First time trip to Bahamas. How are these resorts?
Anyone been there lately? Is the construction on Paradise Island a problem--especially for Paradise Paradise? Any other recommendations for hotels welcome--looking for peace and quiet, not glitz and glamour!

A neat place my wife and I always liked is the old British colonial Hotel, nicknamed the "BC" by bahamians. It's right on the turn on Bay Street, roughly a 2 minute stroll to the Straw Market. Nine acres of private grounds and nice beach which looks out to Paradise Island and the Queen's harbor where the cruise ships come in to dock. Snorkeling is nice for the beginner, and with snorkel and mask, one can see butterfly fish, grouper, a few small baracuda, angel fish, etc., in shallow water just a few feet offshore(by the breakwall to the left when facing the ocean from shore). It was less than $95.00 per night for a double when we last stayed there several summers ago. Rooms were clean and semi-luxurious. This summer we're trying the Comfort Suites, next to the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island, so we would appreciate any feedback on the construction, too. Swithching hotels only because Bahama Divers doesn't serve the "BC". Let us know your impressions, too. Thanks.

My 4 sisters and I just returned from a 4 night vacation in the Bahamas. We stayed at the Comfort Suites on Paradise Island. To tell you the truth, the constuction was a BIG issue for us. We supposedly were upgraded to a "garden view" room. As we looked out our window, all we could see was heavy equipment (front end loaders, dump trucks, etc.). We asked for a room change to a quieter area (they started working before 7:00 and continued until 10 pm.) They weren't able to accomodate our request in the four nights for some reason...

We loved the access to the Atlantis, although getting there was quite an adventure. The path that is usually available was closed by the second day (apparently they were laying sewer pipes). Each day we were directed down a different route. Hopefully by the time you go, the construction will be less of a problem. It was very dusty due to the fact that they were digging through limestone.

The Atlantis was beautiful and the staff was very helpful. If you're staying at the Comfort suites or the Atlantis (which I hear is only about $40 per night more expensive than the Comfort Suites right now (I would stay there, then you wouldn't have to deal with the construction)) and you're into walking, running or doing aerobics take advantage of the 9:00 aerobics/power walking class. When I arrived at 9:00, there were no other guests taking the class, so I felt like I had a personal trainer. We went on power walks, power runs through the Ocean Club (beautiful grounds and a great view of the cloisters) and I really got to know a lot about the Bahamian people, their customs and traditions. Bridgette and Charles are the activities coordinators. They went out of their way to make sure that I got a great workout and had fun at the same time. If you go, tell them Andrea said HI!

Despite the issues that cropped up, my sisters and I had a great time by laughing a lot and just being together for 4 days without husbands and kids!

Enjoy!

We just returned from Nassau Beach Hotel and we had a great time. The hotel recently was bought by Marriott, Crystal Palace next door. They have done alot of refurbishing in and out. We found it very comfortable and the beach was the best I've seen on Cable beach. Absolutely clean and sparkling. We also were entitled to use all the amenities at Crystal Palace. Nassau Beach was very quiet and relaxing and the staff was very friendly and accomodating. They have 6 resteraunts to choose from, we found Johnny Canoe reasonable priced and very good food. We didn't have to leave the resort for anything. The mini-version of the straw market is across the street along with a newly built
Sbarros pizza next door. I would recommend this over any paradise island resort at this time. We took a boat around Paradise Island and the construction still looks horrendous. Hope this helps.
Have a great time.

My husband and I are regulars at Paradise Paradise. In fact, we are going for 11 days in November, already have the reservation.

The rooms are VERY PLAIN. In fact, the first time I walked into one of their rooms, I was shocked. There is no carpet on the floors (which actually means they are able to keep the rooms cleaner--no mildewy odors from wet carpet), and the rooms are sparsely decorated. But they are roomy, and conveniently set up, with a vanity area separate from the bathroom. I eventually fell in love with the hotel. It is much much cheaper than most other places. The staff is warm and attentive, the rooms are spotlessly clean, the food is more reasonable than other restaurants, and it is good food. The beach at Paradise Paradise is gorgeous, the prettiest in Nassau. Paradise Paradise is about a quarter of a mile from Atlantis, a nice walk along a tree-lined path with sidewalk, very safe. They also have a shuttle which runs every half hour. Atlantis has a big casino, lots of expensive restaurants, and many many kids. Paradise Paradise is a peaceful haven compared to Atlantis, but we walked to the casino every evening and sometimes ate at the reasonably priced Casino Cafe.

I do not know about the construction, but I do not imagine that construction around the Atlantis would affect Paradise Paradise.

One word of advice. Bring some packaged foods from home to keep in your hotel room, like cereal, snacks, etc. Food is very expensive in the Bahamas. We ended up ordering a lot of pizza, after spending 100 every night for dinner for a few nights.

Am planning a trip to the Nassau Beach Hotel this summer, and was wondering if there were any construction, plumbing or linen problems.Got some negative feedback from a Bahamas chat forum.
Is there an excercise room, and a gaming room for teens? We are booked in a two bedroom suite.We're not looking for glitz, but would like a few diversions for the evening. Our interest is mainly scuba.
Thanks for any info you can provide.