Want to take advantage of the Marriott STARS program to receive extra perks (like breakfast and upgrades) for stays at the St. Regis Bermuda? Contact [email protected] for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
Over the weekend the St. Regis Bermuda opened, which is one of the new Marriott properties I was most looking forward to.
In this post:
St. Regis Bermuda open as of May 2021
The 120-room St. Regis Bermuda has opened as of May 22, 2021. This hotel has been in the pipeline for a long time, and until a few months ago the opening date was in limbo, so it’s fantastic to see that the property has opened on schedule (well, its revised schedule).
The St. Regis is located in the town of St. George’s (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and is near St. Catherine’s Beach. The hotel features all the amenities you’d expect — two swimming pools, an all-day dining restaurant named Lina, a BLT Steak NY, a St. Regis Bar, an Iridium Spa, a fitness center, and more.
Pictures of the resort remain limited, though hopefully more are published on Marriott’s website soon, as I’m curious how this hotel really looks.
St. Regis Bermuda exterior
The base rooms at the St. Regis Bermuda are a spacious ~650 square foot, though interestingly are advertised as having “no view.” I suppose I appreciate the hotel’s honesty, because usually properties describe a not-great view at a beach resort as being resort view, garden view, or something similar. Or perhaps the base rooms just face a wall, or something?
St. Regis Bermuda guest room
St. Regis Bermuda guest room
St. Regis Bermuda BLT Steak
I would note that there’s some controversy surrounding the hotel, as readers have pointed out. Bermuda essentially sold part of a UNESCO World Heritage site for this property to be built, as it’s right next to Fort St. Catherine. This was apparently previously a quiet part of the island, and that will presumably now change. Everyone has to come to their own conclusions as to how they feel about that.
Booking the St. Regis Bermuda
The St. Regis Bermuda is a Category 8 Marriott Bonvoy property, meaning stays will cost either 70,000, 85,000, or 100,000 Bonvoy points, depending on whether pricing is off-peak, standard, or peak.
Paid rates here are steep. In the off-season they start at just under $500 per night, while in peak season they cost $1,000+ per night. That doesn’t factor in the ~20% taxes and service charges. I wonder how pricing will evolve over time, given that coronavirus has greatly impacted hotel pricing, for both better and worse.
Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points here could represent a decent deal, depending on what the paid rate would be. I value Bonvoy points at ~0.7 cents each, so redeeming 85,000 points would be the equivalent of paying ~$595 per night for a room. That could be a decent deal if rates are very high, while it’s less good of a deal if rates are lower but the hotel still has standard award pricing.
One thing to keep in mind is that you do get a fifth night free on award redemptions.
If you’re booking a paid stay at the St. Regis Bermuda, make sure you book through the Marriott STARS program, which gets you perks like a hotel credit, complimentary breakfast, a room upgrade subject to availability, and more.
Why I’m excited about the St. Regis Bermuda
It’s not the hotel as such that excites me so much, but rather Bermuda as a destination. For many years Bermuda has been on my list of places to visit — it’s not that far from Miami, it’s a new destination for me, and it generally intrigues me given its geography and history.
However, it’s a destination I’ve never really prioritized, so it has just kind of stayed on my bucket list all of this time. I think one of the reasons I haven’t visited is because of the hotel situation. There haven’t been any good points hotels there, and often I at least somewhat prioritize my destinations based on hotel options.
Bermuda does have a Rosewood, though it’s pricey. While Rosewood is a great brand in general, I’ve heard that the Rosewood Bermuda is one of the brand’s weaker properties.
The Rosewood Bermuda was previously probably Bermuda’s best property
I’ve kind of been putting off my Bermuda visit until the St. Regis opens, since it’s the perfect combination of a nice, new points hotel, and a destination I’ve been wanting to visit.
If anyone has been to Bermuda, I’d love to hear how your experience was!
Bottom line
The St. Regis Bermuda is finally open as of May 2021, and should be the best points hotel on the island. Bermuda has long intrigued me, so hopefully later this year I can finally visit. The hotel is pricey, and it’s not necessarily a slam dunk points redemption, based on the Category 8 award pricing.
Anyone else excited about the St. Regis Bermuda, or planning a visit?
@nicole, How's the food? Easy walk into St. George? If you have status, we're there upgrades? How is the free breakfast done- again if you have status?
I have a tentative reservation there for next month.
Thanks
@ Ben -- How have the two Fairmonts, which house a large percentage of the island's hotel rooms, not even been mentioned here? Those hotels have long been THE properties to visit. Use those discounted Fairmont gift certificates that are sold periodically. Personally, I love the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Gold Suites.
