Frommer's Review
In the restored British Colonial Hilton, there's a palpable air of the long-ago days when The Bahamas was firmly within the political and social orbit of Britain. This landmark seven-story hotel has seen its share of ups and downs over the years. Plush and glamorous when it was built in 1900, it burned to the ground in 1920 and was rebuilt 3 years later before deteriorating into a flophouse. Between 1996 and 1999, a Canadian entrepreneur poured $68 million into its restoration.
Don't expect the glitz and glitter of Cable Beach or Paradise Island here -- the Hilton is after business travelers rather than the casino crowd. It also lacks the aristocratic credentials of Graycliff . Nonetheless, it's a dignified and friendly, but rather sedate, hotel with a discreetly upscale decor (no Disney-style themes or gimmicks). Bedrooms, each renovated sometime during 2006 or 2007, are a bit on the small side but capped with rich crown moldings and accessorized with tile or stone-sheathed bathrooms with tub/showers. The staff, incidentally, is well trained and motivated; we've found them upbeat and hardworking. There's a small beach a few steps away, but it's not very appealing (it's on the narrow channel separating New Providence from Paradise Island, with no wave action at all).
In Suite Double O, a "License to Kill" -- In both the Thunderball and Never Say Never Again films, James Bond -- secret agent 007 -- was served shaken martinis at the British Colonial. To commemorate that historic event, the Hilton-owned property now has a "Double-O" suite (#417) filled with Bond memorabilia that includes posters, books, CDs, movie stills, and recorded versions of all the best Bond flicks, including Goldfinger and Live and Let Die. Guests can take a Bond book from the suite, perhaps Tomorrow Never Dies, and curl up on a chaise longue at the beach. The suite is a one-bedroom unit with living room and ocean views. When you get tired of the movie Bond, you might be able to stroll over to the next chair and meet the real Bond -- Sean Connery is often at his island home on nearby Lyford Cay.
Facilities:
2 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor pool; health club; full-service spa; tour desk; business center; secretarial service; room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
