La Paloma

BOTTOM LINE: I certainly made the right decision to stay at La Paloma and would highly recommend it for vacationers, adventurous eco-travellers, and non-fussy budget-minded graduate students or young professionals. DETAILS: I planned a weeklong trip to Nassau for business + pleasure. As an adventurous young professional interested in experiencing local life, I decided to stay in a guest house near downtown Nassau instead of in a large hotel on the ocean. Based on price, location, residential neighborhood, and unbelievable service, La Paloma is the absolute best value guest house in Nassau (e.g., beats Mignon Guest House). The room size (Coral room), ventilation, temperature, and furnture were very comfortable and I adjusted to 'living' in the house immediately. The bathroom was well lit and good size. The neighborhood was on a hill with a view and was good for walking around. La Paloma is a 3 minute drive away from the bridge to Paradise Island (and I enjoyed walking home from Paradise Island for my exercise actually, ~ 30 mins). Diane's personalized and friendly service is by far the most special aspect of La Paloma and what sets it above other accommodation options. From airport pick-up and drop-off (included in the rate -- very rare for this type of accommodation), to shuttling to downtown to catch a jitney or grab groceries (and from downtown if able, also no extra cost), to recommending local sights and activities (the amazing Blue Lagoon Island beach day, 'Jollification' local craft fair), to tips on good local eats (Fish Fry, and under the bridge), Diane was just exceptional and certainly went above and beyond expectations. On the occasions where a question or problem arose (e.g., hangers needed, shower blocked) Diane attended to it quickly once brought to her attention. (FYI - I did not order meals at La Paloma, but brought home breakfast groceries on Day 1 and ate out for other meals, which is why dining is 3 'met my expectations').

This stay was for a surprise birthday trip. Our hostess was GREAT! she met us at the airport, and gave us a tour of the town, She gave us a ride to downtown and Paradise Island. We felt like we were at home, drinks on the veranda and good conversation. She was avalaibe to give us a ride to dinner each night. When it was time to leave it was like saying goodbye to a good friend.

Diane picked me up at the airport and, although the drive back to the bed and breakfast was scary (they drive on the wrong side of the road!), I arrive in one piece. Diane also pointed me in the direction of the tourist sector of town, and drove me both to the dock for my next day's Beach Day Adventure and to the supermarket that evening. She is very friendly, very polite, and there is free wifi in the building. Diane also drove me to the dock for my departure to the Sivananda Ashram. Altogether, my stay was awesome, but it didn't include breakfast.

Diane made us feel like family, and went above and beyond to assist in many ways, including picking us up at the airport, and stopping to allow us to purchase groceries. Wi-fi, and complete use of her spacious home made for an enjoyable stay.