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Nassau

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About Nassau

The vibrant capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is also the country’s busiest port, set on the northern coast of the island of New Providence. This buzzing hub is home to the majority of the Bahamas’ population, and attracts a substantial cruise ship crowd, with its top-notch shopping, eateries and nightlife. Accommodation options range from simple beach cottages to expansive resorts and historic residences fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whilst most of the best places to stay in Nassau are on the beach, we do have a particular favourite in the heart of the city, perfect for exploring.

Under British control from 1650, Nassau has a long and fascinating history of piracy and privateering. The Pirates of Nassau Museum is a fun place for children to delve into this turbulent past, whilst the National Collection of Bahamian Art at the National Art Gallery and the city’s abundance of street art will appeal to creatives and culture buffs. Don’t miss clambering up the Queen’s Staircase, connecting Fort Fincastle to downtown Nassau, or visiting the acclaimed Pompey Museum. The 18-acre Nassau Botanical Gardens are gorgeous, and you’ll find a vast array of restaurants, bars and shops in the city.

Venture to New Providence’s spectacular beaches for stretches of powder-white sand and stacks of fun water sports. Spend your days sailing, wind surfing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and diving with friends or family. The underwater sculpture garden at Clifton Heritage National Park is a particular highlight, as are the beaches of Paradise Island.

This is the lively gateway to the Bahamas for most travellers, so the best places to stay in Nassau have a tendency to fill up fast. Book your trip well in advance, especially if travelling during the school holidays.

The Best Places to Stay in Nassau

For Luxury

  • The Ocean Club, a splendid Four Seasons resort, has been the ultimate Bahamian showstopper since it opened in 1962. Think seamless service, glorious style and heaps to see and do on the hotel's 45-acre estate. Play a round of golf or a game of tennis and laze about on the beach before chilling out at the spa or diving on the reef. Also boasting gourmet fare, this is a lavish choice for families or couples.

For Couples

  • The Island House promises glorious Eastern interiors in a lush setting, ideal for wellness-focused couples. The Bamford Spa, fitness suite and yoga classes are a real highlight. When you're not at the spa, there's a 48-seat arthouse cinema, an eclectic selection of bars and eateries, an inviting pool and easy beach access. Book either a room or a self-catering apartment. Hip and romantic.
  • Graycliff Hotel is set in a charming colonial building nestled within lush gardens. Pick this property for its opulent antique furnishings, including big four-poster beds, and rare in-town location. There are two outdoor pools, a gym and a spa, as well as an excellent Bahamian restaurant with vast wine cellars and a boutique cigar company. Old-school style for couples looking to explore Nassau town. Also a striking wedding venue.
  • Ocean West Hotel is a ten-bedroom boutique hotel in a pink-painted residence. Stay here for the superb sea views, rooftop gym, refreshing pool and delectable Caribbean restaurant. A small, tranquil base for couples.

For Families or Groups

  • The Cove Atlantis is a top-notch family resort with its own cinema, casino, beach, water park, 18-hole golf course, water-sports, art classes and more. A huge high-rise, the property promises a plethora of dining options, as well as smart bedrooms with impressive sea views. There are great kids clubs, too. Big, bold and full of activities.
  • SLS Baha Mar is glitzy and glamorous, with fabulous cuisine, swish interiors and heaps to do. The adjacent 15-acre Baha Bay Waterpark and Beach Club are brilliant for both families and groups of friends, and the resort has a Vegas-style party buzz. There are dedicated kids' clubs as well as adults-only pools and events. Very good fun.

For Great Value

  • Compass Point Hotel is a funky collection of brightly-painted beachfront apartments. Quirky and cheerful, with bold exteriors and white shutters, the 18 wooden hideaways include little kitchens, pretty sea-facing balconies and access to an outdoor pool, hot tub and cool oceanfront bar. There's a fantastic Bahamian/International restaurant onsite too. A sociable, affordable choice for couples, friends or families.
  • Orange Hill Beach Inn offers 33 simple rooms, studios and apartments on a converted orange plantation close to the airport. A great value choice for independent travellers in search of self-catering facilities, or for families who can enjoy the pool, leafy grounds and relaxed restaurant.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Nassau International Airport, the largest in the Bahamas, and travel to your hotel or villa by taxi. Most hotels will be happy to coordinate an airport pick up for you in advance.
  • There's so much to see in the Bahamas! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between November and mid-April for warm, dry weather. The hurricane season — July to October — is best avoided. The Christmas and New Year season is especially busy, so book your trip well in advance. Travel in late April or May for great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

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Best Hotels in Nassau

  • Orange Hill Beach Inn Nassau, Bahamas 33 rooms from £108

    Families  -  Laid back atmosphere, large outdoor pool, beach access and small kitchens in studios
    Diving  -  More than a dozen shipwrecks, underwater movie sites, beautiful coral reefs
    Great walks  -  Through Nassau Botanical Gardens
    Traditional
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Beach front inn on former orange plantation. Rooms have pine furniture, tropical print fabrics and studios with small kitchens. Outdoor pool, sun terrace and lounge. Restaurant serves good Bahamian and continental food. Relaxed, secluded and family friendly. See More

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  • Ocean West Hotel Nassau 10 rooms from £132

