Worried_Traveler

I have already reserved a long weekend to Atlantis, but I have read so many horrible reviews about the Atlantis resort, that I am thinking of paying the cancellation penalty and going with the Sandals resort? Anyone been to both? Any suggestions?

ejcrowe

Thousands of people love Sandals. Thousands of people hate it. Same thing with Atlantis. Without knowing more information it's hard to tell you which one is a better fit for you. If you're looking for a quiet vacation it's possible that a different place entirely might be better for you. If you want to be in the middle of things, one of these might work for you. Let us know...

Worried_Traveler

My husband does not like the secluded secret island getaway, that is why I thought Atlantis would be good......since it is huge and probably has a lot of things going on. But today, after deciding to see what other people thought about the place, it scared me because there were twice as many bad reviews on Atlantis than good ones. There were complaints of poor service and unclean rooms which is a little scary....especially since I am paying almost $3,000 for a 3 day trip...

Diana

Dear worried.
Regular posters on the board are very reluctant to get involved in giving advice on either one of these resorts as many of us feel they are an incredibly bad value for what you get.
If your husband wants a place that is very active with a lot going on, many folks of all ages around to people-watch, and things to see and do, then either one of those places would probably work.
If you want a place to relax in luxury without having to deal with screaming children, long lines for everything, over-priced and boring mega-resort food, and ho hum roooms for what you are paying, then you should maybe look elsewhere.
There, I've said it. Now I'm donning my flame retardant suit for the ensuing firestorm from Sandals and Atlantis devotees

schmerl

I've been to Atlantis several times and have never found it to be overrun by children. We have always had good service, clean rooms, great meals (yes it's expensive, but so are most other resorts). The grounds are beautiful. There are secluded spots if you want to be away from things. The aquariums and The Dig are incredible. Everyone is different. You will find good and bad reviews of any resort.

Worried_Traveler

Thanks guys...I guess I will have to decide for my self....I will pay a fortune on top of the fortune I am already paying for Atlantis if I want to change my reservations now. Im sure it will be a good time for the 3 days we are going

SandyFeet

I have been to Atlantis twice. The first time was absolutely horrible, but we did go during spring break (will never do that again). The place was overun with large families and kids on spring break and the resort was over filled IMHO. I think all the rooms were maxed out (4 to a room) and it was a zoo. We had a filthy room, the worst food and the service was even worse than the food. The second time (this past May) was the complete opposite. We went after spring/easter recess I thought we were in a different place, we really enjoyed it. The room was clean, the service was teriffic and the food was really good. I know Atlantis gets a bad rap here, and sometimes it is deserved. I think its a great place for a long weekend getaway. If you have never been, you will enjoy it. The beach is beautiful. The first time we went due to being spring break/easter recess it was difficult to get chairs by the beach or pools and I found the resort a little dirty (empty cups, papers, beer cans all over the place). If you go when school is in, it is less crowded and they can keep up with housekeeping. I think when you go to Atlantis is the key. We also went for a long weekend, get some sun,go to the casino, have some laughs and we did...its just the right amount of time, we enjoyed it the second time. Its a very convenient long weekend getaway. Delta has a non-stop flight from JFK.

Worried_Traveler

Thanks Sany Feet! I am leaving from DC for Labor Day weekend...I am hoping it won't be too crouded since it is probably almost off-season time. It is for our 1 year anniversary, so I just really want to have a good time and not regret the trip..and hopefully we will. Thanks!

Diana

Dear Worried.
I did not realize you were going over Labor Day weekend. (I didn't see a date anywhere.)
Sandy Feet is right. In the Caribbean and the Bahamas, what time of year you go can make all the difference in the world in your experience.
That is low low season, and you will probably have no problem with some of the issues that Sandy Feet had during the "Spring Break Trip From He11."
Have a great time, and don't worry about changing your reservations.
Be sure to do a trip report when you return.

schmerl

You can have a VERY good and romantic anniversary dinner at Villa D'Este at the Atlantis. Don't know how crowded it will be over Labor Day, but you might want to make your dining reservations as soon as you get there, if not before you go.

tom42

Atlantis is a very nice resort but the accomodations are not worth the money if you are paying full price for a room. $3000 sounds very high for a 3 night trip, esp. coming from DC. What tower are you booked in? Does that include a meal plan?

That being said, I agree that, although it is huge and crowded, there are many spots that you can find that are quiet and more secluded. I didn't find the restaurants to be much more expensive that at any other resort. Generally I thought the food was very good, with the exception of my meal at Fathoms.

BTW, I'll be there over Labor Day weekend too. Have fun and happy anniversary.

citygirlmk

I recently visited the Atlantis resort during a cruise to the Bahamas. It's beautiful but the resort is HUGE!! My fiance stayed there last year with his children and loved it (for the kids). He is a "plant me on the beach and keep the drinks comin'" kinda guy but wanted a resort that would keeps his two children entertained. this is the place for that! we'll be planning a trip there next year for sure.

Worried_Traveler

You guys are making me feel better, thanks The $3000 is my estimate for food and drinks and a little spending money...the actual air fare and hotel was around $2100. I will be sure to sign up for the meal plan as it sounds like that is the way to go..

Tom42....Hope you have a good time too!

