Atlantis Reviews
1 Casino Drive, Paradise Island,
87%
A vacation to the Bahamas.... "priceless", staying at the renowned Atlantis....OVERPRICED and OVERRATED!!!
I must start by saying that we had numerous positive experiences with some of the employees during our stay. Our time at
more +Dolphin Cay was magical and The MarketPlace (ask for Annie Mae and Dolly)in the Royal Towers was one of our most positive dining experiences. I can count on one hand the amount of helpful "waterslide watchers" that were actually pleasant, but those that were helpful, definitely went above and beyond to make us feel "worthy"! We also LOVED, LOVED, LOVED "Earth and Fire", the pottery place located in the Beach Tower! If you have the pleasure of meeting "Kim", you will feel truly blessed!
The weather in January is absolutely beautiful and a great escape from the cold temperatures in NC during the winter. However, when we decide to go on a vacation, especially when we decided to book it at a "RESORT", we fully expect just that.....to be on vacation from the "real world", and to be treated in a "resort" kind of manner! We found ourselves walking around in circles trying to figure out where we were supposed to be (we often were told 2-3 different things by the different employees that we had to ask), rethinking dinner plans because of several restaurants on our dining plan being closed, or avoiding asking a resort employee for guidance, for fear that we would "inconvenience" them!
The "Braid Ladies" on the beach.....be careful, one wrong comment, and you are DONE! I was approached about having my daughter's hair braided, but was needing to meet up with my husband who was checking emails during his 15 minute free email time, so I innocently said, "I don't think I have time now, but plan to come back. I have to meet my husband". Well, needless to say, I sat down to get 3 braids (@ $10.00 a piece!!!!!) and had to endure an indirect "tonguelashing" from one of the braiders!
Our son wanted to attempt the rock climbing wall, and we intended to do so, but were disappointed by lack of service (1 man running the wall, 1 man in the "hut" talking on a cell phone). After 8-10 minutes of waiting, and being the only ones there other than the child climbing, we decided to just walk away. Yet another bump in our path!
After I had heard so many positive things about Atlantis, I truly was looking something more, and more importantly, Magical! I think it's safe to say that during their "OFF SEASON", a large part of the Atlantis employees feel they are "OFF THE CLOCK"! I chalk it up to bad timing!
Date of Stay: 01/16/2012
Children in Party: 2
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
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I read all the reviews posted, but I have never posted one before. This experience made me want to post my experience in an attempt to help others. Atlantis is a beautiful property and an experience compared to no other. The reviews are
more +right...it is very expensive! $4 for a can of soda! No joke. So, we stayed in the Royal Towers (beautiful), good location in the water park area; however, we enjoyed the marina area the most and the less expensive hotels were over there...that is the Beach and I think it is the Coral. Might be advantageous to save the extra money and stay in one of those hotels. Decor is the same, but they are much livelier hotels. I assume because more people stay in the less expensive hotels. We would have rather stayed over there because of the atmosphere for our 11 year old. More to do...right by the library, theater, marina, less expensive eating such as Johnny Rockets. In fact...from my understanding, you can stay at Comfort Suites and get all the same access to Atlantis. Comfort Suites is RIGHT there...seems as though it IS part of the property. Also, we chose to eat at Anthony's and that is not on the Atlantis property (although you would not realize it by walking around there) and the price and value is much better than on the Atlantis property. $15 for a HUGE hamburger and fries.
My suggestion, is stay in a room for less cost because you will end up spending the savings on food! I did not do the meal plan. I thought there could be no way I would spend $150 a day for 3 people to eat...I was wrong! I spent $130 for buffet dinner for 2 adults and 1 child in the MarketPlace restaurant located in the Royal Towers and it was not an amazing buffet. It was no better than what I could get at our local Country Buffet.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about our stay. It truly was wonderful; however, if you are on a budget, there are definite ways to save money without losing any of the experience.
The 1 complaint I truly have is the Dan Knowles transfer from the airport to the hotel. There is a ton of construction right now on the main road going through Bay Street in Nassau which you have to take to get to Paradise Island. Our driver decided to detour and take back roads. OMG! Not kidding or exaggerating...he hit 2 vehicles and I am pretty certain about 2-3 dogs! The are we drove through was not nice at all and scary to say the least. When speaking to locals ... they were SHOCKED we went through that area and that Atlantis would most likely not be happy at all that we were taken through that area. SO...if Dan Knowles transport is who you are hooked up with...take a TAXI instead!
