Just came back from 4 days in Nassau. Here are some brief observations/impressions:<BR><BR>Weather: for the most part sunny and very warm with the occasional cloudy period and some very brief showers on two days.<BR><BR>Resort: Stayed at Compass Point for the second time. It was still good but somewhat quiet (I guess it’s because it’s the low season). Ate at the restaurant one night and they were out of half the items on the menu. I also had the opportunity to have a complete tour of the British Colonial Hilton. It is a first-rate business hotel and the rooms, while on the small side, are faultless (except for the lack of balconies). The small beach is great for relaxing (and is surprisingly quiet). <BR><BR>Restaurants: I give high marks to the Pink Pearl for a lovely dinner. Tried the Iguana Grill on Bay Street which was good for lunch. I was disappointed in Fathoms in Atlantis. Although the food was good and the service super prompt, I had the feeling I was dining in a fancy cafeteria. Also tried Dune for lunch which was very pricey but I loved the setting and the service was good. <BR><BR>Excursions: Did the Stuart Cove Snorkel Bahamas trip which was outstanding in the sense that it offered great snorkeling. However, the shark viewing portion offered the most excitement (or fear). Stuart Cove is a professional operation.<BR><BR>Night life/clubs: Went to the Blue Note Lounge in the Hilton on Friday for some great jazz. Very sophisticated. There seemed to be an even mix of locals and guests.<BR><BR>Transport: Rented a car which gave us a lot of flexibility and the ability to see many places. The driving is actually not bad outside of Nassau.<BR><BR>I would definitely go back to Nassau. I found the service in all places very good and the people friendly. <BR><BR>Any other questions: please ask.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

What?<BR>You weren't pleased with your dining experience at Atlantis' Fathoms?<BR>A fancy cafeteria?<BR>Say it ain't so.

And I wasn't thrilled with the space on the bill that stated "Extra Gratuity" after the 15% service charge.

What snorkel spots did you go to with Stuart Cove? Do you remember the names of the spots? How many people were with you on the trip? (small intimate number or a "cattle trip")? How did they provide for safety with the shark snorkeling?

Island Girl; Wondered about Stuart Cove's snorkel trip with the sharks. Did you anchor by the sunken wreck? If so, was it the old Bahama Mama? Also, did the trip take you to Gouldings Cay to snorkel? Just curious. Thanks, Robert

To Cathy and Robert: The trip we went on took us to Elvis (??) Reef (just off Lyford Cay)and Gouldings Cay and then to the shark feeding. For some reason, we didn't see the wrecks, I don't know how they determine that. There were about 15 people on the trip -- just right in my opinion. As for safety with the sharks, they only let you in for a few minutes, literally on a tight leash! (You hold on to a yellow rope and don't stray from there). They distract the sharks with some feed at the bottom and then you take your look. The Stuart Cove staff are very professional but it's not something I would do again. Once is enough. We got some added excitement when the sharks started to swim up to see what was up and then everyone made a beeline back on to the boat. I didn't feel we were in danger but after all -- they are sharks.

We have stayed at Compass Point 3 times but did not go this year. They have endured ANOTHER change of mgmt. can you comment on service/cleanliness? They lost James who handled pool and beach duties GREAT guy - how was service in these areas? They were supposed to add A/C to most of the 'huts' did they? Any other info appreciated. Thanks

Rich: My hut did not have AC but we were okay since it was a seafront hut. The pool/beach service was non-existant. A bunch of towels would be set out in the morning and then when they ran out, you had to ask at reception and eventually someone would bring some. There was no clean-up of the pool area either: glasses and wet towels remained in the same spot, sometimes for two days! Many of the loungers were broken. Housekeeping of the rooms was faultless. It's funny because my husband noticed that it was "rougher around the edges" and I felt bad that he noticed because I wouldn't have said anything since this was supposed to be a birthday trip for him. There didn't seem to be anyone "in charge". I thought it was because it was low season.

I was afraid this would happen with James leaving. As a guest I was up early in the morning and I would do some picking up around the pool/deck area myself because the staff was too lazy or pre-occupied to do so.<BR>You should really send a email to Island Outpost corporate web site and let them know. After all it ain't cheap and guests deserve better than what you got.

Thanks Islandgirl, for the info! Especially about the shark snorkeling? Do any of the other dive operators do shark snorkeling, or just Stuart Cove?

I believe Stuart Cove is the only operation that offers the snorkelling with the sharks. Other dive operators may offer shark dives and some of the Exuma powerboat operators offer a shark feeding portion to the trip.

rich, out of curiosity where exactly was this beach that James was supposed to tend to? You don't mean the public beach at the far west end of the property, do you? Why would that be Compass Point's responsibility? <BR><BR>Don't think Compass Point is any more than it is -- glorified beach bungalows, perfect for a quiet getaway but little else.

