I went in October 2009, so a little while ago. Stayed in a place called the Almond Beach Resort in Speightstown which is halfway up the western coast.
Food was really nice, people very friendly/relaxed, and felt safe the whole time I was there - travelled on all the local buses instead of using the more expesive tourist ones, no problems. Weather is practically the same 365 days a year with the occasional heavy downpour. It's too far east of the hurricane belt as well so they don't get any of those. Not strong ones anyway.
Beaches were fairly small but they are all public so anyone can go on them - tourists mingle with locals. The capital Bridgetown has quite a lot of British shops and nothing is any more expensive there than it is anywhere else. Rum is cheap as dirt though.
Can't wear camouflage shorts or similar clothing in public though - anything which has military connotations is banned.
I've also been to Antigua and prefer Barbados by a long way. Thinking of going back again soon.
