Reviews of Escape at the Gap Hotel, St Lawrence Gap, Barbados

I stayed at this hotel with my...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs H Carmichael

Comments:

I stayed at this hotel with my Daughter Claire, for 2 weeks, we, on the hole had a really good time became friendly with a lot of people still text Ryan and Shirley a year on.

One problem i had was the locals on the beach, my daughter is a very good looking girl and thats not being biast they would not leave her alone a lot of the hotel staff where after her aswell, so if you are a young blonde with a good figure be prepared to be bothered by the locals, the rooms are kept spotlessly clean and as others have said waitresses where not to friendly wouldn't go back there we have stayed on the east coast and west coast aswell as here, west coast is brilliant but of coarse a lot more pricey. Hello to V-Jay one of the barmen and Helen one of the barmaids can't remember anyone elses name sorry

WICKED!!! I will definitely be...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs J Lindo

Comments:

WICKED!!! I will definitely be returning to The Gap!



I found the staff extremely helpful and the room really clean. The aircon was cool and nice - you felt as if you walked into an icebox, which was a refreshing change after coming in from the heat.



Met some lovely locals who took care of us by taking us dancing at night and relaxed on the beach in the day. I didn't mind the vendors as everybody has to eat!



Woah! I'm going to BARBADOS!!!



Jx

I can't understand all the...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2008

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs PE Cowling

Comments:

I can't understand all the negative comments I read on this site. We went to St Lawrence Gap for a family wedding at a nearby hotel. So there were 11 of us at Escape at the Gap.( I hope we weren't too noisy) We had a great time and found the staff very helpful and friendly, especially the boys on the beach, always on hand to get us a sunbed and sunshade. Food was lovely , especially in Pirates restuarant, where we were looked after very well , especially when one of our group had been fishing and caught a kingfish and the chef cooked it for us, it looked too good to eat but we did and it was delicious.

The only criticism I have is that the beach towel exchange could be better, they seemed to run out of clean towels before everyone had got one.

My friend and I went to the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2007

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs J Andrew

Comments:

My friend and I went to the Escape Hotel November/December (my third time) we met some great people who we were going to keep in touch with sadly I have lost one of the e-mail addresses, so Joycie and Eddy hi if you read this. Anyway back to the hotel I found it warm friendly and for the price excellent value. ( I even put on a few pounds). My friend loved it, but before we went on the holiday she thought it was expensive, compared to the Bargins!!! she had had. Firstly she was impressed with how well we were looked after flying Virgin for the first time, then at the hotel with the food being on most of the day. Breakfast, Lunch afternoon sandwiches, then Dinner all of which were very good some excellent. The only thing I would change is the bar it needs to be bigger with more choice but having said that we only used it just before we went out, and a sneaky one at lunch (or 2). The hardent drinker would not have been impressed. I noticed a lot of the same people come back year after year so that to me is a good recomendation for any place.

We have just returned from an...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs E.A. Parkin

Comments:

We have just returned from an absolutely fabulous stay. We were warmly welcomed and looked after from day one. The food was fine, everything you expect for a three star hotel. The rooms were clean and adequate with fully functioning air conditioning. The staff were amazing - nothing was too much trouble. So much so that with the incredible help of Alison we were able to arrange our Wedding in a day. We were thoroughly spoilt by staff and guests alike all of which made our special, if not spontaneous day complete.



Saving up now in the hope of spending our anniversary there next year



Special thanks to Alison and Reverend Anderson Kelman.

Great Holiday!

I...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Miss J.A P

Comments:

Great Holiday!



I read a lot of people commenting on the staff at this place saying they were rude and unpolite, but i have to say, i thought the staff were great, they were friendly and polite and were great with the kids. A few of the friends which we made on this holiday were actually staff at the hotel ... maybe we just went at a good time of the year, even though November is supposed to be the rainy season, it was still hot and sunny, but around afternoon we had about two minutes of rain which was quite refresshing, and it soon passed. I thought the food was pretty good, they had lots of variety and the deserts were fantastic! The beach is absolutely gorgeous, there is lots of watersports to choose from, most of which are free except from the jet ski rides which cost a fortune but they are well worth it. Sunbeds go quickly so you have to get up at about 8/9 to get your sunbed and a good spot on the beach. The night entertainment at the hotel is pretty good too, they have karaoke nights, cocktail nights and beach BBQs, they also get dancers in to perform which is great for the kids because they can join in too. The hotel rooms are pretty basic but clean, you get a kettle, cups, tea, coffee and sugar in your hotel room but the coffee is awfull, i recomend that you go to the restaraunt for your cups of coffee. There are plenty of shops near the hotel and the night life entertainment is only 5 mins walk. I highly recomend the catamaran tour, it is a fantastic experiance, well worth your money!

