Atlantis advice

[SEbluebood]

Planning an early November trip to Atlantis (unfortunately a year too late)! Any advice on which part of the property to stay on, things not to miss, things to skip, advice on transportation, any advice is welcomed? Also, has anyone played the Ocean golf course there and is it worth the money? Any need to leave the property when there for other activities? Thanks in advance!

 

[LStudfellow]

Planning an early November trip to Atlantis (unfortunately a year too late)! Any advice on which part of the property to stay on, things not to miss, things to skip, advice on transportation, any advice is welcomed? Also, has anyone played the Ocean golf course there and is it worth the money? Any need to leave the property when there for other activities? Thanks in advance!

I went there approximately 8-10 times between 2001ish and 2015ish. The Cove is beautiful (and expensive), while I would say the villas are your 2nd best bet. Back in the day we used to get "upgraded" to the villas from the main hotel by slipping a $20 bill to the front desk person checking us in. Worked pretty much every time.
(Not sure if it works any longer, though. Probably needs to be a $50 now, LOL.)

Any need to leave the property? That all depends on how long you are staying (my trips were almost always of the 3 to 4 day variety as I live in south Florida), have you ever been to the Bahamas before, and do you enjoy sightseeing? The Atlantis is just over the bridge from Nassau (you will understand what I mean when you get there) and if your trip is going to be for a week then yes, I would plan on spending at least one day into the evening in Nassau. However, I will also say that there is plenty to do on the grounds of the resort to keep you busy for days if you enjoy the following:

• floating around a not-so-lazy river as part of Aquaventure (always enjoyed that river)
• viewing some pretty amazing aquariums (not everyone is into this, but I actually sat there for a couple of hours on multiple occasions, or would walk around looking for different vantage points - the Atlantis aquariums, particularly the main one, are pretty awesome, even though they no longer have the Manta Ray with the 27-foot wing span in there any longer. That Manta was breath-taking to watch).
• beaches and pools with activities usually happening somewhere
• swimming with dolphins in their own man-made Dolphin Cove
• other half-day and full day trips booked through their concierge desk
• shopping (they have shops throughout the main hallways of the resort)
• gambling (both table games and a sports book with a viewing area)

I got lucky enough to play the Ocean golf course once - amazing views, definitely the coolest place I have ever played. But is it worth it? That depends on you... is $269 for a round of golf worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience? Some would say yes, others no. Depends on your budget. love of golf, etc... I am happy I did it once, but would be hard pressed to do it again.

One other important note. BE PREPARED: The Atlantis is VERY EXPENSIVE - for EVERYTHING. Budget yourself knowing you will be paying at least double the price for most everything you purchase there: Meals, drinks, rentals, day trips... all of it. They also charge those who are not staying at the resort a "DAILY RESORT FEE" of... get this... $190 per adult, and $95 per child. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart.

Overall though, I would say if you aware of that point that you can have a really relaxing yet wonderful time there. I sure did.

Hope this helps... and have a GREAT TIME!

 

[8893]

We stayed at an amazing and very reasonably priced AirBnB a couple hundred yards up the beach from Atlantis for Battle4Atlantis and only visited Atlantis for the games and one night out, when my girls did the casino and we all ate at Olives, which was very good, but--you guessed it--very expensive. We made out very well because we had our own kitchen and prepared most of our own meals; and we bought all our booze at the local liquor stores in Nassau.

You can walk over the bridge to the Poop Deck, which was probably the best value food and drink we had out while were there. Great conch chowder and whole grilled fish.

We did the "fish fry" at Arawak Cay on Thanksgiving and thought it was fine and reasonably priced but wildly overrated.

D'Vanya's hot sauce should be ubiquitous. I loved all the flavors, brought a few home and have ordered several more since. It's available in the gift shops in Atlantis (for around 100% markup).

 

[UConnDad]

Some good advice here already. How many people and how many days?

 

[poppa jr.]

Stayed at Comfort Suites several years ago. Right across the street from the Atlantis and you have total access to Atlantis property.
Older property, nice pool with swim up bar and not overrun with people like the Atlantis. Have fun.

 

[SEbluebood]

Some good advice here already. How many people and how many days?

Yes excellent info so far. Four adults for five nights stay.

