We stayed at the Rosebank for a couple of weeks in August 2010. Firstly all the arrangements were made via email with the lovely Sandie who was so friendly and helpful we just knew everything would go smoothly. Even though Sandie herself was away when we arrived, she arranged for Richard to pick us up at the airport, and despite my somehow managing to completely mess up the arrival time, he was there to meet us, smiling despite the ridiculously early hour.

Now, if Richard picks you up, be prepared to spend a lot of time talking about cricket... whether you like the sport or not is entirely irrelevant, Richard has enthusiasm enough for 10 people!

When we arrived, the first thing we noticed is that the gardens were well kept and absolutely beautiful. I think you can have barbies out there if you want (but don't quote me on that!)

The apartment (we had a superior studio) was perfect. Well equipped, if basic, kitchen including an electric oven, fridge freezer, microwave, kettle (one of those whistle jobbies you put on the hob!) and coffee machine. Oh and a telly with cable access although we didn't watch much tv to be honest! Lovely colonial style furniture and blinds, air-conditioned bedroom, HUGE double bed, lots of wardrobe space and bedside cabinets to pile all your junk... er I mean keep things neat and tidy (ahem!) I just felt comfortable and "at home," immediately, which was great!

There's also WIFI (included, you just need to get the password from Sandie/Richard) so if you're staying in (WHY??!!) and get bored with cable tv, I spose you could always download movies to watch on your laptop!

Location-wise it couldn't be better. 2 minutes walk to the Boardwalk and the beach (we used to hang out around the Accra hotel (and sneak inside to use the loo!) You're far enough from the noise at St Lawrence Gap but it's only about 5 minutes away on the supercheap and very regular bus service. You're also only about 10-15 minutes bus ride away from Bridgetown. The bus stop itself is 2 minutes walk away so that's ridiculously convenient!

Speaking of which, just at the end of the road, there's a little convenience store where you can buy all the staples, milk, bread, fruit and veg, toiletries whatever, bit like a little Tescos Extra type store. Be warned though, groceries are expensive! (As is eating out) You'll have to be careful not to undo the saving you make by going self-catering cos you blow a ton on food. Please do try to buy the local products though, rather than the imported stuff, just to keep the local business going ;) If you take the bus going up towards Oistins (you HAVE to go there on a Friday night for the food and the atmosphere!) there's a larger supermarket up that way, near a petrol (Shell?) garage. It's a bit cheaper, but not much :( If you're into cooking (Vegans, please skip the rest of this paragraph!) it's also a good idea to pop up to Oistins during the day and buy lovely fresh fish from the market, have you ever eaten fish that was swimming around just a few hours previously? That's how fresh it is, fantastic!

Basically, we loved this place! So much so, we're hopefully going back again later this year (SANDIEEEEE, save us a room!) I'm kind of a homebody and usually I can't wait to get home at the end of a holiday - not this time, I nearly hid under the bed so I didn't have to leave!

Seriously, if you're doing Barbados on a budget, I'd be amazed if you can find better value, good quality self catering accommodation in such an excellent location. Trust me on this as I am a fussy cow! Book it and enjoy, as I say, you won't be disappointed!

Nicole

PS - Oh and don't forget to look out for the monkeys!

Rosebank Apartments, tucked down a quiet street, seemed like home. Sandy is delightful....lets you do your own thing. Arranged to have me picked up and RC pointed out all the sights and best restaurants. (Don't forget to try Tapas!). The room was large, exceptionally clean and comfortable. I was able to shop around the corner at the Lantern Mall for breakfast items and on one or two occasions brought dinner in from the Mall. Conveniently located about three minutes from the boardwalk and beach which was lovely for an evening stroll. Bus, taxis and jitneys make transportation into Bridgetown easy. I'm headed back in a couple of months and Rosebank Apartments will be my choice.

We were in Barbados in August and it was an unforgettable experience. We loved the location right across from the broadwalk (access to beaches) and within walking distance of restaurants (subway) and 5 mins away from the mini mart. There was parking available and the bus and maxi taxi stops were very close so it was easy to get into Bridgetown.
The staff were very helpful and friendly and were very flexible with our inconvenient flight schedule. The apartment itself was rather roomy and very clean. The only thing our apt lacked was a patio, otherwise perfect especially for the price.

This was our fourth time staying at home (Rosebank) in Barbados! The apartments are superb and Sandie is, as always, there at the end of the phone if you need her. Nothing is too much trouble for anyone here - we asked for clean towels on our way out one morning and when we came back they were there on the bed - you don't get better service than that. The apartments are situated, in our opinion, in the best location in Hastings. You are so close to everything and can reach anywhere on the island easily. The buses are regular and so cheap too. The road to the apartments is lit and the shopping mall, The Lanterns, is great - loads of places to eat and such a wide choice of food types too.

Once again had a fantastic time, travelled around the Island more this time and found some amazing beaches - Brighton Beach is a must. There is a restaurant there and beds, umbrellas available for hire. This beach was never crowded even on Sunday morning! Miami Beach is great too, this beach can get busy but once again lovely. Paynes Beach is fantastic but Chris and I love Carlisle Bay because you can walk out in the sea and it is very gradual with no sudden dips, hardly any rocks when you walk out either and the sea is (usually) very calm. Food - Tapas is a must, we had two fantastic meals there - loved the West Indian Curry, and very reasonably priced too. Went to Oistens on Monday night instead of the usual Friday night, had a great evening. Lots of entertainment, Mr Impact can wiggle them hips. You should try Club Fred's too - he appears to be a grumpy old whatnot but he isn't at all, he is very funny.

Had a fantastic time and hopefully will return for our fifth time this time next year. So if you are thinking of self catering do not hesitate to book Rosebank Apartments, you will not regret it.