The Crane Resort Barbados Review: What to Expect from This Historic Property
The Crane Resort in Barbados is a historic Caribbean destination that draws travelers from around the world. In this The Crane Resort Barbados review, I’ll share what you can expect when you visit, from the rooms and dining to the pools, beach, and nearby attractions.
Sitting on a cliff above the famous Crane Beach, the resort has welcomed guests since 1887. It combines old-world charm with modern comforts, offering 252 rooms and suites across 40 acres.
As Hilton Club members, we love exploring their properties globally. We recently visited La Pacifica in Los Cabos, The Residences in New York City, and Ocean 22 in Myrtle Beach.
After hearing great things about The Crane Resort, we knew we had to see it for ourselves. This review covers our full experience and tips to help you plan your next stay.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Please see our Disclaimer for additional information.
Where Is The Crane Resort in Barbados?
The Crane Resort is located in southeast Barbados, about 35 minutes from Bridgetown and 10 minutes from the airport. The area is quiet and somewhat remote. If you want to explore beyond the resort, you’ll need a rental car or taxi.
Barbados drivers keep to the left, like in the UK. The island observes Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4) year-round and does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
First Impressions and Arrival
Our stay started the moment we landed. A resort driver was waiting for us, just outside baggage claim, holding a sign that said, “The Crane.” The ride to the resort took only about 10 minutes. We had booked this airport pickup and return in advance on The Crane website, which made everything easy and stress-free.
Check-in was smooth. We were welcomed with rum punch (strong on an empty stomach!) and spiced muffins. Our bellman walked us to our villa, explained the layout, and pointed out key amenities.
Every Monday at 5 p.m. (at least when we were there), the resort hosts a free one-hour Manager’s Reception in the historic garden. We mingled with other visitors and resort staff over wine, beer, rum punch, and appetizers.
Important Tips:
- Prior to your flight, complete the Barbados customs form online within 72 hours of arrival at travelform.gov.bb to save time at the airport.
- Download The Crane Resort app as soon as you arrive at the resort. You can order groceries, book tours, see the daily activity list, arrange room service, and get contact information.
- You can use U.S. dollars in Barbados, with a fixed rate of $2 BBD to $1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Our One-Bedroom Garden View Villa with Plunge Pool
We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom villa with a private plunge pool and hot tub. The garden area was private, surrounded by tropical foliage and visited daily by hummingbirds.
Inside the Villa
The living room was comfortable and had a ceiling fan and a TV. The villa’s channels were similar to what you’d find in the U.S.
The full kitchen had everything you might need: a breakfast bar with four (oversized barstools), a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave, toaster, electric tea kettle, coffee maker, and cookware. The Hamilton Beach coffee maker came with coffee packets, tea bags, sugar, and basic condiments. And happily, there was a fruit platter for us in the refrigerator when we arrived!
In the kitchen closet, there was a convenient washer/dryer combo with a couple of packets of laundry detergent.
We did notice a few small missing items, like a dish towel, but the villa was stocked with liquid detergent, dishwasher packets, a sponge, a trash bag, and a roll of paper towels.
The bedroom featured a four-poster king bed, nightstands, TV, and closets with robes, an iron, and a safe. You can easily store your luggage under the bed.
The bathroom featured a walk-in shower with a rain showerhead and plenty of hot water. Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) with a bar of soap were provided, which was a nice touch. The space only had one sink and didn’t offer much room for all of my things, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. And they did provide a Conair 1875 travel hairdryer.
The air conditioner in the suite runs continuously and is a bit loud. On the bright side, it helped mask the nightly chorus of whistling frogs outside!
Things to Know:
- Bedroom and bathroom can be dark during the day due to limited natural light.
- Received daily housekeeping and 2 small bottles of water each day.
- Whistling frogs are loud from sundown to sunrise.
- The resort fogs for bugs regularly.
Outdoor Space: Pool and Hot Tub
Our suite’s outdoor area had plenty of seating. There were two chaise loungers, a table with four chairs under a gazebo, and another small seating area just outside the sliding doors.
It felt private… mostly. Since we were on the ground floor, guests staying on the two floors above could easily see into our space, which made me a little uncomfortable at times.
The plunge pool was 3 – 5 feet deep and comfortably warm. The hot tub was about 3 feet deep. Unfortunately, both needed more water during our stay. The pool’s skimmer gurgled constantly, and the fountain wasn’t working – we’re not sure if it ever is operational. Housekeeping shared our concerns with the pool staff, but all they did was skim the water surface one day.
