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Bermuda's Accommodation for Tourists and Business Visitors

Categories and types of guest premises for lifestyles and budgets

By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) exclusively for Bermuda Online

To refer to this file use "bermuda-online.org/accomm1.htm" as your Subject.

Tourism's 2009-2010 woes, with Budget cut and staff slashed

In June 2009 it was reported that visitor spending plunged more than 45 percent in the first three months of this year. Statistics for the first quarter reveal the brutal economic impact of the huge drop in visitor arrivals in the January to March period. The 45.5 percent fall was was a direct result of fewer air arrivals and scaled-back spending by visitors. Government estimated total visitor expenditure for the quarter at $29.7 million, a decline of $24.8 million over the previous year. Average spending per tourist plunged 28 percent to $922 in the first quarter, compared to $1,280 in the same period last year. The figures show how the dramatic reduction in visitor dollars has damaged the livelihoods of retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and taxi drivers alike. Expenditure on accommodation and food fell 46.6 percent to $22.5 million, compared to $42.1 million for the first quarter of 2008. Visitors spent $7.2 million on shopping, entertainment and transportation, representing a fall of $5.2 million, or 41.9 percent. Tourism worldwide has been impacted to varying degrees by the global economic downturn as tourists and business people have cut out on trips to save money.

In April 2009 it was reported in The Royal Gazette that faced with falling bookings, the Island's hotels considered doubling the current $400 credit offer for four-night stays to $800. But industry sources say the idea was scrapped because not all the hotels involved could agree on it and another promotion to boost bookings is said to now be on the table. Visitors paying $200 or less for a room in Bermuda might have got away with an almost zero balance on checkout, had the idea been agreed to. It was hoped guests in turn, would increase spending in hotel restaurants and bars and on tours. The Fairmont Southampton sold 14,000 room nights in just four days with its recent $99 a night promotion, putting pressure on the Island's other hotels to reduce their rates or come up with promotions. As part of Tourism's '400th anniversary sizzling summer offer', more than a dozen participating hotels in Bermuda are currently offering guests a credit of $400 for stays of four nights or more. And four-night packages as low as $672 a person including accommodation at hotels like Surfside and The Wharf suites are being offered from gateway cities such as New York and Boston. High-end luxury properties are discounting more and that business and corporate travel as well as meetings and conventions are off significantly, which also has a greater impact on the larger hotels. 

In mid February 2009, the Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism's budget to March 31, 2010 was cut by eight percent. An estimated $32.48 million will be spent on tourism this year, down from $35.30 million last year and $42.07 in 2007/08. The Department has also shed 27 jobs in the past year, from 78 to 51, all as a result of the restructuring of the North American Tourism Office.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said the core objectives of the Department of Tourism's 2009 plan are to:

Dr. Brown revealed the Department of Tourism has engaged the services of global digital marketing agency iCrossing, to strengthen its on-line presence and to drive incremental business to the Island. And a project called 'Rejuvenating the Tourism Workforce' is being launched in a bid to encourage more Bermudians to get interested in the hospitality industry. 

In the challenging 2008/2009 winter season businesses have joined in a campaign to offer a range of discounts to visitors to pep up trade. The "Passport to the Bermuda Experience" is a booklet drawn up by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce  (BCC) offering about $1,000 in potential coupon savings to visitors who booked a special winter package deal to celebrate the Island's 400th anniversary. BCC co-operated with the Bermuda Hotel Association and the Department of Tourism to offer the promotion, which started from November 1 2008 and runs through March 31, 2009. 5,000 booklets to date have been printed and the demand for them has been good. Examples of savings include buying one spa treatment and getting the second for 40 percent off; a $50 'early bird' dinner for two; a second round of golf free, cart fee only; free shipping to North America for purchases over $250; and 10 percent off sales over $25. BCC's goal however was to go that one step further for its members (most local businesses) by developing something that would help entice these visitors into our retail and restaurant establishments and encourage them to use local services.

2008 results

Visitor arrivals fell sharply in 2008. With air arrivals down 13.72 percent and cruise arrivals down 19.1 percent, the overall number of tourists dropped from 663,767 to 582,980 for the year. Those flying to Bermuda on vacation fell 10.1 percent, from 191,150 to 171,928, overshadowing a 5.6 percent increase in business arrivals from 48,762 to 51,469; and a 21.1 percent rise in convention attendees from 18,776 to 22,733. And the people that do come to the Island are also spending less in hotels, shops and bars and on leisure activities.