Thanks everyone!! I will let you all know how it goes.

SandyFeet

Hi again worried traveler,
I would sign up for the meal plan asap as i think they can block you out (not sure if its 2 weeks or 3 days before check in date)
I would also recommend the gourmet meal plan, as the dinners on our last visit were teriffic! we dined in the Bahamian Club, Fathoms (I know it gets mixed reviews, but we had 2 great dinners there) and we had the best meal at 5twins. We dined outside on the verandah, very quiet and romantic. The best breakfast IMHO is at the Great Hall of Waters. The gourmet meal plan covers all these restaurants (breakfsat and dinner) and certainly is well worth the money. After visiting Atlantis twice, I think that those are the best 3 for dinner. When on vacation, we love more upscale dining and would have dined there anyway. When you see the prices on the menus you will be glad you have the meal plan, it definately saves money. For lunch we liked the lagoon bar, they make great conch salad and abaco crab salad. Shark bites is also good for inexpensive burgers and fries. In the sundries shop (coral towers - on the way to the Bahamian Club on the left) they sell an amazing bacardi rum cake. It was so good - (free samples in the store) - I sent one fed ex to everyone at home.

summer33ny

I have not been to sandals...but I don't think you should cancel your Atlantis reservations. Atlantis was fantastic...but it has a vegas like atmosphere. I don't know if that's what everyone is looking for on a Carribean vacation...but it was perfect for me. Not to mention there's also a beach right outside of the resort. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to and it was always empty. It was nice to have a place to go to get away from the crowds. I think you should stick with Atlantis. Don't listen to poor reviews, I have a feeling some of the rich snooty people who tend to stay at the Atlantis may find anything to complain about!

Worried_Traveler

Then I will call for the meal plan tomorrow. I happen to LOVE Vegas, so I think I will like Atlantis if that is the what it is like, except on the beach, which is even better! I am staying at the Royal towers, so that should be nice..thanks for all of the info everyone!

schmerl

We actually spent LESS money on food WITHOUT the meal plan. The first time we went, we got the gourmet meal plan. We suffed ourselves silly trying to get out "money's worth". Just remember they add tax based on the acutal cost of the meal and the tip is also based on that and added/ In other words, the meal plan does not include tax and tip.On our other visits to Atlantis we did NOT get the meal plan. We are not big breakfast eaters, so we brought cereal bars or granola bars or walked down the road to the Hurrican Hole Shopping center and had a good inexpensive breakfast at the News Stand. We usally had lunch out doors at the Lagoon Bar and Grille or one of the other outdoor places. Then we would have a nice dinner. Our favorite is Villa D'Este. We also liked Fathoms and the Bahamian Club and the Great Hall of Waters. We did not like Five Twins as much as we expected to. It was actually our least favorite.

tom42

I'd agree with Schmerl that, unless you are really big eaters, you will do better without the meal plan.
It's $79 per person per day which includes a full American breakfast and 3 course dinner. It does not, however, include wine. So add another $30 or more if you usually order a bottle of wine. I'm not saying that you shouldn't do it but you might want to think about whether it is a good value for you.

Worried_Traveler

We are not huge eaters, but I am assuming that dinner alone will cost about $100 (food and wine) plus tax and tip for the two of us..we can have something small for breakfast and have burgers or something for lunch which will be another $50...which will be less for the day than the meal plan would cost since that would be $160 for the two and does not even include lunch. I wish this place was all inclusive!!

SandyFeet

It's not a matter of being huge eaters at Atlantis, but cost. The portions are not "super size" but the prices are. You can eat light on the gourmet meal plan. We always have fresh fruit and an egg white omlet with veggies (they have spa offerings on the menu), dinner is usually salad and fish or lobster. I will use Fathoms as an example: If you order a seafood tower (it serves 2) at Fathoms I think the price without meal plan is $75.00. It has lobster, clams, shrimp etc.. It is also included on the gourmet meal plan. So you split the tower, have a fresh salad and have a grilled fish entree. That is not a heavy meal, calorie wise but without the gourmet meal plan it is heavy $$ wise. Since this meal at Fathoms will cost you approx $150.00 the plan is well worth it, since breakfast is also included, which without the plan can cost approx $30.00 or so, which by the way if you had to pay is very expensive. So if you do the math, you wind up saving $. Do not tip at the end of the meal, as the tip and tax is paid upon check out, it will not break the bank though so don't worry about it. When we are on vacation, my husband and I enjoy more upscale dining. I can see that it is not worth to get the gourmet meal plan when travelling with children, but I have found it is well worth the price when it is a couple that likes to dine in the nicer restaurants. Atlantis is not known for "great food" so you have a better chance of having a nice meal at the better restaurants. Also Murray's Deli is a very nice for lunch, and not expensive (tuna salad is really good!) Hope this helps you, it is my honest opinion, as you can see by the Atlantis website they do not give prices on their menu selections, they only give you $ signs. Well, we were very happy to have the gourmet meal plan after seeing the real prices. You do have to pay for your own drinks. What you do at the end of the meal is you sign the bill. Whatever is covered by the meal plan is minused off the bill and you pay the balance (drinks, tip and tax) which you pay upon check out. If I remember correctly, you can also view your bill on tv (not sure, too many hotels in a short amount of time