The Islands - Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean: Lovetripper Guide - page 107

This historic building is located next to Government House and
offers 14 luxurious guest accommodations and spacious pool
cottage suites. The building dates back to Nassau's swashbuck-
ling days. The mansion was originally built by Captain John
Howard Graysmith, a pirate who commanded the schooner
Graywold and plundered treasure ships along the Spanish
Main. In 1776, the mansion became the headquarters for the
American Navy when Nassau was captured by the soldiers. In
1844, Graycliff became Nassau's first inn.

The home has a rich history of celebrity visitors. During Prohi-
bition, Graycliff was owned by Mrs. Polly Leach, a companion to
Al Capone. Later Graycliff was purchased by Lord and Lady
Dudley, Third Earl of Staffordshire, who hosted many dignitar-
ies, including Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lord Beaverbrook,
Lord Mountbatten, and Sir Winston Churchill. In 1973, Enrico
and Anna Maria Garzaroli purchased Graycliff and turned the
mansion into a hotel and restaurant.

Guests can choose from old or new décor. Those with a yen for
historic furnishings will like the Pool Cottage, where Winston
Churchill used to stay, or the Baillou, the original master bed-
room in the main house. Travelers with a taste for modern décor
find it in the Mandarino Cottage, which has an extra-large
bathroom and whirlpool tub. All rooms are air-conditioned and
include a private bath. Breakfast is served to hotel guests only.

Special Features/Activities: fine dining, saltwater Olympic-
sized lap pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center.

Hilton British Colonial
One Bay Street, Nassau
Reservations: 800-445-8667

242-322-3301; fax [phone]
www.hilton.com
$$-$$$
This historic hotel sits at the head of Bay Street, a reminder of
Nassau's early hotel days. It's a warm reminder of our early ho-
tel days as well, as the scene of our first visit to the Caribbean.
Following a recent renovation, the hotel is now one of the top
business properties in the islands but offers a convenient ad-
dress for the leisure traveler as well; it's just steps from the
duty-free shops of Bay Street. The 291 guest rooms include sat-