Ben, please come visit but I might give them a season or two to iron out the kinks. It still looks and feels like a worksite and not a resort.
Yes, Bermuda is expensive. No, it is not the Caribbean. But you won't be hounded by people trying to sell you tourist tat on every corner and you're probably safer going out and about on your own than your typical Caribbean island.
We don't...
Ben, please come visit but I might give them a season or two to iron out the kinks. It still looks and feels like a worksite and not a resort.
Yes, Bermuda is expensive. No, it is not the Caribbean. But you won't be hounded by people trying to sell you tourist tat on every corner and you're probably safer going out and about on your own than your typical Caribbean island.
We don't try to be everything to everyone - some can't afford it, some won't like the service and that's okay - there are other places for you to visit.
@The nice Paul insurance is our biggest industry but if you want a tax haven, you need only look at the US .... Nevada, Delaware, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming and New York to name just a few.
One thing is for sure. They are not gay friendly.
Ugh. Another hotel that thinks it's "trendy" to have an open concept bathroom.
Is it just me or is the room decor in new hotels looking chaotic? Maybe it is my OCD for orderliness and square lines, but this room decor sends my head spinning. The floors, walls and in between scream look at me first! No me!.....
I do not get why a luxury hotel can architecturally plan a hotel to have rooms with no view and think it is OK to charge $600-1000 per night for them.
To those saying criticizing the location: yes it's at one end of the island (close to the airport). There are amenities just over the hill in St Georges. There is direct ferry service at a new stop right by the resort to the other end of the island and the capital cities. There is a public bus service every 15 minutes. There are rental scooters and rental electric cars (twizzies). Nothing is very far in...
To those saying criticizing the location: yes it's at one end of the island (close to the airport). There are amenities just over the hill in St Georges. There is direct ferry service at a new stop right by the resort to the other end of the island and the capital cities. There is a public bus service every 15 minutes. There are rental scooters and rental electric cars (twizzies). Nothing is very far in Bermuda. But do be prepared for the pricing. Everything is imported and taxes are levied on imports. Top tip: get chatting with locals. They will give you the inside scoop on everything. Bermuda gets a lot of repeat visitors, but its biggest challenge has always been attracting new visitors and filing rooms in the shoulder season.
Here now and wow! This is a beauty!! Feel free to ask away. We just arrived today. Booked on points of course
My wife and i are were looking for a new quiet place to fall in love with.. Our travel agent suggested and we jumped on it.. staying for 10 days..
Love how close it is to us in the states but far enough to enjoy again. We are staying at the St.Regis so were hoping its great to relax at. Being a teacher I need the time away.
I agree with @Ka. Bermuda isn't for everyone. I been there 7 times, both flying there and cruises. It is not anything like the Caribbean, and Bermudians will warn you they don't like the comparison. Considering how expensive Bermuda is, the St. Regis pricing isn't much more than other resorts like Rosewood, Southhampton Princess or Elbow Beach. You don't rent cars in Bermuda, you rent a scooter. With a scooter the location of the St...
I agree with @Ka. Bermuda isn't for everyone. I been there 7 times, both flying there and cruises. It is not anything like the Caribbean, and Bermudians will warn you they don't like the comparison. Considering how expensive Bermuda is, the St. Regis pricing isn't much more than other resorts like Rosewood, Southhampton Princess or Elbow Beach. You don't rent cars in Bermuda, you rent a scooter. With a scooter the location of the St Regis isn't a problem. I think you will enjoy seeing people commute on scooters. Men wearing a sport jacket, tie and Bermuda shorts, riding a scooter. Women professionally dressed as well, riding their scooters. You can see all the 21 square miles of Bermuda, in 3 to 4 days. Bermuda's season is May to October, before or after the air is cooler, not great for swimming. Bermuda beaches are very nice. The tourist office has a map of the beaches, some are quite small. Only Horseshoe Bay gets crowded.
I actually love Bermuda. There are no t-shirt hawkers or drug pushers on the beach. Just a really pleasant place with friendly proud people. There is an English air of civility that many other islands do not have. Bermuda is a safe place, where one doesn't worry about crime.
Any news on whether the Regis will have an executive lounge?
We have been enjoying Bermuda since 1988 and have returned each year for our Anniversary. We travel several times a year all over the world, but Bermuda is where our hearts are. Only 2 hours from Boston, it is a quick flight to a Beautiful, clean and safe Island. We have stayed all over the Island in 32 years from apartments, to small hotels to the larger ones. We have been all over the Island...
