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Portsmouth Beach Hotel – reviews, photos

Picard Estate, Portsmouth, Dominica
Hotel amenities
Portsmouth Beach Hotel
Ranked #3 of 3 hotels in Portsmouth
4.0 of 5 stars 7 Reviews
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7 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Alton, Illinois
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
“Decent Stay”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 October 2011
4
people found this review helpful

Not a bad place to stay if you have reasonable expectations. We were taking a long Caribbean vacation to a few different islands and on a budget. We weren't booking high-end resorts. We were pleasantly surprised with the room, actually. It had a nice view of the sea (which was unexpected) and a little balcony to sit on. The staff were friendly. The restaurant (La Flambeau) was nice. We were early arriving so were welcomed to sit at a table on the beach while we waited. Very relaxing to sit and have a drink looking over the water! It was a nice walk up to the main road where there were markets and other restaurants. We especially enjoyed the strip of street vendor-type businesses (on the other side of the university) where we were able to purchase very good and inexpensive food and fresh fruit juices. One vendor was so appreciative of us coming back the second day that he really piled the food on for us. (2 large chicken kabobs and a huge helping of red beans and rice for about $5 or $6US)

On the negative side, we went to the reception desk to inquire about booking a tour of some of the sites (Emerald Falls, Indian River). My husband came back and told me the price she had quoted and it was a MUCH higher quote than the driver who had brought us from the airport had quoted so I asked my husband to go back and see if the quote she gave included all entrance fees. She then told my husband that it did so we agreed to it. Well, when we got to Indian River and the guide told us the cost we went back to our driver to tell him our understanding was that our agreed upon price was to include this. This was not worked out between our hotel receptionist and the driver as we had been told it was. He called the hotel and we paid the additional cost of the Indian River tour. I believe in the Caribbean that there is often an agreement between people who work in the hotels and drivers (often relatives) and there is an agreement where the receptionist gets a portion of the price charged (15% in this case). I felt like we had been bamboozled and it really left us unable to enjoy the tour. Our driver did try to make it up to us but it soured me for doing any more site seeing on the island. I do recommend that travelers check pricing and arrangements carefully before doing anything in Dominica. Unfortunately, this one negative nearly cancelled out the many positives of the stay.

  • Stayed March 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“excellent”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 October 2011
1
person found this review helpful

very helpful people
beautifull place
lovely view on the sea

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Columbus, GA
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“Convenient to Ross University”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 September 2011
3
people found this review helpful

My wife and I just stayed here as we accompanied my daughter to Ross University Medical School. Having done extensive research before going I purposely chose this facility. The first thing you need to realize is Dominica is not like any other Caribbean resort destination. In fact if it weren't for Ross I doubt seriously very many people would visit this island.
With that said, the hotel was better than I expected it to be. Now it's no Hilton, but it was clean, the air conditioner worked well, and the TV received many more channels than I expected. The place does serve as a housing facility for some Ross Students. In fact the Ross Housing Office shares a driveway entrance with PBH. There is a sidewalk from PBH that enters into the backside of the campus which is a significant short cut.
The shutters in our room closed well and the screens kept out any bugs. The balcony was small but nice, and the breeze at night was wonderful. Ceramic tile floors through out help keep the room cooler. The stove, mini-fridge and microwave all worked fine. There was even an electrical converter in one of the sockets so I could use my laptop with no problems plugging it in.
La Flambeau Restaurant is onsite (see my rating elsewhere) and seemed to be a popular hang out for the Med Students who were waiting for the semester to begin. The beach was very popular among them in the afternoons.
The best thing about this place is the personnel. They were fantastic. They were always friendly, always willing to answer questions, make suggestions, and they even called the KFC for us one night for delivery. As with most places on the island this is a gated community and the security guards were always checking to make sure if we needed anything.
The only negative thing I have to say about the place is that the internet service was poor. I usually had to sit on the balcony to get a decent signal.
Will we stay here again? Probably. If possible we might try out the Picard Beach Cottages which is the companion property simply to avoid the stairs..

  • Stayed August 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Show Low, Arizona
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“Nothing like dormitory style living.”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 August 2011
2
people found this review helpful

The Portsmouth Beach Hotel is more than a hotel it is a "dormitory" for Ross University students.

The rooms are rustic, with no glass windows only shutters with a maybe it works air conditioning unit to help keep one cool. Most all rooms have a nice view of the ocean which is a plus. There are only stairs. Each room has, sort of, a kitchen, a propane stove and small refrigerator and a table. A balcony is there and it was nice to sit out there in the evening. (Take bug repellent).

The staff was very helpful and friendly which is also a plus. It is very close to Ross University and actually right next door.

Would I stay here again? I sort of doubt it as we upgraded to the Picard Beach Cottages which are MUCH nicer and part of the same property. Worth the extra $25 USD per night. See my separate review.

Room Tip: All roms are the same. Make sure there is plenty of electricty credit on the electric meters. No roo...
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  • Stayed April 2011, travelled with family
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Copenhagen, Denmark
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Very kind, smiling and service minded staff”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Great location. Shops and restaurants within waking distance. The staff is very friendly and always willing to assist with any help you need. There is a restaurant in the hotel right on the beach with nice food. But in hoel prices of course.
Don't miss soca room and grapefruit juice in the bar.
Go on a ride on the hobie cat with Clint. You'll find him a short walk down the beach.
Enjoy a trip up the Indian river or a fishing trip with Alexis. He can also take you bird watching or hiking if you wish. He is knowledgeable and pleasant and fun company.

  • Stayed February 2011, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Portsmouth Beach Hotel

  • Portsmouth Beach
Address: Picard Estate, Portsmouth, Dominica
Price range (per night):* INR5,502 - 8,615

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