Had a wonderful experience at the Dolphin Cay $130 per person to interact with the Dolphins and $15 for spectators. The smallest picture package option to purchase was $70 for 4 pictures. I had my camera, took amazing pictures from the beach of my husband and son with the dolphin. Good savings there!
The property is NOT as big as you would think...staying at the "other end" is a very quick walk and all can be indoors. Save the money on the room to get yourself some food or souvenirs.
OH...and if you take a taxi from the airport or decide to walk over to Nassau...buy your beverages there and bring them back to your room. I was able to buy a can of soda for 85 cents...78% savings!
Date of Stay: 10/22/2011
Children in Party: 1
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
This was our 4th trip to Atlantis. On our first trip we stayed at the Beach Tower, but then our friends turned us on to the Reef. With three kids and two adults, this is a great way to travel! The one bedroom suite has a full gourmet kitchen, two
more +full bathrooms, a washer/dryer, a living room and a bedroom. This space easily sleeps five; lets the kids go to bed early; and provides space for us to hang out after the kids are long asleep. The accommodations are always clean and well stocked with linens & towels.
There are three things you need to know about Atlantis: 1) everyone who works there is on island time (nothing happens quickly); 2) food is not cheap and nothing is included; and 3) the early bird gets the best chairs at the pool or beach. Make friends with one of the pool boys and you'll be guaranteed a seat where you want it. Once you have figured all of this out, you are guaranteed to have a great vacation.
The pools are immaculate, the lifeguards are friendly and alert, and the beach at the Cove is pristine and calm. If you like an active vacation, there is a lot to do--pools, water slides, a mile long lazy river, snorkeling, and golf to name a few. The resort is HUGE, so if you like walking, this is the place for you. Of course, there are shuttle buses to take you from one end of the resort to the other.
When booking your reservation, watch for deals! The rates change often--and, the good news is that you are not locked into your reservation until 30 days before you travel. The best deal seems to be stay 3 nights, get the 4th night free. There are also deals on meal plans....if the kids eat free, then the meal plan is a DEAL. If not, then skip the meal plan. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance. DO make reservations, you'll never get a table at some of the more popular restaurants. You can always cancel your reservation before 4 PM on the day of, if your plans change.
This is a great family resort for families with kids of all ages!
Date of Stay: 04/14/2011
Children in Party: 1
this trip cost over $20k for a suite, activities, transportation and meal plan. the trip was a disaster because of ppor service. we paid $75 each way for transportation, and although cabs were plentiful at the airport we waited 45 min for other
more +families to arrive. then 1/2 way to the hotel we turned around to pick up more people! a cab was only $40 and private. the transport back to the airport never showed up and we never got a refund that was promised.
we had a suite and asked for 2 roll away beds that were not delivered until the next day even though we called 4x and went down to the front desk. the pull out was stained, dirty and smelled of pee. the kids slept on the floor the first night. we insisted that the manager came to our room and we asked him to sit on the pull out. he refused seeing and smelling the stain, but it was never cleaned.
the housekeeping came at 9pm most nights and we turned them away becuse the kids were ready for bed. the restaurants were worse/ we ate at the bahaman club, with reservations at 7:30pm we did not get seated until 9:30 and dinner came at 11:00 after the kids were asleep at the table. this was a $300 meal on the meal plan but they only credited us $200. i showed the manager the check but they still would not credit the entire meal. the same thing happened the next night but we walked out after 2 hrs waiting for our reservation and ate pizza.
check in was a 30 min wait, and because they are not affiliated with the activities (dolphin cay) you do not get a full itinerary when you check in. we had a 9:00 activity that because the desk did not open till 10am we missed it. no refund.
the staff is friendly but confused and not very helpful. the manager was worse. just kept saying we are busy, i am sorry, nothing we can do.
DONT go look at the condos. it takes hours and you will get the hard sell. they promised drinks but we sat in the sun for 3 hours with no water. we went to the gift shop and bought the boys water as they were over heated. we pointied this out to our tour guide but just more i am sorrys.
before you spend a fortune on this vacation, so beware before booking.
