Ocean West Boutique Hotel

There’s no denying that the Ocean West Boutique Hotel has an impressive setting overlooking the ocean, set in a renovated mansion that's perched 70 feet above sea level. The hacienda-style decor that pervades the common areas and guest rooms accentuates the stateliness of the original mansions. From the small fitness center to the ho-hum bar area, though, the hotel’s amenities are at best average, leaving the impression that although the property is lovely, it could be spectacular with just a few tweaks.

The hotel seems to attract older couples, and with only 10 rooms, it’s not uncommon for guests to find themselves with the pool or bar all to themselves. During our visit, the hotel seemed understaffed, and guests' complaints about service confirm this impression. Check-in and check-out can be slow-going, and guests have to frequently request service at the unstaffed bar. Rates are a bit steep for an upper-middle-range hotel, especially with nearby competing properties such as Compass Point Beach Resort and A Stone’s Throw Away often offering lower rates.

The hotel’s main entrance is on West Bay Street, a major road the runs along the northern coast of Nassau. The ocean is across the road from the hotel, but the coast is quite rocky here. While there are some sporadic softer stretches of sand, not many swim or sunbathe in this area. Cable Beach, among the "proper" beaches with sand, is about a 10-minute drive away. There are a handful of restaurants within a 15-minute walk, but overall, the hotel is a bit out of the way.

Lynden Pindling International Airport is about a five-minute drive from the hotel, and downtown Nassau is about a 20-minute drive away. A jitney (minibus) stops right in front hotel, providing inexpensive transportation to Cable Beach and downtown Nassau (although keep in mind that it runs only until early evening). 

The 10 rooms at Ocean West Boutique Hotel are inviting and refined, with dark-wood furniture and gold accent linens. Bold artwork with gilded or intricate wood frames add much-needed character to the otherwise plain white walls. Rooms with hardwood floors, such as the Ivory Room, have a warmer ambience compared to the white-tile floors found in the other rooms. Aside from the floors, decor is fairly consistent from room to room, with some offering extra features such as fireplaces or private balconies. All rooms include mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms have full or partial views of the ocean or lake, with the exception of the Tanzanite Room, which has garden views. Large bathrooms include shower/tub combos. All are stocked with off-brand shampoos, conditioners, and body lotion; some have countertops with double sinks. 

For an intimate boutique property, Ocean West Boutique Hotel has a fair amount of features, but they don't all hit the mark. There’s a small bar area located on the hotel's lower level, with a pool table, cushy chairs, and a sofa. The space is a tad hodgepodge, with the dignified-looking wooden bar and pool table clashing with tropical prints and a fake palm tree.

The bar area opens onto a terrace that overlooks the hotel’s nicely shaped outdoor pool, with an elegant balustrade. The pool faces the ocean and lush greenery on one side, and the hotel’s grand facade on the other. The large pool deck offers a few soft lounge chairs and beach umbrellas.

The hotel advertises a rooftop fitness center with ocean views on its website, but the cramped gym doesn’t deliver. While guests can reach the rooftop from the gym, the gym’s small windows limit the views for guests working out inside. The rooftop lacks seating, but the view is great.

Massages are available by appointment in a tiny treatment room (the "massage suite") with one table. Free self-parking is available within the hotel’s gated grounds, as is free Wi-Fi. An a la carte breakfast is served each morning in a regal dining room for an additional fee. The gorgeous dining room also doubles as a meeting and event space. Shuttle service -- to and from the airport and around the island -- is available for a fee.