jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Review of Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas
We just got back from the most AMAZING vacation at the Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas and I wanted to post a review!!
We stayed at the Reef. I chose the Reef because it is the only property on Atlantis that has a suite with a full kitchenette. So, we had dishes, glasses, silverware, a pan, microwave, toaster, stovetop and mini fridge in the room which was awesome with a 2 and 4 year old. It was fully stocked with paper towels, dishwashing liquid and a new sponge.
We ordered a taxi to pick us up from the airport but the taxis run pretty regularly and the rates are government regulated ($32 from the airport). We made a stop at a supermarket and picked up a case of water, snacks, bagels, peanut butter, frozen waffles, and other items to snack/drink to save on food costs. we also stopped at a wine/beer store for a case of beer and a few bottles of wine. This saved us a ton of money since the dining on the resort is outrageous!
total cab ride with the 2 stops was $40.
Once we got there, we checked in and the room was beautiful! Huge bathroom with double sinks, bathtub, stand-up shower, and separate toilet area. Only thing is there were no towel racks!
The grounds were absolutely beautiful! Even though the Reef is the farthest property from all the action, we chose it so that we could relax a little and decide when we wanted to do all the activities instead of the kids going into sensory overload in the middle of Atlantis. They have 2 kiddie pools exclusive to Cove/Reef guests so you never have to fight for a chair/lounge like in the other Towers where the cruise ships tend to go.
There is a TON for the kids to do (although our kids are too young). DH and DS went on the Lazy River, which they loved. They have a waterplayground which both kids loved! and then tons of watersides/activities for older kids/adults (over 48 in) that we didn't use but looked so much fun.
food prices on the resort were outrageous but we expected it from all the previews.
We went to Mesa Grill one night (Bobby Flay) which was unbelievable, and Nobu another night (also awesome). Both cost upwards of $250.
We also went to Carmines and Virgils BBQ, which are both family style and cost around $150 for dinner.
Breakfast we ate in the room with the groceries we purchased and the kids ate lunch in the room also.
Poolside lunches (chicken fingers & fries, etc.) cost between $20-$30, so not totally outrageous.
There was a Starbucks in the lobby, but the line was always a mile long. Venti regular coffee will run about $5.
One thing to note is that they charge a 15% gratuity on EVERYTHING, so every drink, starbucks, water, anything!!
All in all, our food bill was $1,600 for the week which was better than the meal plan since the meal plans do not include alcoholic drinks, gratuity or lunch and Starbucks.
At night we went to Marina Village where they have singers, and stilt walkers, kid's tattoos, and other entertainment and a Ben and Jerry's, and Candy Store! The kids loved it.
My one gripe is that the service was inconsistent. Housekeeping did not make up our room 2 days in a room and I had to call and complain, but they sent someone up right away. Also, the bellhop never brought our bags up after check-in, so after waiting for an hour I called. The front desk said they left already but after another 15 minutes, I went down and saw all my luggage still there. I took it up myself!
Otherwise, everyone was extremely friendly and the resort was kept up beautifully and I could not have had a more fabulous time!
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