Easily accessible but far enough away to make you feel as if you’ve actually gone somewhere, Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island are two of our favorite destinations for a quick Caribbean getaway. And when we get to the Bahamian tourist hub, here are some of our favorite places to check in and chill out. These are the best hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island, based on our veteran editorial staff’s in-depth analysis and rankings. Or check out the larger list of all the greatest Bahamas hotels.
One & Only Ocean Club
It’s all about understated elegance at this former private estate-turned-resort on Paradise Island, where all of the 105 rooms come with 24-hour butler service and daily delivery of champagne and strawberries, and waterfront dining at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Dune is a highlight.
The Cove Atlantis
This resort-within-a-resort at Atlantis offers a luxurious and sophisticated beach experience for travelers with deep pockets. A highlight: Cain At The Cove, the adults-only pool and beach club where butlers attend to plush cabanas and the beautiful people soak up the sun. Learn more about The Cove Atlantis.
Graycliff
We love this historic family-run inn – Nassau’s oldest hotel – for its elegant yet unpretentious vibe and, of course, the 175,000-bottle wine cellar that’s the third largest in the Western Hemisphere. Book Graycliff here.
Atlantis
Your options are almost endless at this mega-resort that dominates Paradise Island with more than 3,000 rooms, 40 restaurants, 13 pools, a 141-acre water park, and the Bahamas’ largest casino. For your best bet, try the Royal Towers.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
With 10 restaurants, eight bars, seven pools, swanky swim-up suites, and its own private island, Sandals’ Cable Beach couples-only is a solid choice for all-inclusive lovers.
Compass Point Beach Resort
On Nassau’s Love Beach, the boutique Compass Point Beach Resort has a passionate following for its clutch of colorful waterfront cottages, which all face the ocean. Stay at this retreat and you’ll feel a world apart from the bustle of town yet be only five minutes’ drive away. This is one of the island’s signature places to stay, and easily one of the Best Hotels in Nassau.
It once played host to James Bond, and this historic property remains the city’s preeminent large hotel.
British Colonial Hilton Nassau
You can’t get much closer to the action in downtown Nassau than this hotel at Bay Street’s westernmost end. Convenient for both business and leisure travelers, it is walking distance to Nassau’s shops, restaurants and attractions. It’s part of what has become a fast-growing downtown scene in Nassau, from a plethora of art galleries to a major redevelopment of the waterfront area adjacent to the hotel called The Pointe. And at the center of it all is the city’s flagship hotel, the British Colonial.
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
Room rates here include complimentary access to all the amenities of neighboring mega-resort Atlantis, including the beach, pools, and Aquaventure waterpark, making the Comfort Suites hands down the best value on Paradise Island.
A Stone’s Throw Away
Independent travelers can check in at this 10-room hillside hideaway on New Providence’s west end for a tranquil break from the daily grind and reasonable rates (from $215) that include daily breakfast.
The Island House
The Island House is Nassau’s newest resort, and immediately one of its hippest. It’s home to a Bamford spa and even a small movie theater. But the real draw is the Mahogany House restaurant, which was a foodie favorite in Nassau long before the hotel opened last month. It’s an easy pick for the Best Hotels in Nassau.