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The team at MCR Bahamas proudly presents this review of Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, a true gem in Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas.
As local real estate experts, we know the unique charm and rich history that make Graycliff an exceptional destination. With our in-depth knowledge of the area, we guide you through the luxurious experience of staying at this boutique hotel, and if you’re so inclined, we can also help you buy a home in Nassau or any other part of The Bahamas. Whether you’re considering a second home or a solid investment, our expertise ensures you make the best choice for your needs.
Let’s dive into our detailed Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant review and uncover everything this haven has to offer.
Table of Contents
What is the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant?
The Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, an 18th-century colonial mansion, holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. As one of the oldest boutique hotels in The Bahamas, it draws history enthusiasts from around the world.
Imagine staying at a luxury hotel where the world’s most renowned personalities have been guests. The list includes Martin Luther King Jr., Sir Winston Churchill, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Michael Jordan, and Jay-Z.
The property boasts a five-star restaurant known for its extraordinary fine dining experience. Visitors also flock to Graycliff for its prestigious handmade cigars and culinary tours hosted on-site.
Where is the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant Located?
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant sits on West Hill Street in Nassau, Bahamas, just 10 miles from Lynden Pindling International Airport. Once your commercial or private plane lands, expect a 20-minute ride to Graycliff.
The luxury hotel’s prime location offers guests easy access to several tourist attractions, including Nassau’s business district, white-sand beaches, casinos, the craft market, John Watling’s Distillery, Pompey Museum, and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.
Who Owns Graycliff Hotel?
Enrico and Anna Maria Garzaroli purchased Graycliff in 1973 and transformed the site into an elegant boutique hotel. They soon opened the doors of this historic property to tourists seeking luxury accommodations.
The Garzaroli family also owns the Graycliff Cigar Company, which Enrico established when he couldn’t find the perfect cigar for the hotel’s in-house restaurant.
Accommodations at Graycliff Hotel
Graycliff Hotel, rated AAA Four Diamond, boasts 20 distinctive rooms, each identified by name rather than conventional room numbers. This unique touch, combined with a blend of modern amenities and antique decor, ensures a luxurious yet timeless experience.
Each fully air-conditioned room features a private bath and a daily complimentary breakfast, offering both comfort and convenience. Among the highlights is the exclusive Pool Cottage, famously used by Winston Churchill, which guests can now reserve for an unforgettable stay.
Explore the diverse range of room options at Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant and discover the perfect setting for a refined Nassau retreat.
Deluxe Rooms
Graycliff Hotel’s main building features deluxe rooms, each overlooking the charming two-story veranda or the lush Graycliff Gardens. These rooms, measuring approximately 450 square feet, offer a king bed and accommodate up to two guests. The blend of heritage style and modern amenities creates a cozy and inviting ambiance, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Luxury Rooms
Guests seeking more space can opt for Graycliff Hotel’s luxury rooms, which accommodate up to three guests. These rooms, located either in the main building or within the gardens, provide serene views of the Graycliff Gardens or the pool area. Measuring between 500 and 650 square feet, they offer choices of a pillowtop king bed, two double beds, or two twin beds, each paired with a comfortable sitting area.
Suites
Graycliff Hotel’s suites are ideal for families or groups, with accommodations for up to four guests. These spacious rooms, ranging from 700 to 900 square feet, are situated in the main building or gardens and offer delightful views of the Graycliff Gardens or pool area. Each suite includes a king bed with a separate sitting area.
Graycliff Suite
The Graycliff Suite, set in the gardens and overlooking the main pool, offers an expansive living experience. This suite spans approximately 1,200 square feet and features a king bed, a large sitting and dining area, a private balcony, and a generously sized bathroom. Ideal for up to four guests, the suite provides a lavish and serene environment for a truly indulgent stay.
Amenities at Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Graycliff Hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities to enhance your stay. Discover its unique facilities and exclusive services.
Dining at Graycliff Hotel
Graycliff Hotel features Graycliff Restaurant, one of The Bahamas’ first five-star dining establishments. The restaurant boasts four distinct dining areas inside, and a charming outdoor area in the garden, offering a sophisticated setting for every meal. Guests savor a menu that blends Bahamian and European cuisines, with the chef’s secret recipes prepared using fresh, local ingredients like lobster and conch.
For an elevated culinary experience, book Graycliff Hotel’s weekday Wine Luncheon. Expert sommeliers guide guests through a five-course gourmet spread, paired with carefully selected wines. This private culinary event also includes a tour of the hotel’s award-winning wine collection, featuring some of the most prized and rare vintages.
Multiple Pools
Graycliff Hotel provides a serene pool area featuring two Italian-tiled swimming pools nestled within a lush tropical garden. Guests can take a refreshing dip or sunbathe by the elegantly designed pools, surrounded by tranquil landscaping. Towels are readily available, and changing rooms with showers are conveniently located by the pool for your comfort.
Graycliff Cigar Company
At Graycliff Hotel, guests can explore the unique Graycliff Cigar Company. During the factory tour, you’ll gain insight into the creation of this renowned cigar brand. Watch expert cigar makers in action, participate in live cigar-rolling sessions, and enjoy tasting opportunities that showcase the craftsmanship behind each cigar.
