Caribbean Family Resorts

[FTF]

Posted by FTF

We recently contacted a number of traveling families to research a story about the top resorts for families in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. You'll find their candid opinions below, organized by the destination they're describing. We're sure you'll find their reports as useful as we did. Please email us with any comments you'd like to add to this page. Thank you. Kyle McCarthy, Editor

[Lalyn Kenyon]

Posted by Lalyn Kenyon

In Reply to: CARIBBEAN FAMILY RESORTS posted by FTF

Well, where do I start. We just returned from a week long vacation at the Atlantis on Paradise Island.
We took my son (2 1/2) and met our best friends with their child (4 1/2). We were looking forward to
a wonderful vacation.
The Atlantis did not live up to expectations. The service was horrendous. It took
us over four hours to check-in. As you can imagine, we had two tired toddlers who spent the better part
of the waiting time running around the lobby. We found out later that they had over booked the hotel so
severely that they were sending people into Nassau to other hotels. Once into the rooms we did find them
as promised (waterview, suite...). However, when we called to have a cot brought into our nanny's room
it never arrived. We called at 6:30 pm. At 1am the nanny gets a call saying they have located a cot. At
thatpoint she told them to forget it the kids were already asleep. She asked them to deliver it in the
morning. Needless to say, when we got back to the room the following evening, the cot had still not been
delivered. To make a long story short, the cot arrived at 3:30 am the next morning.
Service problem number two was the room keys. Everyday our keys would deactivate for some unknown reason.
(we found out later the cards can not be placed next to one another, near a credit card, nor can the get wet.)
This was happening to everyone who was staying in the Royal Towers.
Thus the lines at guest services, to reactivate cards could be up to 45 min. long.
Service problem number three. We could never get guest services on the phone. (you need them to make and confirm
dinner reservations, arrange for golf or tennis, ....). A piece of advice to any of you thinking of going to
the Atlantis. Opt for the meal plan. It is a deal relative to the prices of the restaurants and if you do the gourmet
plan, make your reservations well in advance of arrival. Many people we spoke to had opted for that plan but then found
they could not get into any of the better restaurants.
Service problem number four. Housekeeping was very sporadic. Some days our room was clean by 9:30 am, other days
it never got cleaned at all.
Service problem number five. You had to wait for everything. The lunch lines for the outdoor snack bars and drink bars
could be up to 30 min. (average was probably 20min.). There are just too many guests for the facility. Every morning you
have to race down to one of the pools, before breakfast, to secure a group of lounge chairs for your family. Inevitably, this
would cause untold arguments later in the day.
Everyone we spoke to during our week vacation said they would never come back. I concur. If you enjoy a stress free vacation,
this is not the place. Beware, many people go to atlantis to partake in the water slides. Children under 48 inches are not allowed
on any of the slides. (they do have two very small kids slides but if you kids are like ours, all they wanted to do was go on the
bigger ones). Well, I hope this helps all of you. Happy vacation planning.

[LameeceG]

Posted by From: LameeceG

In Reply to: CARIBBEAN FAMILY RESORTS posted by FTF

Hi - we didn't use the kids club or babysitting at Atlantis. Found staff kid-friendly. It was nice to have kids menus at most restaurants. Adult things to do: well, we brought the kids (2 & 4) to the show in the casino and they loved it. One of us watched them while the other played some machines - that was the extent of our gambling. Having been to Atlantis before it was Atlantis, we knew our way around the island, and things we wanted to see in Nassau. We just tried to get shuttles or taxis to places in the a.m., then get back in time for a noon-time nap. Then we had the afternoon and evening to swim or explore again. Blue Lagoon island was the best experience ever, great boat band, great lunch, great beach toys, great snorkelling,and the StingRay City there is great for all ages. We managed to snorkel with the kids: one learned to snorkel there holding hands with me, and the little one floated in a tube while my husband snorkeled next to him. They make everyone wear life vests. We live in Fla. where jet ski rental runs $25 - 35 - there it was $60 for 1/2 hour and $120 for an hour. Lots of people were still doing it though. Last time we went, we tried to do the Dolphin Experience, but there was a huge thunderstorm. Money was refunded, but some people still went in the water for the experience and the swim. You can see the dolphins from the Blue Lagoon beach/dock for free. We worried a bit about the bacteria level of the pools at Atlantis. Seagulls and other birds were constantly pooping on the waterfalls, and there were drink things and cigarette butts floating in the water.... Can't think of anything else to add.

[Jeannine]

Posted by Jeannine on March 11, 2000 at 20:05:35:

In Reply to: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by From: LameeceG on :

We are planning a trip to the atlantis with four adults and three children. does anyone have any reccomendations on what are fn things to do while we are there. Th Blue laggoon was mentioned, what exactly is that and how much did it cost. Also someone mentioned something about a dolphin encounter, again, what exactly is that and how much does it cost. Is it safe to go out at night and if so what is there to do (with children agea 12,12, and 9). Can you rent bikes and go to Nassau? What are some good but inexpensive eats. sorry for all the questions but am trying to find out as much before we go so we don't spend the entire time trying to figure out what to do. thanks in advanced for any information.

