Atlantis Resort

[WestieMomma]

Anyone been? What can you tell me about it? DH mentioned he would like to possibly vacation there this year. I know it is a huge resort so I'm not sure we would like it all that much. I have also heard it is very pricey. Anyone know if they have any all-inclusive packages for meals and such? We would go in early May-I would love to avoid being around lots of kids is possible so I think that may be a okay time to go. TIA!

[ManteoChik]

I've been there a couple of times. Its okay but pretty overrated - and VERY pricey. One of the perks about SO's job (he's the captain on a private sportfish boat) is that his sole job is running the boat around the islands for his boss. Because of that, most of his time is spent at these resorts. Luckily, his boss's treat us more like family and I often go along on the trips.

While I thought Atlantis was nice (we were on the boat in the marina) it is pricey. I don't think I could stay for more than 4 days without being bored. You won't be away from kids. Most of the activities allow kids, this includes the water slides, waterfront (water recreational stuff), underwater walkthrough, casino, ect.

Thats one thing, you will be in the casino playing the slots or a table and a group of kids will go running by. Their really are no rules, and if their are they aren't regulated (other than maybe that the kids can't actually play the games). There is also a club in the casino with loud music and dancing. Its fun if you are in to that thing but sometimes you'll find kids in there.

There are nice restaurants and then more casual restaurants. Because of SO's job we don't pay for our trips, but on occasion I'll see the dinner bill. I think for four of us to eat in the sports bar (burgers, fries, salad, app. and beer for two) it was *at least* $100.

Out of curiosity I did a reservation search for 4 nights in May (two people) and found this as follows:
Beach Towers - $1480
Coral Towers - $1780
Royal Towers - $2020
Harborside - $2320

If I'm not mistaken, Atlantis does not offer package deals including food. They have a package that includes your accommodations, airport transfer, and airfare. I'm glad I went because I had a good time, but at this point if I could choose to go on vacation I wouldn't go to Nassau.
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If you are worried about lots of kids I would look into picking an all-inclusive adults only resort.

[WestieMomma]

Thanks ManteoChick!

It sounds too crowded, too much going on and too pricey for me. After going to Hawaii last year and spending and arm and a leg on food and drinks I think we should look into doing the all-inclusive thing this year!

[junkinmytrunk]

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents. We went to Atlantis for my mom's 60th bday six years ago. We did do a package that included meals but they may have done away with that deal by now.

Anyways, I didn't like it at all. It's the tropics, Disney-style, IMO. Also, the food was TERRIBLE and the place was under construction. Tons of people - the workers were unfriendly and the rooms in the Coral Towers were on the level of a Holiday Inn.

Not a fan, would never go back.

[bookworm]

I went with work once, and although I had fun it's not somewhere I'd choose to go on my own.

[Little Angel '77]

We looked into going for our honeymoon. It was a bit more than a lot of other All inclusive resorts.

The price wasn't really the reason we decided against it. Atlantis itself is used as a "cruise" destination hotspot. Cruise Ships pull in and let off their guests to wander around atlantis. This didn't fly well with me. I didn't want to go to a place that I was paying good money for, that other people got to "stop in at" for a day and wander around.

It's BEAUTIFUL, and someday I hope to go. Right now- we have it slated for our 5 year or 10 year Anniversary.

[Adaya]

The price wasn't really the reason we decided against it. Atlantis itself is used as a "cruise" destination hotspot. Cruise Ships pull in and let off their guests to wander around atlantis. This didn't fly well with me. I didn't want to go to a place that I was paying good money for, that other people got to "stop in at" for a day and wander around.



I'm not sure this is entirely true. First, the ships dock across the water from the Atlantis and you have to take a water taxi or a cab to the Atlantis. So the crowds of cruise folks are a good ways away. Second, once you get to the property, you cannot do anything there but walk around or go to the casino. I just went on a cruise to Nassau and inquired about a day pass to use the waterslides and all the fun stuff, and they don't offer those. If they did in the past, they don't anymore. I think I heard they used to offer a day pass for like $75 per person, but not now.

DH and I went to the Atlantis to gamble and just to look around. We went outside to see if we could look around the beach and waterslide area and they have guards or whoever they were, looking for armbands of their guests. So they were pretty strict and secure about who was on their property.

In surfing the cruise message boards prior to my cruise, the Atlantis is not a place that most people really want to go when they go to Nassau for that very reason...they can't do anything there. People aren't going to go there to just walk around, so they tend to just not go to Atlantis at all. Also, many people are finding out that even the aquarium is not free; it's $29. Most people say they don't want to pay that much especially if they have a large family or group.

[Maggie8202]

We went for our honeymoon and spent 5 days, 4 nights. We stayed in the Royal Towers in the higher floors that you needed a special key just to get the elevator to work, special lounge that served a free breakfast and drinks, etc.. and spent $2500 including airfare. We did not get the all inclusive food package, but did get the romance package.

We totally loved it and enjoyed ever minute of it. I did not notice once that extra people walking around, it seemed like all the people there were guests.

I liked the fact that there was more to do that a typical resort, like go to the dig(their special aquarium), go to the beach, go down the water slides, go to the pool, gamble, spa, mini golf(which was loads of fun), shop and I am sure I am missing a ton.

As far as food... the lunch places were great for burger or sandwich and we really enjoyed all the places to eat except for the buffet (we are not buffet people) but that wasn't terrible.

We actually won on the slots and it paid for all the stuff we charged to our room (food & shopping) so we were very happy that we went home with the same amount that we had left with!