In the historic district next to the Government House, set in the midst of a tropical garden surrounded by a coral-colored limestone wall, this 1740 Georgian mansion was built as the retirement home of pirate Captain John Graysmith. It has been under the same ownership for more than 30 years. It is located 20 minutes from the airport, a two-minute walk from Nassau center and a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Entering through the gate and up the steps into the center hall is like stepping into a different era. The dark plank floor, worn Oriental rugs and chandelier invite guests to relax in the ambience characteristic of the Bahamas before the influx of all-inclusive resorts and casinos. The Main House is a colonial time capsule with myriad railed porches and wide, shuttered windows exuding relaxed elegance. Guests check in seated in the Public Room surrounded by mahogany, lace and crystal.
Boasting the only Bahamian five-star restaurant with a 275,000-bottle wine cellar, the six dining areas suit a variety of needs. The restaurants and wines have received high honors. The AC dining room provides elegant family-style dining, and the Gallery, Aquarium, Gazebo, Library and Porch offer more relaxed options. Food at Graycliff is a fusion of high-end French cooking with bold island seasonings. For dinner jackets are suggested but not required. Breakfast is only served to hotel guests.
The Wine Cellar has been the winner of Wine Spectator's Grand Award every year since 1988, with selections from 400 vintners in 15 countries. The cellar boasts a large collection of cognacs, rums and whiskeys. The Humidor Churrascaria located on-site at the Graycliff Cigar Company is a Brazilian-style barbecue prepared on a giant open-hearth spit. Food is served with a Bahamian flair in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. It is open nightly from 7 to 12, except Sundays.
Recreational options include two swimming pools, including a 25-m pool, along with a full-service spa and beauty salon and a gym. A personal trainer is available upon request. Cooking lessons and wine tasting can be arranged. Reception can arrange any recreational requests. A gift shop is on-site.
A variety of meeting areas can accommodate up to 300 people. Business needs are handled by reception, with wireless Internet access in the Public Room and high-speed DSL available in accommodations.
Some accommodations are found in the main house, and others in the garden or above the Cigar Factory are accessed via stone paths. No two rooms are alike. The large, air-conditioned rooms vary in size and decor, but all have top-quality furnishings and amenities. Accommodations include single and deluxe rooms and luxury suites. All rooms have satellite TV, phones, hair dryers, minibars and large, modern 
baths with tub/shower combinations, some with bidets. Room service is available from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. There are no elevators, but ground-floor accommodations are handicap accessible. Pets are generally not allowed.
Graycliff has a loyal clientele and is ideal for romantics who want to be swaddled in colonial nostalgia where Winston Churchill, Al Capone and the Beatles stayed. Gourmands will enjoy the haute cuisine starting with an aperitif in the Public Room and ending with a brandy and a cigar surrounded by mahogany and leather in the Humidor Room. Quality and attention to detail are the trademarks of Graycliff. Although constant efforts must be taken to keep ahead of the tropical deterioration, every attempt is made to keep the property in good shape. It is one of the "Small Treasures of Nassau & Paradise Island."
