Will we be getting a trip report?
Not the TR type but ill give the rundown.
Fairmont Southampton pros: signup nights with suite upgrade gets you very nice value. They took all my spa and food credits and just gave me $150 on my room account to spend towards anything. Most of it went towards resort fees/ gratuities that they charge which I felt excessive ( gratuities part) but was able to buy plenty of drinks and snacks as well. The beach is heaven with great snorkeling and plenty of lounge chairs. Can rent snorkel gear but we brought our own. Was super excited by the great snorkeling right on site. There were huge amazing parrot fish and barracuta along with plenty others. They have scuba trip that trains right there and leaves right from the hotel beach as well. Its right next to horseshoe beach which is spectacular as well but being a public beach, I much preferred staying on the Fairmont side.
Hotel was happy to give me a fridge for kosher and would have heated meals but I decided to stick with cold food items as it was only a 2 night trip. ( was my jetblue mileage run/ use my Fairmont nights before they expire trip)
Cons: they didn't seem to accommodate anyone with early check in. They have a hallway area to keep your stuff and 1 changing room for guests to use. The status the cc gives does get earlier guaranteed check in than normal and that they honored but most flights will get you there way before then. It was pretty annoying not having a room for couple hours. The hotel needs a makeover big time, has lots of potential but it's age shows. That being said I would 100% go back to this hotel on my next trip. My suite was very nice with newly updated decor but the signature sea view suite really doesn't have such a spectacular view. I was on the beach from morning until dark anyway so didn't bother me.
Bermuda is so close and the beaches are paradise, compared with cancun, st Maarten and Hawaii, by far my favorite. I highly recommend for a short few day getaway. I can't imagine shabbos there though, would be tough as I mentioned the shuttle down to the beach. Its a real shame its not hot there in the winter. Any questions feel free to ask.
