The British Colonial, which dates back to the 19th century, had its soft reopening this month in Nassau after an intensive $50 million renovation of its guestrooms and suites, public spaces and amenities. The property had been closed since February 2022.
A grand opening is slated for February.
Once fully open, the resort's 288 rooms will include 25 signature suites ranging from one-bedroom suites to the Prime Minister Suite. Other options include City View, Garden View, Oceanview and Premium Oceanview rooms. Because of the building's design, there are 21 different room layouts. The redesign incorporates the use of dark wood cabinetry and geometric tiling that reflect the Roaring Twenties era. Common spaces also pay homage to a Colonial Revival style, with the use of original crown moldings, towering chandeliers, dark mahogany furnishings and murals depicting Bahamian history.
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Upon the grand opening, the hotel will house seven food and beverage options, all of them new, including the flagship, fine-dining Mahogany Club. Others are the martini bar Woodes Rogers Tavern, Sakana Noodle & Sushi Bar, the poolside Red Pearle Grille, the Burn Cigar Bar, the British Colonial Trading Company for light fare and coffee and the Tamarind Marketplace, which will offer a buffet breakfast.
Located in the heart of Bay Street, the iconic hotel offers two oceanfront pools facing a 300-foot private beach. The hotel also offers more than 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meetings space for groups of up to 800 guests.
Oil and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler built the Colonial Hotel, which opened in 1901. Ever since, the hotel has flown the flags of Sheraton, Best Western and Hilton, the brand it was affiliated with at the time of its closing in early 2022. The property is independently owned and operated as of its reopening.