    Total relaxation  -  A great spot to base yourself for relaxed days by the pool or heading out to local beaches
    Romantic Break  -  Quiet grown-up feel is perfect for romantic trips
    Views  -  Perfectly situated: enjoy views over Lake Killarney to the south & the Atlantic Ocean to the north
    Swimming Pool  -  Stylish outdoor pool with large sun terraces channels glam Miami vibes
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Intimate colonial-inspired boutique property with an impressive location steps from the beach. With the feel of a private villa, rooms decorated in Caribbean style have a homely feel. As well as a sexy pool, bar & restaurant, the amazing views from every direction steal the show. Fab for couples. See More

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  • Compass Point Hotel Nassau, Bahamas 18 rooms from £172

    Beach Life  -  Colourful clapperboard suites, with an idllyic beach, activities within walking distance
    Fishing  -  Hotel can organise boat charter to trawl the deep seas for a prized marlin
    Full of character
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGarden

    Colourful beach front apartments. Rooms are in colonial style with white shutters, large verandahs and small kitchens. Outdoor pool, hot tub and beach access with pier. Fantastic Bahamian and International cuisine, oceanfront bar. Low-key, superb location and good value. See More

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  • SLS Baha Mar Nassau 299 rooms from £238

    Groups  -  Perfect for hen & stag dos or groups of friends looking for a fun time in stunning setting; endless entertainment in guaranteed
    Families  -  Kid's club, endless activities, babysitting, beach, pools and multi-room residences ensure the whole family has a perfect stay
    Beach Life  -  Direct access to white sand beach and turquoise water at Baha Beach Club, located at the end of famous Cable Beach
    Swimming Pool  -  Three outdoor pools - including slick sea-facing infinity and lagoon-style experience - are complimented with kid's only pool
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Luxury beach resort with all the trimmings. Glossy rooms and sleek Miami-style residences boasting epic sea views appeal to families, friends and couples. Endless amenities and activities include beach club, spa, pools, casinos and multiple dining options. Las Vegas vibes in Caribbean setting. See More

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  • Graycliff Hotel Nassau, Bahamas 20 rooms from £254

    Quirky  -  In this 200 plus year old mansion, find antiques, a cellar filled with thousands of bottles of wine, and a working cigar factory
    Sights nearby  -  Hotel overlooks the Government House in the centre of Nassau.
    Great walks  -  Around town from Rawson Square
    Full of character
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenNo pets

    Characterful 5* hotel in town centre. Rooms have antiques, opulent fabrics, chandeliers and four poster beds. Two outdoor pools, gym, spa treatments, gardens and sun terrace. Excellent Bahamian cuisine, extensive wine cellars and cigar factory. Unusual, luxurious and unique. See More

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  • The Island House Nassau 30 rooms from £337

    Total relaxation  -  Relax into a state of near-jelly- with extensive spa treatments, indulgent dinners, endless cocktails and tropical views
    Tennis  -  Let your competitive side out on the squash or paddle tennis courts
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    An elegant island retreat for the sophisticated traveller, far from the tourist crowds of Nassau. Simple chic Eastern style architecture is set off by earthy bamboos, custom-made wood furniture, neutral tones and stunning tropical gardens. The spa and fitness facilities are the best on the island. See More

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  • The Cove Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas 600 rooms from £453

    Active Holiday  -  Think of the activity, and here you can probably do it: cinema, casino, tennis, yoga and all watersports
    Families  -  A wide variety of activities for children, including age-relevant kids club, water park and Dolpin Cay
    Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled access
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    Expansive resort on the beach. Elegant rooms are in creamy shades with sea view balconies and big bathrooms. Outdoor pool, beach access, tennis courts, gym, spa, water park, cinema and casino. Excellent International cuisine, both gourmet and light. With so much to do, perfect for families. See More

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  • Rosewood Baha Mar Nassau 230 rooms from £710

    Families  -  A very family-friendly stay with its Kids Club, kids' menus, and an unbeatable choice of activities including a water park!
    Beach Life  -  Located on Cable Beach (one of the island's best) this is the place to unwind in the sun
    Golf  -  Royal Blue is a spectacular 18-hole, par-72 course, located on the property
    Groups  -  Multi-room suites and villas are a good option for families or groups
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking

    An expansive resort that manages to create an intimate feel on one of Nassau's best beaches. A choice of doubles, suites, and villas are high-tech and luxurious. Boasting an array of eateries & bars, multiple pools, a water park, a casino, and a golf course. A one-stop-shop for a break in the sun. See More

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  • The Ocean Club, Nassau Nassau (PARADISE ISLAND) 107 rooms from £1051

    Romantic Break  -  This hotel just nails romance, for a start at 6pm every evening glasses of champagne and strawberries are brought to each room
    Tennis coaching  -  Their in house pro Leo Rolle has been coaching there for 50 years- and there's a reason they have held onto him!
    Fishing  -  Go deep sea fishing on their yacht, cook your catch in the local style and then learn to mix a perfect cocktail
    Total relaxation  -  The Balinese-style spa is wonderful, so is the leafy adults only pool area and the plush rooms
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViews

    This Four Season luxury resort is the epitome of Bahamian style. The luxury suites and villas offer louvered hardwood doors and private balconies. The service is truly remarkable, and often friendships are created that draw guests back again and again. The gardens and restaurant are show stoppers. See More

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