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Voltage & Electronics in Barbados
If you’re coming from the U.S., you’ll be happy to know that Barbados uses type A and type B power outlets. The standard voltage is 115 V, with a frequency of 50 Hz, so you can plug in your devices without any problems.
Dining at The Crane Resort
The resort offers several dining options, but we found the meals a bit hit-or-miss. The staff is attentive and eager to please, though we didn’t experience a standout “wow” meal during our stay. It is advised to make restaurant reservations in advance. Please note that L’Azure is currently closed for renovations.
- D’Onofrio’s Trattoria: Standard Italian fare. We enjoyed dining on the porch with a breeze and ceiling fans.
- The Carriage House: Poolside venue and breakfast buffet while L’Azure is closed for renovations. They no longer have the Bar Bites menu, at least during our visit.
- The Grove Bar & Grill: On the beach. Serves cocktails, light fare, burgers, and barbecued chicken. Hosts a Tuesday night barbecue.
- Bar 1887: Tapas, pizza, and cocktails.
- Zen: Japanese and Thai dishes with ocean views. Large portions, but not unique.
- The Village Café: Ice cream, pastries, smoothies.
- Room Service: Available
Having restaurants on the property was convenient, but we personally preferred dining at spots off-property.
Restaurants Within Walking Distance of The Crane Resort
If you want a break from on-site dining, there are a few excellent restaurants within walking distance of The Crane Resort. Two, in particular, stood out.
Le Shack is about a 10-minute walk from the resort, though they also offer a complimentary car pickup and drop-off service. The setting is beautiful, and the dishes are creative and full of flavor. Highlights for us were the beet salad, seared tuna, grilled snapper, and the key lime pie, which was creamy with just the right amount of zest.
Cutters of Barbados is a casual, laid-back spot with a very friendly owner, Roger, his dog, Bingo, and helpful staff. We loved the flying fish sandwich with coleslaw, coconut ice cream, and rum punch. They are open daily until 5 p.m., and they can prepare takeout dinners if you want to enjoy them back at the suite. Roger even showed us a shortcut to the resort through the employee entrance, making it less than a 10-minute walk.
Both of these restaurants offered meals that were noticeably better than what we experienced on the resort property – truly “wow” dishes that we’d happily return for.
Amenities & Resort Grounds
The Crane Resort has plenty to keep you entertained without leaving the property. The resort’s grounds are lively with nature – we spotted green monkeys, roosters, and even heard the mooing of cows nearby.
Pools and Poolside Experiences
There are five pools across the resort. The Historic Pool features classic Doric columns, giving it a unique charm.
The main pool area has multiple pools on different levels, with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Towels and pool service are provided.
Nearby, The Carriage House serves light meals and drinks, making it easy to grab a snack while relaxing by the water.
Beach Access
The Crane Beach is accessible via a staircase or the resort’s glass-fronted elevator, the only one of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean. The Beach Hut provides umbrellas, sun loungers, and replacement towels complimentary to all guests.
You can also purchase beverages and light meals from The Grove Beach Bar & Grill and charge them to your room.
On days when The Crane Beach is affected by sargassum (seaweed), the resort offers a complimentary shuttle to an alternate South Coast beach from Tuesday to Friday. The shuttle departs at 10 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m. You must book with the concierge by 9 a.m. that day. At the alternate beach, you’ll enjoy the same things offered at The Crane Beach – Wi-Fi, chairs, umbrellas, and food and drinks for purchase.
Sports & Activities
If you like staying active during your vacation, The Crane Resort offers plenty of options for all ages.
- Tennis & Pickleball Courts (2 courts) – reservations required
- Golf Simulator – reservations required
- Fitness Center – a variety of workout options available
- Calypso Kids Club – for children 4 to 12, with daily activities from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Kid’s Cinema – daily from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., allowing kids to watch movies while parents relax at Bar 1887
The Crane Village
The resort’s small village offers:
- General Store – staples, personal care items, wine, and fresh bread and pastries (prices are on the higher side); includes an ATM
- Bridgetown Duty-Free Store – beach gear, souvenirs, t-shirts, and hats
- Colombian Emeralds – duty-free jewelry retailer
- Sophia’s – dress store
- Town Hall – venue for receptions, conferences, and private events (up to 180 guests)
- Serenity Spa – for wellness and relaxation
- Evening entertainment – local singers and vendors display their wares daily in the village center across from Bar 1887
Things To Do in Barbados
The concierge can arrange tours, including catamaran cruises, island safaris, and rum distillery visits. The concierge can also arrange reservations for golf at the Barbados Golf Club.
