Carriacou Accommodation - No Frills Needed

[marian young]

Hi
Would really like to visit next month for a week or two as a single woman (very young 50's!)
But - not a rich one! So - any advice as to where to stay (just clean and basic, no frills attached.) that is in walking distance of a 'quintessential Caribbean' beach, with shallow waters (for a novice swimmer, that likes to wallow!) Also - in walking distance to where I can buy good food to eat. (not expensive, just basic!)
All I want is respite, relaxation....to marvel at the beauty of the surroundings, to read & hopefully to chat to anyone that wants to chat to me. And...to revive myself during these long winter months in UK, and return to my job with memories of that idyllic borrowed time in (what looks like!) ...a very beautiful, unpretentious & 'un-ruined place.' Just want to chill out basically...but can't afford more than ?20 a night's bed.
Thanks for any advice.
Marian (UK)

[Runner]

Hi, Marian and welcome to the Forum! [I can't believe I beat the Jim guys to welcome you!]

Carriacou sounds exactly like the place you're looking for. You have a couple of choices -- firstly: In-town quarters? Ade's Dream Guesthouse is in the main town of Hillsborough, and is right across the street from the beach. The beach directly over the road gets better as you walk to the right. Or, you can walk back through town (takes all of 5 minutes) and access the beach there, where it will be a bit more away from the hustle and bustle of the pier where the ferry (Osprey) (and other cargo/mail boats) from Grenada docks. There are plenty of eateries in Hillsborough. Ade's Dream has a variety of accommodations, and will fit your price range. Down-town Hillsborough is not all that bad -- there are no honking traffic jam filled streets, and things get pretty quiet after 6-7 PM (unless you are there during Carnival... hmmm, when is Carnival, anyway?), so being in-town is really not a bad thing even for someone wanting relaxation and quietude -- if you don't care for the level of activity, within 10 minutes stroll you can be pretty isolated!

Secondly: out-of-town? Paradise Beach in L'Esterre has Paradise Inn and a couple of other places as well, and they also may fit your price point. Advantage is that you have more privacy on the beach, and a bit less traffic and a bit more of exotic tropical surroundings. There are several beach-side restaurants (Hardwoods Bar comes to mind, and there are others) along the strip, and if you want to get back into town to eat, your host will be happy to arrange a taxi (or if you are heading into town before about 5 PM, you can just flag down a local bus ). These days it is a bit far to walk, but in days gone by, you could walk it easily -- this is when the main road ran right across the airport run-way. Sigh... the good old days, three or four years ago!

People on Carriacou are very friendly, and striking up a conversation is pretty easy. Visit the Museum -- unless things have changed, it is run by a wonderful woman (name escapes me at the moment) who is one of the ?23? daughters of Canute Caliste, a now-deceased local primitive artist whose work is known world-wide. She is a peach, and if not busy can tell you stories of Carriacou.

My partner, Janet (also a Brit) and I will be on Carriacou from 24 Feb to 3 March -- perhaps we'll see you!

Oh! If you want phone numbers of the places I've mentioned let me know, or you can find them on most Caribbean-centric websites.

I can give you much more info, but will wait to see if you have other specific questions before I ramble on!

Again, welcome!

Ed

[Big Jim]

Ed,

Thanks for looking after things for me.

You know I would rather have the members answer these questions than me, but what is bugging me is the fact that you haven't told Marian about our read only file, "Visitor Lodgings - Current Status" where all Carriacou lodgings are listed and their websites, email and phone numbers. Just scroll down to the Carriacou section and everything is at your fingertips Tsk, tsk, no wonder I have to keep an eye on you. Check out the file named above, Marian!

.

[Runner]

Big Jim, you have me dead to rights [I dunno what that means, but I sincerely mean it anyhow!

I am remorseful.

Marian: What Big Jim said, about where to find all this stuff! DO IT!

Ed

For Jim : Tsk, tsk, I have to keep an eye on you.
Easiest if you would have included a link to the Carriacou Lodging section of the Grenada Visitor Forum. .
Now I did so, but Included some links to the Carriacou Encyclopedia as well.
If visitors wish to add more content in the Carriacou Encyclopedia :
You can do so without signing up as a member
(it's a WIKI, like wikipedia, so no member names, no membership, just writing about and promoting the islands).

