St. James, The Fairmont Royal Pavilion

This was our third trip to the Royal Pavillion in the past 8 years and it is still our favourite resort anywhere. From the moment you are picked up from the airport to the minute you leave everything is taken care of and nothing is too much trouble from booking restaurants to sailing trips. The pool bar and restaurant conjure up amazing fresh cooked breakfasts and lunch and the setting for the main restaurant is the second best on the island only to The Cliff.

For a hotel of this quality drinks prices are very reasonable and the quality of service from all the staff is the best we have ever encountered. We have had a ground floor room each time and to open the doors first thing in the morning and walk straight onto the white sand beach will never be bettered. If they still run it, the royal pavillion used to operate a dining around system which if you were half board meant you could eat at many of the restaurants on the island and only pay a surcharge amount as opposed to full restaurant prices.

A word of advice if you want to eat outside at the cliff - book online or get the tour company to do it about 3 months in advance especially in their high season. Also visit some of the bars in Holetown especially Ragamuffins for an authentic Bajan night. Another tip is to take a walk along the beach and enjoy a drink or a meal at The Lonestar which is owned by someone who owns restaurants in Richmond and is also very good

My wife and I went to The Fairmont Royal Pavilion for our siver wedding anniversary. It was all that we could of hoped for. My choices were a cheap room with no view in Sandy Lane or a view to die for at the Royal Pavillion. We have no regrets! I'd also book room only as the local restaurant's are of a very high standard on the west coast of Barbados.