[abbie]

Posted by abbie on January 04, 2000 at 09:13:04:

In Reply to: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by From: LameeceG on :

Atlantis is very good, I went with my mum and sister.

[Stacy Proodian]

Posted by Stacy Proodian on November 27, 2000 at 08:43:02:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by abbie on January 04, 2000 at 09:13:04:

I am interested in purchasing a gift certificate for my in-laws for Christmas. Do you offer gift certificates and what areas of the hotel can the certificate be applied?


Thank you,

Stacy Proodian

[mixilus]

Posted by mixilus on September 10, 2000 at 12:09:43:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by abbie on January 04, 2000 at 09:13:04:

I went there and enjoyed the experience of the hotel until I found out that Sun City owns and operates it, I personally would never go there again because of what Sun City represented

[Jenjes3]

Posted by Jenjes3

In Reply to: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by From: LameeceG

Hi... our children were too old for the babysitting ..... so we can not comment on their services... our room was a nice size.... the hotel was wonderful and beautiful.. loved it and would love to go back.... we stayed at the Coral Towers.........

[kforeman]

Posted by kforeman on February 06, 2000 at 19:57:27:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by Jenjes3 on :

My friends and I went this summer, and of all the resorts I've stayed in it was the best. We are all returning this year and bringing more friends!

[Cheryl]

Posted by Cheryl on February 15, 2000 at 09:44:04:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by kforeman on February 06, 2000 at 19:57:27:

We went to Atlantis in January with two small children (ages 2 1/2 & 4). We had a marvelous time and would recommend the resort to families with children of almost any age. While there were many excursions available, we ended up staying right at the resort for the whole week, with the exception of my husban who went scuba diving two mornings. Our 4 year old LOVED the Discovery Channel Camp. One word of caution: if you do a meal plan, write down how much you spent at each meal and review your bill carefully. Our final bill (after three rounds of negotiations) was $400 less than the first draft we received.

[terry morgan]

Posted by terry morgan on December 21, 1999 at 20:34:21:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by Jenjes3 on :


Second visit show staff have got their act together and are now relaxed and friendly. The quality of the restaurants is quite astonishing - it would not be an exaggeration to call the higher-end dining world class. A not so minor item - security - which is an increasing concern throughout much of the Caribbean, may be disregarded at Atlantis. Possibly it is due to the presence of a major casino at Atlantis with its necessary added security personnel but this family of 5 have never felt safer ANYWHERE. Contrast that with Jamaica or Puerto Rico with the hustlers and street crime. Finally, Atlantis is not inexpensive but the upkeep of this magnificent facily must be staggering - we went marginally over budget but did not begrudge the extra cost since there was always the feeling of receiving fair value for money paid. In summation - an awesome experience at at awesome resort. Truly a lifetime experience.

[Ed]

Posted by Ed on November 18, 2000 at 10:39:52:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by terry morgan on December 21, 1999 at 20:34:21:

Just returned from 5 days there. Think DisneyWorld for people who like water. Lots of security. Clean as DisneyW. Expensive as also.
Very Hi Tech . Free internet access at Library in Coral Towers and I presume other places (Beach Towers closed at this writing).
I recommend the Gourmet Dining Plan for those who like fine dining. $77 pp/per day. They give you $65 pp credit at Courtyard in Ocean Club (3 minute free shuttle ride from Coral T) and same 65 in Five Twins at Casino. I recommend both, the Courtyard for atmosphere dining out, Twins for food and dancing (think Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett). N.B. - If you take Goumet Plan, make reservations for entire stay no later than arrival, unless you do not mind eating before 6 or after 10.
Yes, check bill. They send a preview nite before you leave. Computerized, meaning they may have an error they will correct for you.
Regular dining plan is $55. Excludes fine restaurants. Think nice buffets. Unless on a strict budget (why going to Atlantis then?), go with Gourmet Plan. If you are a Bud Lite and Pizza person, you can scramble at Atlantis or walk off property and find places.
We averaged about $175 for two at dinner at Gourmet restaurants with one drink apiece, appetizer, entree, dessert, and coffee, 15% tip.
you could go less, and you could also go more. Think 15-20 appetizer, 30-45 entree, 15 dessert, 10 drink . Think 15-20 or more for breakfast unless doing the Continental.
Casino run well. Most bettors I met were happy there. I know I was : > )
E mail me for more specifics. Would we go back. You bet we would.
Ed

[Monica Gonzalez]

Posted by Monica Gonzalez on February 06, 2001 at 12:42:41:

In Reply to: Re: ATLANTIS RESORT, BAHAMAS posted by Ed on November 18, 2000 at 10:39:52:

Hello,
My name is Monica and am thinking to spend few days in bhamas with my two kids(8 and 11`) and my husband at Atlantis Resort, but I couldn't find their web page or phone to make a reservation. DCould you help me?
B
ThanksBest regards,
Monica