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First trip to the Bahamas, would love some advice

First trip to the Bahamas, would love some advice

Old Dec 27th, 2009, 09:18 AM
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First trip to the Bahamas, would love some advice

Hi....

I am planning my very first trip to the Bahamas in the Spring and am looking for some guidance. I am limited in my walking and, while the Atlantis Resort looks awesome, I'm thinking it may require lots of walking from place to place. We'd like a more laid back experience within easy access to a casino, activities and shopping. We're probably planning a five day stay.
Thanks so much for any input!
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Old Dec 27th, 2009, 09:33 AM
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Atlantis is huge. Check out the resorts on Cable Beach. The bay and the water are stunning there and although large, the hotels and casino are more managable.

There is some shopping in the hotels, and you can get a cab or a jitney right out front to go down to Front Street to shop very easily.
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Old Dec 27th, 2009, 12:42 PM
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Hi....

Thanks for your response! I looked online for "all inclusive" resorts at Cable Beach and it seems as tho Breezes is the only one that includes meals, drinks, etc. Have you stayed there? If so, were you satisfied?
Again, thanks for taking the time to respond.
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Old Dec 28th, 2009, 04:20 PM
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You might also look at Sandals which is not far from the hotels on Cable Beach and an easy bus ride into Nassau. The beach at Sandals is also very nice.

IF you really want a casino your options are Nassau or Freeport, the outislands don't have casinos but do have a more laidback feel and some spectacular beaches (Eleuthera and Harbour Island).

On Nassau one of the resorts you also might check is Compas Point, it is more like an outisland resort, with cute bungaloos on the beach. The jitney into Nassau from there is about 20 minutes.

Hope this helps.
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Old Dec 29th, 2009, 05:37 AM
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The Radisson on Cable Beach used to be an AI. I see now that it's a Sheraton and no longer offers an AI option. Looks like just Breezes and Sandals Royal Bahamian are the only AI's left on Cable Beach.

We stayed at Sandals in 2003. We enjoyed it, but thought is was a little expensive. Loved the 2 massive pools. Food was good and service was good.

If you would consider Paradise Island, the RIU would probably be a good option.
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Old Dec 29th, 2009, 07:40 AM
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Thanks for the responses! Still doing my homework here!
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Old Dec 29th, 2009, 10:10 AM
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Don't go to Atlantis unless money is no object. They charge extra for everything you would assume to be included. Local calls are $1.99, Internet access is $15.00 / day. I had to request them to change my sheets after 3 days. Its cheaper to spend $21.00 taxi fare and go into Nassau than to eat in the hotel, where the food is mediocre and overpriced. Never going back!
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Old Dec 29th, 2009, 11:26 AM
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Yikes-I've only heard bad things about Breezes over the past few years. I was there about 8 years ago but apparently it's gone downhill since. I've also stayed at the Wyndham which I think would be perfect for you as there is a casino inside and it's in the heart of shopping if you want to walk around. You can also catch a short cab ride to downtown Nassau from there to check out the larger straw market (there is a smaller straw market across the street from the Wyndham as well). Note that the Wyndham is the typical high rise, but it sounds like that may be what you're looking for. Compass Point is awesome (quaint colorful villas with a main restaurant), but you'll have to take a cab ride to get to the shopping areas and casinos. Friends of ours stayed at RIU last year and said it was run down and was due to close, although I just looked it up online and it seems to be open. For any of these please check out the candid pictures on trip advisor before you get too far in planning to see what they really are like. Another option for you if you like casinos might be St. Maarten. Lots to do there as well. Good luck!
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Old Dec 31st, 2009, 02:59 PM
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Thanks, again, for the wonderful responses.

I've also read that Breezes leaves a lot to be desired, and have considered the Wyndham Crystal Palace. I promised my daughter we'd use my travel bonus gift to head to either Vegas or the Bahamas...so a casino would be nice.

BTW, Atlantis would be out of my league.

Decisions, decisions.

Happy New Year!
Linda
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Old Jan 1st, 2010, 06:48 AM
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If your wanting a casino, have you considered Aruba. Personally, we liked Aruba way more than Nassua. It kinda has that Vegas feel, but with a nice beach. Choose a hotel on Palm Beach and you are within walking distance to resturants and shopping. Sorta like a mini Strip. There is a casino in the Holiday Inn and the Marriott.
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Old Jan 3rd, 2010, 03:52 PM
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LOVE Atlantis and there is sooo much to do there. It is expensive but it's high end and for the most part, you get what you pay for. The only time Atlantis is a drag is when it's very crowded...
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Old Jan 4th, 2010, 01:23 PM
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If your walking is limited stay away from Atlantis. I love it there, but have often noted that anyone with any problem getting around would NOT be happy there.
My niece went to Breezes last year. She does not have very high expectations and even she said she would NEVER return.
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