I was going to call this article the “Top Five Hotels in Barbados”, but then decided that “best” is subjective, and there are many excellent hotels in Barbados. So I settled on “Five Great Barbados Hotels”.

Each hotel is unique and if you stay in any of them you will surely be more than satisfied.

1 Crane Beach Hotel

After landing at Grantley Adams Airport, take the road less traveled and drive east, you will arrive at a place that may be paradise. At the end of a long drive, and on the famous Crane Beach, a beach that Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous recognizes as one of the ten best beaches in the world, is the first hotel I stayed in Barbados.

The Crane Beach Hotel is a grand coral mansion, with the main villa dating back to 1790 and the resort itself, the oldest continuously operating resort in the Caribbean, dating back to 1887.

Luxurious yet relaxed, the Crane’s rooms and suites feature four-poster mahogany beds, marble bathrooms, coral walls, and balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you can stray from the luxury of your room, L’Azure is just steps away. White tablecloths, candles and a soft guitar complement the culinary delights prepared by your Michelin-starred chef.

If you prefer something a little more exotic, head to Zen, where Thai and Japanese chefs serve sushi, while you sit in front of a glass wall and watch the sea lapping against the rocks 50 feet below. Or, if you just can’t leave your room, you can have breakfast served on your own private balcony.

If you never want to leave, and you certainly won’t be the first, you can now take ownership of the newly developed residences. Own for a week, a month, or outright and with less than seven residences per acre and over a half mile of beautiful ocean frontage, you may never leave this tropical oasis again.

2 The Bougainvillea Beach Resort

The Bougainvillea Beach Resort is the second hotel in Barbados that I have stayed at. It is a luxurious all-suite beachfront resort, with 138 spacious suites, including studios, one- and two-bedroom deluxe suites, and penthouse apartments. It is in a stunning location on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by lagoon pools, waterfalls and lush gardens.

3 Fairmont Royal Pavilion

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion is one of my favorite hotels in Barbados. Fairmont always manages to create elegant yet friendly hotels. The hotel is primarily a couples resort during high season (November 1 to April 30). Children are welcome from May 1 to October 31. Each of the 72 beachfront rooms is decorated in a relaxed Caribbean style, with private patios or terraces. There is also a three-bedroom villa tucked away in the lush gardens.

Located on a beautiful beach, the hotel feels like a luxurious country home, combining old world charm with modern conveniences, you won’t be disappointed if you stay here.

4 The Barbados Hilton Hotel

A five-star resort with 350 rooms overlooking the sea. All rooms have private balconies, separate showers, high-speed Internet access, and cable television. The hotel is built on the peninsula of Needham’s Point and has two great beaches. A large complex of pools and hot tubs, a fitness center, three tennis courts, and a ‘Kidz’ clubhouse make this a great place for families. The complex has a number of restaurants and bars, ranging from a beach bar to a gourmet restaurant.

I stayed in the old hotel, which has been demolished. The old hotel left a lot to be desired but the beaches were spectacular. The beaches remain the same, and now the hotel is just as impressive as the beaches.

5 small bows

I can’t think of a better place for a romantic getaway than Little Arches. This privately owned, ten-room boutique hotel is an adults-only hideaway just steps from Miami Beach. King beds and air conditioning are standard, and oceanfront suites feature oversized private Jacuzzis and terracotta terraces.

Meals are served in the room, poolside, or alfresco at the rooftop restaurant. The hotel’s Café Luna is the Zagat’s top rated choice for best hotel dining experience, number one rated Mediterranean food and number 3 pick for best overall food in Barbados for 2006/7.