Island Inn

Barbados, Caribbean

Virgin rating

Standard Garden View Room
Superior Garden View Room
Junior Suite
Lounge
Standard Garden View Room
Standard Garden View Room
Superior Garden View Room
Junior Suite
Lounge
Standard Garden View Room

The hotel

Island Inn is a quaint, 24-room, All Inclusive property situated less than a mile from the centre of Historic Bridgetown and within the Garrison Area — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is footsteps away from the beach at the beautiful Carlisle Bay and Pebbles Beach where the horses come and bathe early morning, and is conveniently close to shops and restaurants. Island Inn will amaze you with its disarming simplicity and old world charm, it was originally built as the rum storage facility for the British regiment in Barbados in 1804! Take advantage of your free scuba diving demo in the pool before hitting the big blue, discovering an underwater world that’s just as beautiful as what lies above! The swimming pool makes a change from the beach and is a charming place to lounge beside, soaking up the sun or reading a good book. There’s also The Boardwalk Restaurant for eclectic dining, serving dishes regarded as very special by locals and guests alike. Evenings tend to be very low key although there is live music three times a week plus a weekly manager’s rum punch party to meet and mingle with fellow guests.

Amenities

  • Babysitting service
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool
  • Close to Beach

Where is it

In the Garrison Historic area, just a 2-minute walk away from the beach at beautiful Carlisle Bay, less than a mile from Bridgetown. Local attractions include George Washington House, Brownes Beach and Barbados Parliament Buildings. Transfer time from airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

24 stylish rooms and suites on 1 level. All with air-conditioning, TV, telephone, alarm clock/radio, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Standard Rooms are located in the original historic building and have either garden or courtyard views, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 people.

All Inclusive of: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. All local brand drinks except for speciality wines/Champagne. All entertainment and activities above unless stated otherwise.

Superior Garden View Rooms are larger and located in either the original historic building or in the southern block of the hotel with views over the garden, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Superior Pool Side Rooms are located in the southern block of the hotel with easy access to the swimming pool, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Junior Suites have a separate sitting area and patio with garden and/or partial pool views, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

The Boardwalk Restaurant (local and International dishes for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner). Bar (open 10am-11pm daily).

Live entertainment 3 nights per week. Weekly manager’s rum punch party.

Small swimming pool. Mini-gym/fitness centre. Free scuba-diving demo in pool (on request). Lounge with TV and board games.

Babysitting* (on request). Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Complimentary WiFi access.

A Tourism Fee will be charged per bedroom, per night and will be collected at check out. The rate is subject to change by the Government, and varies by hotel room. Fees currently range from 8.75 Barbadian dollar (approximately £3.90) to 35 Barbadian dollar​ (approximately £16.00) per bedroom, per night. 

Good general access for guests who are able to walk short distances and can manage up to six steps. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

1 night between 1 Apr-22 Dec. 

5 nights between 6 Jan-31 Mar. 

7 nights between 23 Dec-5 Jan. 

* Denotes local charge.

Dress code: at the Boardwalk Restaurant (year-round) the evening dress code is smart casual which means that gentlemen may wear smart dress shorts and short sleeved shirts (polo shirts are allowed). Please note that no sports replica shirts or club branded merchandise are allowed at dinner.  Smart jeans are allowed. No flip flops or trainers are allowed in the evening in the restaurant.

Cover-ups are required in the restaurant for breakfast and lunch and footwear is required in the restaurant at all times.

Please note: although the dress code has been relaxed at this hotel, there may still be some occasions at the hotel and on the island where long trousers and shirt sleeves will be more appropriate or compulsory for gentlemen, so it is highly recommended to still pack some.

Please note: child ages up to and including 12 years.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (509)
  • Very good (239)
  • Average (83)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (20)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Hotel is like a friend - shame not all the staff are friendly.