Carriacou lodging, wining & dining guides

Some pages where you can find more info about lodging on Carriacou

• Carriacou Guesthouses
• Carriacou Hotels
• Carriacou House & Villa Rentals
• Carriacou Restaurants
• Rumshops on Carriacou
• Bars on Carriacou

Screenshot of the Carriacou WIKI Encyclopedia

[marian young]

Hi
and thanks to all replies. I sent off a request to Ade's a few days ago, but received no reply. Paradise beach looks heavenly - but was a bit concerned about the lodgings there - that I read about elsewhere. I am looking at either 25th. Feb, or 1st or 3rd. March for 2 weeks. (Holiday has to fit in with Excel's 'cheap flight' I can get from Gatwick.) I have to take costs into consideration as I live in SW UK, which means cars, taxis and trains from here to airport (not cheap here) hence my desire for cheap accommodation
As I implied, am not looking for frills - am a very young minded 50's woman, who doesn't want to look out of place on her own.
I am an art teacher (artist) iin a prison (which I love.) but can be very demanding - hence my desire for two weeks 'out' to recapture some of my own creativity
Just as a ps. I went to Tobago a couple of years ago - my first trip to the Caribbean. Very beautiful - but very humid. Is Carriacou as humid?
Anyways, thanks to all for your replies.
Marian x

[Big Jim]

Hi Marian,

Let's face it, there are probably very few places in the Caribbean that aren't humid by our northern standards. Carriacou has some nice hillsides but Ade's is right in downtown Hillsborough, the capital of Carriacou. It is a good place, but dolook around a bit. The good part of all this is that you are going to be there in the dry season which means that there is a lot less rain, and the trade winds are stronger and dryer.

Have a look at some of the web sites we have listed and you will see many different types of accommodation. One thing I will alert you to is that since new management has taken over, we cannot recommend Paradise Inn for our members at this time due to many negative reports we have received about treatment of guests. When negative reports start coming in, it is a red flag for us. Enough said.

Have a wonderful vacation in laid back Carriacou, Marian. I have been giving Carriacou a lot of thought recently as a place to reside permanently. As an aside the name Carriacou is an Indian name meaning "Land of reefs" which will tell you something about the sea around Carriacou.

.

Originally Posted by marian young

I went to Tobago a couple of years ago - my first trip to the Caribbean. Very beautiful - but very humid. Is Carriacou as humid?
Anyways, thanks to all for your replies.
Marian x

Comparing Tobago with Carriacou I definitely consider Carriacou less humid.
Tobago has a rain forest on the north side. But said that, I only have stayed on Tobago in a few places, namely Castara, Englismans Bay and in Stonehaven.
The other , (flat) side of Tobago might be similar to Carriacou, i dunno.

Carriacou has no rain forest , and the main difficulty on the island is catching enough rainwater to survive dry season.
For lodging on Paradise beach you might want to checkout "Hopes Inn" and the "Snakepit Apartment".

[Runner]

Hi, Marian --

I withdraw my earlier mention of Paradise Inn, based on other posts on this thread! I realized that my earlier endorsement may damage my credibility, but I will go ahead with this, anyhow!

We have stayed, for the last two years, in Ben & Jenny's Apartment. [See the fine information available at the top of the main (intro) page here, in the "read-only" section about Carriacou accommodations. [OK, Jim? See, I'm a quick learner!]]. We will be there again this year, but interestingly enough, will be leaving on March 3. This is the best deal we have had in the 13-15 years of staying on Carriacou. Read the description, and then, if you continue to be interested, ask away. I will be checking the fora here daily until we leave NH on 22 February.

And as to humidity: I've not been to Tobago, but have been on lots of other Caribbean islands, and as Paellaman points out, Carriacou with no rainforest is a bit drier. I hate humidity, and have never felt the oppressive stuff you can get (even in Nawth NH!), mainly perhaps due to almost constant daily breezes. It can get HOT, and you need to protect your skin more than you think you do, but it is pretty tolerable. Besides, if on the beach, you dunk when you get hot!

Ta!

