In the financial district at the edge of Bay Street shopping, this is Nassau's grande dame, though one that appeals more to business travelers than vacationers, who may rebel when confronted by its token beach and small guest rooms.
This imposing seven-story, pale yellow landmark, featured in two James Bond movies, is set on eight tropical beachfront acres on Nassau Bay Harbour. One of Nassau's oldest hotel sites, it was originally constructed as a fort in 1695. The strategic position in the Nassau Harbour, made it ideal to guard the city against pirates. The first hotel started on the site in 1898. A fire destroyed it in the early 1920s and restored to a hotel soon after.
The hotel was totally refurbished in 1999 and the entrance was restored to its original position. White-gloved doormen guard the portal to the monumental column-and-arch lobby with its marble and mosaic floors, cathedral ceilings and historical murals. Chandeliers, towering palms, gigantic floral displays and a sweeping staircase add to the formal colonial splendor. The registration and concierge desk does not detract from the elegant space.
Several small, mahogany-furnished conversation areas are tucked beneath the arches.
On the ground floor, the Palm Court is a relaxing meeting area with views of the sea during the daytime. Five evenings a week, guests gather here for entertainment and libations.
The Portofino offers Italian cuisine for smart casual dining. It serve a la carte and buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a popular Bahamian buffet lunch on Sunday. Light meals are available at the Patio Bar & Grill. A sports bar, Blackbeard Cove, is open from 4 pm to 1 am. The Blue Note Lounge, privately operated but onsite, attracts the young crowd.
The small harbor beach is groomed daily, but few dare swim in its suspect waters; there is a pleasantly landscaped pool just a few steps away. The basketball court and three lighted tennis courts get plenty of use. The on-site dive shop offers water sports, sailboarding, snorkeling and sailing. Paradise Island and Cable Beach offer golf. The attractively landscaped gardens, 
pool area, and the beach belie the hotel's location in the city center. A three-story wing, which houses a bank and other financial institutions, shields the grounds from busy Bay Street.
The oceanfront Azure Spa & Beauty Salon is a full-service facility with seven treatment areas with leather furniture, cherry wood fixtures, and state-of-the-art equipment.
State-of-the-art meeting and function space is copious, with the main ballroom hosting up to 400. Six mahogany-paneled rooms are available for more intimate meetings. The well-equipped business center offers Internet access.
Standard rooms are small but bright and attractively appointed with mahogany furniture and tropical bedspreads and curtains. Amenities run to cable TV, minibar, coffeemakers, trouser presses and business desks with data ports. Internet access is available at the steep rate of $20 day. Marble baths are large with stand-alone showers, hair dryers and chic toiletries. Each room has a different configuration.
The 31 suites are much larger and well-appointed. James Bond aficionados can wallow in Bond movies, music, posters and other Bond trivia in the "Double-O" Suite, complete with a special robe and martini. The two floors are reserved for those with executive privileges including private check-in, a business center, a library, complimentary breakfast, and evening cocktails served in a leather and rosewood lounge or on the small pillared balcony.
This property appeals to business travelers, embassy personnel, shoppers, and independent mature travelers who are looking for the feel of a resort in the heart of the action. It is not for those looking for an all-inclusive, Atlantis-type experience. The biggest advantage for non-business travelers is access to hundreds of downtown Nassau stores, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. The property is in the heart of historic Nassau, minutes from native food and music hot spot Arawak Cay and in walking distance of three or four night clubs.
