best hotels in nassau bahamas – The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is a colorful and bustling city that is also home to several world-class resorts. Located in New Providence, 21 miles long, one of Nassau’s best assets is the stunning Cable Beach, with its mix of pink and white sand against a clear turquoise sea that’s perfect for swimming.
A popular cruise port with a sheltered harbor, Nassau also has some good snorkeling and diving in the brightly colored coral reefs just offshore. For this article, we’re focusing on the best resorts in Nassau, but there are plenty more great places to stay on neighboring Paradise Island. The two islands are connected by a bridge, making it easy to come and go.
Nassau resorts fit every budget, including some of the best five-star properties. They also cater to all travelers, from couples on honeymoons or romantic getaways to families traveling with children. And if you want to stay in a resort where you don’t have to worry about the cost of dining and entertainment, there are all-inclusive resort options in Nassau, too. Below are our picks for the best resorts in Nassau.
Note: Some businesses may temporarily close due to recent global health and safety issues.
Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas – Todo incluido
Advantage
Direct access to a beautiful stretch of cable beach.
Spacious rooms have a garden or sea view; some patios have been furnished.
Some rooms offer direct beach access and separate living areas’
“Super-included” package includes meals, snacks, drinks, and activities,
Three outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, and sunken seating.
Five restaurants offer various a la carte and buffet options.
Four bars, including a nightclub and a piano bar
Fitness center, have a range of cardio machines and weights.
Tennis courts, rock climbing, a trapeze,
A poolside spar, practical meeting rooms,
Free Wi-Fi, and self-parking are available.
Cons
Few attractions within walking distance,
Some decor is run-of-the-mill and dated,
No children under 14 animals (a pro for some),
Popular with spring breakers (a pro for some).
Summary
Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas is a three-pearl resort that sits on Cable Beach. The resort’s 391 rooms are large and bright, though the decor is a bit bland and dated. The hotel has three attractive pools, five restaurants, a fantastic beach, and more unusual features like a trapeze and rock-climbing wall. Add to that a complete program of land and water activities, along with four bars where the party often goes late into the night, and there’s more than enough to keep guests entertained. For those who like all-inclusive, it’s one of the best value options on the island — but it gets a lot of spring breakers in season. Children under 14 are not allowed, so travelers looking for a more family-friendly option might want to check out the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Advantage
is a Stunning luxury resort right on beautiful Cable Beach,
with Six outdoor pools with attractive pool decks, rock and water features, and a man-made blue hole with aquarium features.
Elegant and spacious rooms filled with modern amenities and attractive bathrooms.
Spacious multi-bedroom villas and residences.
The dining options include Chinese haute cuisine, seafood restaurant, French cafe, and food trucks.
Impressive ESPA with 24 treatment rooms and modern fitness facilities.
Home to the largest casino in the Caribbean,
an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, nine tennis courts,
a Children’s club, El Santuario with sea turtles and sharks, an aviary, and a flamingo habitat.
Pets are welcome (with a cleaning fee).
Cons
Tips and resort fees are added to each bill (pro for some); not much in terms of nightlife.
Summary
Sitting right on the crystal clear waters of Cable Beach, the massive Grand Hyatt Baha Mar overwhelms with features and has a luxurious Las Vegas and Caribbean vibe. The 1,800-room property features six alluring pools, the largest casino in the Caribbean, an impressive spa and fitness center, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, nine tennis courts, and several luxury shops. A wide variety of dining options range from fine dining Chinese and seafood restaurants to Mexican food trucks and gourmet hot dogs. Families are catered for with a kids’ club, plus opportunities to view wildlife from sea turtles and sharks in The Sanctuary to flamingos in the Aviary. Rooms are elegant and spacious, decorated with modern amenities and attractive bathrooms, plus multi-bedroom villas and residences are available. For something more intimate and even more luxurious, check out neighboring Rosewood Baha Mar.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Advantage
Only for adults, all-inclusive romantic and fun resorts with a curious history.
Great location on the beach, within walking distance of the airport.
