Waterloo House

Note: Waterloo House closed in July 2008.

At the roadside entrance to Waterloo House you will be greeted by doorman Stan Seymour in his colourful hat and traditional Bermudian attire. His presence offers a glimpse of the sophistication that is hidden beyond the unassuming facade.

Waterloo House is one of the only 2 member hotels in Bermuda of the Relais & Chateaux association; the international organisation of refined hotels. The other Bermuda member is its sister property; Horizons & Cottages.

The main building was constructed in the early 19th century and subsequently added to in a haphazard but charming style. Terraces, interspersed with delightful nooks and crannies, cascade down to Hamilton Harbour.

Waterloo House has no beach but guests are free to use the one at the private Coral Beach & Tennis Club. Complimentary transport is provided. Other facilities at the private club include tennis, squash, croquet, fitness centre and a spa. Waterloo House can also arrange tee-times at any of Bermuda’s golf courses (including the 3 private courses; Mid Ocean Club, Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club and the Tucker’s Point Club. It overlooks Hamilton Harbour and is ideal for watching yachting events such as the King Edward VII Gold Cup.

The hotel has 20 rooms and 10 suites. The accommodations vary but all are tastefully furnished with antiques and have private bathrooms. All rooms have air conditioning, hair dryers, safes, telephones, faxes, internet access and cable TV.

The hotel is home to the Wellington Room, an award winning restaurant and one of Bermuda’s finest. Dress is formal and gentlemen are required to wear jacket and tie. In the summer, dinner can be taken under the stars on the Poinciana Terrace that sits right on the edge of Hamilton Harbour. Jacket is required but ties are not essential.

The colonial-style Long Room Bar, with its yellow walls and fine cedar work, is open from 11:00 until 23:00 and offers a full bar and cigar service. The main building also houses the tastefully decorated Drawing Room, where you can sit on an antique chair in front of the fireplace and read, and the more light and airy Sun Lounge.

Its Hamilton location and proximity to ‘Reinsurance Row’ means that Waterloo House is a favourite with business travellers. The hotel’s Alfred Blackburn Smith Suite is an ideal place for seminars and meetings. The room is private, has fax and telephone facilities, presentation equipment and its own bar and bathroom.

Waterloo House also has its own private dock and can make arrangement for a private trip to one of Bermuda’s secluded and uninhabited islands. They will even prepare a picnic for you.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

Richard k

My wife and daughters have stayed a half dozen times and found the staff and hotel a wonderful place. Very relaxing with the remnants a British formality. It depends on what you are looking for. It definately is not the block house Princess or some of the other Americanized establishments where people dress and act like they are going for a night out at MacDonalds.

Editor

The hotel will close permanently on July 29 2008. It will be redeveloped as offices.

Carole L

The hotel is a bit run down and seems to be shabby rather than chic! Some of the staff are delightful and try really hard to make your stay enjoyable but seem bound by 'rules' - like you're not allowed coffee on your veranda until a certain time, which all seemed a bit odd.

Diane Lindenberger

Waterloo House is no longer a member of the famous Relais & Chateaux group...maybe that is why it is run-down.

James

Jacket and tie are not an absolute necessity now in the restaurant. They say 'Dress code is casual. Jacket and tie are always welcomed but not required. Bermuda Shorts (with stockings) are also acceptable.'

frank s

This hotel has lots of potential but is let down by the state of its rooms, which were not very clean. It could be a really charming place, but is currently overpriced. If you're here on business I'd recommend the Hamilton Princess instead, which is close by.