Located on New Providence Island, which functions as the country's business district, Nassau saw an influx of American Loyalists and their slaves during the late 18th century. The city was named in honor of England's William III, Prince of Orange-Nassau. As the city's population grew, more slaves were imported for labor. In 1807, after the British abolished the slave trade, the country resettled thousands of Africans on New Providence Island. Given the island's extensive African history, modern Nassau is deeply rooted in folk art, dance, and music, lending it a vibrant culture that's all its own.
Today, Nassau is urbanized to the point that it's the Bahamas' commercial hub. Thanks to its tropical climate, Nassau is also a major tourist destination for cruise ship passengers and paradise seekers hoping to bask in the island's laid-back atmosphere. Whatever your reason for visiting Nassau, it's important to find the ideal hotel that allows you to enjoy everything this island has to offer.
When to Visit Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahama Islands attract visitors year-round, so there's really no bad time to visit. Even in the winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees, which makes Nassau a prime snowbird destination. In fact, the months of December through February are the country's peak season, so you'll encounter more crowds in Nassau and hotel rates will be higher. You'll also be more likely to be stuck in traffic if you rent a car here. If you do brave the crowds and vacation in Nassau during the winter, be sure to catch the popular Junkanoo Winter Festival in late December.
March and April bring the spring breakers, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your travel style. For the most part, the spring break season is short but fierce, as beach parties are crowded, booze is flowing, and the music is loud. Hotels often host spring break events, but they also hike their prices, so plan around spring break if you're hoping to avoid this Caribbean phenomenon.
The best time to visit Nassau is from May to November when hotel rates are reasonable and the crowds are thin. The best travel deals, which can save you up to 60 percent on hotel rates, are typically between July and November, but the best overall experience is in June when the weather is at its most pleasant.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Nassau, Bahamas:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Nassau, Bahamas. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Nassau for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Nassau, Bahamas
4 Star Average Prices: $253.14
If you're looking for upscale hotels in Nassau, you have plenty of options. One & Only Ocean Club is a splurge, but this high-end spa resort features a chic restaurant, infinity pool with bar, and butler service, all on sweeping beachfront lawns amid coconut palm trees. Rooms are vividly colored and tastefully decorated, offering amenities like private terraces and balconies, separate dining and living areas, parlors, multiple bedrooms, flat screen TVs, and other indulgences that are the epitome of fine Caribbean living.
Melia Nassau Beach is a more affordable option than One & Only Ocean Club, but it's still a luxury accommodation that's going to cost you a pretty penny. Guests at Melia Nassau Beach can enjoy a wide stretch of beachfront property, six on-site specialty restaurants, multiple pools with waterfalls, a hydromassage tub, 24-hour gym, and kids' club. Rooms and suites feature fantastic views of the Atlantic along with LCD TVs, coffeemakers, in-room safes, full bathrooms, hair dryers, and special bathroom amenities. Opt for a suite to enjoy separate living areas, preferential restaurant seating, and in-room aromatherapy services.
For an all-inclusive option, try Breezes Resort Bahamas. The great thing about this all-inclusive is that there are no hidden fees, no tipping is allowed, and Wi-Fi is included. When you want a no-hassle vacation in Nassau, this is simply the place to be. Breezes Resort Bahamas consists of two towers with 391 air-conditioned guest rooms with either garden or ocean views. All rooms and suites feature satellite TV, flat screen TVs, work desks, mahogany wood furnishings, marble and chrome bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. The one-bedroom oceanfront suite adds a separate living room and unobstructed ocean views.
Affordable Hotel Options in Nassau, Bahamas
3 Star Average Prices: $199.62
Finding an affordable hotel option in this Caribbean paradise is easier than you might think. The Orchard Garden Hotel is a casual two-star accommodation surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Guest amenities include an outdoor pool, air conditioning, ceiling fans, a patio or balcony, and cable television. Wi-Fi is available poolside, and daily housekeeping service is provided by friendly staff. The property features an undeniable colonial charm that keeps budget-minded travelers coming back for more.
The Towne Hotel in Nassau offers recently renovated rooms that feature private tubs and cable TV. Upgrading to a suite will get you a refrigerator and sofa bed. The property features an on-site restaurant and bar that serves authentic Bahamian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, not to mention your favorite tropical cocktails. There's also a freshwater pool and sun deck for you to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing.
Located near Fort Fincastle, Pompey Museum, and Pirates of Nassau Museum, El Greco Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation offering 26 guest rooms with daily housekeeping. Guest amenities include an outdoor pool with terrace, air conditioning, laundry service, luggage storage, a lovely garden, free Wi-Fi, and ticket assistance. This property also provides you with easy access to the beach, which can be difficult to find in a budget accommodation.
2 Star Average Prices: $108.36
Best Discounts in Nassau, Bahamas
If you research ahead of time, you can save even more money on your stay in Nassau by taking advantage of discounts and special offers. Many hotels offer instant savings when you book a number of nights. For example, Comfort Suites Paradise Island lets you save $250 when you stay four nights. These types of special offers are always changing, though, so be on the lookout for your hotel's latest deals.