To ?: Let me reply on behalf of Rich. Compass Point has a small postage-stamp sized beach on its property. Now as part of the hotel's service, snorkelling and kayaking are supposed to be available. However, there was no one to staff this service. The pool area was, quite frankly, a disaster area. Wet towels and glasses left everywhere. Loungers not cared for and many broken. Towels not replaced. When you pay the rate you pay at an Island Outpost property that prides itself on "service" -- this is a let down.

Island Girl, you mean that tiny little piece of sand by the dock really was the beach? Wow. The pool isn't very big either.<BR><BR>Was just down in Nassau too and I'm not sure what to think of Compass Point. Didn't stay there but had a good look around and ate at the restaurant twice (it was very good). Take away the brightly painted buildings and really, what do you have? Very pricey beach bungalows?<BR><BR><BR>

We have given up on Nassau and now go to the family island of Eleuthera. The beaches are incredible and deserted. The restaurants have good, plain food at great prices and the people are so friendly and hospitable.There are plenty of houses on the beach for rent and small cottage hotels.We found a rental on www.bahamasweb.com but there is a web site www.eleu.net also. Check it out, it is marvelous!

First to Island Girl. What we always enjoyed about Compass Point was the beauty and serenity. We always were treated well, especially by James - he made sure we had PLENTY of towels and our space on the patio EVERY day (family was a group of 7). <BR>To Mr or Ms ??: Compass Point has a small beach that allows guests access to the ocean. There is a beautiful reef about 100 yards out from shore where we have seen rays, turtles, barracuda and last time even a group of dolphins. The beach at the far end of Compass Point known as "Love Beach" is okay for a walk but that is about it and this hotel has NO responsibility for it! <BR>My family has been to Compass Point 3 times and will probably return because we LOVE it.<BR>Island Girl you should go to Fodors "rate it" page and let your rating be known.<BR>Take care

Hi, read about your trip. Other reviews I have read have almost had us cancell the trip. I understand why food is expensive, but is there any place you can go for local dishes or seafood that is really good. Is there a place that is resonable for happy hour. Do you know reliable operators of para-sailing?<BR>Like I said with what I have read we need to bring all the food and a stove. I don't mind spending money if it is decent.<BR>Please respond.

Marcia<BR>There are plenty of places to get a meal in Nassau that will not break the bank. Depending on where you are staying, you can try any of the Native Restaurants at Arawak Cay's Fish Fry. Deep Creek, Twin Brothers, Goldies or Big 10 Briland are my favorite. The Bahamian Kitchen has the best local food at reasonable prices. Cafe Johnny Canoes has a varied menu that won't break the bank, as well as places like Sabarro's Pizza, Conch Fritters, Mandarin Court(chinese), Crocodiles (burgers) and a ton of other places.<BR>Fine dining can be found at moderate prices try Montegue Gardens, Green Shutters, Cafe Matisse.<BR>Stay away from Atlantis Restaurants, they are far more expensive than they are worth.<BR>You can also find all your favorite fast foods to help stretch the budget.<BR>As for happy hour, you'll have to check the local "tourist News" or What's On Newspapers for advertisements and coupons. Parasailing is available at all of the major beaches, they are all pretty much the same. Negotiate your price before going out with them. Later in the day is usually cheaper.<BR>Have a great trip!

Marcia<BR>There are plenty of places to get a meal in Nassau that will not break the bank. Depending on where you are staying, you can try any of the Native Restaurants at Arawak Cay's Fish Fry. Deep Creek, Twin Brothers, Goldies or Big 10 Briland are my favorite. The Bahamian Kitchen has the best local food at reasonable prices. Cafe Johnny Canoes has a varied menu that won't break the bank, as well as places like Sabarro's Pizza, Conch Fritters, Mandarin Court(chinese), Crocodiles (burgers) and a ton of other places.<BR>Fine dining can be found at moderate prices try Montegue Gardens, Green Shutters, Cafe Matisse.<BR>Stay away from Atlantis Restaurants, they are far more expensive than they are worth.<BR>You can also find all your favorite fast foods to help stretch the budget.<BR>As for happy hour, you'll have to check the local "tourist News" or What's On Newspapers for advertisements and coupons. Parasailing is available at all of the major beaches, they are all pretty much the same. Negotiate your price before going out with them. Later in the day is usually cheaper.<BR>Have a great trip!