Imported onions

My wife and I vacationed at the SurfSide hotel 2 years in a row. We loved the location in terms of it's proximity in relation to the island. In a nut shell, the Surfside beach club is indicative of several hotels lining the southern shore of the island that were built in the 70's - it needs major upgrades (and I mean major). There's *NO* beach, unless you have some inbred Euro-Mediterranean rock climbing capabilities when going swimming...be prepared,...there's no beach.

The pool is rented out to locals on the island who come to it all day and night during your stay. Wild kids jumping around doesn't make for a fun time. The moms slather globs of sun screen on the kids who in turn make sure it's washed off in the pool as they jump around soaking your $18.00 tuna melt during lunch (eyes burn like hell too. To bad they don't tell you this ahead of time....after all, you are paying for a pool.

My personal advice, don't waste you hard earned money on this place....a little more research and a true Caribbean vacation you will find in parts/islands lesser known.

Good luck.

A very good place to stay with a water view.

We returned from a week in wonderful Bermuda on 8/1/03. Surf Side was a very good place to stay and an excellent value. I agree with most of the reviews I have read here. Room 25 had a magnificent full view of the ocean and nicely kept-up grounds and pool area. The room had a large bathroom, no kitchen, but toaster, refrigerator and coffeemakeer, all you needed for breakfast or light lunch on your balcony. They will bring you dishes and utensils. The room was clean and comfortable, but yes, the furnishings are somewhat dated. Also, the units were in the process of being painted outside, and while there was a bit of a scruffy look to the complex, but it did not subtract much from the experience. The beach was small, beautiful and wild, I think too small to stay on, except at low tide. Plus, they really need to clean up the damage and debris around the beach to make it more appealing, although we did swim there twice. We mainly went to Elbow Beach, Warwick Long Bay and Horseshoe Bay, wonderful beaches a short bus ride away. Bryony, the manager was lovely and helpful, and Brian, the houseman was also very helpful and friendly. Other staff was good. We only had lunch and dessert at the Palms but it was fine. The Cliffside Suites were quite special, but at a higher price. We looked at rooms at the Southhampton Princess. Yes, the hotel and grounds are beautiful, but Surf Side's views could be considered better at less than half the price. For a central place, with a water view at a good price, it would be hard to beat Surf Side.

The Truth About the Beach- Great Place to Stay!!

We just got back from Surf Side. We were lucky to get room #10, which is all the way at the end by itself. Lots of privacy, and a great overlook of the ocean. In years past they had a great beach, but 2 huricannes later not a lot there. However, the beach square foot per person using it is the highest ratio on the island. Put another way, we went 4 times in 2 days, and 3 of 4 beach visits there was no one around! We could not have asked for more. Be aware, it is small, but if no one is around it is plenty. Also, no one writes about this, there are frogs that make noise all night long! We went out for an evening swim and it was quite noisey. The staff is nice, the rooms in older part are dated but clean and big, and again, ask for # 10!! Food was good, pool was ok, a bit small, and the views were excellent! We only wish we had not left to tour the island for a day, as the best of Bermuda is right at Surf Side. Views are great. They even have a security guard wandering around at night. Air conditioning, TV, and kitchenett. Also, bus #7 comes by regularlly, and you can buy a 3 day bus pass for $23 at the hotel or airport. We never once used a high priced taxi, as we only had 3 bags we just took bus 11 to Hamilton, then 7 to surf side. Just tell the driver on 7 where you are going.

Great place, we would do it again, and stay here again. Good luck.

Very Good Value for the Money

Having vacationed in Bermuda 18 times and stayed at five different hotels there, I can say with confidence that Surf Side Beach Club currently offers as good a value for the money as you will find on the island. You can stay in a suite with a spacious living room, bedroom, and kitchen for less than you will pay for a modest-size hotel room at most other facilities. The food is good at the full-service Palms restaurant. Is it perfect? No. Hurricane Gert devastated the beach areas in 1999 (we were there) and they haven't been restored. Other than the pool, there are no recreational facilities. But if you're the kind of people who enjoy planning and arranging your own daily vacation activities without assistance, and are looking for a quiet, clean facility with pleasant staff and great views of the ocean, at a very modest (for Bermuda) price, then you'll want to consider Surf Side.

Superb location for wedding

We were married at Surf Side five years ago and are returning for our 5 year wedding anniversary. What a superb setting, overlooking the Atlantic. We also went back for our one-year anniversary. Surf Side made all the arrangements for our wedding. We would highly recommend Bermuda and Surf Side. Elena Yearly

Private Hideaway

The setting is beautiful and very private, which is what I enjoy from Bermuda. It truly depends what you're looking for from your vacation.

Here's what the surfside will deliver: Privacy, a beautiful setting, an amazing restaurant, nice swimming pool, romantic/scenic walkways and perches that lead down to the ocean.

The rooms are indeed outdated and not "luxurious", but they are clean, spacious and have full kitchens which prove to be very convenient. (I mean, while in Bermuda how much time is spent in your hotel room to begin with?) The beach area at the base of the hotel is incredibly small (literally 20 yards across). So if you are looking for a lavish hotel with a large beach area, this is not the place. If you are looking for a romantic hideaway with a great location, and plan on spending most of your time traveling around the island to other beaches, etc., you should consider it. I would stay there again...

Beautiful View, but...

The Surf Side Beach Club has a beautiful location, great view, but it is very out-dated. The rooms are in desperate need of updating. The King bed was actually two twins pushed together and the sliding door to the patio was hard to open and shut. The grounds also needed pruning and updating. We did not find the lobby to be very inviting either. The staff was overworked - one person checking people in & out and answering phones. Many people gave up asking questions, because the wait was too long. If they ever update the facility and put on more staff, we would return. But as it is right now, we could not recommend staying here.

'lovely but no beach'

the hotel is lovely, the cottages are great but there is NO beach. The brochure states that sometimes the beach is washed away but from the looks of it they haven't had a beach in years. they don't even keep the former beach are clean. if it had a beach it would be perfect.

Will return

Surf Side is in a great location on the island. The restaurant is fantastic! as are the views. Rooms are very nice and comfortable.

Surf Side Beach Club

Fantastic South Shore location in a private seeting. Great staff. Beautiful pool and decent beach. The units are very good (although somewhat dated) and have kitchens if you like to cook. Palms Restaurant at poolside. This is our favorite place to stay in Bermuda, we have been going there for over 15 years. Book your summer vacation early to avoid disappointment.