Just returned from 2 weeks at...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs I Smith

Comments:

Just returned from 2 weeks at the Gap. Two adults a teenager and an 8 year old. What more can I say other than it was wonderful. There was always something to do for every age group especially when we all wanted to go our own way. As a family holiday that was great too as the activities allowed the entire family to have fun altogether. The kids club was well run and worth using.



The hotel was absolutely fine spotless in every respect and very clean with the rooms being very well maintained by the cleaning staff. It was the first time we had ever gone all incl. and I found this to be very good. The food was always plentiful and fresh and something to suit every palate.



The staff were generally very friendly and helpful. As with every holiday you always have your little quibbles but on the whole nothing to write home about. I would say it is a wonderful place to go especially if you have children under 18.



If you are looking for five star glamour I suggest you go to Turtle Beach Resort but remember it will also make a huge hole in your pocket.

If you are thinking of going...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Select

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2005

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

L NIELINGER

Comments:

If you are thinking of going here be vary wary!!



The food is just terrible - Hot dogs, Chips, burgers, pizza and macaroni cheese is the day to day food. All the usual junk you get in the UK is here, hardly what you call local food! The staff are generally miserable, but there are a few who manage to crack a smile. Virgin Holidays runied my honeymoon with this place to which we made several complaints to the on site Virgin rep - upon returning home we wrote to Virgin and was told they had NO record of these and the matter was closed - they were so helpful!



Will NEVER go with Virgin again..............EVER..........and certainly not to this hell hole!

I went to Escape at the Gap in...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Miss Cs Swancott

Comments:

I went to Escape at the Gap in 2005!



The whole family had a fantastic time! The reps were brilliant they organised the trips that we wanted to go on so that we could see the whole island and not just the gap, they were extremely helpful, and always there to make your holiday as good as it can be.



Both the restaurants were fantastic, the food was amazing, the service could have been a little better, but they were busy. The bars had very friendly staff and outstanding drinks.



The room was clean and the reception was clean, somewhere to get out of the sun if you wanted to and very helpful. The little bar at the pool in the back part of the hotel was very convenient, it was a help yourself style so you could get a drink whenever you wanted one.



Overall, I think it was fantastic and I would certainly go back.

I had a fantastic holiday, with...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mr B Fishcake

Comments:

I had a fantastic holiday, with Mrs Fishcake, in spite of this hotel.



The service overall was dreadful, particularly in the Pirates restaurant, where getting drinks is a nightmare and the unhelpful staff make you feel dreadful for asking for a drink (even though it is AI).



A few of the staff are friendly, the bar staff were usually the pick of the bunch but some of the waitresses were rude and I would go as far as saying was some of the worse service I have ever witnessed.



The beach can also be a problem, with some of the local hustlers making inappropriate and lewd remarks to some of the younger female tourists which was very intimidating to some of them.



I don’t think this is a problem if you are with children or are a more mature tourist, they tend to only hassle the younger ladies (usually when they are on their own). This is a problem that mostly only happens on Dover beach - other beaches across the island are more peaceful and the people are much friendlier elsewhere.



The resort is really nice, and my holiday overall would be much higher than 4/10, this is only for the hotel and their terrible staff.



I would return to Barbados, but not to this hotel - although it is cheap - probably the cheapest on the island, it has taught me that you get what you pay for.

Oh my goodness what a fantastic...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Miss B Cattell

Comments:

Oh my goodness what a fantastic holiday!



We were here for 2 weeks and didn’t want to come home, its complete paradise; we stayed in a lovely clean ocean view suite in the main building, overlooking the bar and the sea.



In the morning we would get up and go down for a lovely breakfast, then stay at the beach for most of the day relaxing.



The people there were great and ever so good with children. Lots of things you can do in the day you can go on the jet ski, banana boat, the big mable, kayaking (which is free).



Ask for Omar the watersports guy to teach you how to sail a catamaran and don’t forget to meet the turtle man M.C, who takes you out on a one to one trip to the west coast where you can swim with the turtles.



M.C's trip is much better than the Virgin one as you don’t go in a massive group.



There is no need to worry about the pool when you have the beach and if you have children they can go to the kids club or chill out in the lounge and watch TV or play pool!



We are definitely going back next year! Thanks Escape for a brilliant holiday.

