Bermuda is one of the most popular and visited islands in the “Caribbean,” even though it’s not actually located in the Caribbean! If you survey most people, even people who’ve been there, they will swear to you it’s in the Caribbean when in fact it’s located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Don’t let that stop you from visiting this charming colonial island though. It’s an absolute paradise, and once you’ve stepped foot onto it, you’ll never want to leave.
It’s a magical place, home to colonial architecture that dates back hundreds of years, as well as vast pink sandy beaches, underwater lakes, out of this world pink lagoons, breathtaking coral reefs, and hundreds of sunken ships. History, nature lovers, and diving enthusiasts alike will be amazed by Bermuda.
Other ways to pass the time in Bermuda include shopping till you drop at the countless boutique stores, playing golf on perfectly manicured courses, learning how to sail, and last but not least… relaxing. Bermuda is an incredible place to sit back, relax, and let all the worries of the “real world” back home drift away.
There are countless options when deciding where to stay in Bermuda and I know that it can be overwhelming and confusing at times. But don’t worry, that’s why I’m here with this ultimate Bermuda area guide. To help you find the best place to stay in and around Bermuda no matter who you are and what type of accommodation you are looking for.
Where to Stay in Bermuda – Our Top Picks
Looking for a place to stay in Bermuda but don’t have much time? Here are my top overall recommendations of the coolest places.
Smuggler’s Cove | Best Apartment in Bermuda
This apartment is wonderfully located super close to the center of Hamilton. One of the most popular restaurants on the island, Ascots, is located directly adjacent, and tons more bars and restaurants are within walking distance.
Additionally, it has a private patio and barbecue area, along with access to a shared swimming pool. The apartment itself is a modern one-bedroom townhouse that is excellent for solo travelers and couples alike. It’s often booked months in advance so you better plan ahead and make your reservation now!
Panoramic 2 Bed, Private Beach in Lovely Location | Best Luxury Home in Bermuda
This is a stunning beach house right on the water in Somerset Village. As a contemporary home, everything is in tip-top shape and it has a luxurious modern design. It has two spacious bedrooms, one being a master with an ensuite private bathroom. Outside there are multiple patio areas perfect for getting some fresh air and there’s also private access to the water!
Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa | Best Hotel in Bermuda
This is no doubt my favorite hotel on the island, and if you are traveling as a family this is where to stay in Bermuda. It’s a one-stop shop that has endless activities for both children and adults, boasting things such as private beaches, a croquet lawn, and a spa.
Additionally, they have a multitude of on-site restaurants where you can dine or order room service from. Thanks to large rooms as well as private villas, you’ll easily be able to fit the whole family here.
Bermuda Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Bermuda
Hamilton
Hamilton is located in the dead center of the island and it’s without a doubt where to stay in Bermuda if it’s your first time in the territory.
St. George’s
Visiting St. George’s is like traveling through a time machine. It’s a historic town on the northern tip of Bermuda that was once the capital and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Somerset Village
Somerset Village is a quiet and peaceful town on the southern tip of Bermuda. It’s home to a multitude of family friendly activities like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and interactive museums, and if you’re traveling with kids this is for sure where to stay in Bermuda.
Before booking a flight to Bermuda, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with each neighborhood to make sure you are close to all the attractions you want to see. The island itself is very small, covering only 53.2 km (20.5 sq miles) of land, so no matter where you stay, getting to all the things you want to do will be a breeze.
Most people choose to stay in Hamilton, the Capital of Bermuda, for a first-time visit. It has an ideal location for those who want to explore the entire island and it’s where the majority of restaurants and bars are found, and if you like nightlife, this area is where to stay in Bermuda.
If you want to stay in a unique part of the island, St. George is the spot. It’s full of history and will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Best of all, there are tons of great places to stay for cheap and this is definitely where to stay in Bermuda if you’re on a budget! If you’re planning to stay in Bermuda for a long time, this is a great place for digital nomads looking for a place to hunker down for a while.
Somerset Village has many of the best opportunities for diving and snorkeling, as well as some top-notch museums. Coupled with stunning beaches and beautiful large houses, this is my top recommendation for where to stay in Bermuda if you’re traveling as a family.
The 3 Best Areas to Stay in Bermuda
Now that I’ve briefly introduced the three main areas to you, let’s look at each one in more detail. If you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, cottage, or vacation rental in Bermuda, here you’ll find the are the best ones, as well as some recommendations for things to do in each area.
