Fourways Inn

Built in 1727 as a private home for a prominent Bermudian named John Harvey, Fourways Inn has served as an important landmark in Paget Parish for centuries. The Harvey family often hosted elaborate dinner parties in their home, and offered overnight lodging to those who had traveled from other parishes to visit them. Though renovations have been made and additions have been built onto the historic mansion, Fourways Inn maintains much of its original Georgian charm and distinct Bermudian character. A long driveway leads from Middle Road to the bright pink main house — complete with a traditional Bermudian white roof and a dark green awning over the entryway. Inside, dark moldings, carved wood furniture, sunny yellow walls, and original brick flooring create a homey feeling. The reception area isn’t much bigger than a hallway, but can get crowded in the evenings when dinner guests begin to arrive.  Guests at the Fourways Inn tend to be older, well-heeled couples. Families with children are certainly welcome, but kids might not be fans of the quiet atmosphere, tiny pool, and off-the-beach location.

Fourways Inn is centrally located on the island of Bermuda in Paget Parish. Though it’s not beachfront, the nearest beach is about a five-minute drive or 25-minute walk. The property is within walking distance of two ferry terminals — Salt Kettle and Belmont — both of which offer regularly scheduled service to and from downtown Hamilton. Alternatively, downtown Hamilton is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Because foreigners are not allowed to rent cars in Bermuda, taxi service is generally fast and reliable (albeit expensive). Travelers can also explore by bus; the hotel is on Route 8, which runs between Hamilton and Royal Naval Dockyard, where cruise ships disembark. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from L.F. Wade International Airport. 

Adjacent to the original mansion is the “Cottage Colony” — a cluster of 10 rooms that comprise the inn. Each of the rooms is a bit different in size, layout, and amenities. Most are one-room units with en-suite bathrooms, but some have separate living areas with kitchenettes. Unfortunately the original Georgian charm of the main house doesn’t extend through the cottage colony. Instead room decor is fairly dated, though it’s simple enough to not look garish. Rooms have white walls, quilted taupe bedding, and dark wood furniture. Most have desks and mirrored closets, and are equipped with fairly large flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. All have outdoor balconies or patios. Bathrooms are straight out of 1980, and all have double sinks and lots of counter space, along with small shower/tub combos. Many returning customers like to claim specific rooms as “theirs,” but due to high demand and few rooms, requests cannot always be granted.     

The restaurant at the Fourways Inn, which goes by the same name, is by far the hotel’s top draw. In fact, many Bermudians are shocked to discover that the property also has guest rooms, since it is almost exclusively known for its restaurant across the island. How popular is the restaurant? Sit in the hotel’s reception during the early afternoon hours and watch the manager continuously answer the phone to take reservations. The large restaurant is adjacent to the lobby area, and features a central dining room surrounded by several smaller, more intimate rooms. Stone archways and a wood paneled ceiling create an elegant atmosphere, along with the room’s white brocade tablecloths, tufted chairs, and gold chandeliers. The restaurant is open every day for dinner, and on Sundays for brunch. It’s an ideal spot for celebratory meals, and visitors and locals alike come to Fourways for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. The dinner menu includes items like Maine lobster, rack of New Zealand lamb, and Chateaubriand for two, and prices match accordingly. Suggested attire is smart elegant. A jacket and tie are optional for men, though many patrons opt for a formal look.  Along with the acclaimed restaurant, Fourways Inn is also home to the charming Peg Leg Bar. Housed in the mansion’s original kitchen, the Peg Leg bar still has a large, working hearth and lots of comfortable seating. It’s an ideal spot to grab a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. The Peg Leg Bar also has its own small dining room, which is generally used for private events. For larger functions, Fourways Inn has its own event space. Known as the Palm Garden, the hotel’s event space has a separate entrance and a mid-size atrium-like room that’s ideal for small weddings or business functions. Fourways Inn has several wedding and honeymoon packages available, which can include complete catering, photography, and accommodations.  Overnight guests can enjoy the hotel’s beautiful gardens and small pool during their visit. The rectangularly shaped pool is surrounded by a few lounge chairs and shady awnings. Though it’s open year-round, it isn’t heated, so is really only usable during the late spring and summer months. Freebies include daily continental breakfast (delivered to the room), parking, and Wi-Fi.