The Best Cheap Hotels in Nassau, the Bahamas

On the northern Nassau coast, opposite the Western Esplanade Beach and minutes’ walk from the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, this outpost of the Holiday Inn group is well placed for aquatic adventures such as kayaking and scuba diving. The simply furnished rooms have a microwave and fridge – but upgrade to a suite for sea views, multiple beds and a small balcony overlooking the pool. There’s an in-house restaurant, though you’ll also find several beachy bars and grill houses over the road.

The Bahamas is known for high-octane scuba and snorkelling adventures – and this Marriott Hotel, just steps away from Junkanoo Beach, is perfectly positioned to enjoy these activities. When you’re not swimming with dolphins, work up a sweat at the in-house gym, or swim a few lengths of the pool, before unwinding with light bites and cocktails at the Bistro restaurant and bar. Breakfasts are filling – think eggs, fried potatoes, bacon and toast – perfect fuel for exploring Parliament Square and other nearby historical landmarks.

This budget boutique, a stone’s throw from the airport, is as far from the image of a stuffy airport hotel as you’ll get. Lording over coral reefs and the tops of palm trees, it’s designed in the style of an old Bahamian home – think parquet floors, wood ceilings, louvred shutters and a large wrap-around porch – while plush suites have air conditioning and either ocean or garden views. Better yet, a small outdoor swimming pool sits below a waterfall, perfect for a refresh after a long journey.

The grand colonial facade of the Ocean West has an interior to match: ornate carved table lamps and silk brocade take pride of place in the rooms, named after precious stones. Diamond has a private balcony and third-floor ocean views, while first-floor Tanzanite faces onto the garden. Let a therapist pummel away knots in the spa, and follow up with dinner at Sapodilla restaurant. It’s ideally located with Lynden Pindling International Airport, just five minutes away.

Orange Hill, just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, is a popular stopping point en route to the outer islands. It’s worth a longer stay here, though: studio rooms have a kitchenette and a small ocean-view balcony or patio; family rooms, apartments and even a cottage are also available. Staff can arrange day trips swimming with dolphins or visiting private islands, and divers can book scuba packages through local partner Stuart Cove. The family-style restaurant serves a rotating Bahamian and Western menu, and the honour bar is open all day.

This handsome, blush-pink hotel sits in the heart of downtown, one block from Government House and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Forty-six rooms range from twin standards to junior suites with a private balcony – and all have a private tub and air conditioning. Take a dip in the freshwater pool in the leafy courtyard, and order tropical cocktails to your lounger from the Talking Stick Bar & Restaurant, which serves three meals a day in Bahamian and international styles.

In the residential interior of Nassau, Dawson’s Hideaway is a little removed from the tourist strip, but more than makes up for it with a roster of unusual tours. Take a snorkelling trip to Clifton Heritage National Park – home to Ocean Atlas, the largest underwater sculpture in the world – and swim with pigs at Pig Beach. Owner Donella Hepburn has many years of experience in the hospitality industry and will make you feel at home in the large, colonial-style bedrooms.

With complimentary access to Atlantis Resort, this all-suites hotel is suited to families who want to take a hands-off approach. Start your day with an American-style buffet breakfast before hitting the aqua adventure parks and beaches of Atlantis, and there are scuba and snorkelling options at the house reefs. Spend afternoons at the pool with a swim-up bar or at the Mandara Spa at Atlantis. For the evening entertainment, you have the full gamut of resort restaurants from which to choose, plus a theatre, comedy club, nightclubs and a casino.