Date of Stay: 03/20/2011
Children in Party: 2
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
While this was a wonderfully designed big playground for my children ages 6, 9, and 11, it was not that much of a vacation for my husband and I. We were on the Atlantis meal plan which is a must or else our dinners would have been $200.00 and up
more +each night unless we opted for pizza or Johnny Rockets every evening. In addition, this is a very big resort. There was no need for exercise this week. My walking to our destination each day made up for this which was OK because I would have incurred an additional expense for the fitness room. I really didn't know Caribbean vacations could be this expensive! We spent around $10,000 for the week and were not even in the main tower which is the Royal Towers. We were in Coral Towers and were told we had an ocean view, however they placed us on the 4th floor right above an enormous tin roof. It wasn't that pretty! I won't be going back and wished I had taken that $10,000 and spent it on two small more intimate all-inclusives in Mexico. At least then maybe my husband and I could have taken advantage of kids camps and been able to enjoy the spa, golf, etc. and actually have had a vacation too! Atlantis is just too big and way too expensive.
It's fun for the kids, but not a good value and not relaxing for adults unless your mega rich to afford the kids camp and then your own stuff as well. It was Spring Break. My relaxation came from sleeping on my lounge chair along with most other adults. Oh by the way, wake up at 7:00 am and go get your chairs before breakfast because if you don't the best ones will be taken. Also, plan to make sandwiches in the room or take lots of snacks because lunch will cost your family at least $50.00 a day. My children had just as much fun in the DR last year at an all-inclusive!
Date of Stay: 03/25/2011
Children in Party: 1
Kids (3-6) Kids (7-9) Tweens (10-12)
The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas is family friendly offering a new adventure everyday! It appeals to every age group which makes it very attractive. Lots of swimming areas, some being more adventurous than others. We especially liked the lazy
more +river which was quite relaxing. Indoor aquariums and ponds outside with beautiful fish was an attraction worth viewing daily. We enjoyed walking thru a jungle-like are where you crossed a swinging bridge. The putt putt golf was fun in the evenings when temperatures cooled down.
Lots of awesome restaurants on the property but there are also restaurant options nearby within walking distance. We never had a problem getting into a restaurant and enjoyed all the food. It was fun to check out the marina in the evening which was conveniently located near the ice cream shop. Atlantis offers camps for the younger children however, we didn't need them on this trip. We enjoyed the snorkeling and kayaking. We took a very fun dinner boat cruise which had a family friendly show on board and great food! There are lots of snorkeling and diving cruises outside the property. The casino was lots of fun at night.
Overall, Atlantis is one of the most family friendly resorts we have experienced. You won't be disappointed!
Date of Stay: 04/29/2008
Children in Party: 1
Our family had been dreaming of a vacation such as the Atlantis for a long time....At Last we got there. This was our first time out of the USA. Being at the Atlantis is like being in another world. Everything that you could ever dream of was right
more +there. ALthough we did leave for a boat excursion on Paradise Powerboats, which in itself was absolutely phenomenal, you really didn't have to leave at all in order to have vacation of a lifetime.
Our kids, one in college and one still in high school went with us and we knew that this probably would be one of the last times that we would vacation together "JUST US" before we had boyfriends, girlfriends, or husbands or wives in the picture. So, we had the best time together....we had no limits on spending and did everything that we wanted to do.....casino, restaurants, powerboat adventure, comedy clubs, shopping, water rides, people watching, sunning, drinking, yacht admiring, and my husband and son were walking around in a trance because the Miss Universe Contestants were all there getting ready for contest to be held at Atlantis the next week. Over all it was an experience of a life time and the people at the Atlantis were so nice and helpful everywhere we went. I highly suggest the Atlantis and the Bahamas for the ultimate vacation for people of all ages!
Date of Stay: 08/03/2009
Children in Party: 1
This is not your usual well planned vacation trip. We had an unexpected situation that led to a drastic change in our vacation itinerary. Our initial high marks go to the reservation and travel service we spoke to on the phone who answered all our
more +questions regarding the Atlantis Resort and really helped us remake our vacation. When we arrived, our package booked just three days earlier included transportation to and from the hotel. Also included in the deal was the forth night free and discounts to the dolphin encounter and at various high end restaurants... which we really enjoyed!
