You’re standing on the dock, the salt air is doing that thing where it makes everything smell like a vacation, and there it is—a massive, sprawling cake of a building painted in a shade of pink that shouldn't work but somehow looks like the most natural thing in the world. Locals call it the "Pink Palace." Most travelers just look for hotels in hamilton bermuda princess and hope they’re booking the right vibe.
But honestly? Most people get the "Princess" wrong before they even land at L.F. Wade International.
They think it’s just another corporate luxury hotel with a fancy name. It’s not. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is more of a living, breathing art gallery that happens to have 380 rooms and a very high-end spa. It's been around since 1885, named after Princess Louise, and it has survived world wars, thousands of Rum Swizzles, and a massive renovation that turned it from a "grand dame" into something much edgier.
The Confusion Over "Beachfront" vs. "Harbourfront"
Here is the first thing you need to know, and it's basically the biggest "gotcha" for first-timers.
The Hamilton Princess is located right in the heart of the City of Hamilton. It sits on the edge of the harbour. If you walk out the back door, you aren't stepping onto pink sand; you’re stepping onto a world-class marina filled with superyachts.
Wait. Don't panic.
The hotel has a private Beach Club on the South Shore (Sinky Bay), which is where those iconic pink sands actually live. To get there, you hop on the hotel’s "jitney"—a private shuttle—that runs roughly every 30 minutes. It’s a 20-minute ride. You’ve got to plan for it. If you want to wake up and step directly from your patio onto the sand, you're looking for a different kind of hotel. But if you want to be able to walk to Front Street for dinner and then take a private boat to a secluded cove the next morning, this is the spot.
Why the Art Here is Actually Insane
Usually, "hotel art" means a faded print of a sailboat or some abstract beige swirls.
Not here.
The owners of the Hamilton Princess are serious collectors. You’ll be walking to breakfast and pass an original Banksy. Then you’ll turn a corner and see a massive Jeff Koons sculpture. There are works by Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama (yes, the polka-dot pumpkins), and KAWS scattered throughout the lobby and gardens.
It’s surreal.
Imagine eating a burger at Crown & Anchor while a multi-million dollar piece of pop art watches you. It gives the place a weirdly modern, high-energy pulse that counters the Victorian architecture. It doesn't feel like a museum where you have to whisper; it feels like a very wealthy, very cool friend’s living room.
Staying at Hotels in Hamilton Bermuda Princess: The Room Reality
You have a choice to make when booking, and it usually comes down to the "Wings."
- The Bermudiana Wing: This is where you find the newly renovated Fairmont Gold suites. If you’re traveling with a big family or just want to feel like a VIP, the two-bedroom suites here are the play.
- The Gazebo Wing: Closer to the action, often featuring those classic harbour views.
- Fairmont Gold: This is effectively a "hotel within a hotel." You get your own concierge, a private lounge with a killer patio, and complimentary breakfast and canapés.
Is it worth the extra cash?
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If you plan on drinking more than two cocktails a day and like a quiet place to eat breakfast away from the main crowd, yes. The Gold Lounge patio overlooking the water at sunset is arguably the best seat in the entire city.
Eating Your Way Through the Pink Palace
Bermuda is expensive. There’s no point in sugar-coating it. But the dining at the Princess is legitimately some of the best on the island.
Intrepid is the flagship. It’s a steak and seafood house named after the code name for Sir William Stephenson (a real-life spy who inspired James Bond). The vibe is Art Deco, the raw bar is fresh, and the service is tight.
Then there’s 1609. This is the seasonal spot perched right over the marina. It’s open-air. When the sun starts to go down and the harbour turns that deep, bruised purple, and you’ve got a pitcher of White Peach Sangria on the table? That’s the "Bermuda moment" people pay for.
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Things to Keep in Mind for 2026
If you're planning a trip for early 2026, take note: the Fairmont Gold Lounge is scheduled for a brief closure from January 2nd to January 21st, 2026. If you've booked a Gold room during that window, you'll still get the perks, but the physical lounge won't be your home base.
Also, remember that you can't rent a car in Bermuda. You just can't. You can rent a "Twizy" (a tiny electric two-seater) or a scooter, but the hotel’s location makes this less of a headache than it is elsewhere. You can walk into town in ten minutes.
Beyond the Princess: Other Hamilton Contenders
While the Princess dominates the conversation, Hamilton has a few other secrets.
- Royal Palms Hotel: A boutique, coral-colored manor house. It’s much quieter and feels more like "Old Bermuda."
- Rosedon: An adults-only gem that’s literally across the street from the Princess.
- Oxford House: For those who want the Hamilton location without the $600-a-night price tag.
Actionable Steps for Your Bermuda Trip
If you've decided that the "Pink Palace" is your vibe, here is how to actually execute the trip without losing your mind or your savings:
- Book the "Pink Sale": The hotel almost always runs a "Pink Sale" between December and January for travel throughout the year. You can often snag 30% off the daily rate.
- The Jitney Strategy: If you’re heading to the Beach Club, grab the first shuttle of the morning (usually around 10:00 AM). The cabanas fill up fast, and the rock pools are best enjoyed before the afternoon heat hits.
- Airport Prep: A taxi from the airport will run you about $45-$50. If you want the "Black Car" experience, you have to book it through the hotel at least 24 hours in advance.
- Dining Reservations: Even if you’re staying at the hotel, Intrepid and 1609 book up with locals. Make your dinner reservations the same day you book your room.
The Hamilton Princess isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of British colonial history and high-concept modern art. It’s the kind of place where you might see a world leader in the lobby and a guy in flip-flops holding a GoPro ten feet away. Just remember: it’s a harbour hotel with a beach habit. Plan accordingly.