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The Caribbean boasts a large number and variety of bed and breakfasts, inns, guesthouses, and locally-owned hotels and resorts, as well as large hotel chains. Unlike all-inclusive resorts, however, smaller lodging choices vary greatly in price depending on the season, your length of stay, and the property's location. Larger hotels and resorts may require a minimum stay, and hotel prices are most often listed as per-person, per-night based on double occupancy. Small hotels and other accommodations may not have the same guidelines. Large hotels, most often found in larger cities and well-known tourist destinations, may have more offerings. Beachfront hotels, for example, may offer watersports while others may offer mountain bike or scooter rentals. Resort hotels often boast spas and other pampering services. Still others house casinos and gambling. Even if they are not considered all-inclusive, larger resort hotels may be able to offer package deals while smaller hotels and inns may not be able to provide package deals on their own. Larger hotels and Smaller hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts may be family-run; the amenities and luxury level of these places may vary quite a bit, so a little research can go a long way. In smaller hotels you will generally have maid service and often on-site restaurants to enjoy. Such small hotels and inns go a long way toward providing a truly Caribbean cultural experience. Still, some visitors take it a step further and book their stay at a guesthouse; in fact, Caribbean islanders themselves often stay in guesthouses when they travel."Guesthouse" is one of the more unique Caribbean terms because it can be applied to so many varied housing options -- guesthouses can be as basic as a motel or as lovely as a private home. Most guesthouses have shared bathrooms, and do not have maid services. Still, these can be excellent choices for budget-conscious as well as culturally-conscious travelers. |
