At a Glance
In the land of conservative, understated hotels, this St. James property evokes a bit of South Beach sexiness.
Review
The thirty-four suites at The House have a minimalist design scheme, and the open-air living area, complete with a twenty-four-hour bar, has the vibe of a chic, laid-back urban lounge. Arrivals are meant to be slightly dramatic: the property is separated from the road by an arched stone gate, and cars must pass over a little wooden bridge to reach the entrance (at nighttime the walkway is also lit by torches). All rooms surround a central garden area, though the nicest, priciest ones overlook the Caribbean. While rooms attempt a contemporary style, a recent visit proved that they fall short with regards to both cleanliness and details.
The real concern here, however, is the service. There is no reception area and staff leaves much to be desired; this is most definitely a property best suited to those who do not need or want any help. No children under eighteen are permitted, and the crowd tends to be on the younger side. Despite the departure from the traditional Anglo model, there is still a daily (and complimentary) tea service from four to five. Water sports are available at the nearby Tamarind Cove hotel, and there’s a daily, complimentary Champagne breakfast.
Who Should Stay
Scenesters, honeymooners on a budget and girlfriends on getaways. Those looking for old-school charm and quality service should head to Sandy Lane or the Coral Reef Club.
Written by Indagare