We have booked a week at the Atlantis for March and I see widely varying opinions in Rants and Raves about this property. We have two teen girls who wanted to go and bought the dining plan. Do we need to "tip" someone on arrival? Any tips on making it a better vacation? I know it's expensive. How can I make the best of this trip?

Was there for a week and have no problems with the place. It's a beautiful property, no doubt about it, and it's a holiday you'll always remember. Expensive, yes, glitzy, yes, alot like Vegas, yes, but there's nothing like the blue Bahamian water and Atlantis has boatloads of things to do -- aquariums, waterslides, shops, water sports, etc. -- to keep the teens occupied.

Hi Becky,<BR>Reminder: you're going to Atlantis.<BR>You can make the best of your vacation by simply enjoying yourself and going with the flow.<BR>Give the girls some independence, sit with your husband with a drink w/an umbrella in it. Snorkel, sunbathe, swim, shop, eat.... Do you need more tips?? Have fun!

I have been to the ATlantis several times and had always had great service. I've heard others complain about rude staff memebers,but I've only encountered very pleasant staff. We actually spent less money when we did NOT take the dining plan, but then we were two adults, no teens. <BR> The gounds at Atlantis are incredible. Take long walks all around the complex. We discover new things each time we go. Your girls will love all the pools and slides, and the lazy river ride. The beach is wonderful too. Our favorite restaurant at Atlantis is Villa D'Este. We also really enjoyed the Bahamian Club. We loved the view and the food for lunch at the Lagoon Bar and Grille. <BR> Just relax, and have FUN!

Thanks for the positive spin on the Atlantis. Apparently, some people had a bad experience. I am looking forward to a great time!

The Atlantis is fantastic for sure. Eating there, however, is expensive. Across the street is Anthony's Carribean Grill which is quite nice and the most reasonable restaurant on the island.

I just got back last night. I had a great time. But I do have one complaint. I would love to hang out outside at one of the bars in the evening, but they close so that everyone will move in to the Casinos. I don't gamble. They would make more money off of me if they kept the Beach Bar or one of the others open. We were not the only ones at the bar. There were quite a few people. I know they do this to get more people into the Casino, but it didn't get me into the Casino. So I wish they would have just one bar open outside for us people who love being outside, drinking Pina Coladas in the beautiful warm weather.

Hey Posieden,<BR>Real classy answer there guy!!<BR>Do you start 7th grade this year or next? If you don't like a place, or had a bad experience, fine, but your post represents you as a person.....pretty much a joke. Grow up punk!!

We spent 10 days at the gorgeous Atlantis, and had a wonderful time. Our room was superb, the restaurants were excellent, the beach and pool were perfect, the shopping was good, and the aquarium was nice. It's located on Paradise Island, so safety is not a problem. We saw too much aggression, scams, & troublemakers in Nassau from the locals.

Thinking about going to the Atlantis mid-April. For those who have been there recently, are all the restaurants open? Are there any renovations going on? Thx! <BR><BR>

All the restaurants at Atlantis are open, and there are currently no renovations. The Sheraton is the one that has been closed for renovations since hurricaine Michelle.

the restaurants are all open but not all of them are open every day. I suggest that you check with guest services when you arrive - they have a book with menus from each of the restaurants- and make your dinner reservations for your stay.<BR>

I just came back on Sunday - there are renovations going on at the Beach Tower. If you are staying at the Beach Tower, the taxi will take you to the Coral Tower to check in and then you have to walk back to the Beach Tower. The taxi cannot drive up to the front of the Beach Tower. Not such a big deal, but I thought I'd let you know.

Molly,<BR>Can you tell us about your stay at the Atlantis?<BR>Was the place really crowded?<BR>Am planning for Easter 2003 and wonder if this is a good choice, regardless of the number of people.<BR>What can you share with us?

Tricia,<BR> It's hard to say if it's a good choice for you if you don't tell us what you're looking for in a vacation. I have been to Atlantis several times when it was fully booked. The place is SO BIG that we never felt the effects of the crowds. Just make your dinner reservations when you get there. We never had trouble getting a chair on the beach. You might have difficulty getting a chair at some of the pools later in the day, but there are so many pools to choose. You should love it. The water slides and lazy river ride a great fun. The aquariums and The Dig are incredible, and the grounds are a sight to behold.

Thanks Doug & Tom for restaurant advice. <BR><BR>Molly or Gail - How far a walk is it from the Beach Tower to the Casino and main restaurants? Is there a shuttle bus that will drive you if necessary? We plan on taking my 82-year old father, in addition to our 4 and 8 year old kids, so we are deciding which tower will best meet all our needs. The 4 year old doesn't swim well yet so smaller pools and slides will be better for him (and I believe they are located between the Beach and Coral Towers) . Dad can't walk too well so we don't want to knock him out too much walking all over the place. Is the Coral Tower our best bet since it's more centrally located? Or is the Beach Tower really just as easy to go back and forth from? <BR><BR>Sorry for all the questions, but this is the type of info you can only get from someone who has actually been there! Thanks!

The Beach Tower is further. If you are in good shape, it's no big deal, but I don't know if I'd want an 82 year old to do all that walking. Several restaurants are actually between the Beach and Coral Towers. The rest are in the Royal Towers. We always stayed in the Coral Towers because of its central location. You Dad might even have trouble getting to the beach. Would he consider renting a wheel chair while you're there. The grounds are really vast and it would be a shame if he didn't get to see it all. A great deal of it is not wheel chair accessible either.

Gail, thanks for your response.<BR>I just needed to know if you "felt crowded" during peak time at Atlantis. My sons are in high school & junior high, thus taking them out of school for a "non-peak week" is not an option for us. We'll be there the week following Easter next year.<BR>I have done my homework and I'm sure this will be a super place to vacation with my family.<BR>Just one question though ~ is it necessary to make reservations for the dive operator companies? Will want to go on snorkel excursion & perhaps do the Powerboat Adventure. Will I need to book these in advance? If so, how far in advance is necessary?<BR>Thank you for any insight.

It's always my feeling that it doesn't hurt to make a reservation in advance. You probably could contact a dive operator once you get there. The power boat adventure sometimes fills up quickly.

For a dive operator, contact Robert Barnett at Native Divers, 242 393 5206.<BR>www.bahamas-nativedivers.com.<BR>This is a great new dive shop which is not crowded and has a very flexible schedule. They will pick you us at the Paradise Dock.<BR>Have a great trip!<BR>