TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Average may be underselling this beachfront hotel. Just remember that it doesn’t claim to be 5 star. The Bougainvillea is at that time in the operating cycle when a refresh is becoming overdue. A lick of p...aint maybe won’t quite cut it. We arrived at around 8pm after a long day of travel. Carrying our bags up the stairs to reception wasn’t a good start. The next order of play was to make sure we settled our account in full and paid a further security deposit. It all felt a little mercenary. We had been upgraded. Yeah? Time to drag those bags along the narrow corridor and up two more flights of stairs the shown into our room. Very disappointed. Dingy was the impression. Too tired to argue we minimally unpacked and headed down for a drink. Poolside bar was closing and not happy to see us. Preferring glass to drink out of we went on to Calabash, the onsite restaurant where after some persuasion we dragged a coke and a gin and tonic out of the staff. I’m ready to check out by now. But we retire. The bed is big and comfortable, the AC works well and the room is clean everywhere. Daylight brings a brighter story. The room is painted a grim shade of caramel and the lighting is poor but the bathroom is spotless, towels are fluffy, water is hot. I think we were in a poorly situated room and the kitchen facilities just make the place look shabby to me. We went down to breakfast, this time greeted with smiles all around though before being allowed in to Calabash the pecuniary tendencies were on display. Had we paid, did we have the special card? I’ve never come across that level of financial insecurity anywhere. All that said, breakfast was decent and the situation on that white sand beach was superb. Most of the staff were super friendly and helpful. The pool complex is small but adequate. Facilities beyond the pool bar and Calabash are non-existent so be prepared to spend a few dollars on taxi fares. We never tried the spa so can’t comment. This hotel. could be great probably was great a few years ago too. It’s that cyclical thing. Put it in your consideration set if planning a short stay.

The Honeymoon Suite was great. Two balconies, the smaller of which is shaded most of the day with an amazing view of the sea, the other is in the sun for most of the day so is great for sun bathing. The be...d is super king size and was super comfy. The kitchen had a fridge, freezer, microwave and 2 hobs, but no oven. The complex itself was everything we wanted for our honeymoon. You could always get a sunbed if you wanted one, the swim up bar was great during happy hours (3.30-4.30) and the bar man was legendary. The gym was fully equipped and water sports equipment is provided free of charge. We used the body board & kayaks and had a great time. Sunsets are great from the beach.

It was our first visit to Barbados and we had a fantastic time. We are so glad we booked at the Bougainvillea! We enjoyed all of it, the hotel, beach area and pool. Jason who works at the water sports desk... always took great care of us, getting us set up at the beach. Gregory and Jose at the bar made us the best lemonade we’ve ever had. We’re already looking forward to another trip to the Bougainvillea. The staff made all the difference!

We were in suite 5111 which is lovely. Pool is nice and beach is too but 6 days of 7 the red beach flag was out due to rough surf. The biggest disappointment was the isolated location and lack of ANY near...by shopping or even a bus stop! There is a small gift shop in the lobby but they had NO groceries at all for our kitchenette. We had to take a taxi to a supermarket in Oistins to buy "supplies". Calabash restaurant and the restaurant next door at Deia Beach served us well. We didn't venture to the Gap but did do a few nice excursions around the island. TAXIS DO NOT TAKE CREDIT CARDS, BTW! If we go back to Barbados we will probably stay somewhere on the west coast with more shopping and eateries at hand.

4th visit to Bougainvillea and it never disappoints. Staff are always friendly and cheerful. Grounds are clean and well kept. Rooms are serviced well and always clean. Food in main restaurant first class... and service cannot be faulted. Food and Beverage manager, Lance, very attentive and wants his clientele to have exceptional experiences in the restaurant. The lovely boys took us on a great Hobie Cat trip - very professional chaps but a lotta fun. Highly recommend. Reception staff always wear a smile and are so helpful. Happy hour rum punch is lethal - so strong - you have been warned.