The Premier announced a battle plan intended to arrest the slide and help Bermuda weather the storm of the global economic crisis. With the travel industry affected in 2008 amid the backdrop of a recession, soaring gas prices, a weaker US dollar and reduced flights by airlines, Bermuda, like many other destinations, felt the effects. Forward looking visitor bookings indicate Bermuda is being affected by the economic downturn in the United States. The weakening of the pound and the Canadian dollar is also expected to impact the two markets that have shown some buoyancy in recent times.

Air arrivals were down from 305,548 in 2008 to 291,431, with the major problem a 9.5 percent slump in air visitors from the United States, down from 229,498 to 207,810. Visitation increased from Canada, the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, but overall figures were down because the US dominates the market. Government had predicted a fall in cruise visitors at the start of last year, due to the absence of small ships and the inability to accommodate more than one ship at a time. The fall of 19.1 percent represents a drop from 354,024 passengers to 286,408. 

Excluding private, unlicensed premises, Bermuda has 47 official guest accommodation properties comprising hotels, guesthouses and cottage colonies and about 134 restaurants.

2007 Results

The Bermuda Government says it is "focused on attracting quality visitors" (those with incomes above $150,000). Bermuda saw a record breaking number of visitors to the Island in 2007. Bermuda had 663,767 visitors, an increase of 3.44 percent from the 641,717 visitors who arrived in 2006. Total air arrivals reached a 7 year high with 305,548 visitors arriving on island in 2007, up 2.2% from the 298,973 visitors in 2006. An Airport Exit Survey showed that the estimated total air visitor expenditure had risen by approximately $50 million. Hotel occupancy was also up, although there were 245 less beds in 2007 due to hotel closures. Bermuda's PR agency Corbin & Associates estimated that the total value of coverage in international media was worth approximately $16 million.

Tens of millions of dollars were invested in new hotels across the Island, with projects under way at Newstead Belmont Hills, Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Coco Reef, Tucker's Point and Ariel Sands. The former Wyndham resort is to become the Southampton Beach Resort, while Club Med, Lantana, and the Golden Hind properties are also earmarked for redevelopment. Bermuda is anticipating the arrival of luxury brands St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Jumeirah.

However there is growing concern that the business traveler is bolstering the arrivals numbers and that too much emphasis is being placed on the traditionally lower spending cruise ship passenger. Bermuda's largest customer segment is the business traveler, at 50-60 percent, driven by international companies on the Island. But with the arrival of low cost carriers out of Boston and New York, such as JetBlue, Bermuda has seen improved hotel occupancy levels, with many people coming here for a leisure weekend. In guest houses, 2007 was a booming year. Occupancy went gone up dramatically. It's the first time in 20 years most properties were full all summer. This is the best year Bermuda has ever had, and the airlines with the lower cost fares had a lot to do with it.

In January 2007, the World Bank confirmed Bermuda has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the world. The Island’s total GDP – the market value of all the goods and services produced – rose by 9.1 percent in 2005, driven upwards chiefly by the expansion of the international business sector. Bermuda’s total GDP was estimated at $4.857 billion – or $76,403 per head. That puts Bermuda at the top of the GDP per capita global league table, with second-placed Luxembourg more than $10,000 behind. In comparison, the US had a GDP per capita over the same year of $41,600, Canada $33,900 and the UK $30,100. 

See details about all tourism accommodation properties in Bermuda.

Bermuda has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the world, The Island’s total GDP – the market value of all the goods and services produced – rose by 9.1 percent in 2007, driven upwards chiefly by the expansion of the international business sector. Bermuda’s total GDP was estimated at $4.857 billion – or a remarkable $76,403 per head. According to the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook web-site and World Bank records, that puts Bermuda at the top of the GDP per capita global league table, with second-placed Luxembourg more than $10,000 behind in 2007. In comparison, the US had a GDP per capita over the same year of $41,600, Canada $33,900 and the UK $30,100. The figures showed substantial rises in the output of construction, tourism, business services and real estate, as well as international business. But the output of the retail sector saw only a slight rise – a decline after inflation was taken into account.