Ed

[Tuck]

We have stayed at Ade's and it was inexpensive ($40/ nite for 3 adults) They were quite nce there - let us use their washing machine as well as let us recharge our battery pack in the office overnite. Our room was small put had a little kitchenette area with refrigerator, stove and sink, air conditioning and TV. They have a nice outside porch/deck overlooking the street with tables and chairs. Great place for breakfast. Everything in town is within easy walking distance. They have a grocery store right next door as well as a restaurant across the street. I have found that down island people are quite slow to answer their email as they don't look at it daily. We actually called Ade's from Grenada to book our room. Tuck's far superior half Sandra

[Iriemon]

I just spent three weeks on Carriacou, rented a house called Yellow Bird in Craigston. The rate was $125/night, but it was a house that had everything, deck for boat and sunset watching and a private beach a two minute walk away.

I have also stayed at Paradise Inn twice, very nice people, clean accomodations, great breakfast and the best pizza on the island. I only wish they had screens for the windows, I hate using mosquito netting

If I wanted privacy I would consider Solar Seaclusion Suites in St.Louis (15 minute walk from Paradise beach) where you will be treated like royalty by your hosts Bob and Marie Jason. I think their rates are $109/night.

On the other side of the island at Bay aleau Point (sp?) are some neat cottages that are available for rent. The couple that runs it are fun, sociable and the woman is an artist. They run boat tours from their cottages that include beachside barbecues, snorkeling and cocktail cruises.

You should also consider the Green Roof Inn, close to town and the beach and the food is incredible.

Remember, during the day you can always catch a bus anywhere on the island for only $3EC. That's a cheap ride to Paradise beach.

And the people there are the friendliest you'll ever meet.

[Big Jim]

Hello again Marian. Please come back to the forum when you return home, and maybe give us your comments on the vacation to Carriacou?

We always like to hear from our members about what happened and where you went, what were the restaurants like where you ate lunches or dinners, and include your recommendations. It helps a great deal to keep us current about places and people.

Thanks and have a great vacation.

.

Originally Posted by Iriemon

I have also stayed at Paradise Inn twice, very nice people, clean accomodations, great breakfast and the best pizza on the island. I only wish they had screens for the windows, I hate using mosquito netting

I suppose you are referring to the years when Elin was still running that place ?
This Inn has changed management a year or so ago.
When I was there last year there was no bread for beakfast during four consecutive days, the fruit juices were from a tin and diluted with water, the fruit consisted of a sliver of an orange and a dice size cube of a watermellon...
I sure hope that people do not expect to get a good pizza there, since the lady who made them has left Carriacou and is in Norway now.
And yes, you are right about mosquitos there.
There is a pond beside the hotel where the little buggers breed.
Apart from that, the crab holes which are all around the place, fill up with water after rain and provide for more mozzie breeding grounds.

[Iriemon]

I guess it's the glass half empty or whole thing.

I had two pizzas at Paradise Inn last month that were delicious, just as good as they were last year when I stayed there.

Breakfast was exactly as you described it but they did have toast and guava jelly, but it suited my needs.

Cami is the woman who manages Paradise for her father who lives in England.

[marian young]

Hi all
It's now 2 months since I visited this site, and in that time...I have been looking for accommodation on Carriacou, without success. I see the flights from Gatwick come & go...then try to book a place...but often, get no reply/ or email returned. I did manage to have a nice correspondence with 'Snakepit,' but I then couldn't go 'at that time,' and I think the owners got fed up with all the questions I was asking. I really do like the look of Paradise Beach as somewhere to stay. (I have been put off the Paradise Inn because of all the stuff written about it.)
There is a flight on Sun 20th May for a week I could do/ or 3 June - 17th (for a fortnight.) But...I don't feel able as an older single female to book either without guarantee of somewhere to stay. I might be an old hippy, and have slept in some strange places...but those were in my 'prime!'
So...still dreaming/ searching.....
and if anyone has some suggestions, would be nice to hear.
with thanks,
Mari x

[Big Jim]

Hi Marian,

We hope you have better luck this time.

Please don't always rely on email addresses in Carriacou. There are lots of changes going on in Carriacou with web sites. If you don't get an answer within a couple of days on email, give them a telephone call which is probably a much better way of getting your answers quickly. From the UK dial 001-473 and the local phone number.

