“It was pretty grand back in the day” – Ray Allison

The King’s Inn Hotel opened in January 1965, bringing a touch of resort glamour to the heart of Freeport. Situated opposite the site of the International Bazaar, it formed part of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig’s ambitious Bahamia development, which included plans for Xanadu, a 1,500-home residential community and a championship golf course.

Built at a reported cost of $3 million, the hotel initially offered 300 air-conditioned rooms, with wings arranged around a striking central swimming pool. Guests could relax amid landscaped gardens or hop aboard a little beach train for a trip to the hotel’s private beach.

The King’s Inn grew with remarkable speed. By October 1966, The Tribune  reported that the hotel had expanded to more than 800 rooms, making it what the newspaper called “the largest island hotel in the world.” Spread over more than 20 acres, it could accommodate approximately 1,600 guests and featured two restaurants, a Convention Hall, two swimming pools, two 18-hole, par-72 championship golf courses, a 1,700-foot beach and a marina.

Inside the King’s Inn

The King’s Inn was impressive inside as well as out. Former staff and residents remember that the sprawling hotel had two lobbies, each with its own distinctive character. One featured sweeping fabric panels across the ceiling, wicker seating, tropical plants and what a period postcard described as the largest registration desk in the Bahama-Caribbean area; the other was more formal, with an elaborate chandelier, tall columns and elegant blue-and-white décor.

The Camelot Room

By night, the King’s Inn became one of Freeport’s most glamorous entertainment venues. The Camelot Room welcomed packed audiences of hotel guests and local residents, who came to see some of the best-known performers of the era.

A contemporary newspaper review described Sammy Davis Jr. singing and dancing his way through a three-night engagement before a packed house. Other stars remembered by former staff and audience members include Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Paul Anka, Jerry Lewis, the Jackson 5, Sergio Franchi and Byron Lee.

Period advertising for entertainment at the Camelot Room and Bahamia Club.

Guests enjoying a performance in the Bahamia Club at the King’s Inn.

“Such a great venue. Many Kiwanis and Rotary functions were held there, as well as fabulous guest stars. I remember Sergio Franchi on that stage, and Johnny Mathis and Byron Lee. Those were the days.”
— Joy Carter

Bob Hope was another celebrated visitor. Robert Dover remembers meeting him in the hotel elevator—and Hope later dropping in at Robert’s Bar Mitzvah, held at the King’s Inn.

“Bob Hope was staying in the hotel and was in the elevator when my sister, Margo, and I were on our way down. Margo said something funny and Mr. Hope told her to stick with the straight lines and he’d make the jokes. He ended up coming to my Bar Mitzvah for a while.”
— Robert Dover

The Camelot Room was not only a showcase for international stars. It also welcomed community occasions—including a “Caribbean Christmas” concert performed by children I taught at St Paul’s School, giving a new generation their own moment on its famous stage.

The Rib Room

The Rib Room was one of the King’s Inn’s most fondly remembered restaurants. With its subdued lighting and the atmosphere of a traditional British hunting lodge, it offered an intimate setting for dinner before an evening in the Camelot Room.

Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding was the house speciality, although its generous steaks, Bahamian lobster and Steak Diane also earned praise. The restaurant became such a Freeport institution that it survived the King’s Inn name itself, continuing through the property’s later years as the Royal Oasis.

Dinner by firelight in the Rib Room at the King’s Inn, photographed c.1967.

The Pool at King’s Inn

With its soaring white centrepiece, curved bridges and lagoon-like design, the King’s Inn pool became one of the hotel’s most memorable features. It was not only for swimming and sunbathing—it was also the setting for water-ballet performances staged for hotel guests.

“We did some great water ballet routines there for the tourists back in the day.”
— Tracy Barry

“I remember doing water ballet there and having to run back and forth to a hotel room to change costumes.”
— Sandy Griffiths

Although the King’s Inn stood inland, guests were never far from the sea. A cheerful little open-sided train carried them through the Bahamia development to the hotel’s private beach—the perfect place for swimming, sailing or simply relaxing beneath the palms.

The King’s Inn may be gone, but for those who knew it, memories of its lively restaurants, glamorous shows, lagoon-like pool and little train to the beach remain remarkably vivid. As Ray Allison so perfectly recalled, “It was pretty grand back in the day.”