I can perhaps see why some...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2006

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mr D M Eynon

Comments:

I can perhaps see why some people have posted negative reviews, certainly on our stay there were some parties who were just simply in the wrong place on the wrong holiday.



One party's opinion was that it was not "all inclusive" but simply "full board", the logic behind this being that there was not food available 24/7.



True, there wasn't, but there was never more than 2 hours between the end of one service and the beginning of the next. All drinks are included except "speciality wines" and champagne.



The local brew is Banks (not Banks's!) and is perfectly quaffable. Mark on the Beach bar is or was the wine steward at the very very upmarket Cliffs restaurant, and I found the French house white nicely chilled and very drinkable.



The staff are immensely helpful and friendly and "You're welcome" is the response every time.



The rooms are perhaps a little basic, but air conditioned, clean as you like, and regularly and immaculately serviced.



The food is Barbadian, not meat and two veg, and I heard people moan about this too, but I thought the food was varied, fresh, plentiful, healthy and delicious.



Escape at the Gap is located right on a beautiful beach. Over the road is the Pirates Bar which has a larger pool, and a la carte restaurant.



There is a Kids club which operates from 13.00 to 7.30 and 19.30 to 22.00 at least, for 20 Barbados dollars/ £6.00 the week. The kids seem very happy and chilled at the club.



We will be returning as soon as possible, 10/10 value for money.

We are just back from this...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mr CA Wallis

Comments:

We are just back from this superb resort. Escape at the Gap is a five minute walk from the epicentre of entertainment known as St.Lawrence Gap.



There is a good mixture of locals who remind you that you are in this stunning part of the world. Coupled with the staff at the Gap you are made to feel so welcome.



The food is plentiful and varied with a choice of beachfront dining or "Pirates" luxurious restaurant.



By day the beach offers the usual Jet Ski jockeys and hair platters. Once these have been negotiated, enjoy the stunning soft sand and crystal clear water. The place is always clean and tidy and the weather is 90% sunshine guaranteed.



The only downside to our trip was trying to get a room swap from floor 3 with our two children unhappy with the balcony.



If you do not want to pay through the nose but still want a great location and high standards, this is the one for you.

Just returned from a wonderful...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Ms H Davies

Comments:

Just returned from a wonderful holiday at Escape at the Gap.



It's true, the hotel is not much to write home about and could do with a lick of paint, but what you have to remember is that Barbados is expensive and it is one of the cheaper options.



The pools were rubbish but clean and quiet, so if your preference is a beautiful landscaped pool stay away. But the beach is fantastic. Beautiful white sand, loads of water sports but remember to get up early and reserve that sun lounger coz they're often taken by about 10am. Most of the people selling stuff on the beach will leave you alone after a quick no thank you! Big Mama is a bit more pushy but she's a lovely lady!



The restaurants were great. Lovely food and you can sit over looking the beach day and night which is great.



The entertainment was ok and quite low key, the beach barbeque is good fun on a Wed night. But for those looking for livelier nightlife, St Lawrence bars are just a short walk away, although this is no Magaluf. We didn't venture to the bars that much as we made so many friends in the hotel we didn't really need to leave and the drinks were free (Vjay the barman made sure they kept flowing - he's a mean golfer too)! The hotel is quite intimate so it is easy to meet people and there were a few people on there own who quickly met friends.



The trips were excellent! I recommend Virgins Ahoy (catamaran cruise), Harbour Lights, Bajan Roots and Rhythms (best food ever) and the Jeep Safari.



If you're not to fussy about your hotel being aesthetically pleasing and are more bothered about making friends and having a good time this is the place for you. Dover Beach is beautiful and Barbados is the friendliest place I have ever been. Be sure to say hello to everyone you pass!



If you can, get a room in the main building and not in the pirates block as they are much, much nicer!



If you walk right along the beach you can spot the giant turtles popping up in the break of the waves. And if you're brave enough you can jump right in and swim with them.



Have fun, I'm jealous of anyone who is going there!

Just returned and this place is...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mr J Wilson

Comments:

Just returned and this place is awful! Three stray cats, flies, overcrowded restaurant, dreadful "value" style food, rude staff, dirty beach, many beach vendors, strong sea current, sun loungers too close to each other, tiny pools. Need I continue?



Please think hard before booking here. We had to move on as it was depressing and found the Sandy Bay Beach Hotel a massive improvement to here.



This is my humble opinion, but I endured my worst holiday ever by staying here. It is an obvious thing to say but I preferred to Escape "From" The Gap.