We have been enjoying Bermuda since 1988 and have returned each year for our Anniversary. We travel several times a year all over the world, but Bermuda is where our hearts are. Only 2 hours from Boston, it is a quick flight to a Beautiful, clean and safe Island. We have stayed all over the Island in 32 years from apartments, to small hotels to the larger ones. We have been all over the Island and no matter where you stay you will love it! We are so excited to try the St Regis, it is a very quiet end of the Island but we go to relax and enjoy there beauty of the Island and its peace. We are planning a stay in June so I will let you know our thoughts on the St Regis, and are excited it is a Marriott property! For all you first timers visiting the Island if you are looking for a party, drink all night Island Bermuda is not for you. But for people looking to golf, relax, enjoy some great food and wonderful people and beautiful waters definitely visit Bermuda! Ka
The reactions to this property are astute.
On one end, you have people who see it for what it is.
On the other, you have cruisers who are oblivious.
I visited Bermuda for 2 days. Loved it! Public transportation is convenient. Beaches are gorgeous. I've got photos and a recap of our time there on my blog.
Bermuda is my absolute favorite location. I’ve been 5 times on cruises and can’t wait to go again. The Bermudians are friendly, and the island is clean and beautiful. You will love Bermuda.
Well since its a St Regis you might be able to cash in a few Suite Night Awards. There is also supposed to be a Ritz-Carlton being built in Bermuda on the other end of the island so in a few years you could have two options.
@LISA
“Bermuda doesn’t thrive on tourism…it’s biggest industry in insurance”
Love the euphemism.
Its biggest industry is reputedly tax evasion (despite British attempts to shelter it, it’s on the EU list of the world’s top 30 tax evasion centres; while Oxfam describes it as the world’s biggest corporate tax haven).
It's not really a new country, since it isn't a country, unless you use really loose definitions of what counts as a country
I have been to Bermuda and love the island. Anyone that knows anything about the island should know that property is not easy to obtain. Most homes and land are passed down from generations of land owners. To obtain land and build a recognized brand is surprising. One other thing to know is that Bermuda doesn't thrive on tourism...it's biggest industry in insurance, much like Grand Cayman thrives on banking. I have taken private sunset...
I have been to Bermuda and love the island. Anyone that knows anything about the island should know that property is not easy to obtain. Most homes and land are passed down from generations of land owners. To obtain land and build a recognized brand is surprising. One other thing to know is that Bermuda doesn't thrive on tourism...it's biggest industry in insurance, much like Grand Cayman thrives on banking. I have taken private sunset cruises with the locals in Bermuda and talked to them about their country and heritage. For these reasons Bermuda is one of most treasured islands to go to. Soft pink sand is nice as well. It is expensive.
Last visited the island in 2015 and look forward to revisiting, they have a new airport terminal with 2 new business lounges that also need a look see.
Agree with previous posters that this place ruins the historic UNESCO St. George’s World Heritage Site and adjacent Fort St. Catherine’s, where European settlers first made landfall in 1610 following a shipwreck that may have inspired Shakespeare’s Tempest.
Last January my wife and I had a marvelous impromptu tour of the fort with two locals, after taking the public bus from Hamilton and then walking over the hill.
Bermuda is a fun place to visit, but I don’t believe they offer car rentals to visitors, so (a) the location where you are staying is particularly important, and (b) make sure to budget enough money for the expensive taxi rides, or enough time for the public bus rides.
When I first heard about a St. Regis in Bermuda, on the cover of it I was thrilled. Bermuda isn't really a points-friendly market and hotel rates were on the high side.
When I found out about the location being a good ways outside of town, that just lessened the attraction for me. As has been noted, the geographic location of Bermuda doesn't scream Caribbean.
Add in now that the featured restaurant is BLT Steak...
When I first heard about a St. Regis in Bermuda, on the cover of it I was thrilled. Bermuda isn't really a points-friendly market and hotel rates were on the high side.
When I found out about the location being a good ways outside of town, that just lessened the attraction for me. As has been noted, the geographic location of Bermuda doesn't scream Caribbean.
Add in now that the featured restaurant is BLT Steak (which is a decent steakhouse, but a chain I can get in plenty of other cities) and that doesn't really drive any desire to make this a must-go to.
