Historic Hotels in the Caribbean
The Oldest Places to Stay in St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Antigua, Bahamas and other islands
Montpelier Plantation
Montpelier Plantation
St. Kitts and Nevis
Located close to the Botanical Gardens on the island of Nevis, Montpelier Plantation is a former sugar plantation that was “discovered” in 1687 by the Secretary of the Royal Society, Dr Hans Soane.
Its most historic distinction, however, is that it was here that Horatio Nelson married Frances Nisbet, niece of the President of the Council of Nevis, on the 11th of March 1787. The marriage was registered at nearby St. John’s Fig Tree Church, with Nelson returning to England a few months after the ceremony.
The hotel features 8 bungalows and 17 guest bedrooms, including the airy premiere and plantation rooms. It also boasts its own cove for the exclusive use of guests (around 15 minutes away by car), and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
This is certainly a place for those who enjoy the finer things in life and are seeking to escape the distractions of the modern world. But while Montpelier Plantation may be a celebrated 4 star retreat today, the British naval hero who “tied the knot” here over 220 years ago would almost certainly still recognise it by sight if he were still alive.
Online booking for Montpelier Plantation is available with Booking.com
St. Kitts and Nevis
Located close to the Botanical Gardens on the island of Nevis, Montpelier Plantation is a former sugar plantation that was “discovered” in 1687 by the Secretary of the Royal Society, Dr Hans Soane.
Its most historic distinction, however, is that it was here that Horatio Nelson married Frances Nisbet, niece of the President of the Council of Nevis, on the 11th of March 1787. The marriage was registered at nearby St. John’s Fig Tree Church, with Nelson returning to England a few months after the ceremony.
The hotel features 8 bungalows and 17 guest bedrooms, including the airy premiere and plantation rooms. It also boasts its own cove for the exclusive use of guests (around 15 minutes away by car), and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
This is certainly a place for those who enjoy the finer things in life and are seeking to escape the distractions of the modern world. But while Montpelier Plantation may be a celebrated 4 star retreat today, the British naval hero who “tied the knot” here over 220 years ago would almost certainly still recognise it by sight if he were still alive.
Online booking for Montpelier Plantation is available with Booking.com
Ottley's Plantation Inn
Ottley’s Plantation Inn
St. Kitts and Nevis
With Mount Liumuiga as a backdrop, Ottley’s is every inch the quintessential colonial-era Caribbean house. However, the name of the property (and the village) is derived from the name of the Yorkshireman who settled here in the early 18th century: Drewry Ottley. Indeed, his descendants continued to own the sugar plantation for most of the 19th century – a long way from the windswept moors of northern England.
Set within over 30 acres of its own grounds, the property is located close to the east coast of the island, but also within easy reach of Basseterre.
Offering accommodation to visitors since 1990, the inn features 23 guest bedrooms in all, eight of which are in the main Great House, with others found in an adjacent cottage and in buildings throughout the grounds. Ottley’s also boasts a spring-fed swimming pool and a restaurant, the Royal Palm, which is set within the walls of the original sugar factory.
Further details and online reservations for Ottley’s Plantation Inn are available through Tripadvisor.
St. Kitts and Nevis
With Mount Liumuiga as a backdrop, Ottley’s is every inch the quintessential colonial-era Caribbean house. However, the name of the property (and the village) is derived from the name of the Yorkshireman who settled here in the early 18th century: Drewry Ottley. Indeed, his descendants continued to own the sugar plantation for most of the 19th century – a long way from the windswept moors of northern England.
Set within over 30 acres of its own grounds, the property is located close to the east coast of the island, but also within easy reach of Basseterre.
Offering accommodation to visitors since 1990, the inn features 23 guest bedrooms in all, eight of which are in the main Great House, with others found in an adjacent cottage and in buildings throughout the grounds. Ottley’s also boasts a spring-fed swimming pool and a restaurant, the Royal Palm, which is set within the walls of the original sugar factory.
Further details and online reservations for Ottley’s Plantation Inn are available through Tripadvisor.
Admiral's Inn
Admiral’s Inn
Antigua
Situated at English Harbour in the south of the Island, Admiral’s Inn is comprised of three buildings of which one – a classic Georgian structure – was constructed during the years immediately following Horatio Nelson’s arrival in Antigua in 1784 (he lived at the dockyard until 1787 and it is today a designated heritage site).
