Bell Channel Inn

It all started back in 1980 when my grandfather Mr. Paulsen (who was an asthmatic), was encouraged to visit the Bahamas because of its wonderful climate.

Born and raised in Denmark, Mr. Paulsen and his wife Mrs. Paulsen, were used to cold weather and liked the idea of island life. Being a bit of an adventurer, Mr. Paulsen decided to follow the doctor’s advice and went on the 16 hour journey from Denmark to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Once Mr. & Mrs. Paulsen arrived in The Bahamas, they immediately fell in love with the island and its people, and it didn’t take long before they found a small hotel that needed some TLC.

In 1989 he and his wife, left their 3 grown children in Denmark and moved to Freeport permanently. Here they began to renovate the hotel and it quickly became a quaint little hotel that they named “Bell Channel Inn”, after the channel it is located on.

It has now been 25 years since Mr. & Mrs. Paulsen began operating the hotel. Unfortunately Mr. Paulsen passed away in 2003, to great sadness for his family and staff. However, his legacy lives on as his wife Mrs. Paulsen, his oldest daughter Lisbeth and his oldest grand-daughter Susie are now running the hotel together.

When you visit our restaurant “Upstairs” – you will in the corner of the bar see a small plaque – that says “Mr. P’s Corner” in honour of Mr. Paulsen. You will also find a collage of family, patrons & staff photos displayed on the wall.

Lisbeth’s husband, Mr. Presley is also involved in the family business, as he has opened a full service dive shop named Caribbean Divers, on our premises. The majority of the staff at Bell Channel Inn, has worked here since we opened in 1989 – they are all like family to us.

As you can see, it is no coincidence that we choose the motto: “Where We Treat You Like Family!” because we are all – staff and management – one big family here and we have made it our mission to ensure that our guests feel that they are part of our family as well!

If you are on a budget, and looking for a clean, spacious room at an affordable price while also getting that personal experience that is so rare to find these days, then Bell Channel Inn is a great choice for you!

We are not a 5 star hotel – but we DO have a 5 star staff!

Check out our website to see our great rates and the many fine amenities that we offer, including a full service dive shop and our popular Upstairs on the Bay, offering American & Bahamian dishes while overlooking the water and Port Lucaya Market Place.

We hope to welcome you soon at Bell Channel Inn – Where We Treat You Like Family!