Visitors to Bermuda on a cruise ship who are not passengers for the return journey should not attempt to enter Bermuda without a confirmed reservation in writing from a recognized place to stay, or from a private home which can be verified, without a passport and valid return ticket for an onward  or return journey in three weeks or less. Some travelers have had serious problems for not following this mandate. Nor should they attempt to overstay their maximum of three weeks, or attempt to look for a job while here.

Free courtesy hyperlinks (links) to the main websites of places and organizations, which include full details of their histories and operations, will be shown gladly, to give their full details as Bermuda resources, once they return the courtesy with a  free reciprocal link to our main Bermuda Online website at http://www.bermuda-online.org. See our Links and Mentions policy at http://www.bermuda-online.org/links.htm. 

Access for visitors with disabilities

Unlike in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Bermuda has no laws equivalent to the ADA or UK's Disability Discrimination Act. Nor have legislators indicated any interest in bringing Bermuda up to international standards. Access is not good compared to the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, etc. 

When space is available for the disabled - accompanied if in a wheelchair - this symbol indicates this. Always confirm this with the proprietor and note that properties in Bermuda do not have to conform to ADA or any locally-equivalent standards at this time. 

The Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association has facts about Bermuda showing the true level of access for the disabled. It is not a Government Department but a registered charity for the disabled. Handicapped - disabled - persons should check in advance that bars, cottage colonies, efficiency units, guest houses, hotels  and restaurants they favor really are wheelchair friendly, with accessible toilet facilities and ample room for wheelchairs or entrances without stairs or steps. Places that are wheelchair friendly include pedestrian crossings in the City of Hamilton which are flush with pavements or sidewalks and ATM cash machines are low enough for people in wheelchairs to reach. 

Accommodation costs

When properties mentioned have their own distinctive websites (as most do), a simple hyperlink to Bermuda Online will not only be reciprocated (cross-linked) immediately, but will ensure via the cross linking system that all visitors to Bermuda, via this site, can see their current accommodation prices.

Average length of stay and sources of visitors

Average length of stay in the year ended September 30, 2007 was 6 nights (6.0 for air arrivals, 3.9 for cruise visitors). In the previous year it was 5.8 nights. Also in the year ended September 30, 2007, the number of bed nights was 830,917. 

Visitor spending averages in their entire stay:

• By air: 1,875 in 2007

• By cruise ship: $300 in 2007

Bermuda is one of the most expensive countries in the world for visitors, with virtually everything imported, whether food or slate, and Customs Duty on top of that.

For current members, see Bermuda Government Boards. Offices include Bermuda, Boston, London, Toronto, New York, Atlanta.

Bermuda Hotel Association’s Hurricane Guarantee programme:

• If the Bermuda Weather Service predicts a hurricane-force storm to approach within 200 miles of our island and within five days, you may cancel reservations without penalty
• If our island is directly affected by a hurricane (as determined by the Bermuda Weather Service) during your stay, the participating hotel will not charge for rooms, food and beverage or other essential services for any period of time that the hotel’s normal services are unavailable
• If a participating hotel is unable to continue operations due to damage incurred by a hurricane (as determined by the Bermuda Weather Service), the hotel will invite you to return for a complimentary stay within one year from the reopening
• The replacement stay must be taken within one year from the hotel’s reopening and will be in an equivalent room category to the original booking. Other expenses, including airfare and incidentals, are not covered by this guarantee

Please contact your hotel or cottage colony or guesthouse or apartment so see if they participate and  for complete Hurricane Guarantee terms and conditions.

Bermuda laws

Bermuda is marketed as being British but it should be known that no British laws of any kind from the United Kingdom apply in Bermuda. Bermuda makes all its own laws and they are Bermudian laws not British laws. The Bermuda Constitution protects Bermudians only. Human Rights laws are very basic compared to UK, USA and Canadian laws. Unlike the Human Rights and/or Civil Rights laws in those countries, there are none in Bermuda specifically covering codes and standards, accommodation and social security pensions for seniors, or transportation policies for the disabled. Also, young men are conscripted - required by local law to serve in the Bermuda Regiment.

