We will be staying at Old Bahama Bay for four nights. I understand it's very quiet and relaxing, which is just what we are looking for....

However, I thought it might be fun to head to Lucaya for a day. Is it possible to access the beach and use the facilities at one of the hotels there for the day. Do they charge for a day pass, or could we just kinda wander over and use their facilities

It's such a big resort, I can't imagine how they can tell who's a guest or not.
I didn't any type of checking when we stayed there last year.
Great beach and great pools there. Enjoy.

Our Lucaya issues wrist bands to all guests when they get a towel by the pool. If a security person sees you without a wrist band either in one of the pools or using their equipment (chairs, etc.), you MAY be asked to leave. There are other times when they don't even check. They do NOT and CANNOT do anything about your using the beach and certainly will not prohibit you from buying beverages or food at their beach bars/restaurants. If it's not crowded you may not have any problems at all but the worst thing that can happen is you will be asked to refrain from using their facilities and/or equipment. Give it a shot and at the very least you can enjoy the great beach area there. I also recommend eating at Billy Joe's just off the property line of Reef Village (Sheraton). Great food for a decent price. Food at the resort is very expensive.

Regards, and enjoy.

Danny

We did not get wristbands when we stayed at the Westin last October. The front desk gave us a card when we checked in. When we'd pick up towels, the towel guy would take the card from us. We'd get the card back when we returned the towels.

Caribtraveler is correct. I must have had a brain cramp while responding. However, there have been reports recently on some other web sites about the wrist bands reappearing.

Danny

We did get wristbands for getting a towel only. When towel card was turned in a wrist band was applied, which meant that you could get dry and clean towels all day long. At end of day band was cut off and card returned. If we did not check out a towel we had no band and were never prevented from using any of the pools. This was end of May 04. As stated above the beach is public so anyone can use it.

It is also pretty long haul from West End to Lucaya - you might want to rent a car if you have not already. One day car rental will probably be less that round trip taxi. Parking is free at Marketplace just across from Sheraton/Westin. Try the Market Place for good food and drink also.

We just returned (July 29) from the Sheraton at Our Lucaya. I noticed a lot of tourists using the beach without any incidents. Anyone is allowed to use the beach. Yes, the wrist bands are being used again BUT that is for towels. Many guests don't want to wear the bands and they don't have to wear them, just turn it back in and they get their 'towel' card back. As a visitor you'll be bringing your own towels. IF you try to use a lounge chair on the beach early in the morning you will most likely be asked to show that you are a guest of the hotels. By mid-late morning it's harder to tell who is and who isn't a guest. I don't know why but visitors seemed to congregate by the Sheraton's side of the beach and not by the Westin side. The beach is the same. More serene by the Westin pools, that was our choice. Where the pools end the beach begins. As others mentioned, plan on eating lunch at Billy Joe's. It's just to the side of the Sheraton's beach. The food is great and much less than the hotel restaurants. ...already looking forward to returning, we truly enjoyed GBI. Just remember to RELAX & smile when you get off the plane. Enjoy.

Does anyone have any information regarding the all inclusive option at Lucaya? i would be interested in that as I have three teens who constantly are eating.

DAVSAZ,

I think I already answered your question on another board. Even though you have 3 hungry as a wolf teenagers, I'm sure you'd save considerably by not doing the all inclusive and feeding the kids at Billy Joe's for lunch or across the street at the Marketplace. We had subs from Subway one evening for the kids and another time for lunch while exploring the island. Definitely take a small collapsable cooler, it will come in handy and also consider packing a box full of snacks the teens would enjoy. They will appreciate having it and you'll end up saving time and money in the long run. Enjoy.