The following places are known as good places to stay:

Ades Dream Apartment Hotel
$ to $$
Email : adesdea@spiceisle.com
Tel (473) 443 7317
Fax (473) 443 8435



Bayaleau Point Cottages Carriacou
$$ to $$$
Email : goldhill@caribsurf.com
Tel (473) 443 7984
http://www.carriacoucottages.com/



Bogles Round House
The Round House Cottages and Restaurant is a secret hide-away with an unusually artistic atmosphere amid splendid views and lush tropical foliage.
We are located within the small village of Bogles, a short car journey from the ferry terminal and the local airport .
Bogles Round House will be closed from May 8th 2007 until June 1st 2007, during which time Roxanne will be taking part in the Carribean Hotel Associations Culinary competition with Team Grenada, in Miami.
To contact us call: Roxanne or Phil on:
473-443-7841
Skype Us @: Nashp76
Email: info@boglesroundhouse.com
Bogles Round House, Bogles, Carriacou, Grenada, W.I.



Carriacou Yacht and Beach Club Tyrrell Bay
$
Email : cariyacht@spiceisle.com
Tel (473) 443 6123
Carriacou Yacht & Beach Club is strategically located on Tyrell Bay, Carriacou?s premier yacht anchorage. The club caters specifically for the needs of the discerning Caribbean traveller. Its extensive facilities within a self-contained complex, combine high levels of comfort with the finest services for guests and visiting yachts.
Current Rates: All Year
Single 40.00
Double 50.00
Contact Information: Judy Adams - General Manager
Tel: 443-6292
Fax: 443-6292



Grandview Hotel Carriacou
$$
Restaurant & Piano Bar - Our Exquisite Restaurant serves up a variety of Caribbean and International Cuisine or savour an intimate poolside dinner.
Our Piano Bar opens till 10.00 pm offers a wide selection local exotic wines, spirits and fruit juices ect. View Photos
Rooms & Apartments - Your comfortable bedroom sleeps two or four persons and elegantly designed with you in mind. Every unit has private bathroom & balcony and furnished with TV, air-conditioning fans and telephone.
Your apartment suite with connecting bedroom is self-contained including all of the above mentioned amenities.
We also have a Gift Shop and fresh water swimming pool.
Email : ccougrandview@spiceisle.com
Tel (473) 443 6348
Web site: http://www.carriacougrandview.com/rates.htm



Green Roof Inn Carriacou
$ to $$ Rooms available from $50 US/night
Small family run inn with restaurant encompassing fabulous ocean views.
Sandy beaches and good snorkeling within walking distance.
Email : greenroof@spiceisle.com
Tel/fax (473) 443 6399
Web site: http://www.grenadines.net/carriacou/greenroof.html



Johns Unique Resort on Carriacou
Email : $ to $$
junique@spiceisle.com
Tel (473) 443 8346 - fax 443 8345
Web site not known.


Silver Beach Hotel
$ to $$
Our little hotel is set on over three acres of beach front property and offers self-catering cottages, suites and oceanfront double rooms.
Email : silverbeach@spiceisle.com
Tel (473) 443 7337
Fax 443 7165
web site: http://silverbeachhotel.net/

I hope these will help you .

[Tuck]

We have also stayed at the Grand View Hotel. Shirley and Earl, the owners, live onsite, and are quite nice. The food was quite good, and you can always get a drink at the bar. The hotel sits up on a hill so there is a quick walk to town but a little hike back - not bad. We would definitely stay there again. There is a fairly new hotel - Hotel Laurena that is right in town about a block from the dock. Haven't stayed there but did take a look. A little more expensive - $65 single; $85 double but the rooms do have TV, VCR, DVD player, iron & board, microwave, toaster and ac. plus it has a gym and free contintental breakfast. www.hotellaurenna.com; 1-473-443-8759 and email: andrewsinn@spiceisle.com.

