Graycliff is the most characterful place to stay in downtown Nassau, a colonial mansion dating to the eighteenth century that has grown into a small hotel across three buildings. It stands on West Hill Street, in the old part of the city, and the Heritage Museum, the National Art Gallery, Government House and the Straw Market are all within about a four-minute walk. Rooms and suites are spacious by city standards, from deluxe and luxury rooms with king or double beds to suites and a large Presidential Suite, many looking over the gardens, with private balconies or patios, jetted tubs and designer toiletries. The mansion is as much a destination as a hotel: the Graycliff Restaurant serves Bahamian-influenced continental cooking in several dining rooms, the wine cellar holds a collection of around 250,000 bottles, and there is a cigar bar, afternoon tea and a chocolate factory just along the road. Two outdoor pools sit among the gardens, and a continental breakfast is included each morning.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in Downtown Nassau, about nineteen minutes by car from Lynden Pindling International Airport. Almost everything in the historic centre can be reached on foot, from the Pompey Museum and John Watling’s Distillery to Bay Street and the cruise port, so a car is not needed. For the beach you take a short taxi ride, as the hotel has no beach of its own. Free self parking and valet parking are both available, and a limousine or town car can be arranged.
The rooms
The mansion has eight room categories. Deluxe rooms are about 441 square feet, luxury rooms about 495, and suites run to 700 square feet, with the Presidential Suite at roughly 990. Furnished balconies or patios, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, safes, workspaces and jetted tubs come with the rooms. Some floors are reached by stairs only, and the entrance has steps, so guests with mobility needs should contact the hotel before booking.
Who it suits
Couples, food and wine lovers, history fans and independent travellers who would rather feel the old town than stay in a resort. Children are welcome, and the hotel is LGBTQ+ friendly. It is a poor choice for a beach-and-water-park family holiday, as there is no beach and Atlantis is across the harbour.
Good to know
The continental breakfast is free, and activities such as the chocolate factory tour, the winery tour and a cigar-rolling lesson with rum tasting can be added. Rollaway beds and cribs cost extra. Check-in runs into the evening, though guests arriving after eight at night should tell the hotel in advance. Rates sit at the higher end for a downtown hotel, so check the total price when you book, and book dinner at the restaurant early in the busy winter months.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic colonial mansion
- ✓Two outdoor pools
- ✓Graycliff Restaurant and wine cellar
- ✓Free continental breakfast
- ✓Garden-view rooms
- ✓Walkable to downtown sights
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Is breakfast included at Graycliff?+
A continental breakfast is served each morning at no extra charge. Check the details of your rate when you book.
Does Graycliff have a beach?+
No. The hotel is in the old town, and the nearest beaches are a short taxi ride away. It suits guests who want history, food and walkable sights more than sand.
Can I walk to the sights from the hotel?+
Yes. The museums, art gallery, Government House and Straw Market are within a few minutes on foot, and Bay Street and the cruise port are not far beyond.
