Nassau - British Colonial Hilton Hotel

Built in 1922 on the site of Fort Nassau, the hotel and grounds have a commanding view of the harbor and visiting cruise ships. This concrete structure replaced a wooden hotel built in 1898 by Henry Flagler. Flagler is best known for creating Miami Beach and a series of hotels along the coast of Florida which share the same romantic style with the British Colonial.

The interior was totally renovated (1999) by Hilton while its historic façade of towers, galleries, and molded reliefs were maintained. One relief, high on the central tower, depicts Christopher Columbus, who now views the pool, gardens and sandy beach below. A new mural depicting the history of the country adorns the entrance hall. In front of the hotel is a statue of Woodes Rogers, the ex-privateer who was appointed governor and cleaned out the nation's pirates. The hotel has gained fame as a location for two James Bond films (Thunderball - 1965 & Never Say Never Again - 1983). Even today, the hotel's dive company takes scuba diving clients to the Vulcan bomber and freighter which were sunk as sets for these two motion pictures. For the real Bond fans there is even a 007 suite.

Other famous people connected with the hotel are Sir Harry Oakes, a rich Canadian who purchased the hotel in 1939. Years later he was found murdered under mysterious circumstances. The case caught the public interest because of his friendship with the abdicated King Edward VIII and his American divorcee wife, Wallis Simpson. Edward was made Governor-General of the Bahamas during the Second World War mainly to keep him out of Europe where his presence could be construed as supporting the Nazis.

The complex has several restaurants and a spa. Nonresidents may use the pool for a small daily fee.

In contrast to the amusement park atmosphere of some of the resorts on Paradise Island, the British Colonial offers quiet elegance to business travelers and upscale tourists in the busy heart of Nassau.