Bay Street, the oldest street in Nassau, is lined with duty-free and souvenir shops, restaurants and tourist sites. Amidst the bustle is a quiet oasis of luxury, the British Colonial Nassau.
My queen room had a spectacular harbor view, and I could watch cruise ships glide into the narrow harbor. Dining was just as delightful, especially lunch at the Red Pearl Grille. I also loved the private beach, where finding a chair was easy. Between relaxing by the water, strolling Bay Street, and enjoying live jazz at Woodes Rogers Tavern, I found plenty to do to keep me happily occupied.
Rooms with a view: Accommodations at the British Colonial Nassau
My queen room had gray walls with white trim, a desk, mini fridge, coffee maker and a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower. The tile floor – always a good idea in a hotel where sand is an issue –had a navy floral rug underneath the bed.
My favorite feature of my room at the British Colonial Nassau was the spectacular view. In addition to the beautifully landscaped property, I had a full view of the Nassau Harbor.
The hotel is next to the cruise ship terminal and I loved watching the cruise ships silently and expertly make their way into the narrow harbor. Up to six large cruise ships can dock at the Nassau Cruise Port, depositing thousands of tourists onto Bay Street any given day. But you’d never know it during a stay at this hotel, which maintains its tranquil environment.
British Colonial Nassau has 288 rooms on seven floors, which includes 25 suites. Many of the rooms have an ocean view, balcony or terrace, while others have a view of downtown Nassau.
Dining at the British Colonial Nassau
My first meal at the property was lunch at the Red Pearl Grille, the poolside bar where I sat outside with a view of the beach and the harbor. Heavenly.
I loved the Caribbean chicken bowl with grilled jerk chicken, coconut rice and black beans. Other items on the menu include fish tacos, quesadillas, chicken wings, Buddha bowls, smashburgers and salads.
As I ate lunch, I watched a few party boats go by and I thought of my first party cruise in the Bahamas, many decades ago. I remember that uniquely tipsy, nauseous feeling I got after consuming a few super sweet rum punches. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime event. I’ve gone on plenty of boat cruises since then, but steer clear of fruit-based rum punch.
Sticking with my bowl theme, I enjoyed a quinoa bowl with sweet potato for breakfast at Tamarind Market Place. Other items included French toast, omelets, avocado toast, and salmon toast served on a mile-high slice of bread. Small complimentary pastries arrived for a small taste of something sweet.
For local seafood and Asian-inspired noodle dishes, head to Sakana Noodle & Sushi Bar. And for a quick bite on the go, the British Colonial Trading Company has coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads and deli sandwiches.
The dark mahogany wood and cool interior of Woodes Rogers Tavern is a welcome reprieve from the bright Bahamian sun and a relaxing place for a drink at the bar in the evening. The marble bar and green velvet chairs gave it an intimate vibe and I enjoyed having dinner there during Jazz Night.
Appetizers included Bahamian conch chowder and Creole calamari. Entrée items include sandwiches, smashburgers, steak frites, fried local snapper and miso glazed salmon.
The Woodes Rogers Tavern has live entertainment four nights a week that includes Karaoke Wednesdays and Heritage Jazz Nights on Thursdays.
Private beach and water activities: Activities and Amenities at the British Colonial Nassau
The private beach is about as wide as a football field and I was always able to find a chair and umbrella. The water at the beach is calm and clear, perfect for wading and taking a dip to cool off.
Apparently, the British Colonial Nassau is the hotel used by airline crews of British Airways during layovers. I enjoyed having a lounge chair close to some of the employees as they soaked up the sun and chatted in their lovely British accents.
The property has two outdoor pools, fitness center, daily housekeeping and non-motorized water sports. I made it to the fitness center one day and enjoyed the beautiful ocean view while walking on the treadmill. A Sports Concierge can arrange other activities that include diving, golfing, fishing and boating.
If snorkeling is your thing, head to Clifton Heritage National Park, about 30-40 minutes away on the western part of the island. We took a guided tour of the underwater sculpture garden and saw hundreds of colorful fish in the clear waters. A few swam just inches from my mask, seriously violating my personal space but I was in their habitat, not mine.
The Location of British Colonial Nassau
It was hard for me to believe this quiet hotel is between Señor Frog’s and Margaritaville, both with reputations for attracting a should I say, livelier crowd? Neither of these was visible from the property, but just a short walk in either direction took me to the crowded beach and venues at Margaritaville or the rowdies drinking their cocktails by the yard at Señor Frog’s.
(The partiers were not able to come onto our beach, however, as there was a security guard checking our wristbands before letting us through).
I strolled down Bay Street and could walk to the cruise terminal and the Straw Market In a few minutes. I didn’t go in the Straw Market as I’m terrible at bargaining and don’t need anything. Here’s a tip for you if you do go to markets like this and are staying in a nice hotel where you wear a wristband. Cover up that wristband with a scarf or put your hand in your pocket. Prices may go up if they see that you are staying in a nice hotel.
The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from the airport.
Landmark hotel, fire, James Bond: A bit of history
The British Colonial Nassau opened in 1900 on the site of Fort Nassau, the only beachfront hotel at the time. After being destroyed by fire in 1922, it was rebuilt. The property was modernized during a $50 million transformation completed in 2023.
The hotel was used for filming scenes from two James Bond movies: “Thunderball” (1965) and “Never Say Never” (1983).
– Jan Schroder, Editor-in-chief