El Greco Hotel

From the front entrance, El Greco imparts a tired and rundown vibe. Guest rooms are laid out across two stories around a central courtyard, and lush greenery and curving archways give the courtyard a faded prettiness. But like the rest of the hotel, it has a somewhat abandoned feel. A statue of a Greek female figure holding flowers is placed in a brick archway. The front desk protected by glass and barred windows throughout add an unsettling vibe.

The hotel doesn’t offer much in the way of atmosphere. You might encounter one or two guests hanging out by the pool, but some guests remain virtually anonymous. At night, minimal insulation and the design of the courtyard means the noise can carry both from guests returning to their rooms or the muffled conversations of people sitting out on their balconies and terraces.

El Greco’s rates are among the island’s cheapest and, unfortunately, the few other hotels that offer comparable rates are similarly dismal. Sunset Resort down the road is pricier, but its bright, clean rooms are a substantial upgrade. 

El Greco is set on a nondescript side street off West Bay Street, on the edge of downtown Nassau. Western Esplanade Beach, also known as Junkanoo Beach, is located across the street. This narrow stretch of sand is the closest beach to the nearby dock, and as a result, it can get quite busy when cruise ships are in port. It’s one of the few beaches on the island that offers changing areas and public restrooms.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars found within walking distance in downtown Nassau. Popular downtown attractions like the Straw Market and the Pirates of Nassau museum can be reached in less than a 15-minute walk. The hotel is also a 15-minute walk from the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. Lynden Pindling International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. There’s a jitney bus stop less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, which offers connections to more far-flung areas of the island. 

The old-fashioned guest rooms at El Greco Hotel include dated wooden furniture, firm mattresses, and bright floral bedspreads. Artwork hangs crookedly on the walls, and nonfunctional safes are stowed inside closets. Signs of wear-and-tear are everywhere, including bits of peeling paint, chipped tiles, and even exposed wiring hanging inside some closets. The noisy air-conditioning units have no remotes, making it difficult to adjust the temperature because they’re mounted high up on the walls.

Rooms include flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi (although the connection can be spotty depending on your room’s location). Lower-level rooms have furnished terraces facing the pool and upper-level rooms have balconies. Bathrooms are as uninspired as the rooms, with shower/tub combos and water-stained fixtures. Off-brand bars of soap and threadbare towels are provided.

El Greco Hotel's main appeal is in its low rates and beach location; there aren't many other features to be found. The hotel has a rectangular pool set within a pleasant courtyard dotted with palm trees and bougainvillea. There are a few lounge chairs and wooden tables surrounding the pool, along with a small bar area that appears to have been closed for some time. There's no restaurant or breakfast served at the hotel. 

There’s a microwave in the lobby that guests can use, and free coffee and tea are usually available during the day. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, although the strength of the connection varies. Free self-parking is available in a lot adjacent to the hotel.