British Colonial

Combining rich history with modern amenities, British Colonial Nassau is a beautiful property to consider. Its Downtown Nassau location puts you in proximity to some of the city’s best attractions.

If there’s one Nassau resort with a rich and colorful history, it’s British Colonial Nassau. However, while the property itself is over 100 years old, the hotel is newly renovated and full of modern touches. 

Today, the eclectic history of British Colonial Nassau Bahamas, combined with its luxurious amenities, makes it a hotel worth checking out.

British Colonial Nassau: The Renovated Hilton Nassau

The hotel lobby showcases some of the property’s rich history.

Hilton Colonial Nassau

British Colonial Nassau has a history dating back over a century. In 1900, a man named Henry M. Flagler built the original Colonial Nassau Downtown, which opened a year later. However, in 1922, it burnt down, which led to the construction of The New Colonial in 1924. 

Sir Henry Oakes then purchased it in 1934, renaming it British Colonial Hotel Nassau Bahamas, but he was then murdered in 1943. The murder remains unsolved to this day, with historians dubbing it the “murder of the century.” 

After passing to various owners over the next couple of decades, Hilton Hotels purchased the property in 1999, renaming it the Hilton Nassau. While still referred to by many as Hilton Nassau, the hotel stopped being a Hilton property during COVID-19. 

It reopened in December of 2023 after extensive renovations. 

History abounds at Hilton Colonial Nassau

Rooms at British Colonial Nassau Bahamas

British Colonial Nassau Bahamas houses 288 rooms and suites. A Standard Queen Room costs $199 per night (as of 2024*). Rooms with better views or suites with sleeper sofas and more space can increase that price by hundreds of dollars.

All of the rooms feature colonial decor paired with modern touches. Amenities like bath and shower combinations, mini refrigerators, and coffee and tea makers are present in the rooms. 

Hilton Nassau Resort Features

The Lobby

The hotel features a complete refurbishment in 2023.

The Hilton Nassau lobby features exquisite decor reminiscent of the hotel’s decadent past. Guests can view numerous reliefs throughout the space, including one on the ceiling of Christopher Columbus. Another shows Woodes Rogers, a privateer who became governor and helped rid the city of pirates. 

Restaurants and Bars

The hotel is home to several restaurants and bars.

British Colonial Nassau features a total of seven eateries. From classic Italian dining at Mahogany Club to sushi at Sakana Noodle and Sushi Bar, the resort has a wide variety of options.

This variety extends to bars, as well. Woodes Rogers Tavern, for example, serves classic martinis, whereas Fort Nassau Cigar Lounge offers rum and Cuban cigars. 

British Colonial Grounds & Beach

The property opened in December of 2023 after extensive renovations.

While Hilton Colonial Nassau is close to Junkanoo Beach, it also shares a private beach with the adjacent One Particular Harbour Margaritaville. 

Free of the crowds found at many Nassau beaches, British Colonial Beach offers stunning and serene views of Nassau Harbour.

The beautiful beach offers stunning views of Nassau Harbour.

The Hotel Pool

British Colonial Hotel Nassau Bahamas has a beautiful pool.

When you’re looking to cool off but don’t feel like swimming in the ocean, British Colonial Nassau has a beautiful freshwater pool. Featuring a unique freeform shape and surrounded by sun chairs and loungers, the pool is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. 

The British Colonial Hotel History

Amenities like a modern fitness center complement the rich history the hotel showcases.

As mentioned, British Colonial Nassau has a history that stretches back over a century. Throughout the hotel, you can find homages to this history in the form of plaques and signs.

Besides helping you better understand the hotel’s past, these also offer insight into the history of Nassau in general. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

Water is often a commodity under the heat of the sun, and while hotels like British Colonial Nassau provide you with bottles, some guests need more. Thankfully, there’s a place to refill water bottles at the hotel’s fitness center. Even if you’re not looking to get a workout in, bring your water bottles there to avoid having to pay for more!

The hotel is ideally located in downtown Nassau

Getting to British Colonial Hotel Nassau Bahamas

British Colonial Nassau Bahamas is in Downtown Nassau. Getting to the hotel is, therefore, easier than getting to some of the other resorts in the Nassau area.

Most travelers staying at the hotel will arrive at Nassau via Lynden Pindling International Airport. From there, it takes around a 20 to 25-minute car ride to reach Colonial Nassau Downtown.

The hotel partners with a luxury shuttle provider and can arrange airport pickups in advance. However, if comfort isn’t a priority, consider just taking a taxi, as it’ll be cheaper.

If you’re a day tripper arriving into Nassau at the cruise terminal, you can walk to the resort in several minutes. Day pass rates are $60 for adults and $30 for children (as of 2024*).

Colonial Nassau Downtown: A Historic Hideaway 

With a rich history, modern renovations, and a central downtown location, British Colonial Nassau is one of the top hotels in the area. Whether you’re looking for nonstop fun in the sun or to quietly unwind, British Colonial Hotel Nassau Bahamas can cater to your wishes. 

The Downtown Nassau area is home to dozens of other attractions. Nearby highlights include Graycliff Heritage Village, Fins Up Waterpark at Margaritaville, and John Watling’s Rum Distillery.

If you’re hoping to learn more about the Bahamas, make sure to check out our other content. You can find Nassau travel guides, secret tips, and an interactive map of the country.