We stayed for one night at this hotel in 2008 while passing through to another island and it was perfectly adequate for that with an acceptable, comfortable room and a good breakfast buffet (Sunday). Returned this year for lunch after a brilliant holiday further up the island and felt very disappointed. We ordered flying fish and waited 40 minutes. The waiter made no effort to find out what was happening. The meals came and there was more batter than fish by a long way, the salad was not fresh and although two of us said no chips, the plates all had them. Bottled water was $15 and, as we were on our way to the airport, no time to complain or send anything back. Overpriced and unsatisfactory. Extremely noisy ice machine at the bar drowned conversation every few minutes.

We were in St.Lucia for three weeks and decided to take a side trip to Barbados for a couple of days. Our friends had been raving about Barbados for years and thought it would be fun to check it out.
I have to admit other than looking on trip advisor for a hotel, we had no clue what to expect. just based on what our friends had told us. As we were flying over the Island getting ready for landing, it hit me how flat and baron the lay of the island looked. Coming from St.Lucia, lush and mountainous...I have to say, I had my first disappointment . sorry! just my own thoughts here.
Finally got into the airport shuffled into a huge grey cold building with 4 0r 5 other large airplanes that had arrived at the same time. It took almost two hours to go through customs. only every second booth had an agent. so, before we get to the hotel I must say, our little side trip was already beginning to look glum to us....all I kept thinking was " I gave up St.Lucia for this?" finally got through, grabbed a taxi and off we were to our knew living quarters for two days. asked the nice taxi driver what was the one thing he thought we should do, above all else. given that we were only there for a short stay. He said the caves.... on the whole Island thats what he said we should do. again! my heart sunk with disappointment. we are not interested in caves, although I am sure they are beautiful and very interesting .

We booked with the Southern Palms hotel. in the St.Laurence Gap area. it had very mixed reviews but we do not put too much into 50/50 reviews until we have witnessed it ourselves. To be fair, we want to say that we had come from a Sandals resort. So, we checked in. Lobby was nice, we call it " old school Carribean" which was charming. nothing fancy, which is ok to. then we were led to our room....it felt like we were being led up the back way through the parking lot. well, we were actually. it felt old and out dated. got to our room , opened the door and my heart skipped a beat...very plain, white walls not much going on in terms of decor. There was a bar fridge with a cheap countertop over it, with one wooden leg to hold it all together. I always heard Barbados was expensive. this hotel was not inexpensive either. so, I could not understand why they would not refurbish ? I have to say we were disappointed with the room.

Regardless, for only two days? piece of cake. kicked off our shoes and headed to the out door terrace right by the beach. Beautiful spot! hung out there for a couple of Banks beers which we liked very much. :) stayed there for i'd say a couple of hours to take in the vibe of the resort...staff, guests...when around 4pmish they turn up the music and start doing aerobics !! I know its a small hotel but could they not find a better spot? it just kinda took that nice feeling away when all you want to do is relax. went for a walk on the beach, again beautiful beach! lovely evening. came back got dressed to go out and check out the famous Gap area.

Sorry, but it felt like a run down old part of town. all the restaurants felt the same and we kept walking up and down looking for a suitable place to eat. again, at the back of my mind I kept thinking....I gave up St.Lucia for this? ate, went back to the hotel and stopped by the beach bar again as they had steel drums playing. great music.

There is one thing I'd like to say about the two ladies who were tending bar that day and night... try to smile once in awhile and if someone asks for a simple glass of water, don't slam it across the bar like it was an inconvenience to serve it. that my dear was a huge turn off. you made us feel very un welcome. on the other hand! there was a sweet elder gentleman who I cannot remember his name. but thank you for your graciousness and charm. In the end... we did not come away from this hotel feeling all warm and fuzzy. we feel some of the staff need to be retrained in the hotel industry. went to bed , beds were ok. we slept....

got up the next morning to go into Bridgetown for breakfast. big city feel , lots of chaos and traffic, only one place was recommended and when we entered, it was nothing more than a big bar with its chairs flipped onto the tables. walked around Bridgetown for a bit but could not get use to the noise and traffic. so, we headed back to our hotel. had a nice breakfast, the food was good. we had the same lovely man as our waiter from the night before. I hate to say this but, the whole side trip away from St.Lucia was a disappointment. I am sure we could have stayed at a better location maybe that would have made a difference. but in all honesty, we came from Sandals to a three star at best hotel. with lots of hope for out trip to the ever talked about Barbados. we will try Barbados again in the future to see what we have missed but folks! if you can there are better hotels.

We have just returned from 2 amazing weeks at Southern Palms & will definitely return next year. It is the perfect place to chill and relax in wonderful surroundings. The beach is just as beautiful as it is in all the photos and is so quiet. At times you can be the only person on it. The contrast with the resort next door is unbelieveable. The rows and rows of sunbeds and umbrellas compared to the peacefulness at Southern Palms - I know which one I prefer. There were numerous turtle hatchings during our stay. We were lucky enough to help release some baby turtles with the Barbados Turtle Project. The manager was very welcoming & we were very fortunate to arrive just in time for the weekly rum party! We found most of the staff to be very friendly and found that by spending time to talk and ask about family and the local area, generally getting to know them and vice versa, we had many pleasant conversations. I think it's fair to say that we made the most of all that Southern Palms had to offer & can't wait to go back.

Why this is #3 out of the top 10 Hotels to stay at in St Lawrence Gap is utterly baffling as this Hotel is most definitely not. I think some of these reviews might be a fix...

May I first point out we came to Barbados after a week in Grenada Spice Island Beach Resort which is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in and we paid more for the Southern Palms on a room only basis so we were obviously expecting it to be of a similar if not better standard, it was not. When we arrived at the hotel I couldn't believe how dated and tired looking the hotel was, it's in major need of a refurb. The people were friendly but the service was poor when greeted and for the money we paid we were a little disappointed but brushed it off. However, when it came to the room we were devastated. It was very dated, dirty, tired and the interior styling was much to desired. My partner and I could not believe for the price we paid this was it. The bathroom was tiny, the toilet was disgusting, the balcony doors were dirty and my partner actually leant on the frame and had black marks on his white tshirt, the bed felt like it was cardboard (incredibly uncomfortable); the room basically felt like a lifeless dingy box. As for the hotel grounds it was in dyer need of some TLC, the pool had scum around the water line and there was paint pealing from the walls. Well after an hour we left and hopped on 2 flights and went straight back to the Spice Island Beach in Grenada. Honestly, if you don't want to be disappointed after flying for 8 hours (uk) then don't book this hotel until it has closed and announced a refurb. Go to the Spice Island Grenada, you'll pay less and get an overall much high standard of hotel and service.

Again the positive reviews put on this forum MUST have been put on by the hotel, don't be fooled!