Grenadine House

My boyfriend and I spent our whole trip at Grenadine House. The restaurant food was probably the best on the island, and the drinks were awesome. The top deck is a must at sunset for the view. Keisha was my favorite staff member by far. She was always cheerful, really helpful with recommendations, and made us feel comfortable and welcome. We had a lot of fun talking and connecting over music. The hotel staff arranged a tour and taxi company for us, too. Grant, who owns the taxi and tour company, was fantastic. He took us to the Owia salt pond, through some Karib villages, to a waterfall and the black point tunnel, and for lunch in a small tiny village. We learned a lot about the island's history along the way. From the hotel it's an easy walk to the ferry terminal, botanical gardens, and a few other good places to eat in Kingstown.

On my return as a solo traveler, the staff welcomed me like a regular. That warmth says a lot. I highly recommend The Grenadine House for its gracious staff and old-world, vintage travel feel. I had the pleasure of staying twice last month, including a visit as a couple. For that first visit, we arrived to find a belated anniversary message arranged on our duvet with fresh bougainvillea, hibiscus, and palm fronds. We were blown away by the thoughtful gesture. The colonial West Indies character runs throughout, from plantation wicker furnishings and nostalgic fabrics to the vintage travel aesthetic. Our room was across from reception, and though I worried about noise, it was quiet and peaceful. The covered balcony gave us privacy and shade, protected us from the rain, and had lovely views over the courtyard, Kingstown, and the bustling port beyond. Hotel guests also have an elevated viewing patio. We watched the sunset as ships lit up and disappeared over the horizon, sipping the welcome rum punch. Dinner is served in a lovely stone-encased dining room, with romantic corner tables and air conditioning. The cocktail seating area is charming too, with vintage movie star photographs and an antique wooden bar as its centerpiece. Dining is relaxed and unassuming, whether you sit on the covered patio or in the courtyard. The menu has fresh seafood, island-style local dishes, and tropical cocktails. Complimentary breakfast is light and healthy, with optional add-ons if you want something heartier. If you like coffee, ask for an espresso or cappuccino. Tea is more traditional in this part of the hemisphere, and coffee tends to be weak or instant. Going with the local rhythm is part of the experience. The location is another plus, less than a 10-minute walk from the historic St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere. Go in the morning when it's cooler. The gardens are pleasantly diverse for their size, and hiring a local guide makes the visit much better. It's just $6 USD for an hour. Some trees date back to the era of Bligh and Cook, and the aviary gives you a chance to see the beautiful St. Vincent parrots. The pool area is nicely secluded, with a spa right beside it. My husband enjoyed a last-minute massage they kindly arranged just before closing.

The pool and the property itself are beautiful, but the service really brought the stay down. We were told we had a “Superior” room, then put in a “Junior Suite” that didn’t look like the promotional photos. The food was also far too expensive for its quality. The worst part happened in Kingstown after dark. We’d arranged with a guard to leave the gate accessible while we went out briefly, but poor communication meant we got locked out. We waited 30 minutes, even though a manager was beside the gate with the keys, before he let us in. It was a frustrating, unsettling end to the evening.

We really enjoyed the Saturday night band and barbecue, and both the breakfast and restaurant food were delicious. The staff were kind and attentive throughout. It’s a lovely historic place, and I’d definitely recommend staying a night while travelling through St Vincent.