A wide variety of room type options
Relaxing offshore island (via free ferry) for excursions
Two large 24-hour beachside pools with swim-up bars
Elegant furnishings, four-poster beds, and stocked minibars in rooms
10 restaurants, room service (for most), and eight bars with premium alcohol
Most restaurants do not require reservations
Fire-boxes, a piano bar and a late-night bar offer a wide range in the way of nightlife
Lots of land and water activities and special events daily
Red Lane Spa on-site for indoor/outdoor treatments
Top-notch butler service that many find worth the splurge
Butler level guests are offered transportation via Rolls Royce or Mercedes Benz
Cons
It is not the most prominent beach area; chairs with umbrellas are limited
Minibars in rooms have plenty of drinks, but no snacks
Ordering room service may require several dialing attempts
The authentic English pub has a smell that can turn off guests
Clients may be pressured to purchase additional excursions
Some restaurants require reservations which can be challenging to snag
Windsor Tower rooms are more likely to experience late-night noise
Connecting to Wi-Fi can be a challenge
Summary
What was once known as the famous Balmoral Club back in the 1940s later became the 408-room Sandals Resort in 1995, where the motto is “Love is all you need.” This resort has everything designed for couples and manages to impress upon arrival with Roman columns, statues, fountains, three levels of elegant rooms, ten different restaurants, and eight bars. Guests receive a wealth of information, including a calendar of land and water activities and daily facts, but many choose to relax on the beach or use one of the two main pool bars. To drink and socialize. Head to the offshore island for a leisurely excursion – a boat leaves every hour, and there’s a Jamaican restaurant (included) and cabanas for napping. Not everything is romantic, however; the resort draws its fair share of partiers — hence the Rowdy Piano Bar and English Cricketeer Bar, which are open until the wee hours.
SLS Baha Mar
Advantage
Part of the immaculate and immense Baha Mar complex, in beautiful gardens facing the sea,
Direct access to beautiful Cable Beach, with sun loungers and water sports.
Attractive, photo-worthy spaces with sleek, modern decor.
Super-stylish rooms and residences have flat-screen TVs, gourmet minibars, pod coffee machines, and free Wi-Fi.
The suites and residences have living rooms and kitchens.
Two inviting outdoor pools with poolside bars; one has live DJ sets.
Three restaurants include the Japanese Katsuya and Mediterranean and Italian restaurants.
Design-focused lobby bar, a rooftop bar with DJ sets, and a nightclub
Access to Baha Mar feature a golf course, casino, an extensive spa, racket club, and kids’ club.
Cons
Mandatory daily rate
Bathrooms lack privacy.
Not all rooms have ocean views and/or balconies; some face an inside
Party atmosphere; Poolside DJs can cause noise issues (pro for some).
Summary
One of three luxury hotels that comprise the trendy Baha Mar resort, the SLS is the hippest and most partying of the three hotels.
The beachfront property exudes style and a celebratory vibe that features a nightclub and live DJ at one of two inviting pools. The 299 super-stylish rooms were designed to spark envy on Instagram, but some guests complain about the bathroom design that lacks privacy. The three restaurants include the Japanese Katsuya and Italian cuisine from award-winning chef Michael Schwartz; guests can access other restaurants throughout the Baha Mar resort and features such as the expansive ESPA, golf course, and casino. Families with children will prefer the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, and those wanting a quieter, more sophisticated experience should opt for the Rosewood Baha Mar.
Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive
Advantage
Oceanfront location on one of Nassau’s best beaches
Three pools, including one with a lively swim-up bar and entertainment
Six specialty restaurants with above-average food
Tastefully decorated, modern rooms with furnished balconies and pool and ocean views
Popular all-inclusive plan offers good value
Daily activities include beach volleyball, bingo, and Latin dance
kids’ club with activities and games
In the casino facilities and shops
Small fitness center
Water sports, massages and beauty treatments, babysitting, and airport transfers available
Free WIFI
Cons
Location has few attractions within walking distance
Has a significant, impersonal community feel
Long elevator ride for some of the rooms
Not all hallways are air-conditioned
Long lines at check-in
gym is small and crowded
Not all restaurants are included in the all-inclusive plan
Dinner reservations required at some restaurants
not spa
Summary
A sprawling, luxury resort, Melia Nassau Beach is situated on beautiful and serene Cable Beach. It’s a 15-minute drive from the airport, but it’s not within walking distance of other attractions. The 694 rooms and 32 suites are tastefully decorated, if a bit generic but have beautiful views from private furnished balconies. An elegant entrance hall, three pools, daily activities, and entertainment add to Melia’s appeal. Six on-site restaurants serve better-than-expected food, and there’s a Starbucks on-site.
