Atlantis info
 

Can anyone explain the difference between booking at Atlantis in general vs. Atlantis-the Cove vs. Atlantis-the Reef? Any recommendations? We're traveling with two teens and interested in beach and water activities moreso than casino and clubbing.

The Cove and The Reef are new additions to Atlantis. They are not connected to the Atlantis towers. They are also higher priced. The Beach Tower is the lowest price and is convenient to the beach and the movie theater. Coral Towers is in between Royal and Beach Tower. Royal Tower is more upscale and expensive and closer to Aquaventure. Go to Atlantis.com and click on 'accommodations'. It will show you the differences. Me and my son (then 11) stayed at Beach Tower in 2004 with an ocean view and we loved it! We are coming back this year to stay in either the Beach or Royal Tower. You and your kids will have SO much fun!

I also believe the Reef is more condo-ish. Full kitchens, washer-dryers, etc.

I think of the Cove as being more upscale and fancy than the rest of the resort. More of a place for couples than for family. I think it's also for people who are into exclusivity. Bottle service, private cabanas, that sort of thing. Although families are welcome there, too.

I stayed at the Cove in 2007. I believe it had not been open that long. Please note that at the time the pool at the Cove was topless - so be sure you are comfortable with that for your teens. There were gaming tables at the pool and women were also topless there. It was very hedonitic... so be aware of that. The rooms themselves were very nice - very sleek, modern, great views (from where we were) we did have a butler assigned to us which was sort of strange. He kept popping up every place we were to be sure we were okay - sort of like the guy in Mr. Deeds if you have ever seen that movie.

The service was excellent. Bobby Flays Mesa Grill was very very good.

I would like to return and take my children and stay over at the Beach or Royal Tower. I am sure your teens will have an excellent time!

I don't think the cove was there when we went in 2004. We stayed at the Royal Towers which were very nice and close to all the pools and slides. My brother had a terrible room at the Beach towers and felt like he was miles away. I think some of that may have been having three small children, it felt like miles to walk back. He did not care for his room and said it was the most expensive motel 6 he has ever stayed at. Now, sharie above liked it so maybe some rooms are really old or have terrible views or whatever.
My brother moved over to our side of the hotel on day 2, but he is a hotel snob:)
We liked our room in the Royal towers and would stay there again because of the convenience. With teens, they can go back to the room and yet not be across the complex.

GOTG - I do not think the Cove was open in 04 either. I know that when we were there - it was the "grand" opening of the pool. Several "b" list celebrities where there... it was a bit much for this girl... I went down to the beach and hung out there. My Dad had a cabana and those are very nice... but it was some scene.

We did eat at Graycliff off the property one night - and it was an excellent meal.

Thanks for all the info. The topless beach info was especially enlightening as our teenage SONS are 15 and 18! Still haven't booked yet but Beach Towers sounds more our speed. We're not looking for upscale, celebrity-ridden accommodations. The Atlantis website was very helpful. Anyone have any experience with transfers from Nassau airport to Atlantis?

You can purchase transfers through Atlantis.com or take a taxi outside Nassau airport. On Atlantis website Transfers are under #2-Customize (after selecting room). The "bus transfer" is like a shuttle.

Purchasing a Beach/Water view is the best. You will not regret it. Even if you are a penny pincher. ;) There's a dance club for the boys at Beach Tower and free movie theater (but gotta pay for popcorn/pop). You can hop in the lazy river by the pool there. 8-)

bahbah - just to be clear - it was a topless pool area as well as gaming area at the pool. As I said, too much for me - it was not Europe and was done strictly for the topless impact...