PRICE:
Frommer's Recommended

Graycliff [ST] -- Now in a kind of nostalgic decay, Graycliff remains the grande dame of downtown Nassau hotels even though her tiara is a bit tarnished and her age is showing. In spite of its drawbacks, this place still has its devotees, especially among older visitors. Originally an 18th-century private home reflecting Georgian colonial architecture, it's now an intimate inn with old-fashioned atmosphere. Even though it's not on the beach, people who can afford to stay anywhere sometimes choose Graycliff because it epitomizes the old-world style and grace that evokes Nassau back in the days when the duke and duchess of Windsor were in residence. Churchill, of course, can no longer be seen paddling around in the swimming pool with a cigar in his mouth, and the Beatles are long gone, but the three-story Graycliff marches onward without the visiting celebs who today head for Paradise Island. Beach lovers usually go by taxi to either nearby Goodman's Bay or the Western Esplanade Beach, nearly adjacent to Arawak Cay. The historic garden rooms in the main house are large and individually decorated with antiques, though the better units are the more modern garden rooms. The Yellow Bird, Hibiscus, and Pool cottages are ideal choices, but the most luxurious accommodation of all is the Mandarino Suite, which sports Asian decor, a king-size bed, an oversize bathroom, and a private balcony overlooking the swimming pool. Bathrooms are spacious, with tub/showers, deluxe toiletries, and robes.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Bahamas 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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