Just a short shuttle ride away via a pink jitney, the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club offers a private stretch of sand, turquoise waters and shaded cabanas.
The Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club is the undisputed grande dame of Bermuda. Fully embracing the island’s signature rosy hue, the “pink palace” opened its doors on New Year’s Day in 1885 and was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s daughter Louise, who had recently visited Bermuda. But what makes this landmark legendary goes far beyond its 140 years. The Princess has it all, from code-breaking stories and a James Bond link to a world-class art collection.
The iconic pink Hamilton Princess has been a Bermudian landmark since 1885, and continues to evolve.
The hotel has evolved many times since its debut, when it had just 70 rooms and attracted the likes of Mark Twain. In 2012, the 380-room sprawling property was purchased by the Bermudian Green family, who invested heavily in its renaissance. They added new restaurants, an off-site beach club, a marina and most notably, their personal art collection.
(left) At This Time, by the artist KAWS, stands nearly 20 feet high tall. (right) The Princess showcases several works by Andy Warhol, including this series depicting Mick Jagger.
Art is truly everywhere in the Princess. Stroll outside to see sculptures by KAWS and Yayoi Kusama, and indoors, original works are displayed in the gym, the shops and the long corridors. There’s a Picasso print hung cheekily next to the lobby’s ATM, and elsewhere you’ll spot works by Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, Andy Warhol and Daniel Arsham. Some pieces don’t have labels; they’re arranged as if they’re in a private home. Even more remarkable is that these museum-worthy pieces are rarely cordoned off behind ropes.
The collection is so vast that it’s impossible to absorb it all, even if you’re staying for a few days. To dive deeper and savor it slowly, join an art tour with docent Lisa Howie, founding director of Black Pony Gallery & Black Pony Publishing and co-founder and co-creative director of Atlantic Arthouse, or listen to the audio guide she narrates.
“The hotel’s collection is always evolving with new works being added throughout the year, giving it the feel of an active gallery space that yields new experiences with each visit,” explains Howie. While the works are diverse, a common thread is Pop Art and Contemporary Pop Art, such as the Andy Warhol Queen series displayed behind the front desk.
“Another unifying feature is the artworks’ accessibility,” says Howie. “We don’t need an art history degree to engage with the collection. There’s a universalism to Pop Art that connects with people across global cultures.”
Intrepid’s sleek dining room nods to Bermuda’s storied spy past, with a menu as bold as its backstory.
Beyond the art, there’s an undercurrent of glamorous intrigue. During World War II, the Princess served as a censorship station for 1,500 British intelligence officers who intercepted messages. Known as the Bletchley of the Tropics, it counted Ian Fleming among its staff. His inspiration for James Bond is thought to be his mentor, Sir William Stephenson, best known by his codename, Intrepid. Today, Intrepid lends its name to the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, where steak and meticulously crafted cocktails are the specialties. A Vesper martini and 007 chocolate cake nod to the hotel’s storied past, while a series of Warhol’s Mick Jagger prints adds a rock-and-roll edge.
A new collaboration with SteamLine Luggage embraces the hotel’s signature hue along with a dose of vintage glamor.
Vibrant colors and sleek design flow through every corner of the property, from the infinity pool to the open-air 1609 Bar & Restaurant overlooking the marina. The Princess recently collaborated with SteamLine Luggage and artist Riley Sheehey on a capsule collection that celebrates the hotel’s signature pink with soft watercolors and vintage silhouettes like hatboxes and vanity cases.
Also new is the $15 million renovation of the Bermudiana Wing, led by Botelho Wood Architects with interiors by Pierre & Co Design Studio Inc. “The inspiration behind the Bermudiana Wing was living the dream,” says founder and creative director Pierre Josselin. “We played with a palette of taupe, beige and ivory, layering in textures like veined stone, ribbed wood panels, cane wall coverings and linen-like closet doors. Blue accents echo the surrounding water, adding a rich and soothing contrast.”
Barbecues at the hotel’s beach club are effortlessly chic.
The Hamilton Princess blends the past and present seamlessly. It’s a living museum, a design showcase, and a timeless icon of Bermuda. For guests, it’s more than a place to stay. It’s a story to step into, and one that is constantly evolving.
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