The building, which is right at the heart of the dockyard, would once have stored turpentine and pitch, while the bricks of which it is constructed were shipped to the island as ballast from England – Antigua having been the headquarters of the Royal Navy during the 18th century.
Today the small complex offers four star rated hospitality via 18 guest bedrooms (standard doubles, superior doubles, and suites) with many offering sea views. It also features a bar (popular with yachtsmen), a restaurant, and extensive gardens.
Nearby, guests can visit the Dockyard Museum (located in the former Admiral’s House), which provides further information on the area’s history and ongoing archaeological research on Antigua and Barbuda.
Online booking for Admiral’s Inn is available through Booking.com
Antigua
Situated at English Harbour in the south of the Island, Admiral’s Inn is comprised of three buildings of which one – a classic Georgian structure – was constructed during the years immediately following Horatio Nelson’s arrival in Antigua in 1784 (he lived at the dockyard until 1787 and it is today a designated heritage site).
The building, which is right at the heart of the dockyard, would once have stored turpentine and pitch, while the bricks of which it is constructed were shipped to the island as ballast from England – Antigua having been the headquarters of the Royal Navy during the 18th century.
Today the small complex offers four star rated hospitality via 18 guest bedrooms (standard doubles, superior doubles, and suites) with many offering sea views. It also features a bar (popular with yachtsmen), a restaurant, and extensive gardens.
Nearby, guests can visit the Dockyard Museum (located in the former Admiral’s House), which provides further information on the area’s history and ongoing archaeological research on Antigua and Barbuda.
Online booking for Admiral’s Inn is available through Booking.com
The Graycliff
The Graycliff
Nassau, Bahamas
Enthusiasts of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, starring Johnny Depp, might be interested in following in the footsteps of a real buccaneering figure. Indeed, stay at The Graycliff in Nassau and you’ll be at the former home of John Howard Graysmith, notorious plunderer of ships along the Spanish Main.
The history of the hotel goes even further back in time, however. In fact, it is said that parts of an Anglican Church built by the Governor of the Bahamas Islands in the late 1600’s are to be found within the structure of Graysmith’s mid 18th century mansion house. Interestingly, the building also played host to the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII) when it was owned by the English aristocrats, Lord and Lady Dudley in the late 1960’s.
Today it features 20 guest bedrooms in addition to 2 restaurants and 2 swimming pools. The Deluxe and Luxury Rooms are situated in the main building, while the suites are to be found in Graycliff’s Gardens.
Online reservations for the Graycliff Hotel can be made via Booking.com
Nassau, Bahamas
Enthusiasts of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, starring Johnny Depp, might be interested in following in the footsteps of a real buccaneering figure. Indeed, stay at The Graycliff in Nassau and you’ll be at the former home of John Howard Graysmith, notorious plunderer of ships along the Spanish Main.
The history of the hotel goes even further back in time, however. In fact, it is said that parts of an Anglican Church built by the Governor of the Bahamas Islands in the late 1600’s are to be found within the structure of Graysmith’s mid 18th century mansion house. Interestingly, the building also played host to the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII) when it was owned by the English aristocrats, Lord and Lady Dudley in the late 1960’s.
Today it features 20 guest bedrooms in addition to 2 restaurants and 2 swimming pools. The Deluxe and Luxury Rooms are situated in the main building, while the suites are to be found in Graycliff’s Gardens.
Online reservations for the Graycliff Hotel can be made via Booking.com
The Crane
The Crane
Barbados
The Crane might well appear to be the archetypal 21st century Barbados resort, but at its heart lies a period building, once known as Marine Villa, which bestows upon it the title of being the oldest de facto hotel in the Caribbean (as opposed to the most ancient building presently providing accommodation).
Indeed, it had seemingly become a place of rest and relaxation even before officially opening as a hotel in 1887. This is perhaps best evidenced by the steps cut into the cliff to the south of the hotel which provided discreet access to the water for ladies intending to bathe – these reputedly dating from around 1769 and known locally as “the Horse”.
Accommodation at The Crane is divided between several buildings with the Residences by the Sea, being of a particularly contemporary nature and recently built. However, the history enthusiast will no doubt prefer one of the 18 guest bedrooms located in the original hotel building.
Still popular with well-heeled guests from around the world, the property has welcomed some notable figures in its time including Buffalo Bill Cody.
Online booking for The Crane Resort is available with Booking.com
Barbados
The Crane might well appear to be the archetypal 21st century Barbados resort, but at its heart lies a period building, once known as Marine Villa, which bestows upon it the title of being the oldest de facto hotel in the Caribbean (as opposed to the most ancient building presently providing accommodation).
