This place is chosen for one reason and one reason only: It's half the price of the Atlantis, yet it is the only off-site property granted full privileges at the neighboring mega-resort. Though across the street from Atlantis, it is actually closer to the beach than some of its neighbor's tower rooms. Add to this the fact that rooms in the hotel's new wing are actually nicer than many of those at Atlantis, and it's hard not to like this rather plain franchise hotel.
This well-designed, pink, three-story building is locked between busy roads. Guests tend to their own bags and must compete with housekeeping for the single service elevator (though security officers have been known to lend a hand at times), but check-in
is efficient and service is pleasant in the glass-enclosed lobby. A shaded terrace restaurant overlooks the lovely freshwater pool with a swim-up bar and sundeck dotted with umbrellas, swaying palms and flowering shrubs. Instead of paying $40 for breakfast at the Atlantis, guests here graze a free Continental breakfast buffet. On the downside, the restaurant doesn't serve dinner, so families must make a long trudge to the overpriced food factories at Atlantis or the Marina Village, where they have signing privileges. As Paradise Island continues to change with the expansion of Atlantis, dining options continue to dwindle. As for now, affordable options beyond resorts include Anthony's Bar & Grill, Columbus Tavern and Blue Lagoon Seafood Restaurant.
In the summer there are complimentary scuba lessons, but few guests will be found here during the day, as they take full advantage of Atlantis' waterscapes and pools, beaches, spa, tennis, golf and children's camp. The shops of Nassau are a water taxi ride away. An internet station and coin-op laundry facilities are also available.
Despite the nomenclature, accommodations are studios, not suites, and differ only in exposure. Both Superior and Deluxe rooms overlook parking lots, but Luxury rooms face the pool. Interiors feature sitting areas with sofa beds, tables, two chairs, TVs, phones, coffeemakers, clock radios, safes and one king or two double beds with Bahamian-print spreads. A microwave can be requested. Rooms feature tiled floors The well-lit combination baths offer vanities with hair dryers. Be sure to request a room in the new 80-room wing, where the rooms feature new furnishings on tile floors. The noise sensitive should avoid rooms 233-275 which are set along a main thoroughfare that leads guests to Atlantis. One hundred of the rooms are nonsmoking, and the smoking rooms can be rather stale. Two rooms are accessible for guests with special needs. There is no room service.
Great for budgeting families who want the Atlantis experience without total immersion.