The resort is a manufactured tropical paradise and I cannot wait to return. I'll warn you I also love Disney. Okay, I know this is not a true representation of the Bahama islands. We met some wonderful people at the airport and I know that there is much more to see and do for a true flavor. That said, what this was is a perfect vacation for a family. There was a tranquil lagoon where small kids could be comfortable learning to wear snorkel gear and swim with fish. No challenging waves or deep seas to frighten them on their snorkel adventure - believe me, having tried both with the kids, this time was MUCH better.
There were slides to conquer and dolphins to meet and there were the wonderful aquariums. So much to do and see. There was also alot we did not make time for - The kids programs looked great but we passed. Gambling is available, but we could do without. The only thing that we did not enjoy were the brief but troublesome traffic jams on the river innertube ride - it reminded me of traffic on the east coast.
I'll warn readers that there is a height restriction of 48" on many of the larger waters slides. Our youngest is close depending on if his hair is fluffed and he stands on tip toes. While he's a good swimmer, he could not participate in all the slides and this was a disappointment to him. However, after the initial moment of let down, he was thrilled with the river rapids and the slides he could ride and in the end, he's glad to use this as an excuse to get another trip down to Atlantis.
We stayed in a room with two queen beds that overlooked the resort on the 11th floor. It was a very comfortable room and quite large. The view was beautiful, the furniture was well appointed, and the bathroom was very nice with plenty of room to move two kids through the process of removing sand and grime at the end of the day. The only minor complaint that could be made was that the bathroom could use a bit more clorox. The island is humid and there was a bit of mildew. I wasn't bothered - but then again, my mom traveled with clorox so I noted this one.
Finally, I'll end with the staff at the resort. My appreciation to all. From the moment we arrived we were treated so warmly and everyone was so genuinely nice and caring that this is probably the greatest reason I will return. I have had the chance to travel to other resorts with my family and this one wins hands down on hospitality.
Date of Stay: 08/18/2010
Children in Party: 1
This was our first real family vacation. 90% of it exceeded our expectations - the kids were happily occupied all the time with the water activities and they were superb! The food (we did the casual meal plan & that ended up being terrific
more +idea for us) was delicious and there was plenty of healthy options, along with the less-healthy options. The resort grounds were beautiful!
The room and the bathroom in the Royal Towers were small for the price. The staff knowledge & helpfulness was hit-or-miss. The check-in process was disastrous - having to check into 3 different rooms before settling in one that wasn't occupied, not cleaned or smelling from smoke. I didn't anticipate there being a problem, but these were definite issues after having flown there & gone through customs & then having to take a 45-minute shuttle from the airport.
The restaurants on the casual meal plan were all terrific & kid-friendly. Usually good service, but sometimes a bit slow for families with young kids.
It was kid-friendly because there were so many activities offered for kids of all ages - Kids Adventure, movies, water slides & splashing pools & lazy river, etc.
We went during kids' spring break, so it was busy, but not unbearable. We had no problems getting into restaurants or finding lounge chairs during the day. I would imagine that going at off-times would be even more relaxing/enjoyable.
Date of Stay: 03/14/2009
Children in Party: 1
My family and I recently went to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. It was great. We stay at the Cove Atlantis, it has its own private pool for this particular hotel for family and an Adult pool. It is a short walk to the waterpark. The waterpark
more +is absolutely wonderfull for kids and adults too. We stayed there for 4 days and that was just the right amount of time.
All the restaurants there are very expensive but the food is excellent everywhere you go. It is definetly a great place to bring your kids, my son had a blast and would love to go back. If you want to do the sea lion interaction or the dolphins you reallly need to RSVP several days in advance as they get booked up very quickly. I really think we stayed at the nicest hotel they have there "the Cove" the room was really nice, it was actually a suite, big enought for a couple and 2 kids.
Date of Stay: 03/10/2010
Children in Party: 1
We have traveled all over the USA, including Hawaii 6 times, and the Caribbean. Out of all our vacations, going to Atlantis was the most spectacular! It is amazing from the time you enter into the resort..until the time you leave. You don't want
more +to leave. We were able to get a great deal where you buy 3 nights and get the 4th free. We paid for the cheapest room in the place. We didn't care where it was located..we just wanted to get there. Upon arrival, I asked them if we could get the best view possible in our price range. They upgraded us to a harbor view tower room for FREE! The rooms are huge and beautiful. We had wall to ceiling windows with a balcony. We could see the cruise ships coming into dock at Nassau and could see Nassau from our window.
