Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
St Philip Barbados.
Since 1887, The Crane is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Caribbean.
In 1881, spurred by the advent of the Barbados Railway, civil engineer Donald Simpson planned the renovation of the area’s main dwelling house – Marina Villa – into a hotel. Opening in 1887 and known as “Crane Beach Hotel”, it quickly became a favorite hideaway for the world’s wealthy and famous with American cowboy William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody famously leaving his gold chain and fob watch as payment for his room charges – a keepsake which remains in the island’s prominent Simpson family to this day.
Today it is part of Hilton Grand Vacations.
St Philip Barbados.
Since 1887, The Crane is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Caribbean.
In 1881, spurred by the advent of the Barbados Railway, civil engineer Donald Simpson planned the renovation of the area’s main dwelling house – Marina Villa – into a hotel. Opening in 1887 and known as “Crane Beach Hotel”, it quickly became a favorite hideaway for the world’s wealthy and famous with American cowboy William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody famously leaving his gold chain and fob watch as payment for his room charges – a keepsake which remains in the island’s prominent Simpson family to this day.
Today it is part of Hilton Grand Vacations.