Jul 7, 2024 Tracey D

Hotel is a lovely little hotel with 24 rooms and 2 minutes away from Pebble beach where you can see the horses having a swim almost daily and only a 30 minute walk into Bridgetown via the beach. The monkeys climbing across the roof are incredible! There is a courtyard by the side of the bar where you get to know other guests which was really… Read more
Hotel is a lovely little hotel with 24 rooms and 2 minutes away from Pebble beach where you can see the horses having a swim almost daily and only a 30 minute walk into Bridgetown via the beach. The monkeys climbing across the roof are incredible! There is a courtyard by the side of the bar where you get to know other guests which was really enjoyable. The beach at Carlise Bay is beautiful and we found a beach bar - The Lazy Lizard where they do great lunch food and cold beers and wine - the cost of 2 sun-beds and an umbrella is 15 USD per day. We were there during Hurricane Beryl and I have to say the staff that remained to take care of us were amazing. - special thanks to the managers Tora and Valerie who really led by example. Thanks to Nisa and Wayne and the other maintenance man who came over from the sister hotel Sands who also stayed along with staff from the kitchen - sorry I did not get your names but you all looked after us. We had a bit of an after hurricane party where some of those staff who stayed joined us - great night! The food I thought was well cooked and whilst a small menu I really enjoyed it especially the salads, rum and raisin ice-cream and the spicy chicken. The hotel could do with an update and is a little tired but the room we had was very spacious and comfortable. In terms of customer service at the restaurant Doris, Sharon and Marlene were delightful. The only thing that really was disappointing and something which could be easily fixed was the service given at reception which is where most guests get a first impression of the hotel. I'm sorry to say that both Carol and Sharon (not the Sharon in the restaurant) who both work on reception, I didn't find friendly or welcoming. It costs nothing to be polite. Thank you again to those staff who looked after us and gave us a great service. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous little hotel with a family feel in convenient location

Jul 6, 2024 Linda M

Just back from 10 days at the Island Inn. We loved the character and history of the hotel. Yes, it’s a little tired in places but kept very clean. Situated just a couple of minutes walk from Pebbles Beach and convenient for bus routes. Staff looked after us so well and some gave up their families to stay with us during Hurricane Beryl….we were fed… Read more
Just back from 10 days at the Island Inn. We loved the character and history of the hotel. Yes, it’s a little tired in places but kept very clean. Situated just a couple of minutes walk from Pebbles Beach and convenient for bus routes. Staff looked after us so well and some gave up their families to stay with us during Hurricane Beryl….we were fed and watered as normal and felt very safe. Food was very good with something for everyone; any allergies also catered for. Bedroom sizes seem to vary but we had a large twin with two queen beds and big bathroom. Bed very comfy. We loved sitting in the communal areas and getting to know other guests. Staff and guests were one happy family and we would go back there in a heart beat…..thank you to all at Island Inn for helping to make our Barbadian adventure so much fun and so enjoyable 🏝️ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very nice staff disco music night

Jun 26, 2024 rustydog48 Ramsgate, United Kingdom

Ok it’s not the best hotel in the world but staff are very helpful and nice bedroom big bath room needs a. Shower and a bit of TLC NICE BAR AND FOOD WAS LOVELY FOR THE PRICE A FEW MINUTES WALK TO BEACH WE HAD 8 nights as going on cruise back to uk I would stay again met a few. People at the bar at night Wednesday is Disco time great music thank… Read more
Ok it’s not the best hotel in the world but staff are very helpful and nice bedroom big bath room needs a. Shower and a bit of TLC NICE BAR AND FOOD WAS LOVELY FOR THE PRICE A FEW MINUTES WALK TO BEACH WE HAD 8 nights as going on cruise back to uk I would stay again met a few. People at the bar at night Wednesday is Disco time great music thank you to all the staff for lovely time Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very depressing hotel

Jun 25, 2024 Mark S

Tired and depressing hotel. Stayed for 2 nights when in Barbados for the cricket World Cup. Mood sank whenever I entered the hotel and rose when I left. Awful vibe. Surly staff with 1-2 exceptions. Average food. Bar is depressing and hot place to sit - go to the Hilton beach bar down the road. Over-priced for what it is - better off… Read more
Tired and depressing hotel. Stayed for 2 nights when in Barbados for the cricket World Cup. Mood sank whenever I entered the hotel and rose when I left. Awful vibe. Surly staff with 1-2 exceptions. Average food. Bar is depressing and hot place to sit - go to the Hilton beach bar down the road. Over-priced for what it is - better off spending a bit more and going somewhat better Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very enjoyed it. Avoid beach sellers.

Jun 19, 2024 timeD1187IO

We went a couple of years ago, when lockdown was lifting. Apologies for late review. Couldn't really fault the place. The food was very good, the staff were great, and the beautiful beach is seconds away. Bridgetown is a 30 minute lazy stroll along the beach. It is a small hotel, but all the better for it. As other reviews say, everyone gathers… Read more
We went a couple of years ago, when lockdown was lifting. Apologies for late review. Couldn't really fault the place. The food was very good, the staff were great, and the beautiful beach is seconds away. Bridgetown is a 30 minute lazy stroll along the beach. It is a small hotel, but all the better for it. As other reviews say, everyone gathers round for a drink and laugh. Maybe the room was tired - I don't remember it being particularly bad - was having more fun in the sun and chatting. The monkeys are lovely to see. Take the long way to the beach, though (another few mins, go left on the path). The beach sellers near the hotel are vile. They poach baby turtles to get your attention, and are quite abusive if you don't give them money, cigarettes etc. I'd go back. Island Inn was brilliant, even for an introvert like me. Read less