We have always stayed in Hillsboro but take the bus to Paradise Beach and have lunch at the Hardwood Bar - beware of the rum punch! or L'Esterre Bay. Sometimes we go to the beach at Silver Beach and have lunch there. Or many times we walk through town past Callaloo By the Sea Restaurant and find a nice spot on the beach all to ourselves. Be sure to contact Snagg about a lobster dinner. You can ask where to find him at the dock area. Also Linky is a great taxi driver and gives a great tour of the island (he also will stop by an awesome bakery if you like.) Again, ask for him at the dock area as the taxi drivers will find him for you. Tuck's far superior half Sandra

[marian young]

Hi all
Am still 'working' on this holiday. There is a flight from Gatwick May 13 - 27 (2 weeks) which I will book - providing I can get accommodation for ?100 per. week maximum!
(I live in the west country of GB...which means travel/ parking to Gatwick (3 hrs.) which costs loads, plus air/ ferry to Carriacou.
Am only looking for basic simplicity/ cleanliness whilst there...simply a bed with a fan. but important would be a beautiful beach within walking distance, simply to chill out at. (No nightlife required....done all that in my prime.)
Is that possible? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Perhaps I am asking too much........well, gotta try.. even if it's the caribbean!
love Mari

[Big Jim]

Marian,

100 BP per week is approx. US $28.50 per night. That would include the 10% service charge and 8% Govt. room tax, I assume. That would mean you are offering the owners about US $25 per night for the room rent.

This would cut your choices to almost zero, but even so, we will keep on looking. Have you tried offering that rate to anyone in Carriacou? If so how close did you get to your max.?

[Big Jim]

Hi again,

I have been a busy guy today because we aim to please if possible, and because the challenge was like a moth to a flame... Just to see if I could find what Marian wants in Carriacou.

I came to the conclusion that we are talking about guesthouses in Carriacou.

Please keep in mind that most guesthouses do not have web sites, some have email addresses but most don't. They all have telephone numbers, and I'm afraid you will have to make a few phone calls to get your price. People in carriacou are very friendly and laid back, so give them a call and negotiate for your price.

Here is a list of the guesthouses and contact info. available:

Mom And Dad Holiday Apartments
Location: Belmont, Carriacou. 6 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-8056

Seaside Fountain Guest House
Location: Harvey Vale, Carriacou. 2 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-7425

Scraper's Holiday Cottages
Location: Tyrell Bay, Carriacou. Tel: (473) 443-7403
Admin note: Has a good name and is fully functional.

Tom's Hideaway
Location: Harvey Vale. Tel: (473) 443-6099

Gramma's Luxury Apartments
Location: Hillsborough. Main & Patterson.
Tel: (473) 443-7255 Fax: (473) 443-7256

Kims Plaza Guesthouse on Carriacou
Tel /Fax (473) 443 7733

Millies Guest House
Location: Hillsborough. 10 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-7310 Fax: (473) 443-8107

Patty's Villa
Location: Hillsborough, Carriacou. 2 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-8412

Peace Haven Guest House
Location: Hillsborough. 6 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-7475

The Sand Guest House
Location: Hillsborough. 11 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-7100

Sand X Guest Beach House on Carriacou
Email : sunkeywp@yahoo.com
Tel (473) 443 8382

Banana Joe Location: L'Esterre. 3 rooms.

Hopes Inn Location: L'Esterre. 7 rooms. Tel: (473) 443-7457
Admin note: Good reports from our members here.

Snakepit
Location: L'Esterre Tel: (473) 443-6039 or 443-8527
Admin note: Also good reports from a member on this.

Marian, I hope the above list will do the job for you. Happy telephoning.

.

[Big Jim]

I wonder what happened with Marian in Carriacou? (If she ever got there)

[Runner]

Given all your efforts, Jim, to help, I hope she did!

However, I have to say, Carriacou is such a special place in so many ways, that if someone who posted here asking for info then went to Carriacou, it is hard to imagine that they'd not come back to chat about their experiences, y'know? Since we've not heard from her, and with the limitations she was expressing, I suspect she went somewhere else. If so, her loss! But we did our best, eh!

We (She Who Must Be Obeyed & I) will miss Carriacou, this year, due to a new hip arriving in February and which may (not worth gambling on) limit travel for awhile. Oh, well -- aging is a bitch (but it ain't MY hip! )

Keep warm...

Ed

[Jim]

Hi Ed,

Yes, you would have thought that a simple post by Marian Young would have been forthcoming, but that is the way it is sometimes. It does happen a few times every year but for the most part we have a pretty good lot in this membership.

I certainly hope SWMBO has an easy time of it, and we wish her all the best for her operation.

About the age thing... you are right, it is a total CROC, but the alternative is not great either!

.