There are some trade-offs for a resort this size: an impersonal feel, long waits for check-in, and long walks from elevators to some rooms. Travelers may want to compare services and rates with Riu Palace Paradise Island.
Baha Mar Rosewood
The 5-star Rosewood Baha Mar is part of the luxurious Baha Mar Resort Complex on Cable Beach, which is also home to three other resorts. Shared amenities between the properties include a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, tennis courts, a kids’ club, a nature sanctuary, and dozens of restaurants. Rosewood guests also have access to their private portion of Cable Beach, where loungers and umbrellas are set up, and there are opportunities for water sports.
The rooms and suites here are elegant and feature premium bedding on comfortable beds, Bahamian art hanging on the walls, and soaking tubs and showers in the bathrooms. Families will like the spacious beachfront villas with butler service and plunge pools.
Other specific community amenities at Rosewood include two restaurants, swimming pools, and a fitness center. There is also a wide range of treatments available at the hotel’s Sense Spa.
The Island House
For a boutique resort experience in the Bahamas, check in to The Island House. The property has just 30 rooms, suites, and six apartments. All feature luxurious modern island-style décor. Furnished balconies are perfect for relaxing at any time of the day or night.
Despite its small size, this 4-star property has an impressive list of amenities. Guests can choose between two restaurants. There’s also a large lap pool surrounded by loungers, squash courts, a movement studio, and even an arthouse cinema. They also have private beach access and a spa with various treatments.
If you want to explore beyond the resort, the staff can arrange tours and excursions around the island. If you are traveling with a dog, they are even pet-friendly. Children are also welcome. Family rooms are available, and babysitting can be arranged.
Graycliff Hotel
The Graycliff Hotel is located in downtown Nassau, right next to Government House, but not directly on the beach. However, the sand and sea are just minutes away, and Graycliff guests have access to a private section of Cable Beach with loungers and umbrellas.
The AAA Four-Diamond property has a distinctive historical feel and has just 20 elegantly decorated guest rooms and cabin suites. Each is individually decorated and named. To sleep where Winston Churchill once laid his head, book Pool Cottage. If you’re looking for a Jacuzzi in the bathroom, you’ll want to go with the more modern Mandarino Cottage.
Amenities include a pool, restaurant, fitness center, and nightly entertainment. The hotel is ideal for families, and babysitting can be arranged. There are also board games and puzzles available to borrow.
British Colonial Hilton Nassau
Overlooking the cruise port, the historic British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another top 4-star resort. The property has its private section of white-sand beach with loungers for guests to relax on. Brightly colored cabanas and loungers also surround a freshwater pool.
The family-friendly hotel features various rooms and suites in multiple sizes, including some with wraparound windows and ocean views. All are decorated in a contemporary island style and have spacious bathrooms. Some even have hot tubs.
Amenities on the grounds include free use of paddleboards and kayaks, a well-equipped fitness center, and two restaurants. Aqua is the hotel’s signature restaurant and offers an international menu and sea views. There is also a cafeteria.
Ask the front desk for help booking island tours, including diving and snorkeling trips. If you need to rent a car, this can also be arranged.
Compass Point Beach Resort
Music lovers will want to visit Compass Point Beach Resort, which was opened by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell some 25 years ago. Unlike the big resorts, Compass Point comprises brightly painted Bahamian-style cabins.
These come in various sizes and layouts, from oceanfront studios with king beds and a balcony with 180-degree ocean views to elevated oceanfront cabanas with two levels. The latter comes with a kitchenette, patio, and picnic table on the ground floor, a second floor with a bedroom, and a large balcony with ocean views. Regardless of the size and shape of the cabin you choose, you can expect a state-of-the-art sound system in each one.
Facilities include a restaurant with an indoor dining area and a large patio. There is also an outdoor lounge where you can arrange private dinners for up to 20 people. Breakfast is included in your rate.
On the beach, plenty of sun loungers are set up to enjoy the clear turquoise sea views, and more chairs around the pool. For activities, guests can book snorkeling, diving, and fishing tours. There are also opportunities for Nassau food tours, horseback riding, and paddleboard excursions. If you just need some pampering, visit the on-site Windrose Spa, which offers a wide range of treatments.