Global hotel chains also tend to offer discounts to AAA members, AARP members, seniors, military personnel and their families, government employees, and corporate travelers. British Colonial Hilton Nassau is one such hotel, extending special rates to AAA/CAA and AARP members for an additional five percent off the best available rates.
You can also take advantage of rewards points at many chain hotels in the Bahamas, helping you earn double points or use your existing points to save money on your getaway.
Best Value Options in Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau offers many mid-range hotels that give you plenty of value for the money. Comfort Suites Paradise Island is a straightforward all-suite hotel that offers guests full access to the famed Atlantis Resort, giving you the best of both worlds. Guest rooms feature flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, while other amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and pool with swim-up bar.
Red Carpet Inn Nassau offers low summer rates all year round, with no increase in rates during the peak winter season. The beautiful property is set on one-and-a-half acres of tropical land and features 40 guest rooms with microwaves, refrigerators, private bathrooms, satellite TV, ironing boards, and safes. The freshwater pool provides year-round swimming, but you can visit Paradise Island beaches via taxi. This property is also within walking distance of local shopping plazas and restaurants, giving you the chance to experience the Bahamas the way the locals do.
CoCo Plum Bahamas is an unassuming three-star hotel with an on-site open-air restaurant, outdoor pool, and grills for guest use. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, soundproofed rooms, free toiletries, flat screen TVs, refrigerators, and garden views. While the guest rooms are private havens, the communal areas encourage guests to socialize.
Top Attractions in Nassau
If you're hoping to experience the best Nassau has to offer, you need to familiarize yourself with the city's top attractions. Downtown and Bay Street is a busting mix of restaurants, shops, and street hawkers, making it a top excursion for cruise ship passengers. It's here you will find the Pirates of Nassau Museum, the Straw Market (the place to buy hats, baskets, and other woven items), and plenty of souvenirs, so don't pass it up.
Blue Lagoon Island, also known as Salt Cay, is a private island three miles from the city. Many people come here for the water sports, but the main attraction is the close-up encounters with dolphins and sea lions. The island features a marine mammal facility where visitors can interact with dolphins under trainers' watchful eyes.
Art lovers should check out the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion, the museum is the country's most important art institution. The impressive collection features textiles, ceramics, photography, sculptures, and paintings, and the architecture alone is an artwork all its own.
Whether you're looking for a luxury all-inclusive resort or a budget-friendly hotel further inland, you can find the perfect accommodation in Nassau that makes your Caribbean dream a reality.
'We were thinking what to do: go to the Bahamas or divorce. But in the end we decided that he Bahamas is a pleasure for two weeks, whilst a good divorce lasts a lifetime. These funny words were said by an American actor, comedian, moviemaker and playwright Woody Allen, who have been working in the movie industry for more than 50 years.
The True Caribbean Paradise
Who doesn't know the famous movie about the Caribbean pirates? Well, the great parts of these movies were based on gorgeous places like Nassau. It is the capital and the largest city of the Commonwealth of Bahamas. This gorgeous Caribbean paradise was once ruled by Spaniards and then British and once even gained the name of 'pirate republic when the locals tried to proclaim their leadership. Now it's a calm and relaxing resort, most of the time visited by thousands of tourists. Even though, depending on the distance, the flight prices are sometimes quite high, there are some really great Nassau hotels that are willing to make your vacation as good as possible. If you are interested in various hotels in Nassau, just go and read more about what we have prepared for you.
Is it Possible to Get a Budget Accommodation in Nassau?
Off course it is! Don't be fooled, there are some really great luxurious hotels in Nassau, but that doesn't mean that you will not be able to find some cheap hotels to stay in: Grand Centra, El Greco Hotel, Junkanoo Beach Hotel or Nassau Palm Hotel. These cheap hotels are widely known for their good prices and even better staff. What is more, you can always ask for a discount if you are going to stay for a long period of time, or you are traveling with a larger group of people, for example, your whole family.
The Best Places to Stay in Nassau
As we have mentioned before, there are some really great quality luxurious Nassau hotels, if you are not thinking about staying on a budget during your vacation. You should definitely look for famous places like the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island or the British Colonial Hilton Nassau. These hotels in Nassau are not only famous for their picturesque views and super friendly staff, but also for the world famous body and soul spa treatments that you should definitely go and try.
UNESCO, Junkanoo, Movies and the Rich Culture
Do you think that this Caribbean beauty is only famous for its gorgeous nature and movies? Then think again! Nassau has been proclaimed as the part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and furthermore “ as the city of Crafts and Folk Art. In Addition to this, it is one of only two existing cities that have this honor. If you are one of those, who love to live the real Caribbean spirit, you should definitely visit the city's chief festival Junkanoo, where a bunch of costumed people celebrate the festival with a dance, accompanied by songs, drums and whistles.
FAQs about hotels in Nassau