What to do with a classic hotel slightly past its prime? The answer, of course, is a major renovation. However, the Hamilton Princess did more than just slap on some fresh paint and redesign its rooms in an attempt for new relevancy. What they created is a radical reimagining of the oldest property in the celebrated Fairmont Hotels lineup with the additions of a spa, a marina, a world-class art collection, and a new restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Yes, all this is came along with a fresh coat of pink paint outside and refurbished rooms inside. The price tag? $100 million. Somehow, it seems like they got a deal.The Hamilton Princess opened in 1885 and quickly became a favorite among celebrities like Mark Twain. While the rich and famous still roam the halls, the hotel could well attract more attention from the names attached to its dazzling collection of artwork. In its courtyards and on its walls are stunning pieces by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Ai Weiwei, Banksy, and a particularly poignant series by Nelson Mandela.
While the revamped Princess honors its storied history, the hotel feels overwhelmingly modern thanks in part to in-room amenities and the deluxe offerings of the sophisticated, 8,200 square-foot Exhale spa. During my stay, though, I found myself drawn more to the simple pleasures of sipping a cocktail on my room’s private terrace or lounging by one of the pools. The infinity pool offers postcard-worthy views, but when boisterous children overran it, I relocated to the calmer atmosphere at the adults-only pool.
Naturally, one cannot go to Bermuda and plant themselves by hotel pools the entire time, and this brings up one of the many selling points offered by the Hamilton Princess. A shuttle ride past the stores of Hamilton’s main street and through winding hills brings you to the hotel’s Beach Club. This private cove gives guests their own spot in the crystal blue waters in the middle of the Atlantic, where they can paddleboard and explore caves. You can also kick back and relax on a beach chair while enjoying a food and drink menu courtesy of Samuelsson. The staff at the Beach Club and at the hotel is the friendliest I’ve ever encountered, and there’s no underestimating how much this enhances the experience.
Expect the Hamilton Princess to grab more headlines next year when it serves as the official hotel of the America’s Cup. But boating isn’t just a spectator sport here, thanks to a new 60-berth marina, from which guests can take catamaran tours around the island, embark on snorkeling excursions, and rent jet skis. Add all this to the fine dining and high-end shops inside, and it’s hard to deny the obvious: A great hotel just became even better.