In terms of new St. Regis hotels, it came out in the Ambassador Facebook group yesterday that they are building a new St. Regis on Longboat Key just outside of Sarasota that's due to open in 2023. Given that this is right on the beach (the Ritz has dedicated beach space, but you have to take a shuttle from the property on the mainland), it should be a nice option.
Does that bathroom literally have zero privacy? Guess you better not travel with a friend.
Normally I laugh at all the immediate negative comments, but in this particular case I do agree. I'll take another angle - Bermuda is one of those destinations where I way prefer to stay with a friend who lives there than at a hotel. If I want a beach vacation, the Caribbean is far superior (not a knock on Bermuda - I absolutely love it there).
Just looked at it on Google Maps. Very sad.
It seems to be built on one of the nicest mini-beaches of Bermuda.
Fort St.Catherine right over the crystal blue water looks beautiful.... now ruined with a large resort. SAD!
OMG, how horrible to see this. This was such a nice and secluded part of the island, and they build that? I'm so glad I was there before they built the hotel. Sorry, it can be great, but I'm so sad that they destroyed this beautiful part of the island.
Canada can’t annexe Bermuda because it’s a British territory, so if they tried the Queen would be cross.
Is it still a tax haven / money laundering centre, predominantly inhabited by elderly British colonels with skin like tanned leather?
Just asking.
Though I think they also have traditional red British phone boxes, so that’s nice.
Why would anyone who wants Caribbean weather go to Bermuda? Bermuda isn’t even in the Caribbean! Sure, it’s tolerable in winter and spring but there are far better places with more flights, cheaper hotels and cheaper restaurants — to say nothing of better weather — than Bermuda.
On a side note, I’m shocked that Canada hasn’t annexed Bermuda.
Bermuda has no shame. It essentially just sold a UNESCO World Heritage Site to Marriott et al., who are in turn selling a (literal) beachhead to offshoring companies. Jesus.
https://www.theresidencesbermuda.com/
Anyway... Moving beyond my personal bias, I can actually see this being a nice option for you guys.
Pro: Beach is the size of a postage stamp, so your exposure to sand is kept to a bare minimum.
Pro: Shark diving is...
Bermuda has no shame. It essentially just sold a UNESCO World Heritage Site to Marriott et al., who are in turn selling a (literal) beachhead to offshoring companies. Jesus.
https://www.theresidencesbermuda.com/
Anyway... Moving beyond my personal bias, I can actually see this being a nice option for you guys.
Pro: Beach is the size of a postage stamp, so your exposure to sand is kept to a bare minimum.
Pro: Shark diving is very much a thing there, so Ford will have fun.
Pro: Plenty of patio room for umbrellaed introversion with drink in one hand, MacBook in the other.
P.S. Your SEO is ninja-level. You were my fifth Google hit (behind only Marriott itself) within two minutes of posting.
Is this managed by Marriott or a franchisee?
This looks like the working man's Park Hyatt St Kitts.
Bermuda ain't what it used to be. Gone are a lot of the upscale spots, replaced by crap that appeals to the cruise ship set. A lot like what happened to Key West.
Bermuda has sky high taxes, mediocre service and ridiculous prices on just about everything. St Georges is at the wrong end of the island. getting downtown and back will add another $80 roundtrip. Combined with the typical "bonvoyed" treatment, this hotel is a pass.
Can't wait to hear about how disappointing the service is here.
I take your point about rates not offering outsized value, but the services fees & taxes that you're presumably avoiding on the rooms (with a points reservation) are over $100 a night, so you'd be getting at least $0.0075 of value on the marriott points
@ Evan -- Well, but you're also forgoing points by redeeming points. Indeed the $539 rate comes out to $645, so on the surface you're getting ~0.76 cents per point.
At the same time, as a Titanium Elite member paying with a co-branded Marriott card I'd earn a minimum of 23.5x Bonvoy points per dollar spent, which I'd view as a ~17% reduction in cost. That puts me at around ~0.63 cents per point, which...
@ Evan -- Well, but you're also forgoing points by redeeming points. Indeed the $539 rate comes out to $645, so on the surface you're getting ~0.76 cents per point.
At the same time, as a Titanium Elite member paying with a co-branded Marriott card I'd earn a minimum of 23.5x Bonvoy points per dollar spent, which I'd view as a ~17% reduction in cost. That puts me at around ~0.63 cents per point, which isn't great.
Of course there are things that can change the math further -- a fifth night free on an award stay could change the math in one direction, and Virtuoso perks and/or a Bonvoy promotion could change the math further in the other direction.
Bermuda airport taxes are very high, even compared to other similar nations in the region.