British visitors

Visitors from Britain should note that tea sold in Bermuda is mixed for the American palate and is very weak compared to teas imported into the UK. Even familiar brand names such as Twining's and Typhoo seem to sell a different formula in Bermuda and USA.

Camping sites

Bermuda, one of the world's most expensive places to go on vacation, is undeniably lovely of course for high-spending tourists. But very expensive for budget travelers. Campgrounds are seasonal, by permission only, strictly enforced and policed and are for locals only. Tourists who are not organized school campers should always have firmed-up hotel or guesthouse or cottage colony or licensed efficiency unit, to avoid problems if they arrive without them. 

With Bermuda's population the 3rd highest in the world per capita, many houses very close together, and the cost of living one of the highest in the world, don't risk offending people and causing a problem if you ask if you can camp on their property or using a couch and have not met them personally or well enough to call anyone a friend. 

Only the licensed tourist properties have more space. To avoid any problems in accommodation, stay only in one of them, to discover for yourself how nice Bermuda can be. We have made some personal recommendations in each category. 

Camping is limited to residents of Bermuda. There are NO camp sites for visitors except by special arrangement for organized school groups only  if and when space permits and with the prior approval well in advance of the Bermuda Government's Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation (unless otherwise indicated) to which all enquiries should be addressed directly. Residents, and persons staying in the private - non-commercial - homes of residents - must apply in person with name, full postal address and local telephone number, not through any third party, and may qualify:

• On application in advance to the Department of Parks (via the Park Ranger Office at 236-5902 or 236-4201) or Department of Youth and Sport if on an approved school visit. 
• For a strictly limited period only, as many others will want to use the same place afterwards. 
• On a first-come, first served basis
• At a 2008 cost per night per sight in conjunction with a deposit, price to be determined by the Department of Parks.
• Must bring their own approved tents and leave with them
• Must be on a structured, designated campsite
• Must adhere to Bermuda National Park Regulations
• To prevent fires, must cook in an approved barbecue with charcoal, propane or coal. No open wood fires are permitted.
• Under no circumstances may any trees or vegetation be damaged or destroyed.
• Garbage must be disposed of in trash bags and deposited in trash barrels provided.
• Generators are not permitted in the campground.
• Pets are not permitted in the campground.

Structured, designated camping is offered seasonally at these locations, during the camping season of May to mid-September, as administered by either the Department of Parks or Youth and Sport:

• Astwood Park
• Chaplin Bay
• Clearwater Beach
• Darrell's Island, Great Sound. 14 individual rustic campsites with a maximum of 30 campers per site. There are washrooms and showers.
• Hen Island, St. George's Harbour. 2.75 acres, north-west of Smith's, St. George's Harbour, St. George's Parish. With a campsite operated by and requiring the permission well in advance of the Bermuda Government's Department of the Environment (Parks).
• Higgs and Horseshoe Islands
• Ferry Point
• Coney Island (except in 2004, owing to Hurricane Fabian in September 2003).
• Messina House. Bermuda Government-owned and regulated. Bermuda campers take preference. Not residential for any visitors or resident or working student  but a camp, only one on the mainland, between Somerset and Dockyard, in Sandys Parish. Only one group of 30 campers is accommodated at any one time. It has a number of rooms at ground level and several bedrooms with bunk beds, in a dormitory. There is a dock for campers, as well as a small gym behind the main house with washroom and showers; open area on waterfront; with restaurant, shops and ferry service within easy walking distance.
• Paget Island, St. George's Harbour. Local and overseas groups camp on the campground site each year, only one group at a time with a maximum of 70 campers. Many outbuildings for different purposes.
• Ports Island. Great Sound, Warwick Parish. With a 20 acre campsite. Only one group at a time.
• Rabbit Island, Harrington Sound. Weekends. Only for members of Bermuda National Trust. Bookings via phone 236-6483. Supply your own boat, food, tent and respect the environment.
• Shelly Bay. 
• Turtle Bay
• White's Island. Hamilton Harbour. Now also a campsite.

Caribbean Tourism Organization

Bermuda is a member, via the  Bermuda Ministry of Tourism. Bermuda also competes heavily with the Caribbean for tourism business from USA, Canada, UK and Europe.

Categories of all accommodation properties for visitors