Atlantis? Fun or cheesy?
 

My husband and I are in our early 30's - planning to go to the boutique Landing Hotel on Harbour Island for a few days, but wanted to do something fun/more resorty first. Is Atlantis fun or a total headache?

It's cheezy fun. Take 2 slices of bread add some Vegas, slap on some Disneyworld and spread caribbean lite on it and squish it together.

It's fun for a long weekend, we enjoy it every now and then, but 3-4 days is definately enough. It's not a headache, it's not that bad....I think it has gotten better recently. My second visit was much much better than my first, they were about 1 1/2 years apart. You will have lots of fun - Enjoy!

Think Vegasy with a carribean accent. It's HUGE, lots of beautiful beach, several big pools, some good restaurants, the dig, lazy river, and then head on over to Harbour Island, which will feel a world away!!.

The Landing is right at the end of the dock, so when you arrive just grab your gear and walk to the hotel, it is just to your right on Bay St, right behind the "Welcome to Harbour Island" sign.

The food at The Landing is very good, and the whole island goes there and to the Harbour Lounge just a couple of doors away at sunset for a drink and to enjoy the beauty.

If you have any other questions about the island, please let me know.

I would have to agree. Four days absolute max. We went to the Bahamas and stayed at the Marriott in December 2000...so its been a while. If I went back, I would stay would be at the Atlantis. We went there to play for a day and it was fun. Very Vegas like, but fun all the same. Water slides. Tube slides. Shark Tanks. Aquarium. Decent Beach. Great Pools. Go and Enjoy.

Thanks for the feedback! Any suggestion on which building in Atlantis we should try to reserve a room? And how is the hotel beach?

The Royal Tower is the newest and most expensive. The Coral Tower is in the middle both geographically and price wise. The Beach Tower is the least expensive and the furthest from the casino. The hotel beach is very nice. The resort is VERY big, so there's a long beach. They have chairs with canopies you can use for shade or just slide them back for sun. We love the aquariums, slides, and the Dig.

Cheesy? Fun? Perhaps both along with a little disapointing. What's that term called where new generations don't realize how things used to be, and their perceptions of things in the "here and now" don't take into account the transformations made from the past? I used to enjoy Paradise Island in the late 60's, when it was called "Hog Island." We stayed at a hotel in downtown Nassau, and since neither of the two bridges were built, took a small ferry over. Of course, we were college students, and jumped off the ferry and swam to Hog Island before the ferry docked, to the frustration of the ferry boat driver. There was no cement on Hog Island, only two hotels. The rest was groves of coconut palms, sea grapes, palmetto and endless, uncluttered beach. The native Bahamians mingled with us, and we dove for spiny lobsters and had plenty of beach parties, eating boiled lobster and chugging beer. Plenty of sand and coral roads, quite bumpy, few cars, no commercialism or urban sprawl, few restaurants except in the two small hotels, and a closer connection between locals and outsiders (tourists). Now, a social transition is underway, and the Bahamian culture is changing in the face of modern tourism. I wish "Hog Island" would return, but that's just my opinion. Excuse me whilst I duck. Robert

Robert,
I know what you mean, but as they say, "You can't go home again." We just have to accept that times are changing!

If you had kids I know they would love Atlantis,wether or not you will I couldn't say. If you go & the budget allows stay in Royal towers,the other lodging does not compare favorably.

There's only 2 negatives that I remember from our visit there. One was it was incredibly expensive to eat there, but you'll have that at a lot of places. The other was the constant harassment from peddlers on the beach. Otherwise, it's gorgeous and there's a ton to do and see.

Oh Robert.

That sounds like absolute heaven.

We've only been traveling in the Caribbean for about 13 years, but every time we go back to an island we've not been to for several years, we are dismayed by the degree and types of changes there have been.

The Bahamas are particularly susceptible to American "excess" due to their proximity to the States, but I'm sure you know about all of the little out-island gems still relatively unscathed by the "more is better" philosophy. We'll just keep our off-the-beaten-path travel preferences, thank you.

It's all up to an individual's tastes and what they want out of their vacation. Obviously, many people love resorts like Sandals and Atlantis, and they have their own (sizeable) niche in the travel market - just as cruises do. (Of course, I'd never take a cruise either.)

No cheese for me please!

Most people who go to places like Atlantis do it for the kids,not because they think it's a romantic getaway for 2.I would never have gone if it weren't for my children,however seeing how happy it made them gave me joy.

I am so confused. I want to go to the atlantis because I thought it would be fun for the kids. Again, there is so much bashing going on I would like ANYONE to clear things up.
Firstly, everyone keeps saying that the food is EXPENSIVE for breakfast and dinner. Can ANYONE tell me what that means $25/entree for dinner and $10/kid for breakfast. Just give me a hint on what it costs. Also, I wanted to go there for a week but will I absolutely get bored? My kids are 8,10, and 13. Please someone help me. If I stay in the coral towers i can save alot of money. MUST i stay at the royal towers. what is SO different. I personally like a more centrally located spot.
nina

The towers difference is like the diff. between a Hilton and an old Holiday inn.As for the food it's always expensive in the islands.You can eat in some of the restaurants for the money you suggested.

Hi linzb -
I'll be heading to Atlantis for a week on October 23rd. This is a trip that my husband's company has organized for a number of their business development employees (and spouses) who have achieved their stretch targets. I have read a ton of reviews out on tripadvisor and epinions. This is not where I would choose to spend a vacation but since it's on the company dime I'm going to go with an open mind.

I'll post a trip report when we get back. We are two professionals in our early to mid-30's who enjoy good food and wine - we work hard and enjoy our breaks from the daily grind. Atlantis is the opposite of what we look for and I personally think it looks terribly cheesy but I'll save judgement until we go.

It's Uber-cheesy/Myrtle Beach on steroids. And you'll pay for every little thing at every turn. Even 'being a kid again' has a pricetag limit...

I will be in Atlantis a week from today. I am looking forward to the getaway. I went there last 16 years ago on my honeymoon. It was Merv Griffin's place back then. I know it will be cheesy. But a little cheesy can be great fun too. The food is supposed to be very good. I am staying in the Royal Towers. I have also gotten the Gourmet meal plan. I prepaid so I don't have to think about too much when I get there..I will let you know when I get back how it is...

girlonthego: I was there when it was Merv Griffin's place too.....that was 12 years ago now. My first Caribbean experience.

On another note: We went to the 5 star restaurant in Nassau, Greycliffs I believe. It was very pricey.....but so worth it. It was absolutely wonderful. Chateaubriand for two, a wine list that is just amazing to look at (trust me - some of the wines you would need to take a loan out for). It's just a nice, special occasion, expensive treat.

It was so long ago now....I hope it's still there.

Atlantis is an awsome resort, beautiful grounds and the inside of the resort is breath taking. The kids would have a super time , our kids are grown and we loved this resort. Have fun where ever
you choose.

I am one of the people who enjoy the Atlantis. It is not a calm little island resort. It is HUGE. The grounds are beautiful. The beach is great. The aquariums and The Dig are WONDERFUL. Their casino is the largest in the Caribbean. Yes, the food is expensive. I've never been to an island resort where is is not expensive! If you are looking for a quiet little get away, then the Atlantis is not for you. IF you are looking for fun and beautiful surroundings, then GO!