1. Hamilton – Where to Stay in Bermuda for your First Visit
Hamilton is located in the dead center of the island and it’s without a doubt where to stay in Bermuda if it’s your first time in the territory. Thanks to a central location that’s only 30 minutes from both the north and south ends of the island, it’s the ideal home base for exploring every nook and cranny of Bermuda. On top of that, there’s a huge selection of phenomenal accommodation options.
Hamilton itself is the Capital of Bermuda and it’s super vibrant and full of fun things to do. There are plenty of beaches in the area where you can swim, relax on the beach, or head out on a sailboat for a sunset cocktail cruise. Additionally, if you like shopping and/or eating, Hamilton is the spot for you. Front Street and Queen Street are both packed with shops, restaurants, and cafes and are great places to wander around.
Smuggler’s Cove | Best Apartment in Hamilton
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom two-story townhouse is located on the edge of Hamilton, ten minutes walk to the city center. It has a lovely and attractive island-style design. The bedroom features a queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and plenty of natural light.
Outside the apartment there’s a private patio with an outdoor dining area which is a fantastic place to eat breakfast in the morning or enjoy a cold beverage at the end of the day.
Palmberry Oceanfront Cottage | Best Luxury Home in Hamilton
It may not be the biggest house in Hamilton, but this one-bedroom cottage is certainly one of the most luxurious! With a modern design both inside and out, this home looks like one you would see flipping through the pages of a magazine. There are unbeatable ocean views everywhere you look, a giant patio, and even a private dock where you can have a delightful early morning or sunset swim.
You won’t find a more romantic getaway on the island, and this is unquestionably where to stay in Bermuda if you are traveling as a couple.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club A Fairmont Managed Hotel | Best Hotel in Hamilton
Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is a luxury five-star hotel located right on the waterfront of Hamilton Bay and next door to Front Street. There are over ten different room options to choose from with the largest being a King Suite that can accommodate as many as four guests.
Furthermore, it boasts a handful of different highly regarded restaurants and bars, an extraordinary infinity pool, a 24-hour fitness center, bikes that can be taken out free of charge, and free transportation to and from the airport.
Things to See and Do in Hamilton:
- Stroll around the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, a beautiful 36-acre green space.
- Visit the fun and interactive Underwater Exploration Institute.
- See ancient paintings, sculptures, masks, and figurines at the Bermuda National Gallery.
- Dine at a delicious local eatery, Devil’s Isle and Mad Hatters are two popular restaurants.
- Relax at John Smith’s Bay Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches on the island.
- Go shopping on Queen Street or Front Street. They’re full of both big name brands and small local shops.
- Visit the pink lagoon and go bird watching at Spittal Pond.
- Head out on the deep blue seas on a catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. St. George’s – Where to Stay in Bermuda on a Budget
Visiting St. George’s is like traveling through a time machine. It’s a historic town on the northern tip of Bermuda that was once the capital and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today you’ll still find it full of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic sights like the Mitchell House, Tucker House Museum, St. Peter’s Church, Fort St. Catherine, and more!
Besides being a living, breathing museum, this area is also one of the top parts of the island for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Photogenic beaches are everywhere you look, with Clearwater Beach being an absolute must-visit. If you like wildlife then Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is a great place to go for an early morning or late afternoon walk when the animals are most active.
Furthermore, if you’re feeling extra adventurous head to Blue Hole Park where you can cliff jump, or go spelunking in one of the multiple famous caves.
Pepper Tree Cottage private room | Best Room in St. George’s
If you’re on a backpacker budget, this is my favourite place to stay in Bermuda. Here you won’t only have a room, but you will actually have the whole bottom floor of the house to yourself. The ground floor features two bedrooms and you can book one or both depending on the size of your group.
If you only book one don’t worry, the hosts will never book another group in the other at the same time. Moreover, the house has a large private outside garden area and is only steps from the water.
Charming Apartment in Old Town | Best Apartment in St. George’s
This cute apartment is situated right in the center of historic St. George’s. It’s an old colonial-style house that will make you feel less like you’re on holiday and more like a local. Inside there’s one bedroom and one bathroom, but it’s the outside amenities that make this apartment stand out. There’s a lovely garden full of flowers where you can relax, a barbecue, and an outdoor dining area.
