Time Zone
GMT -4 hours
Here is all the information you need to get around, including local facilities, language and currency.
Language
English is the official language of Bermuda. At the hotel, some of our international staff can also assist you in many other languages such as German, French, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa and Arabic.
Currency
Unit Used: Bermuda Dollar
Unit in Note: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Generally Accepted Currency: USD, BMD
Remarks: USD are widely accepted everywhere and are at par with BMD. No Bermuda Dollars are necessary. ATM's will dispense Bermuda Dollars only.
Electrical Standard
Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC.
Will accept UK plug adaptors and European plug adaptors.
Shopping Hours
Monday to Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed, except for Royal Naval Dockyards which are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday's are late night shopping on Front Street between April and October, when the shops are open until 10pm.
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 4:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
City centre shopping area
Elbow Beach to Hamilton is just 2 miles, 5 minutes by taxi.
Hospital, 24hrs Clinic
The nearest emergency facility is the King Edward V Memorial hospital 1 mile away, 3 minutes by taxi.
Banking
Two convenient banking facilites are located around the hotel.
Bank of Bermuda located in Hamilton
Bank of Butterfield located in Hamilton
Tips on Tipping
Tipping is customary in Bermuda although not to the same extent as in America, where a tip is seen as part of the salary expectations.
A service charge is customarily added to hotel and resort bills, which covers everything from baggage handling to maid service, however if you feel it appropriate to give additional tips they are always welcome.
Most restaurants will add on a 15% service charge, this will cover all service expectations, so be sure not to double up on the tip.
Taxi drivers would expect a tip at your discretion, between 10% and 15%. Likewise airport porters would appreciate a tip of approximately a dollar a bag.
Public Holidays
| Public Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2009 |
| Good Friday | April 10, 2009 |
| Bermuda Day | May 25, 2009 |
| Queen's Birthday | June 16, 2009 |
| Emancipation Day | July 30, 2009 |
| Somer's Day | July 31, 2009 |
| Labour Day | September 7, 2009 |
| National Heroes Day | Pending |
| Remembrance Day | November 11, 2009 |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2009 |
| Boxing Day | December 26, 2009 |
Local Events
| Events | Date | Events Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts 2008 | January 15-February 23, 2008 | A variety of visiting performance artists. This year's acts include theatre, comedy, magic, opera, and more. |
| Bermuda International Race Weekend 2008 | January 18-20, 2008 | This event features the only International half Marathon and Marathon in Bermuda. |
| Bermuda Love Festival 2008 | February 15-18, 2008 | This February, guests from all over the world are invited to 'feel the love' with their significant others at a variety of romantic events on our island paradise. |
| Bermuda Gourmet Getaway | February 28 - March 3, 2008 | |
| Bermuda International Film Festival 2008 | March 28 - April 5, 2008 | |
| XL Bermuda Open 2008 | April 21 - 27, 2008 | |
| 70th Annual Exhibition | April 17-19, 2008 | This is a three day event showcasing Bermuda's agriculture, livestock and history at the Botanical Gardens. |
| Bermuda End-To-End 2008 | May 3, 2008 | |
| Newport to Bermuda Yacht Race 2008 | June 20-28, 2008 | |
| Cup Match Festival 2008 | July 31-August 1, 2008 | A two-day cricket match between East and West End cricket clubs. |
| Bermuda Music Festival 2008 | October 1-4, 2008 |  · Useful link |
| 26th PGA Grand Slam of Golf | October 13-15, 2008 | · Useful link |
| The 2008 World Rugby Classic | November 9-15, 2008 | · Useful link |
Please visit Bermuda Tourism Department website to view all the upcoming events in Bermuda.