The Grand Dame of Nassau Returns.
The British Colonial Hotel, a Nassau landmark with more than a century of local history, will reopen this winter after undergoing a comprehensive renovation of all guest rooms, public areas, amenities, and onsite programming.
The hotel's 288 recently renovated rooms, including 25 flagship suites, spread across seven levels and have amenities like marble baths, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, and ergonomic workstations made with business travellers in mind. One-Bedroom Suites with living rooms are one of the highlights, along with the much larger Prime Minister Suite. There are also rooms with a city view, a garden view, an ocean view, or a premium ocean view, for a total of 21 possible configurations. Exquisite wallpaper patterns alternate between palm trees in the tropics, mysterious gardens, and depictions from the past. Twenties-inspired touches like dark wood cabinets and aggressive geometric tiling are softened by tropical designs and rich garden green, ocean blue, and coral colours seen throughout The Bahamas.
The hotel's signature fine dining restaurant, The Mahogany Club, is themed after the regal supper clubs of the early 20th century. Other dining options at British Colonial include Woodes Rogers Tavern, a signature martini bar with live music and entertainment; Sakana, a sushi and noodle bar serving fresh local seafood with Pan-Asian influences; The Red Pearl poolside bar & grill; Burn, a cigar bar with outdoor patio seating; and British Colonie, a Each reservation comes with a complimentary daily breakfast for two, and the hotel also provides in-room dining.
The property's beachfront setting is perfect for relaxing poolside in the afternoons; the two mirrored freshwater outdoor swimming pools look out over a private white-sand beach stretching 300 feet in length and feature a shallow area with floating loungers and private cabanas. Guests may also shop at the Heritage Shoppe, which provides locally produced sundries and souvenirs, and relax with conveniences like valet parking and concierge service.
The hotel also has more than 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor conference space, which can hold business and social events with up to 800 people. Thirteen interior conference spaces, all named after notable figures in Bahamian history, complement two outdoor locations surrounded by lush foliage and offering magnificent ocean views. The Churchill Boardroom is decorated with painted murals depicting scenes from Nassau's Colonial era, and the Royal Governor's Club is a uniquely designed, idyllic spot for more intimate private events. The breezeways feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite the local nature inside. The Windsor Ballroom and Queen Elizabeth Ballroom, both located on the hotel's second floor, are ideal for extravagant weddings and other major events because of their stately decor and high capacity.
With its rich jewel tones, intricate tile work, and palatial touches, British Colonial Nassau transports visitors to a bygone era through its architecture and decor. Highlights include towering chandeliers, original crown mouldings, and colourful murals depicting scenes from Bahamian history. Elegant woodwork, strong geometric patterns, and bright floral prints provide depth to the whitewashed communal areas that are meant to enfold guests in seaside breezes. The tall potted plants and lush landscaping outside draw attention to the natural surroundings, while the rattan accents and dark mahogany furniture inside pay homage to the history and culture of The Bahamas.
The British Colonial's central location in downtown Nassau, its informal yet elegant stance, and its cultural significance are all contributing to the hotel's revitalization. The hotel's prime oceanfront location on Bay Street, with its lush grounds and tropical gardens dotted with swaying palms, makes it an ideal home base for business and leisure travellers alike. Other nearby landmarks and attractions include the Nassau Cruise Port, the famed straw market, convention centres, and beaches.
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