Island Inn

This was our second stay at the Island Inn & we have already booked to go again next year. This is not a 5 star, luxury all inclusive hotel but it is comfortable, the food is good & the location is excellent. We had a junior suite – the room was spacious, the bed was very comfortable, the bathroom was huge with a bath with shower plus a separate rain shower & plenty of toiletries (replenished as we used them). The air con worked really well – in fact we had to raise the temperature as it was a bit too cool to start with. There’s wifi in the room & it worked just fine. There is small fridge, which was handy for cooling water to take out with us. The cleaners did an excellent job. There are sunbeds near the pool – not sure there would be enough if everyone wanted one but Pebbles beach is only a couple of minutes walk away & the view is better! The pool is only small – enough for a dip to cool off or for kids to splash around in. The hotel provides pool towels – we didn’t use ours much so didn’t need to change them, so I don’t know if you can. Breakfast is a buffet -the choice is a bit limited but there are only 24 rooms so they can’t do the same kind of spread that you get in a much bigger hotel. However, there was enough choice for us to vary what we had so we didn’t get bored with it. Lunch & the evening meal are mostly served from a menu but some days they were buffets. Afternoon tea is usually 2 kinds sandwich plus cakes & biscuits. All the food was good quality & if it was supposed to be hot, then it was. Our only complaint was that the vegetable portions were tiny. They had changed the layout in the bar since our last visit (2 years ago) & sometimes it was difficult to get past the chairs & people standing around to get to the restaurant. Also, as someone else has mentioned, one person on the bar is not enough. In particular, if they go for break then no-one else stands in so you can’t get a drink until they get back. The rum tasting was fun & informative – I’m not a big fan of rum but even I found one that I liked. The staff were polite & helpful. If you want a good hotel without paying 5 star prices then I would recommend the Island Inn. Read less

If you’re looking for 5 star, luxury spa with sea views this isn’t the place for you. It’s quirky, historic and has a fantastic small intimate feel about it. The rooms are basic and could do with a bit of a make over but the beds are comfortable the air con worked great (and we needed it) and to be honest it was what we needed for the amount of time we spent in it. Perfectly situated for easy access to Carlisle Bay and Pebble Beach and that in itself was brill. We did the touristy snorkel trip and would highly recommend. The food was great, I’m really fussy but I thoroughly enjoyed every meal, their fish is amazing. The staff were funny, accommodating and friendly. Big shout out especially to Tre, Lemar and Terry on the bar, Elsie in the dining area and Thora who is a star on the dance floor. We had a fabulous time, met lots of lovely and likeminded people and we would definitely return Read less

We have just got home from Island Inn and miss it already. It's a small quaint hotel which probably could use a little TLC but the pros far outweigh the cons. Don't come here if you want large chain clinical luxury, you'll be disappointed but do come here if you want excellent food, staff who join in with the fun and a homely feel where everyone gets to know each other. We had a garden room which had a good air con and a huge comfy bed. Bathroom a bit small but it did the job and we weren't on holiday in the room, it all goes on outside. One minute from the beautiful Carlisle bay you could walk to Hastings or Bridgetown. Spent our evenings in good company with a few drinks and our days by the pool or on the beach. Small, intimate and we just loved it. Thanks to the staff for looking after us, Elsie, Anne, Jeanette and the other restaurant staff. Tre, Terry and Lamar at the bar. Sorry if I've forgotten anyone but you're all fab. Read less

We have been to Barbados on cruises but never stayed before. We wanted a small and friendly hotel and found the Island Inn. Despite mixed reviews we thought we would try it and we were not disappointed. Yes it is dated but this adds to it's charm. We had a superior garden room and loved it. Large room, very clean with a lovely comfortable bed. The food was excellent, we never had a bad meal and the food was never cold. I recommend ordering the packed lunch to take to the beach - sandwiches, cake, fresh fruit and beer, what more could you ask for. A special mention to Lamar one of the bar staff and his rum tasting evening which was great fun. We met some very nice people at the hotel and enjoyed our chats over a rum punch or cocktail. We thoroughly enjoy our time at this hotel and would recommend you give it a try. Read less

Typically, we opt for accommodations that offer tranquility over an all-inclusive experience. As travelers who value relaxation, we seek out hotels that provide a serene environment without the fanfare of water slides or late-night entertainment. Our preference leans towards hotels that are conveniently located near the beach and public transportation, and Island Inn Hotel seemed to fit the bill. Despite reading some unfavorable reviews about the hotel staff after making our reservation last year, we decided to form our own opinion. Our experience turned out to be delightful! The bartenders, Lemar and Tre, were exceptionally helpful, and I had the pleasure of sampling a wide variety of cocktails. The restaurant team, front desk staff, and housekeeping were all pleasant as well. It appears the hotel may have refreshed their staff with more enthusiastic individuals, which reflected in the service quality that was quite satisfactory for the price. Our daily routine included enjoying breakfast and dinner (no lunch as we were always on the go) at the hotel, each meal a delightful experience. The proximity of Pebbles Beach allowed us to easily return to the hotel for refreshments and bathroom breaks. Lounging on the pristine white sands with a cocktail in hand made me feel regal. This beach is also known for the morning spectacle of racehorses bathing, a view we could enjoy only a few steps from the hotel. During our stay, we ventured to Holetown for its annual festival and visited Mango Bay Hotel, a sister property. We were fortunate to dine there and were invited to use their larger pool and restaurant facilities, something we'll certainly do next time. Our explorations also took us to Hastings, accessible by public bus, which was an adventure in itself, especially the packed journey to Holetown made bearable by a fellow passenger's soothing church hymns practice. Situated about a 20-minute walk from Bridgetown in the Garrison area, both UNESCO-listed sites, Island Inn Hotel's location proved to be an excellent base for our Barbados adventure. Opting not to drive on the left-hand side of the road, we relied on taxis for airport transfers and a comprehensive island tour. We also indulged in a catamaran excursion to swim with turtles. Whether it was joining organized tours, arranging airport pickups, hopping on public buses, or strolling to Bridgetown, the hotel's location was incredibly convenient. I've even recommended Island Inn Hotel to a friend planning a Barbados trip. Read less