Hamilton Princess and Beach Club

The Hamilton Princess is Bermuda's urban resort, sitting on the harbour at 76 Pitts Bay Road, close to Front Street, the ferry terminal and the buses that fan out across the island. Its accommodation has been newly renovated, and the resort offers a choice of restaurants and bars that range from Intrepid Steak, Seafood and Raw Bar and 16O9 Bar and Restaurant to the Crown and Anchor pub, the Princess Beach Club Kitchen and the Duchess Cafe and Gelateria for coffee and ice cream. There is an infinity pool, the Driftwood Spa and an eight thousand square foot wellness centre, and guests have access to a private Beach Club, so you can combine a city stay with sand and sea. A Kids Eat Free programme appeals to families, and the hotel is a regular choice for business and special-occasion travel.

Location and getting around: the great advantage of staying in Hamilton is that it is the island's transport hub. Public ferries leave for the Dockyard, buses reach the south shore beaches, St. George's and the airport, and taxis wait on Front Street. You can walk to shops, restaurants and the harbour, and a food tour starts in the centre of town. The trade-off is that the best beaches and the Dockyard are a ride away rather than on the doorstep, so ask the hotel how guests reach the Beach Club, because the listing we checked gives no transport details.

Rooms and who it suits: rooms are renovated and range from standard categories to suites with harbour views. It suits couples who like a town base and nightlife, first-time visitors who want to see the whole island by ferry and bus, families with a Kids Eat Free programme, and travellers on special occasions who want a spa. The setting is lively, so request a quieter room if you are a light sleeper, and ask about weekend events. Rates are in the upper tier, and the shoulder season is a good moment to look for packages.

Good to know: the reservations office is open weekdays and closed at weekends and on holidays, so contact the hotel early in the week if you need to change something. Several restaurants keep different days and hours, particularly out of the summer peak, so check the dining schedule at booking. Parking and transfers should be confirmed in advance, since visitors cannot hire cars on the island. For a day trip, the Dockyard ferry is a short walk from the hotel, which makes a boat trip an easy plan.