Tom

I'm going to the Atlantis this Saturday and was wondering if anyone had any info on the best way to get from the airport in Nassau to the resort, as well as what I can expect in terms of cost and time. I don't think the Atlantis has an airport shuttle, but I could be wrong. Thanks for your help.

Lorraine

We spent 6 days there over the holiday and it is marvelous.There are plenty of cabs(usually minivans)available at the airport at all times of the day and night. The cabs are union and have a set rate of $30.00 each way - that was for the 4 of us - doesn't matter how many, just a set fee. It takes anywhere from 35-50 min. depending on traffic, driver and route. It is a lovely drive if he/she takes the shore route. We did it 4 times once to go to the hotel, once to find our lost luggage (is a common problem in Nassau) again to pick up our son and then to leave. Don't waste your time and energy in the downtown area. The resort is lovely and the Marketplace restaurant is to die for. Melva, one of the evening hostesses, is a doll and will do anything she can to make your stay pleasurable. The macaroni and cheese and soups are great. Murray's deli is a sin especially after eating at the Stage deli and used to ny deli food. Have a great time.

Robert

A cab is about your only option. I would definately make it a point to venture outside the Atlantis properties to meet the Bahamian people around the straw market and Parliament Square area. Also, you will want to eat at some local restaurants with cultural and historical significance, such as the Green Shutters restaurant. It has an atmosphere that is unmatched. You learn a lot from the Bahamians outside the resort areas, and discover how naturaly pleasant and friendly they are to each other and to outsiders. There are some poorer parts of Nassau that you would not want to venture into(as with all large cities), so stick with the Bay Street area from Parliament Square down to the British Colonial. Unfortunately, the jitneys don't service the airport, but if you can get on one, by all means do so, and head out to West Bay Street which hugs the turqoise ocean west of Nassau. Robert

Traveller

Check with your travel agent as packages come with the transfers included.

tom

thanks for the info -I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Unfortunately, I will only be there for 3 nights so my opportunities to explore outside the resort will be limited. From the looks of it, it will take me 3 days just to explore the Atlantis.

Any recommendation on which of the gourmet restaurants to try?

(Traveller - I'm not going on a package so transfers are not included.)

Thanks again.

al

It's a little shortsighted to visit Atlantis and stay there without seeing the rest of Nassau, although that's exactly what Atlantis wants you to do. How else will you get a feel for the island you're visiting? Atlantis is beautiful, but has more in common with Las Vegas than the Bahamas. Definitely spend some time in downtown Nassau, do a little window shopping and stop off for a bite to eat if you see something you like. Walk across the PI Bridge and make a left. Not too far up on the left is a restaurant called The Poop Deck which has some fantastic fresh fish and other island cuisine.

As for your question, you're probably limited to a taxi if you don't get transfers from your travel agent.

Gail

Our favorite gourmet restaurant at Atlantis is Villa D'Este. We also like Fathoms where you can view the aquariums while you eat. We were diappointed in Five Twins. We like lunch at the Lagoon Bar and Grille and the view from there is great.

Robert

The above post gave me an additional idea for ya; namely, below the Poop Deck is Bahama Divers, the oldest and most experienced dive op in Nassau. You can see the Bahamian reefs via snorkeling tours with them, and they will pick you up and deliver you back to your hotel. It would be a same to spend all three days at the Atlantis, and the beach there is nice but lacks the variety of flora and fauna found underneath the water. Another great restaurant downtown is the Graycliff, as seen on many TV shows; i.e., Burt Wolfe(?), the Food Channel, etc. Robert

tom

Thanks Gail. I'll probably try two of the gourmet restaurants and one casual. To the posts urging me to explore outside the Atlantis - I understand what you're saying but that's not what this trip is about for me - just looking for a little sun, beach, gambling and good food. If I like the Atlantis and go back in the future, I'm sure I will explore Nassau and the surrounding area.