As far as the resort itself, we have NEVER been in any finer resort. This place is the most spectacular resort. They have a FREE underground aquarium called "The dig". You walk through this and see all sorts of manta rays, tropical fish, eels, etc. You can watch them feed the animals during the day and hear all about their habits. Then, there is the water-park with every sort of imaginable water ride along with lazy rivers with rapids. Then, there are the shark pools, string ray pools, and all types of outdoor water exhibits.
Then, there is the beautiful emerald waters of the beach, the lagoon with water toy rentals, the fabulous restaurants, the marina where yachts of the rich and famous dock...and so much more.
It took us 4 entire days to see everything at Atlantis...and we didn't even ride all the rides or sit at the beach. Kids WILL NOT get bored here. In fact, they won't want to go home.
This is a five star resort for sure!
Date of Stay: 10/04/2009
Children in Party: 2
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
We travelled in Feb 09,and stayed 5 nights stay at the Reef. We booked the Sun-scape package with the Gourmet Meal plan. We got 2 free Dolphin interactions. We had a studio room with 2 double beds. The room was tastefully decorated, but lacked
more +storage space enough for 4 people. There is only a large closet with 2 small drawers and one bedside table with 2 larger drawers. The kitchenette was ample. We used Fergie's Taxi, and our nice driver, Sam took us to a supermarket and liquor store. We stocked our fridge with beer soda and water. (Be careful at the liquor stores. They tried to overcharge my husband and then tried to give him the wrong change.
The pools at the Reef were wonderful. They were nicely heated and refreshing. The rest of Atlantis pools were gorgeous as well. It was hit or miss with regards to temperature. Some were heated, some were not. As we had some winds the heated pools were more to our liking. The slides and rapids were so much fun. We went on again and again. On the slides you really need to keep your butt up so as not to get hurt. My son flipped over a few times in the wave part of the rapids, but my daughter and I were in a double tube and never flipped.
Dolphin Cay is a nice experience. We had a 22 month old Dolphin named Missy. She is a beautiful creature and it is a nice day. I had to pay for myself. My husband paid for a beach pass ($15). I had 2 free swims for the kids. If I had to pay full price ($140) for all of us, I would not have thought it was worth it. Blue lagoon Island has a much cheaper excursion.The pictures were way too expensive, as they start at $60 to $400 for packages. You cannot just buy one picture.
The meal plan was worth it for us. Breakfasts ran about $100 each morning for buffet. Dinner buffets were about $190. When we went to Bahamian Club it was $340 and Mesa Grill was $290. The service in both restaurants were spectacular. The food was better in the Bahamian Club. The only disappointing part was the wait staff padded both bills. In the Bahamian Club we gave a few extra dollars to the automatic gratuity of 15% to make it an even $50. When we got back to the room the gratuity was $67. Mesa Grill did the same thing. We complained to the front desk and they fixed the problem. So just be careful and check your folio each day. You will find many things overpriced, as we expected, but you feel like you are nickel and dimed to death. We also ate at Bimini Road...OK food...long wait and very loud. Could not get into Carmines, as they don't accept reservations for parties under 6 people. The wait list was closed by 6pm. Buffets for breakfast and dinner had nice selections.
The staff at all over Atlantis were friendly and courteous. I did not encounter one rude person. Doors were opened for us and smiles were plentiful. Most staff members were singing and dancing while doing their jobs.
We saw a movie at the theatre, my son built a race car at the Speedway. ($75 for the car with 10 min. of race time) My daughter did the build a bear for $40 with an outfit. The arcade starts at $20 on a card, some games are $2 or $3 each.
We had a wonderful family trip and might return to Atlantis some time in the future. I would definitely stay at the Reef again, or the Cove. The other towers, including the Royal, but especially the Beach and Coral Towers are starting to show their age. The buildings and some of the grounds are in need of updating and repair. But the property is very clean. Some areas around the Beach Tower were closed.
Date of Stay: 09/15/2009
Children in Party: 1
Kids (7-9) Tweens (10-12)
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