Royal Palms Hotel Bermuda: Review and Insider Guide

 

 

Category: $$$   Location: Pembroke Parish, Hamilton 

 

Updated: August 2026 

When you turn off the busy streets of Hamilton and walk up the gravel driveway of the Royal Palms Hotel, the city noise instantly drops away. You are greeted by the heavy scent of frangipani and the sight of two 19th-century coral-colored manor houses. 

 

As a certified Bermuda specialist, I always tell travelers that this property offers a completely different experience than the massive South Shore resorts. 

 

This is a boutique, intimate property where the staff learns your name by day two. It operates more like a luxury bed and breakfast than a sprawling resort. 

 

 

Photo Courtesy Royal Palms 

 

Before you book your stay, here is exactly what you need to know about the location, the rooms, and the major recent changes to their dining scene. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

This property tends to book up months in advance for peak season, so I always recommend checking to see if your dates are still open first: 

 

Check your dates across platforms to compare rates. 

 

Practical Details and Amenities

 

Check-in / Check-out: Typically 1:00 pm / 11:30 am (check current times before visiting). 

Wi-Fi: Complimentary and surprisingly fast throughout the property, including the gardens. 

Pool: One saltwater pool (unheated, which is refreshing in August but chilly in April). 

Fitness: A small, functional fitness center is available on-site. 

Bicycles: The hotel often provides complimentary pedal bikes on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

The Vibe: Who This is For (And Who Should Skip)

 

The Royal Palms is strictly tailored for adults seeking a quiet, romantic, or business-focused retreat. The courtyards are silent except for the chirping of tree frogs and the rustle of palm fronds. You will usually find couples reading by the pool or business travelers having quiet meetings on the shaded patios. 

 

If you are traveling with young children who want to splash and yell in the pool, this is not the right fit. There are no kids' clubs, no water slides, and no beachfront activities. Families are allowed, but the overwhelming atmosphere is one of mature, hushed relaxation. 

 

 

Photo Courtesy Royal Palms 

 

Location and Accessibility: The Hamilton Advantage

 

The hotel is located on Rosemont Avenue, just a short 10-minute walk from the shops and restaurants of Front Street. This makes it an incredibly strategic base if you want to explore the island's capital without relying on expensive taxis every night. You can easily walk down to the Hamilton Ferry Terminal to catch the Sea Express across the Great Sound. 

 

However, you need to prepare for a minor physical friction point. The walk back to the hotel from Front Street involves a noticeable uphill incline. After a heavy dinner and a few Dark 'n Stormy cocktails, that 330-yard hill can feel steeper than it looks. 

 

If you want to hit the pink sand, Elbow Beach in Paget Parish is your closest option. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi, and you should always carry about $15 to $20 in cash, as some local drivers still do not accept cards. 

 

Pro-Tip: If you plan to rent a two-seater electric micro-car, the hotel has charging stations on-site. Just be sure to reserve your vehicle months in advance for summer trips. 

 

Rooms and Suites: Inside the 19th-Century Manors

 

The accommodations are split between the Main House, the Mews, and the garden. Because these are historic 19th-century manors, no two rooms are exactly identical in layout. You will find charming architectural quirks, high ceilings, and classic Bermuda decor mixed with modern conveniences. 

 

I highly recommend booking one of the Deluxe suites if your budget allows. These come with small kitchenettes, which are perfect for storing cold drinks or reheating leftovers from your Hamilton dinners. Many of these suites also feature private exterior entrances, allowing you to bypass the main lobby entirely. 

 

 

Photo Courtesy Royal Palms 

 

Room rates fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season and how far out you book. You can see what the pricing looks like for your specific trip here: 

 

Check your dates across platforms to compare rates. 

 

Dining: The Transition from Ascots to Palomino

 

If you have visited Bermuda before, you likely know the Royal Palms as the home of Ascots, a legendary island restaurant. In 2025, Ascots officially closed its doors. The space was taken over by Take Five Ltd., who completely refreshed the venue and opened Palomino. 

 

Palomino features a beautiful rustic-modern aesthetic and a menu heavily focused on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. The transition has been highly successful, and the garden patio remains one of the most romantic places to eat on the island. 

 

For a deep dive into the menu and reservation tips, read my full review of Palomino at Royal Palms: Refined Dining in a Garden Oasis. 

 

 

Photo Courtesy Royal Palms 

 

What Surprised Visitors the Most

 

First-time guests are almost always surprised by the complimentary evening wine reception. Every evening from 5 pm - 6 pm, the hotel manager pours free wine in the lounge. It is a fantastic way to mingle with other travelers and get honest, unfiltered restaurant recommendations from the staff. 

 

The complimentary breakfast buffet is another major highlight. Instead of stale pastries, you get a sprawling spread of fresh fruit, hot items, and excellent coffee served in a bright, sunlit conservatory. 

 

Finally, guests are consistently shocked by how completely insulated the property feels; you can sit by the unheated saltwater pool and forget you are just blocks away from Bermuda's busiest city center. 

 

Common Mistakes When Booking Royal Palms

 

The biggest mistake travelers make is assuming they can easily walk to the beach. You cannot. You must factor daily taxi fares or bus passes into your budget if you want to see the ocean every day. 

 

Another common error is failing to book dinner reservations at Palomino prior to arrival. Even though the restaurant is located in your hotel, it is wildly popular with local Bermudians and books up weeks in advance. 

 

Lastly, do not rent a scooter if your itinerary is primarily focused on Hamilton. The city is highly walkable, parking a scooter in town can be annoying, and the public ferries are a much safer way to reach the Royal Naval Dockyard. For more tips on navigating the city, check out our Ultimate Guide to Hamilton, Bermuda. 

 

Royal Palms Location (Road Map) 

 

If this sounds like the perfect base for your trip, I recommend comparing prices between these platforms to make sure you get the best deal: 

 

Check your dates across platforms to compare rates. 

 

Alternatives: If Royal Palms Isn't for You

 

If you love the idea of a historic boutique hotel near Hamilton but want a slightly different design aesthetic, look into the Rosedon Hotel located just down the street. 

 

If you want to be near Hamilton but absolutely require mega-resort amenities like a massive infinity pool, an exclusive beach club, and multiple on-site bars, the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is your best bet. 

 

Finally, if you realize that waking up to the sound of crashing waves is non-negotiable for your vacation, skip the city entirely and look at South Shore properties like The Reefs Resort and Club. 

 

Related Articles

 

Check out Top Bermuda Luxury Hotels for all the great star accommodations in Bermuda. 

Check out Hamilton Bermuda Hotels to know about all the great luxury hotels and resorts in and around Hamilton City. 

 

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