Anyone been? If so and inexpensive hotel suggestions? Trying to go in January. Thanks, Dale

dale, try posting on the Carribean forum. There is quite a lot of activity there.

DALE--

I should warn you that January on Grand Bahama Island can be quite chilly, with highs sometimes in the 50s. Another thing you should know about this island is that it was developed in the 1950s by a rich American financier...so there's not much in the way of Bahamian history in Freeport/Lucaya. For these reasons, I chose instead to go to New Providence (island containing capital Nassau) in the Bahamas.

That said, I hear the beaches of Grand Bahama are gorgeous and the people quite friendly. Go to www.bahamas-mon.com or www.wheretostay.com for accommodation suggestions (the latter has accommodation reviews).

Have fun whatever you decide. DAN>

I've been to Freeport multiple times and LOVE it there. The person who wrote the previous response is correct...there isn't much history there, but it's much less commercial than Nassau. The beaches are awesome (rent a car/buggy) and drive out to the national park. It's like a little piece of paradise that you can literally enjoy without the typical crowds. You can also do the dolphin experience, snorkel/dive, fish, or whatever else you want.

Do they have the people trying to hustle you and braid your hair like in Nassau?

Yes, the hair-braiders are there. But they're not nearly as annoying as the para-sailing hucksters: "It's better than sex, mon."
Personally, I've never understood the attraction of Grand Bahama Island. It seems a little seedy to me.

I'm with you cool, I think both Freeport and Nassau are tacky. Dale, the out islands of the Bahamas are pretty nice, Harbor Island, Abaco and Exuma and Eleuthera. Try the Carribean forum you will get more help with accomodations etc.

Ditto above--Bahamas has lots of poverty. I would pay extra and stay somewhere nice on the island.