew where to go and what to do away from the hotel, but for the money this hotel should be much, much better than it is. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Beach Club in Barbados!

Nov 12, 2023 Heather N

we were fortunate to have membership at the Beach Club during our stay. Fabulous Beach Bar and restaurant. Great food and drinks. But what made it so special was Ryan working so hard to make sure all the guests were comfortable and happy! Every day was a joy with Ryan there to greet you and set you up with the lounges and umbrella. A fantastic… Read more
we were fortunate to have membership at the Beach Club during our stay. Fabulous Beach Bar and restaurant. Great food and drinks. But what made it so special was Ryan working so hard to make sure all the guests were comfortable and happy! Every day was a joy with Ryan there to greet you and set you up with the lounges and umbrella. A fantastic beach with a reef just yards off the shore for phenomenal snorkeling! Beautiful fish and Eels and sea urchins and corals. You will want to spend hours everyday enjoying the beauty and the hospitality... P.S. Make sure you meet Ryan, He will always make you smile Read less