Where to Stay in Bermuda: Best Areas and Recommended Hotels

If there's one destination I know well, it's Bermuda. For three months, the cruise ship I worked on docked here three days a week, which gave me the chance to explore the island in depth, well beyond what a passing tourist sees.

So if you're planning a trip to Bermuda and don't know which area to choose for your stay, you're in good hands. In this post I'll tell you the best areas to stay in Bermuda, what to expect from each one, and share my recommended hotels in Bermuda for every budget and travel style.

Hamilton

Bermuda's capital is perfect for those who enjoy an urban atmosphere without giving up island charm. In Hamilton you'll find fashion shops, art galleries, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and lively nightlife with bars and live music. It's also an excellent base for getting around by public transport, especially if you don't plan to rent a moped or car.

If you like having everything close at hand, dining somewhere different each night and feeling the island's local pulse, Hamilton is the place for you. It's also ideal for those travelling for work or for couples' getaways that combine relaxation with a bit of social life.

Recommended hotels in Hamilton

• Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a Fairmont Managed Hotel: elegant, with harbour views and its own private beach club.
• Royal Palms Hotel, small, with colonial charm, homemade breakfast and a friendly, personal touch.

Southampton

If your idea of a holiday includes waking up to ocean views, walking barefoot on pink sand and ending the day watching the sunset from a clifftop, Southampton is for you. This is where you'll find some of Bermuda's most famous beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay or Warwick Long Bay. Many hotels in this area are resort-style, with a pool, direct sea access and water activities.

It's an ideal area if you're travelling as a family, want to switch off or simply spend a few days of total rest without a care. It's also perfect for lovers of snorkelling and paddleboarding, as the seabeds here are spectacular.

Recommended hotels in Southampton

• The Reefs Resort & Club, luxury with sea views, rooms with terraces and a spectacular spa.
• Pompano Beach Club, a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere, ideal if you're after beach and calm.

Royal Naval Dockyard

Set on the western tip of the island, the Royal Naval Dockyard is perfect if you're interested in combining history, culture and activities. Here you can visit the Bermuda Maritime Museum, a rum factory with tastings, craft shops and even a glass-blowing gallery. It's a particularly lively area when cruise ships arrive, but quiet the rest of the time.

It's an excellent choice if you want to stay close to everything without being in the centre, or if you're visiting for just a few days and want to make the most of your stay. What's more, ferries run from here to Hamilton, making it very easy to get around without renting a vehicle.

Although there are fewer hotels in the Dockyard itself, you can stay very close by, in areas like Sandys or Warwick, which are just a few minutes away by taxi or scooter.

Recommended hotel near the Royal Naval Dockyard

• Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, ideal for a peaceful getaway, with several private coves and a more exclusive atmosphere.

St. George's

St. George's was Bermuda's first capital and is, without doubt, one of the most characterful corners of the island. Wandering its cobbled streets, among pastel-coloured houses and 17th-century buildings, feels like travelling back in time. It's a quieter area, ideal for those seeking an authentic experience, away from resort tourism and surrounded by history.

If you like soaking up the local atmosphere, discovering small hidden beaches and exploring at your own pace, St. George's could be your perfect base. It's also very close to the airport and to attractions like the Crystal Caves or Blue Hole Park.

Recommended hotels in St. George's

• The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, beachfront luxury, with spectacular views, an infinity pool, a spa and one of the best beaches in the area, St. Catherine's Beach. Perfect for romantic getaways or honeymoons.
• St. George's Club, spacious apartments with a kitchen, harbour views and a relaxed feel, ideal if you want comfort, independence and a central location in the historic heart of the town.

Which is the best area to stay in Bermuda?

As you can see, there isn't one single best area to stay in Bermuda — it all depends on the kind of experience you're looking for. If you want to be close to everything and enjoy city life, Hamilton is your place. To relax by the sea and be pampered by nature, Southampton is a safe bet. If history, authentic corners and peaceful getaways are your thing, then St. George's will win your heart. And if you want a bit of everything, the Royal Naval Dockyard area makes it easy.

My recommendation: whichever area you choose, rent a scooter or use the ferries and buses to get around the island. Bermuda is small, but every corner has something unique to offer, and it's well worth exploring.

Search and compare accommodation in Bermuda

I hope this post has helped you decide where to stay in Bermuda. And if you'd like to keep planning it all, take a look at my other posts about this little paradise.

Keep discovering Bermuda

If you're still organising your trip, don't miss 10 essential things to do in Bermuda or the 17 things about Bermuda that (almost) nobody knows.