Graycliff Chocolatier
Graycliff Hotel also invites guests to experience Graycliff Chocolatier, The Bahamas’ first interactive and certified chocolate factory. Ideal for families and chocolate enthusiasts, the tour provides an in-depth look at the chocolate-making process and the origins of regional cocoa. Visitors will see how chocolatiers transform cocoa beans into a variety of delicious treats, including bars, bonbons, truffles, and more.
Things to Do Near Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Explore Nassau’s vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty while staying at Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant. This guide highlights some must-see attractions and activities just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
Day in Nassau
Begin your journey at Fort Charlotte, where you travel through time exploring dungeons, cannons, stone walls, and underground passageways. Named after Queen Saharia Charlotte, this fort stands as a testament to Nassau’s historic conflicts.
Next, visit Parliament Square and take a peek inside the Georgian neoclassical House of Assembly, where government proceedings and legislative activities unfold. For a dose of Bahamian culture, head to The National Art Gallery, housed in a stunning 19th-century colonial mansion. The gallery showcases a beautiful collection of Bahamian art, including sculptures, paintings, and mixed media, with some displays focusing on contemporary traditions of European and African artistic styles.
You can also visit The National Art Gallery in Nassau, nestled in the historically significant two-level 19th-century colonial mansion. The gallery will stun you with a beautiful collection of Bahamian art, including sculptures, paintings, and mixed media. Some displays also focus on contemporary traditions of European and African artistic styles.
For a different kind of adventure, plan an island hopping trip. Explore the nearby Pearl Island, Exuma Cays, Blue Lagoon, or Rose Island, each offering a unique island experience.
With so much to see and do in Nassau, one day might not be enough. If you find yourself enchanted by the island, MCR Bahamas can assist you in finding the perfect oceanfront property or help you build your dream home in The Bahamas.
Nassau Straw Market
A short walk from Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, the Nassau Straw Market is a must-visit for shopaholics. Browse the vibrant stalls where local artisans showcase hand-woven straw hats, baskets, bags, masks, and other unique goods. Interact with the craftsmen and take home a piece of Bahamian culture with you.
Cable Beach
No trip to Nassau is complete without a visit to Cable Beach. Sink your toes into the pristine blue waters and enjoy a day of swimming, water activities, or a leisurely stroll. The beach is also lined with bars and restaurants, offering a taste of local Bahamian drinks and food.
If you’re feeling the island’s allure, check out our Nassau, Bahamas houses for sale, and let us help you make this paradise your home.A trip to Nassau is incomplete without sinking your toes in the island’s pristine blue waters of Cable beach.
Water Activities & Boating
For thrill-seekers, Nassau’s beaches offer a range of exciting activities. Dive into the clear waters for snorkeling with turtles, paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming with pigs and dolphins.
If you love the water, don’t pass up the opportunity to go sailing in The Bahamas.If you’re a competent sailor, take advantage of the boat rentals, or opt for a charter with a captain.
For a unique perspective, consider taking a seaplane tour. These tours combine the best of the sky and sea, offering breathtaking views and stops at the best beaches for a refreshing swim.
More About Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Before booking your stay at Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, you might have more questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked queries by other guests.
Is there a dress code for Graycliff restaurant in The Bahamas?
Yes, Graycliff Restaurant enforces a strict dress code to maintain its elegant atmosphere. For lunch, guests are required to dress in casual-elegant attire, while dinner reservations call for a more refined look—jackets are recommended for men.
Keep in mind that shorts and sandals are not permitted during dinner. To fully enjoy your dining experience, be sure to wear appropriate shoes and attire.
Where are Graycliff cigars made?
Graycliff cigars are crafted at the Graycliff Cigar Company, located right on the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant premises in Nassau. The cigars are handmade by expert rollers using tobacco sourced from diverse regions, including Greece, Indonesia, Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. The Graycliff brand produces five distinct lines of cigars, each offering a unique blend of flavors for cigar aficionados.
What was the first hotel built in The Bahamas?
The first luxury hotel in The Bahamas was the Royal Victoria Gardens, constructed by the Bahamian government in August 1861. This historic hotel played a significant role during the American Civil War, serving as a premier venue for business and social gatherings in Nassau. Although the original structure no longer functions as a hotel, parts of the building are currently used by The Bahamas Ministry of Health, with the ground floor repurposed as a parking area.
Enjoy a Luxury Stay in Nassau, Bahamas
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant offers more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination that caters to history enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, food lovers, and those seeking a lavish retreat. Nestled in the heart of Bahamian culture and history, Graycliff provides an experience that blends rich heritage with modern luxury. The impeccable service, world-class amenities, and regal atmosphere ensure that every guest feels both pampered and at home.
If this Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant review has sparked your excitement, don’t wait any longer—book your stay at this iconic boutique hotel and fall in love with Nassau. If you’re considering making Nassau your permanent home, MCR Bahamas, the best real estate agents in Nassau, can guide you through the process, from understanding Bahamas citizenship to navigating real estate prices.
Contact MCR Bahamas today to make your move seamless and discover the magic of this serene island.