I am wondering if anyone can help me out with lodging. I am looking for cheap, cheap and cheaper. Place for my daughter, myself and my granddaughter. Anyone out there have a good idea or knowledge on where I can stay reasonably inexpensive? Thank you! Beth
Where do you want to stay, will you have a car, and do you mind doing some driving?
Is this primarily a diving vacation or more of a vacation with some diving? If you have non-divers in the group, or don't plan to rent a car, then Seven Mile Beach/West Bay is probably the best area - but it is also the most expensive.
And when you are looking at prices, keep in mind that some resorts and hotels charge resort fees per day - so ask about any extra fees. All hotels and rental properties charge a 13% government tax - no matter what part of the island you stay.
No matter where you stay, you should have the ability to prepare some simple meals because eating out 3 times a day is very expensive. And no matter where you stay you can work with one of the many dive ops on the island to arrange your dives.
The Comfort Suites on 7MB is one of the less expensive properties. It is a hotel suite so there is a more space to sleep extra people, how old is your granddaughter? I believe that there is a microwave and a frig in the suite and a complimentary hot breakfast is served daily, so that might work for you.
Sunshine Suites is often mentioned as a more affordable property but it is across the street from 7MB. All the rooms have kitchens, and you will have access to the beach and amenities of their sister property, the Westin Hotel across the street. There is a daily resort fee, $35 I believe.
We like to stay in an apartment in Turtle Nest Inn in Bodden Town. It is in a more suburban location but it is centrally located so you have access to the whole island if you don't mind driving, it is about 10 to 12 miles from George Town and the 7MB. The apartments include full kitchens and daily maid service and a rental car comes with the reservation. It is a clean, nice, family-owned property and the staff are great, but it is not luxurious.
TNI is situated on the water on a nice little beach but it is not the endless white sands of 7MB, but there is good snorkeling right outside the door. We prefer a beachfront or ocean front apartment because of the view and you don't hear noise from the street. If you want more space, the TNI condos are next door but they don't have daily maid service.
There are some other options depending on what you want to do, where you want to stay, what time of year you plan to travel, and how much you are willing to pay - the more you tell us the better we can offer suggestions.
