Courtyard Bridgetown, Barbados

Location: Frequently praised for being near beaches, main roads, and public transport, with walking access to bars, restaurants, and a boardwalk.

I have stayed at the hotel thrice, and will go back there regularly. I am a Marriott Bonvoy member and have stayed in all levels of hotels within the brand, in North America and the Caribbean. The hotel is consistent with Marriott's Courtyard brand of hotels. In fact, it is better appointed and has better staff than several of the Courtyards I have been to in Canada. It is important to manage your expectations. It is a business hotel, not a resort. It is not beachside, there is no entertainment (except *certain* guests sometimes...iykyk!) and the assumption is that it is a soft, practical and supportive place to land when you are away and an off-site office when you need it. When I travel, I like to 'go to the party' but return 'home'. This hotel is *not* the party. But, the good people at reception can tell you how to get there, if you need it. The staff were patient and attentive: they gave me curated lists of places to go nearby (and far away, when needed) to explore the beach, cultural sites, and local cuisine. The reception and restaurant staff were fantastic. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe, cared for and looked out for appropriately. My breakfasts were wonderful. I generally eat local fare wherever I go - so I ordered the Bajan breakfast a la carte, or ate the local foods in the hot plates. I can't speak to lunch or dinners, as I typically ate offsite for those. The beach is a very short walk across the street (look both ways!) and is not very busy. There is security there, beautiful water and sand and if you swim around the rocks, lots to be seen below at low tide (bring goggles). My room was a standard Courtyard room and I was happy with it. I got all the linens I needed, all the electronics worked, and the front desk was attentive to my needs. Staff were also welcoming with family and friends who visited me during my stay. In response to some of the lower reviews of this hotel, I'll say - it's important to manage your expectations and choose the hotel that matches the experience you want. This hotel is priced appropriately for what you receive and it is not a resort. The staff are very responsive to your needs. If something isn't working, raise the concern, and it will be addressed quickly. If you're looking for an experience where you are being waited on hand-and-foot by Black people who you can treat poorly, go somewhere else (and stay there) :) See y'all next time! And thank you for everything.