Day Trip to Bridgetown
If you want to explore Barbados beyond the resort, a trip to Bridgetown is a great option. The Crane Resort offers a shuttle that you need to sign up for in advance. The cost is $25 USD per person, paid in cash to the driver at the start of the trip. The ride takes about 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and you’ll be dropped off at National Heroes Square, which is also the pick-up point. The resort provides a helpful map to guide you around the city.
Bridgetown is busy and a little run-down, but it has some interesting sites. We toured the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, including the museum, mikvah, and cemetery. This functioning Ashkenazi synagogue was originally Sephardic and is well-maintained. It’s worth a visit to learn about the sugar cane trade and the history of Jewish settlers from Brazil and Europe.
We also wandered through Broad Street and the surrounding area. It was tricky to find a place to have a drink along the water, but we eventually ended up at the Ganzee Duty Free store food court on the third floor – crowded, but with a clean restroom.
Other notable sites include:
- Parliament Buildings across from the National Heroes Square
- St. Michael’s Cathedral, about a five-minute walk east of the Parliament Buildings, with a cemetery worth exploring
- National Heroes Square, originally Trafalgar Square, where the statue of Lord Nelson was removed during the Black Lives Matter uprising
There are a few more places worth visiting in Bridgetown, if you have the time:
- Saint Nicholas Abbey – the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean, offering free tours
- Chamberlain Bridge – originally a swing bridge, now a lift bridge
- Mount Gay Rum Distillery – tour the rum making headquarters
- Independence Square – in the Garrison area
Bridgetown is also a stop for cruise ships. Check CruiseMapper to see if a ship will be in port during your visit: CruiseMapper – Bridgetown Port.
Service & Atmosphere at The Crane Resort Barbados Review
The staff at The Crane Resort are professional, friendly, and eager to help, making your stay comfortable and hassle-free. The overall vibe is a mix of family-friendly and relaxing, with lots of families visiting with young children. The scenic views from the cliff overlooking Crane Beach and the Atlantic Ocean add a romantic touch to the setting.
If you’re familiar with other Hilton Grand Vacations properties, it’s worth noting that HGV has a 30% share at The Crane, but the resort operates independently. Compared to our recent stay at La Pacifica in Los Cabos, the differences are clear.
La Pacifica’s grounds were pristine and extremely well-maintained. At The Crane, the landscaping is lush and natural, with green monkeys, roosters, and hummingbirds adding to the charm. The grounds aren’t manicured to perfection, but they offer a more organic, tropical feel.
Final Thoughts: The Crane Resort Barbados Review
Overall, The Crane Resort offers a unique, historic experience in Barbados. Staying here comes with pros and cons and knowing what to expect can help you decide if it is the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Private villas/suites with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to cook or warm up meals
- No resort fees and free parking
- Five pools, beach access with umbrellas and loungers, and a glass-fronted elevator to The Crane Beach
- Family-friendly amenities like the Calypso Kids Club and kid’s cinema
- Lush, natural grounds with wildlife including monkeys, roosters, and hummingbirds
- Friendly, helpful staff
Cons:
- The property could use some updates. During our stay, our private plunge pool and hot tub needed more water, and the pool fountain wasn’t working.
- Air conditioning can be noisy, though it helps mask the sound of the whistling frogs at night.
- Food on the property is hit-or-miss and expensive; off-property dining at Le Shack or Cutters of Barbados was much more enjoyable.
- Grounds are beautiful but not meticulously maintained; more of a natural, tropical vibe than a pristine resort feel.
The Crane Resort is ideal for families, couples who enjoy a more natural setting, and anyone looking to experience a historic property with plenty of space and amenities. If you want luxury perfection or top-tier dining, you might be better off elsewhere. But if you’re looking for charm, privacy, and a real Caribbean Island feel, it’s a memorable place to stay.
Strong Wi-Fi throughout the property makes staying connected easy, and the resort’s concierge can help with excursions, activities, and logistics, ensuring your visit runs smoothly.
In short, The Crane Resort is a pleasant and unique stay – though not perfect. It’s worth experiencing at least once if you want to combine history, nature, and beachside relaxation in Barbados.
Travel Planning
If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Barbados, we would be happy to help. Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.
Want to learn how to pack like a pro? Check out our post on How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!
Before your trip to Barbados, I recommend looking into travel insurance for extra peace of mind. A great place to start is InsureMyTrip, where you can easily compare quotes based on your travel needs, or VisitorsCoverage, which offers flexible plans for international travelers.
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