Guests return again and again to Granaway (1 Longford Rd., tel. 441/236-3747, fax 441/236-3749, www.granaway.com, rooms $130–180 high season, $100–160 off season), the elegant 1734 manor-turned-guesthouse that offers lush mature gardens, a large pool surrounded by shady palms, and eye-popping views of the Great Sound from its five main house guest rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms and air-conditioning, and breakfast is provided in the mornings. A separate cottage on the property (formerly a slave quarters) has a well-equipped kitchen, bathroom, and private patio with view of the Sound; the cottage is $200–280 during high season and $150–200 during the off-season.

Clairfont Apartments (6 Warwickshire Rd., tel. 441/238-3577, fax 441/238-3503, clairfont [at] logic [dot] bm, www.clairfontapartments.bm, $150–175) is spared the noisy main road location of several of its competitors. Instead, the peachy complex, run as guest quarters for 30 years, sits high on a hill along a residential lane, a short walk from Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, and other South Shore beaches. Energetic new manager Corinne Simons took over in January 2004, full of innovative ideas after a hospitality career spent in senior roles at many of the island’s major hotels. Since her arrival, extensive repairs have been made and conveniences added to the eight self-contained units (six one-bedroom, two studios), including mounted hair dryers, voicemail, Internet connections, security locks and lights, credit-card safes, first-aid kits, and new kitchen appliances. Business has boomed as a result. Spotlessly clean, modern, and airy, Clairfont offers an attractive alternative to pricier establishments that may have fewer amenities. Welcome letters, air-conditioning, maid service (except Sundays), cable TV, and a newly revamped pool make guests feel pampered. Special winter monthly rates are so popular, locals and temporary workers sick of soaring rents sometimes book Clairfont pads as a cheaper alternative.

The Sandpiper (103 South Shore Rd., tel. 441/236-7093, fax 441/236-3898, sandpiper [at] ibl [dot] bm, www.sandpiperbda.com, studio $155 d, one-bedroom $195) suffers from its proximity to the main road, but with simple, airy rooms, garden, pool, and hot tub, it’s a good option for families, students, and anyone looking for affordable quarters near the beaches. Fourteen rooms include five one-bedroom suites (with extra futons for additional guests) and studios with full kitchens. Barbecues are provided for poolside use. An office on the premises is staffed 9 a.m.–8 p.m.