Yes, I use trip advisor...Yes, I knew it was expensive. I have no issue with exspense at all.
The only time I ever have an issue with expense is when I am being taken for a ride.
I own a resturant's.
I know service, I know food and I know wine.I have done this for over 20 years.
I was just giving my opinion.Take it or leave it.What I say doesn't matter.
I just wanted to help other familys who were taking their kids to Atlantis/Paradise Island and if they could relate to my post and what I was looking for in a resort, maybe they wouldn't make the same mistake as I did.
I don't want to get beaten up for an opinion. It is just that..an opinion.No Big Deal.

Well I for one thank you for letting us know about your experience.
I almost booked a stay at Paradise Island. I am so glad I didn't after reading your post.

I just returned from The Cove at Atlantis and would love to go back with my children. The ocean btw, was as calm as bathwater the 4 days we were there - and the service was amazing as was our room and the food.
We are trying to plan a trip back alreayd...expensive? Very - but I can see our children having a blast.

my wife and i went to the atlantis last may and the resort would be alot better if it were only half the size. its just way to big and overpriced. somebody has to pay for the size it might as well be the guests.

Pehaps that is why the Cove was so enjoyable - it did not "feel" large et -we could go to the other areas if we wanted to - but being with adults there was really no reason to other then to explore a little and dine one night. The Cain pool even has gaming.

What a bummer,I spent my honeymoon on Paridise Island in 1984 and stayed at the Grand Hotel at the time on the beach. You can't beat that beach. It is one of the nicer ones in the caribbean. I've been back three times since on cruise ships and each time it changes.

Now that the straw market is gone Nassau is not the same to me. And yes, I do agree the Atlantis has went overboard in trying to remove money from visitors pockets. I could not believe they wanted $25 each to walk thru the aquarium. Thats just greedy. I will not return in this life time. But, if anyone must, do book the Comfort Suites across the street to save a bundle of cash. The Suites has full privilages to all of Atlantis properties.

Good places to eat on a budget: Johnny Canoes, Poop Deck in Nassau. It's a shame how expensive it is these days to travel. Money goes nowhere today. Rone

Well, I was there for the second time, last winter with my children and four grandkids and we had a ball!!! The water is soooo beautiful and calm..the kids had a great time while we lounged by the pool. Gio Gigi's is great for dinner with kids(or not) Great food. For a nice dinner out Cafe Matise was great!! I can't understand anyone not loving it. Does anyone know of a place near PI where just my husband and I could go for a trip. I love the water there and would like to be near PI but not in it. Thanks , Sharon

Try the Ocean Club (one and only property) on PI, or the Hilton (not a resort) / Compass Point in Nassau.

There's plenty to do and see other than Atlantis, and more to Nassau than Downtown.

You might even look into the out islands. Harbour Island, Northern Eleuthera, Exumas, Andros or even the Abaco's would be a great start.

My pick would be Pink Sands at HI, or Kamalame Cay on Andros.

Paradise Island is a shrine to all that is manmade. From fake cays, to fabricated manaray habitats, most things you lay your eyes on are the dream (nightmare?) of an aggressive investor from South Africa who decided he could and should construct a modern embodiment of what Atlantis might have been. The hotel towers and water parks tend to clutter up the ocean views. In fact, a simple walk to the ocean will require guests to cut through the expansive maze of pools, slides and fountains. My experiance at Royal Towers was adequate but I became disheartened when four requests to repair the in-room internet service produced nothing but promises. Moving around the lobby became a bit of a chore at busy times but it was good knowing the casino was just a few steps away from my suite.

Most food was very good but quite expensive. I cannot think of a bad meal and even the consessionas stands and cabanas at the watar park offered decent selections. The bottom line with Atlantis is this: if you have kids and need to keep then occupied all day long, you will be happy with the resort. For those of you interested in a romantic getaway, you will probably be less than patient with the noise, foot traffic and staged attractions. And for all those above, be prepared to spend some serious coin during your stay.

Has anyone been to RIU Paradise Island? Member of our group is allergic to bees and I was curious as to whether or not the resort sprays or if they are a problem?

All resorts spray for mosquitos and no-seeums. Bees usually are found around garbage cans.

Like anywhere else, be vigilant and bring bug spray and whatever medication is necessary should you be stung.

RIU is no different from any other resort in the islands

Hi Scuba Girl,

Did you like the RIU? Did the bees bother you while you were by the pool with drinks? How about the swim up bar? Someone else said further down the beach they were all over the sand.