Atlantis
 

Is atlantis really worth all the hype?

IMHO, no.It is just toooooooooooo big.And way too expensive.

This is either a really simplistic troll post or someone who is visiting Fodor's for the first time.
To bruin31: asking about Atlantis is like asking whether Democrats or Republicans are the superior party.
If people reply they're very biased one way or the other and there's a chasm of difference in opinion.
Check the archives for some interesting reading.

sure the post may be simplistic however, this does not mean it is a "troll post." The post is only indicative of the fact that the little I do know about Nassau revolves around the "magnificence" of Atlantis. Secondly, why would any response to any travel question on Fodors be something other than biased? That logic simply escapes me.

Thank you.

There is absolutely nothing wrong, when trying to decide politics or resorts, in asking for others' opinions, pro and con, about either, when trying to decide.

I am interested in the responses as well.

We went to Atlantis last month for Easter break, I can't say enough about it except that I loved it. My response to you would be that if you have children and a budget of about $1,000 per day then you should go.If you have no children you could do much better somewhere else for much less.

People who dislike Atlantis complain about the following:
-rooms are not luxurious by US standards for the price paid (especially in the Coral/Beach towers)
-food is mediocre for price and too expensive (even by Caribbean standards)
-resort lacks any Caribbean flavor, it's like a Las Vegas casino/hotel, (so why spend all the xtra money going to the Caribbean to have a US style resort?)
-sprawling size means spotty service at best
-very crowded with kids (which is fine if you're going for the sake of your kids)
-fighting over sparse lounges for pools

People who like Atlantis tend to say:
-if it's a family vacation the kids will have fun, the lack of value argument is relative
-the Royal tower rooms are the nicest (but no better than a basic Marriott) and that's plenty for some, regardless of price
-the beach just outside the resort proper is nice, and not usually all that crowded
-there is a wide variety of restaurants and activities, including a movie theater and stage, marina, water activities, several pools, the Dig (aquarium), casino which is well run and well kept
-something for adults and something fpr kids all wrapped up into one package

-

Just dont forget to set your alarm clock for 6am so you can reserve a chair so you can play lifeguard by the baby urinal,I mean pool.Then enjoy the loud blaring pool arobics and the all the big fat pigs participating in this activity then go back to their beach chairs and swallow a bag of french fries whole and wash it down with a 64 oz pina colada.Or you can enjoy the banana boat,or even rent a jet ski from one of the beachside entropinuers.They'll flock around you like flies on syrup to make sure you get the best deal.Ah and lets not forget the good old time share.Just bend over and sign on the dotted line,and for the next 30 years you and your offspring can enjoy all these activities and more.

I think that gplimpton summed up the arguments rather well, except that I would take issue that a Royal Tower room is the equivalent of a basic Marriott. I've stayed at a few Marriotts and at the Royal Towers and the royal tower room that I had was significantly nicer than any Marriott room I've seen. I had a corner room with two balconies - one with a view of the Harbor and the other with a pool/ocean view. The room was quite large and very nicely furnished.

That being said, I don't think I would choose it if I had to pay $400/night to stay there. If you are willing to pay that much, there are better choices to be had in the Caribbean.

Tom,
I wish that kind of room went for $400! What did you pay? It sounds like either a suite or concierge level room.
We paid around $550 per night for a regular Royal Towers room (non-inclusive) last year. Now, I am an Atlantis defender, but I do think it is overpriced. However, my kids absolutely loved the themed water park, and I thought the aquariums and gardens were spectacular.
I think the best bet on a room would be a concierge room, that includes continental breakfast, tea and sandwiches, cocktail hour, and evening desserts and coffee. However, this room is only available with a king bed and roll-away or crib for third person - not avaiable for family of four. Even though it is very expensive, you break even in savings by having to buy just one meal a day, and get the upgraded room.

Dreamer2 - it wasn't concierge level or a suite but it probably was something above a standard room. Although I had never been to Atlantis before, I do gamble in Puerto Rico and Las Vegas and Atlantis invited me for $90/night. At that price, it is definitely worth it. And I am not what you would call a "high roller" - mainly .25-$1.00 slots/video poker and $10 blackjack.

Although I liked it and will be going again for a long weekend, I think that $550 per night for a regular Royal Tower room is way too much for Atlantis (and for most other places as well).

Tried to read past the 4th post but just couldn't do it. Blah Blah Blah, Atlantis is this, Atlantis is that, the Royal Tower is a notch above Motel 6, I've seen nicer fish in the fish store, blah, blah, blah.

Why not do a text search? I'm sure there's PLENTY of reading material for you there. Why make us all go through this useless exercise (Atlantis, good or bad) again?

Z-z-z-z-z...wake me when it's over.

Atlantis would be good for kids with all of the water slides. It is big and it is somewhat expensive. There are three levels of hotel rooms depending on your budget. You could stay at the comfort suites also that is across the street and has access to the facilities. Beach is so-so, not nearly as nice as grand cayman. Just figure food, etc. there is about 2x what it is in the states. There is also a casino there and golf course nearby. Great place if you have the budget for it.