Nassau - Atlantis or ???
 

Helping nephew plan an anniversary trip & orig. thought of the Atlantis which
appears to be out of his budget.

Does anyone know if you can buy passes for the Atlantis to view the marine
world or other activities?

Has anyone stayed at any other hotel there that they can recommend that
is under $200/nite for a double? THis would be early fall 2012.

Have only been there on a cruise ship stop so any advice is MUCH appreciated.

www.booking.com/city/bs/nassau.en.html
lots of good options even cheaper for me
betterbidding.com priceline.com
Good personal experience at British Colonial
spirit.com saves me on air
cheapcaribbean.com other great deals
avoid Breezes VERY bad reviews...

Happy Planning!

this hotel is very conviently located next door, owned by same company as atlantis & offers full access day pass. may not be under 200 but close.
http://www.comfortsuitespi.com/
some other hotel options in price range but not with day pass - which is very expensive for full access.

I agree they should look into the Comfort Suites. There is also a small free breakfast included there. It is right across the street from Atlantis and provides access to Atlantis.
They will still have to buy their food though which can get pricey if they eat right at Atlantis. There are plenty of other places around where they can eat though.

Thanks a bunch...I will look into this.

Does anyone know if this is the only hotel that offers access to Atlantis??

again much appreciated.

Yes, and I've heard they might not be offering anymore. Really Atlantis is the best reason to go to Nassau/paradise island. Maybe split your trip? (1-2 nights there, then somewhere else?). It's getting harder and harder to "bet the system" of not staying there but trying to see it/hang out. Last I heard they're even stopping people in the lobby of royal tower from just seeing the aquariums there if not staying.

So yu really need to go to Paradise Island when you can stay at Atlantis, maybe pick somewhere else for vacation? Comfort suites is the cheapest alternative.

just looked comfort suites web site. "Comfort Suites is an all suite Bahamas hotel located in Nassau, Paradise Island. We provide affordable accommodations and complete access to all amenities at the famed Atlantis Resort."

I think what blamona was referring to was the fact that Atlantis is being taken over by a Canadian company and since Comfort Suites is NOT owned by or part of Atlantis, (but is only working on an agreement system,) we are unsure if this perk will continue once ownership is switched.

For now, Comfort Suites still is under that agreement

Security is currently keeping non-guests and non-pass holders from wandering around the lobbies and checking out the marine life. No telling what's next.

I have visited Bahamas 5 or 6 times and agree Atlantis is way expensive but so magical! I could not afford it either. Bought the aquarium tour for $36 dollars for the both of us. At the end of the tour you can actually walk right into the resort with no problem. (haven't been there since 2010 so it could have changed) Once you are actually in the resort you should be golden. So much to see in there.

That being said i would recommend staying at cable beach on the other side of the island. Very nice hotel and they have a great casino and private beach out back. At night in Nassau the "fish fry" is a must stop for food lovers. its just 1-2 miles from the cruise ship dock and they have amazing conch fritters and food for ridiculously low prices. Tons of bars and small restaurants around there as well. Also the bamboo club is a hopping hot spot for ages 18-40 =)

We went there 2 times back in 2004 and 2005 (a while ago). It's nice for a first time thing but not nice to return to. Friends who have gone as well as friends all say it is way too crowded. You have to book the good restaurants way in advance. It isn't cheap either. If they are going in the fall they will avoid the ridiculous crowds though. It is pretty much top notch though and is truly something to see.

The deal with the Canadian company Brookfield has been called off. Comfort Suites is your best option for your budget. You get a decent room, breakfast and day pass to Atlantis. You can save a lot by ordering drinks and snacks online through Foodstore2go before you arrive.

We have been to Atlantis several times and all but one are deeply discounted rates.
Look for Ebay sales on the Harborside at Atlantis. These are condos right on property with full access. You can find rates as low as $100-200 per night.
We've also stayed at the Beach Tower,(rates from $140-199 per room per night), my favorite since it's the biggest rooms and closest to the beach. It's the oldest of the buildings but has been completely refurbished.