My wife and I and our 3 yr old daughter are thinking about going to either the Sheraton or Westin in Sept. And I have a couple of questions. I've read a number of positive reports about the facilities but some of my questions were not addressed. 1-Does either hotel have suites?, 2-What are the childrens programs like? 3-Is one hotel more family friendly than another? 4-Can anyone recommend a good scuba diving outfit nearby?

Thanks in advance!

It looks like you've searched for the general information so I will answer one of your specific questions re: the childcare facility.
I was looking at the kid's club there as an interested parent and they gave me a tour. The baby room inside had clean cribs and was okay. The toddler area and older was extremely limited in varied activities. There is an extensive list of the activities for each age group but the counselor said they are frequently cancelled due to low interest in the program itself. The most problematic area of the kid's club was this large cement circle with one small metal swingset where the free-play area was. Midday there was no hope of any shaded area at all and it was broiling out there. Overall, the older Bahamian women who I spoke with were pleasant and did seem very competent. The facility was clean and is in its own little house near the Sheraton. When I toured in August, there were no children who had signed up that day so I have no idea of how the operation truly functions. Also, this was a little over a year ago and the program facilities may have been improved. Hope this helps. Threehearts

Yes the Westin has suites. They're actually in a different building. We didn't stay in one but they looked really nice. If I remember correctly, they were in a building with only 2 floors all the way on the left of the resort (when you're facing the beach). They looked really nice.
I believe the Sheraton's pool is more child friendly. In case you're not aware, you can use both facilities no matter which hotel you stay (they're right next to each other, walking distance). The Westin is really nice. We didn't stay at the Sheraton but exterior-wise the Westin looks a lot nicer.

The suites Caribtraveler is talking about are called the Lanai Suites. The problem is they are THE most expensive rooms in the entire resort. They are technically part of Lighthouse Point, the second hotel that is part of the Westin at our Lucaya, the other being Breaker's Cay, the highrise. You may want to call them directly and ask about suites at Breaker's Cay. I am not sure but think they have some on the upper floors. You should be able to find an 800 number at www.ourlucaya.com. You will find families staying mainly at the Sheraton (also called Reef Village) but many stay at the Westin Breaker's Cay also, which is the middle of the three hotels. I suggest you send an email to Janice Treco, who lives on the island, and ask her about good scuba diving outfits. She lives on GBI and loves helping tourists. Her email address is [email protected]

Hope this helps.

Danny

Danny

Danny,
Just wanted to say, thanks so much for being a great resource for G.B.I.. Threehearts

we have stayed at the sheraton grand bahamas twice in the last 3 years. I have some info for you. first , the kids club in the summer is rarely used. mostly because the resort is not that busy during the summer. the help is very good there and as a matter of fact we used one of the nannies to babysit one night and it was fine. the Lanai Suites are very nice. If you are going with young children they will want to spend most of their time at the pool down at the sheraton and while it is not a great distance it is not that convienient to the Lanai suites. the rooms at the sheraton are fine, clean and big enough. you won,t be spending much time there anyway. The resort is very safe.....never felt intimidated by anyone the hair braiders are part of the resort and no outside solicitors are allowed on the property. there are lots of activities all day on the great lawn in back of the sheraton. Food is expensive on the resort itself. It is ok but certainly not worth the money unless you are doing the buffets in the sheraton or willy broadleafs. However, there is the MARKETPLACE which is right across the street from the Sheraton that has lots of restaurants from greek diners to Irish pubs to Italian many are very good and very reasonable inprice. There are some to avoid. Fat mans nephew is one to avoid. there is live entertainment every night inthe square and everybody is there. great place for the kids. Two restaurants I would highly reccommend are the Irish Pub.......prices are good, food ok...potato soup is to die for. Service is a bit slow but it is family owned and fun. The other one you must eat at is Giovanni's. We ate there twice the owners wife....Genny greets everyone with a smile. The kids spaghetti and meatballs was devoured both times by our kids...the veal marsala so tender it was fork cut..tell Genny that the Jenneys from new york said hello. If you are thinking about the dolphin experience DO IT. my kids had a really good time as did mom and dad. we did not do the swim but heard it was really good. The casino is small but very friendly and bright. A nice sports bar on one end. No high rollers seen.....Have a great time!

Agree with all the above but would add that the Sheraton does have suites and they are very nice. We used a standard pool/ocean view room at Sheraton and it was also very nice. My son and his wife were upgraded to an ocean view suite and it was wonderful. While the food can be expensive within the resort the quanity is large and it is quite possible to feed two people from one order, especially the wraps at China Grill. ANother good hint, the sodas in the vending machines in the Sheraton, right next to the ice machines on each floor, are $1 which is much less than what you will pay at any of the bars. Stock up at the vending machines. The marketplace across the street is the place to go for less expensive food. Irish pub is great, Calleys for breakfast, great snack bar at UNEXCO for quick lunch, others are good to. Enjoy your trip it is a nice place to take a holiday.

Thanks for all your help.
I can't wait to go!