Indeed, it had seemingly become a place of rest and relaxation even before officially opening as a hotel in 1887. This is perhaps best evidenced by the steps cut into the cliff to the south of the hotel which provided discreet access to the water for ladies intending to bathe – these reputedly dating from around 1769 and known locally as “the Horse”.
Accommodation at The Crane is divided between several buildings with the Residences by the Sea, being of a particularly contemporary nature and recently built. However, the history enthusiast will no doubt prefer one of the 18 guest bedrooms located in the original hotel building.
Still popular with well-heeled guests from around the world, the property has welcomed some notable figures in its time including Buffalo Bill Cody.
Online booking for The Crane Resort is available with Booking.com
Hostal Nicolas de Ovando
Hostal Nicolas de Ovando
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
If the sheer age of a building influences your choice of hotel, then the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando in the old quarter of Santo Domingo will certainly appeal. After all, not only are its surroundings a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the very thoroughfare upon which it stands, Calle Las Damas, was the very first cobbled street in the New World.
With parts of the building reputed to date back as far as 1502, this is undoubtedly the oldest hotel in the Caribbean (or at least the oldest building currently offering accommodation in the region). Formed from three houses, the property owes its name to a friend of Christopher Columbus and the very first Spanish Governor of the Americas.
Boasting over 100 rooms it’s also one of the larger hotels in the Dominican Republic, with both contemporary and colonial varieties available. The hotel also features its own restaurant, La Residence, as well as two bars of which one also serves light meals.
Those seeking rest and relaxation might also appreciate the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool – something of undoubted benefit when summertime temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees celcius.
Discover more through Booking.com
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
If the sheer age of a building influences your choice of hotel, then the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando in the old quarter of Santo Domingo will certainly appeal. After all, not only are its surroundings a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the very thoroughfare upon which it stands, Calle Las Damas, was the very first cobbled street in the New World.
With parts of the building reputed to date back as far as 1502, this is undoubtedly the oldest hotel in the Caribbean (or at least the oldest building currently offering accommodation in the region). Formed from three houses, the property owes its name to a friend of Christopher Columbus and the very first Spanish Governor of the Americas.
Boasting over 100 rooms it’s also one of the larger hotels in the Dominican Republic, with both contemporary and colonial varieties available. The hotel also features its own restaurant, La Residence, as well as two bars of which one also serves light meals.
Those seeking rest and relaxation might also appreciate the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool – something of undoubted benefit when summertime temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees celcius.
Discover more through Booking.com
Hotel El Convento
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Parts of this relic of the age of Conquistadors are reputed to date back as far as 1646, with the building itself inaugurated as the Monastery of our Lady Carmen of San Jose in 1651. Continuing to operate as a convent until the early 20th century, it was finally converted into a hotel in 1963.
The property itself is distinctly Spanish Colonial both inside and out, from the exposed hardwood beams to the furnishings within public and guest rooms. But with amenities such as a plunge pool and jacuzzi, this is certainly a place with the requirements of the 21st century traveller in mind.
Hotel El Convento also boasts no fewer than three restaurants: Patio del Nispero, Pizza e Birra, and El Picoteo, with the former specialising in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.
Located right at the heart of Old San Juan, the building has witnessed most of the nation’s turbulent colonial history. Indeed, it is the oldest of all accommodation listed by the Historic Hotels of America organization.
Online bookings for Hotel El Convento can be made via Booking.com
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Parts of this relic of the age of Conquistadors are reputed to date back as far as 1646, with the building itself inaugurated as the Monastery of our Lady Carmen of San Jose in 1651. Continuing to operate as a convent until the early 20th century, it was finally converted into a hotel in 1963.
The property itself is distinctly Spanish Colonial both inside and out, from the exposed hardwood beams to the furnishings within public and guest rooms. But with amenities such as a plunge pool and jacuzzi, this is certainly a place with the requirements of the 21st century traveller in mind.
Hotel El Convento also boasts no fewer than three restaurants: Patio del Nispero, Pizza e Birra, and El Picoteo, with the former specialising in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.
Located right at the heart of Old San Juan, the building has witnessed most of the nation’s turbulent colonial history. Indeed, it is the oldest of all accommodation listed by the Historic Hotels of America organization.
Online bookings for Hotel El Convento can be made via Booking.com