 

[Hoophound]

Atlantis is a spectacle and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. That said, it is one of those places I never want to go again. Too many people, too pricey and I have no real use for waterparks etc. My kids like it and my wife and I play along. Other than the convenience of beach, gambling and nice restaurants all close together, I’d much prefer a beachfront rental in Turks and Caicos or some other lower key place with a quick walk or bike ride to bars and restaurants. Now that I’ve said the miserable part, here’s why: Do it right, spend the money, enjoy the restaurants, live it up. When it is all said and done you will be an Atlantis guy or you won’t. It is kind of like Disney World. I tell everyone that asks, it’s crowded, it’s expensive and it isn’t for everyone. Do it right, choose the accommodations and location that will make you happiest, but keep in mind, you aren’t leaving this vacation loving the value. I spend A LOT of money there.

I would definitely leave Atlantis and go to Nassau for lunch/dinner a couple of times. My wife and I generally go to the Hard Rock Cafe once or twice during the day and then try a good restaurant or two at night. I like escaping to Hard Rock only because it is ice cold in there and drinks and apps are reasonable. They have pretty good music playing and other touristy stuff is within walking distance. Most days, you’ll meet some people that ventured in off a cruise ship and they’ll be curious about Atlantis while you’ll be curious about their trip. Poop Deck is a must. Luciano’s had a nice lunch.

 

[gtcam]

Atlantis is a spectacle and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. That said, it is one of those places I never want to go again. Too many people, too pricey and I have no real use for waterparks etc. My kids like it and my wife and I play along. Other than the convenience of beach, gambling and nice restaurants all close together, I’d much prefer a beachfront rental in Turks and Caicos or some other lower key place with a quick walk or bike ride to bars and restaurants. Now that I’ve said the miserable part, here’s why: Do it right, spend the money, enjoy the restaurants, live it up. When it is all said and done you will be an Atlantis guy or you won’t. It is kind of like Disney World. I tell everyone that asks, it’s crowded, it’s expensive and it isn’t for everyone. Do it right, choose the accommodations and location that will make you happiest, but keep in mind, you aren’t leaving this vacation loving the value. I spend A LOT of money there.

I would definitely leave Atlantis and go to Nassau for lunch/dinner a couple of times. My wife and I generally go to the Hard Rock Cafe once or twice during the day and then try a good restaurant or two at night. I like escaping to Hard Rock only because it is ice cold in there and drinks and apps are reasonable. They have pretty good music playing and other touristy stuff is within walking distance. Most days, you’ll meet some people that ventured in off a cruise ship and they’ll be curious about Atlantis while you’ll be curious about their trip. Poop Deck is a must. Luciano’s had a nice lunch.

You hit the nail on the head - like Disney, you either like it or you don’t. If crowds and noise is your thing it’s great. True that nearly everything is right there but at a steep cost. If you are going to do it be prepared to spend and chalk it off to the experience. I loved just walking around the marina and talking to the folks who own the yachts. Atlantis is unique and I and glad I went twice, especially the second time because it was almost entirely on my employer’s dime. But I would rather go to a place where I can relax in solitude when I want.
Enjoy and I’d be interested in SEBloods thoughts after his visit

 

[UConnDad]

Yes excellent info so far. Four adults for five nights stay.

I suggest looking into Harborside Resort, look on Redweek.com for your dates and see what is available. There is a huge pool there if you want to get away from the crowd. At Atlantis Olives and Carmines are both good. Off property Poop Deck, Cafe Matisse, and Viola’s(usually for lunch for us and within walking distance. Head down the stairs in the Royal Tower lobby and go through the dig. Find the rope bridge near the Beach Tower. Walk the whole marina and check out the yachts. The lagoon bar is good for lunch also. You will exercise your credit card.

 

[HCCForever]

Atlantis is a spectacle and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. That said, it is one of those places I never want to go again. Too many people, too pricey and I have no real use for waterparks etc. My kids like it and my wife and I play along. Other than the convenience of beach, gambling and nice restaurants all close together, I’d much prefer a beachfront rental in Turks and Caicos or some other lower key place with a quick walk or bike ride to bars and restaurants. Now that I’ve said the miserable part, here’s why: Do it right, spend the money, enjoy the restaurants, live it up. When it is all said and done you will be an Atlantis guy or you won’t. It is kind of like Disney World. I tell everyone that asks, it’s crowded, it’s expensive and it isn’t for everyone. Do it right, choose the accommodations and location that will make you happiest, but keep in mind, you aren’t leaving this vacation loving the value. I spend A LOT of money there.

