Bahamas Philately: British Colonial Hotel – A Gill Hotel

The Gill Hotel chain acquired the British Colonial Hotel and invested $1,000,000 to ‘modernize and improve’ the hotel. The hotel was closed for the summer of 1956 to complete the upgrade and re-opened later in the year. Some of the facilities available included the Hong Kong Room, La Cage Supper Club, Britannia Bar and British Colonial Coffee House.

“There’s a never round of pleasure at the British Colonial Hotel. Swimmers find healthful sport in the large pool while those with a sunbathing bent can bask on our private ocean beach. You can sharpen your golf on the 9-hole Par 3 course, or enjoy thrilling skin diving in the clear waters of the bay. Imported gifts, fabrics and sportswear are offered in both the Bond Street Shopping Arcade and famous Bay Street. Finest cuisine, dinner dancing and nightly entertainment are unforgettable treats at the Bahamas most famous hotel…the British Colonial.”

In November 1962, Gill became a franchisee with the Sheraton chain and the hotel was rebranded as Sheraton British Colonial.

See also: Chelsea Pottery Shop

Postcards

1958 – Haynes Lithograph Company (A Gill Hotel)

1959 – Sante, Schwarm, Sheldon Inc (37500 Series)

1960 – Pan American Pub. Corp (C-12800 Series)

1962 – Lofthouse Agency Ltd (P49300 Series – Type EB)