The majestic staircase that greeted me at the British Colonial in downtown Nassau isn't reserved just for hotel guests. A doorman, my excursion driver and a housekeeper remarked that nearly everyone on the island has had photos taken on it, whether for weddings, graduations or other special events.
Those elegant steps were just a prelude to what lies beyond at the British Colonial, which reopened in January following a $50 million renovation. The lobby embodies a mix of turn-of-the-20th century colonial with a touch of Caribbean, its vaulted ceiling, marble-tiled flooring, crown moldings and Renaissance-style mural emboldening the hotel's classic theme.
Hotel staff said the British Colonial's elegant lobby staircase is a must-have photo for anyone who visits the property. Photo Credit: Omar Perez
The British Colonial has a rich history that dates back to 1901, when railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler built the original hotel. It has flown several flags since, most recently that of Hilton before it closed in early 2022.
Prior to this renovation, the hotel was largely frequented by business travelers and those attending conferences and events. The refit was done with the idea of attracting more leisure guests: a second pool was added, the pool deck was updated and a number of new restaurant concepts were added. All guestrooms received new and updated fixtures (showers, sinks/etc), and events spaces also got a refresh.
What's inside
The seven-story hotel has 288 rooms that face either the water and garden or the city. They include 25 signature suites that range from one-bedroom units with either one king or queen bed or two full beds and a Prime Minister Suite. My one-bedroom signature suite was comfortable, quiet, and equipped with what I needed during my three-day stay.
The British Colonial now has seven food and beverage options, including the fine-dining Mahogany Club, the Sakana Noodle and Sushi Bar, the breakfast-buffet Tamarind Market Place and the Woodes Rogers Tavern Grill martini bar. At the Mahogany Club, I indulged in a delectable surf-and-turf, and a tiramisu created one ingredient at a time, with three servers adding individual layers to my dessert cup. At the adjacent Woodes Rogers Tavern Grill, dark wood tones and the sounds of live jazz performers radiated a refined, speakeasy feeling that had 1920s throughout.
The Woodes Rogers Tavern Grill in the British Colonial, which reopned in January following a $50 million renovation. Photo Credit: Omar Perez
Reminders of days gone by did not end there. A mural, through words and imagery, highlighted not just the resort's story dating back to 1901 but Bahamian history, as well, from Christopher Columbus' landing in 1492 to the island nation's independence from Britain 51 years ago. The mural also highlighted the hotel's connection to the James Bond series. "Thunderball," "Never Say Never Again" and the most recent "Casino Royale" were filmed in part at the hotel.
Outside, verdant grounds surround two freshwater oceanfront pools. The hotel is very close to the Nassau Cruise Port. Taking an afternoon dip in the white-sand, 300-foot beach, I was saluted by the air horns and passengers of departing ships bidding farewell to the island. Outdoors as well as indoors, the hotel offers 18,000 square feet of meetings and event space, with 13 indoor and three outdoor venues.
Guests of the British Colonial share certain amenities with nearby sister properties One Particular Harbor and Margaritaville Beach Resort, such as pools and restaurants. The British Colonial is on Bay Street, Nassau's main street, and a 10-minute walk a number of the city's most popular attractions including the Straw Market, Pirates of Nassau and the Queen's Staircase.