I would definitely leave Atlantis and go to Nassau for lunch/dinner a couple of times. My wife and I generally go to the Hard Rock Cafe once or twice during the day and then try a good restaurant or two at night. I like escaping to Hard Rock only because it is ice cold in there and drinks and apps are reasonable. They have pretty good music playing and other touristy stuff is within walking distance. Most days, you’ll meet some people that ventured in off a cruise ship and they’ll be curious about Atlantis while you’ll be curious about their trip. Poop Deck is a must. Luciano’s had a nice lunch.

Never been to Atlantis but went to Turks and Caicos about 30 years ago. Did you go recently? It was a beautiful island that was definitely low key even though I went to the Club Med. I planned on one week but stayed for two. I noticed that Southwest flies there from Florida.

 

[Hoophound]

Never been to Atlantis but went to Turks and Caicos about 30 years ago. Did you go recently? It was a beautiful island that was definitely low key even though I went to the Club Med. I planned on one week but stayed for two. I noticed that Southwest flies there from Florida.

I haven’t been in a few years. I would go to Provo iand rent a villa. We will probably do that for our anniversary next year.

 

[HCCForever]

I haven’t been in a few years. I would go to Provo iand rent a villa. We will probably do that for our anniversary next year.

Sounds great. Club Turquoise is on Grace Bay on Provo. Great time there snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing. They even let us do SCUBA without certification to swim with a dolphin that hung out near the resort.

 

[Kathy]

I went there approximately 8-10 times between 2001ish and 2015ish. The Cove is beautiful (and expensive), while I would say the villas are your 2nd best bet. Back in the day we used to get "upgraded" to the villas from the main hotel by slipping a $20 bill to the front desk person checking us in. Worked pretty much every time.
(Not sure if it works any longer, though. Probably needs to be a $50 now, LOL.)

Any need to leave the property? That all depends on how long you are staying (my trips were almost always of the 3 to 4 day variety as I live in south Florida), have you ever been to the Bahamas before, and do you enjoy sightseeing? The Atlantis is just over the bridge from Nassau (you will understand what I mean when you get there) and if your trip is going to be for a week then yes, I would plan on spending at least one day into the evening in Nassau. However, I will also say that there is plenty to do on the grounds of the resort to keep you busy for days if you enjoy the following:

• floating around a not-so-lazy river as part of Aquaventure (always enjoyed that river)
• viewing some pretty amazing aquariums (not everyone is into this, but I actually sat there for a couple of hours on multiple occasions, or would walk around looking for different vantage points - the Atlantis aquariums, particularly the main one, are pretty awesome, even though they no longer have the Manta Ray with the 27-foot wing span in there any longer. That Manta was breath-taking to watch).
• beaches and pools with activities usually happening somewhere
• swimming with dolphins in their own man-made Dolphin Cove
• other half-day and full day trips booked through their concierge desk
• shopping (they have shops throughout the main hallways of the resort)
• gambling (both table games and a sports book with a viewing area)

I got lucky enough to play the Ocean golf course once - amazing views, definitely the coolest place I have ever played. But is it worth it? That depends on you... is $269 for a round of golf worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience? Some would say yes, others no. Depends on your budget. love of golf, etc... I am happy I did it once, but would be hard pressed to do it again.

One other important note. BE PREPARED: The Atlantis is VERY EXPENSIVE - for EVERYTHING. Budget yourself knowing you will be paying at least double the price for most everything you purchase there: Meals, drinks, rentals, day trips... all of it. They also charge those who are not staying at the resort a "DAILY RESORT FEE" of... get this... $190 per adult, and $95 per child. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart.

Overall though, I would say if you aware of that point that you can have a really relaxing yet wonderful time there. I sure did.

Hope this helps... and have a GREAT TIME!

Very expensive- esp meals

 

[HuskyHawk]

I went years ago and loved it. But I wasn't paying. It seems they have upgraded and expanded it, especially the slides and water park activities. Some things I enjoyed are gone I believe, like the little pools of baby hammerheads. So my advice is consistent with others, it's expensive; get somebody else to pay. The Disney comparison is a good one. You're paying for something beyond a hotel, and different than what most resorts offer. Worth it?

The pirate museum I went to in Nassau was a tourist trap. But I believe there are more legitimate ways to explore that period in history and Nassau's role in it.