Towne Hotel

With a faded awning over the main entrance and a dull pink facade, Towne Hotel sets low expectations from the get-go. Inside, walls are painted the same dusky pink, and dim lighting illuminates a jumbled array of furnishings: a pineapple-pattern rug, an odd dolphin statue, and assorted lamps, along with a parrot chained to a post as the apparent central attraction. Occasionally, a staff member will be available to carry your luggage up the stairs to reach the guest rooms.

The lobby opens up to the pool area, which is located toward the back of the building. Most guest rooms are laid-out around this central courtyard and pool area. Small and partially covered by a blue awning, the pool is almost always empty. Sun loungers and a wicker furniture set placed under an umbrella provide a place for guests to hang out. 

The hotel appeals to virtually any traveler on a budget, and therefore attracts a mixed crowd of guests, including singles, couples, and families. The common areas are usually deserted during the day, but the lobby fills with guests when the free breakfast buffet is set out in the morning.

With a fantastic location and rock-bottom rates (by New Providence Island’s standards), the hotel is a decent choice for travelers willing to sacrifice frills in favor of a low price. The rates at Sunset Resort Bahamas down the road are steeper, but if your budget is flexible, its bright, contemporary rooms are worth the upgrade.

The Towne Hotel has a prime location within walking distance of most of downtown Nassau’s top attractions. It’s less than a 15-minute walk to the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, as well as the Government House and the Straw Market. The streets are packed with duty-free shops, as well as dining options ranging from familiar chains to local joints.

The nearest beach is Western Esplanade Beach (also known as Junkanoo Beach), which is about a 10-minute walk away. The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay can be reached in 20 minutes on foot. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the airport, and a 10-minute drive from the attractions of Paradise Island, including the gigantic Atlantis resort.  

Guest rooms at Towne Hotel are homey but aging. Decor varies from room to room, but all have a fragmented look with clashing fabrics and mismatched furniture. The Junior Suite we visited had pink walls, tile floors, and fresh polka-dot bedding. Tropical-inspired paintings hang on the walls, and black-and-gold lamps look straight out of the '80s. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and small closets. Superior Rooms feature a balcony and Junior Suites are upgraded with sofa beds and mini-fridges. 

Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and show noticeable signs of wear-and-tear, including fixtures that are loose, rusting, or water-stained. Towels and bars of off-brand soap are provided. 

Towne Hotel's location is its main draw, but the property does provide some convenient features. The hotel offers a small rectangular pool surrounded by a few plastic lounge chairs and tables set in a courtyard with potted plants and eclectic statues. The hotel also has a sundeck, but it wasn’t functional during our visit -- and on our visit it was unclear whether the deck would be renovated or simply left in disuse.

The hotel’s restaurant, Talking Stick Bar and Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Located in the lobby, it’s a small, low-lit space with dark wood high-top tables and the same odd jumble of art and knickknacks found throughout the rest of the hotel. The restaurant offers a fun daily happy hour special with half-price cocktails and free snacks. A free simple continental breakfast is served here each morning.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. There’s no official parking on-site, although a single space in front of the property is sometimes available and can be used for overnight parking.