If all that wasn’t enough, the hosts also provide snorkeling gear to guests for no additional fee if you ask in advance.
The St Regis Bermuda Resort | Best Hotel in St. George’s
At the top of Bermuda, right next to Fort St. Catherine, you will find the gorgeous St Regis Bermuda Resort. They offer standard hotel rooms, as well as larger suite-style apartments. Also, attached to every room you’ll find a private balcony or porch, many of them with stunning sea views.
On top of that, there’s a bar/restaurant that has a buffet breakfast daily, an oceanfront swimming pool, and it’s very own private beach that’s only available to guests.
Things to See and Do in St. George’s:
- Walk or bike around the colonial old town. King’s Square and St. Peter’s Church are two must visit spots.
- Explore the subterranean lakes in Crystal and Fantasy Caves.
- Cliff jump into an immaculate lagoon at Blue Hole Park.
- Spend a day soaking up the sun and tanning at Clearwater Beach.
- Search for wildlife at the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve.
- Enjoy a tasty ice cream at the world renowned Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlor.
- Visit the Bermuda Heritage Museum to learn about local customs and island history.
- Play a round of golf at Tucker’s Point Golf Club.
3. Somerset Village – Where to Stay in Bermuda for Families
Somerset Village is a quiet and peaceful town on the southern tip of Bermuda. It’s home to a multitude of family-friendly activities like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and interactive museums, and if you’re traveling with kids this is for sure where to stay in Bermuda. The National Museum of Bermuda and the Royal Naval Dockyard are both awesome places to spend a few hours if you’re looking to satisfy your inner history buff.
Additionally, right next door is the famous West End and its magnificent beaches. The most popular beach on the island, Horseshoe Bay Beach, will be found there. If Horseshoe Bay Beach is too crowded, I recommend checking out the pristine beaches close by such as Sinky Bay Beach and Warwick Bay Beach.
Finally, if you want to work up a bit of a sweat you should head to the Bermuda Railway Trail. It used to be a functioning railway, but after it shut down it was converted into an 18-mile trail with spectacular views.
Hakuna Matata Cottage | Best Guesthouse in Somerset Village
The Hakuna Matata Cottage is a charming guesthouse located right on the coast. There’s a giant grassy lawn overlooking the sea where you can relax while the kids swim and snorkel. If you want to go to a proper beach, there’s a secluded hidden beach only two minutes away that’s hardly ever crowded. Additionally, the apartment has a full kitchen, a washer, and dryer.
Panoramic 2 Bed, Private Beach in Lovely Location | Best Luxury Home in Somerset Village
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom house is one of the most stunning properties in Bermuda. It has an exquisite interior design that’s modern but still manages to create a laid-back island atmosphere. The kitchen is spacious, features all top-of-the-range appliances, and is perfect for cooking up a delicious home-cooked meal.
My favorite part of this luxury home though is the bathroom. It has a beautiful stone floor shower as well as a separate large bathtub with ocean views. Even if you don’t normally take baths, this tub will make you want to soak for hours!
Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa | Best Hotel in Somerset Village
This hotel is one of the highest-rated and most popular resorts in Bermuda, and for good reason. They have a wide variety of room options, as well as private villas that sleep up to six people. As terrific as the rooms are, it’s everything else this hotel offers that makes it stand apart from the competition. It has four private beaches, a tennis court, a putting green, two swimming pools, three restaurants, a full-service spa, and more!
Things to See and Do in Somerset Village:
- Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest, located inside the National Museum of Bermuda.
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving in some of the most premiere spots in the world.
- Spend a day in paradise at Horseshoe Bay Beach, the most popular beach on the island.
- Head underwater with Hartley’s Helmet diving for a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Day trip to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.
- Walk or bike along the coast on the scenic Bermuda Railway Trail.
- Take a tour of the Royal Naval Dockyard, once one of Britains largest military bases.
- Visit the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, one of the most iconic and recognizable places in the country.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Bermuda
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Bermuda
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bermuda
It may not have the name recognition of the Bahamas or Jamaica, but if you’re looking for an amazing tropical island to visit in 2024, you should 100% consider Bermuda.
With remarkable beaches, world-class diving, and fascinating history, it has something for everyone. Best of all, you’ll be able to cross loads of bucket list items while also getting a rare stamp in your passport.
As you have seen, Bermuda has accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be.
I hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip to Bermuda. Did you find what you were looking for? Let me know in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
