Rosedon Hotel, Hamilton, Bermuda - Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What stands out as you arrive at the hotel? With its stately, whitewashed exterior and royal blue awnings, the Rosedon Hotel is a striking presence in the City of Hamilton, one with lush gardens, wide stone stairs, and an airy wraparound porch—a place where Mark Twain himself might have sat, white suit and all, smoking his favorite pipe. You don’t have go much further to realize this place oozes Edwardian atmosphere—and especially so when you take one step into the French-door entryway. What is the story behind the hotel? The Rosedon was originally built in 1906 as the private home of E.J. Thompson, a wealthy businessman who named the property after his son, Robert Rosedon Thompson. It was converted into a boutique hotel in the 1930s and has changed ownership several times since, but the mansion still boasts much of its old-school charm. Now a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property, the hotel features all of the elegant touches of a monied estate, including Waterford crystal chandeliers, antique-style furniture, and crown moldings galore. How are the rooms? Thanks to a recent renovation, much of the Rosedon just got a fresh new look, including the guest rooms, which are classically designed with plantation-style furniture, crisp white duvets, and island-inspired artwork. You won’t have any water views here, but many of the rooms overlook the lush tropical gardens surrounding the property. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? There's complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. If we need a bit of refreshment after a long travel day (or even a day of beaching), where should we go? Huckleberry is a cozy little spot that fashions itself as a sea-to-plate and farm-to-table joint with a twist of Southern charm. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served there, and if you decide to eat on property as opposed to venturing into town, just be sure to reserve a table on the outdoor patio—the dining room is pretty cramped. How's the service? The Rosedon affixed that bronze Relais & Chateaux plaque to its walls for good reason: In addition to its luxurious old-world style surroundings, the staff here does an excellent job of making your stay as pleasant as possible. What type of travelers will you find here? Business travelers who enjoy the hotel’s edge-o-town location, and mature couples reading books on the wicker rocking chairs on the front porch. What will we find in the surrounding neighborhood? The Rosedon couldn’t possibly be closer to the shops, restaurants, and attractions in the City of Hamilton. In fact, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Hamilton Princess across the street, making it an especially attractive option for a centrally located property without the hefty price tag. Any other hotel features worth noting? The Rosedon may not be packed with amenities like some of Bermuda’s bigger resorts, but it does provide a handful of complimentary extras. There’s a daily shuttle to Elbow Beach (about 10 minutes away), a pair of old-timey bicycles that can be borrowed at any time, afternoon tea with biscuits and cookies, plus a one-hour rum swizzle cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres, held every Tuesday night. So why would you recommend this hotel? This is a charming center-of-town property with tons of old-school pomp. If you’ve ever dreamed about staying in Tom Sawyer’s rich neighbor’s house, this is the place for you." - David LaHuta