After holding Caesars Diamond standing for nearly three years now, we lastly bought to reap the benefits of the perk for which I had initially pursued the standing: 4 free nights at Atlantis Bahamas!
To be trustworthy, I used to be initially detached about visiting this property just a few years again, as some web sites supply combined evaluations concerning the resort. After we had a wonderful expertise at its sister property, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, we have been curious to expertise what this resort a lot nearer to residence needed to supply.
My husband has Caesars Diamond standing as properly, so we ended up reserving a second room and alluring my sister and her household alongside for the enjoyable. Ultimately, my dad and mom ended up coming, too.
Listed here are my ideas on this iconic resort, with a deal with The Coral, which is the property we stayed at.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – In regards to the Resort
Atlantis Bahamas has been round for the reason that Sixties. Its possession has modified just a few occasions, and though Caesars Leisure Inc. gives a free keep as a perk of their program, they aren’t concerned in its operations in any method.
Somewhat, the resort is owned by Brookfield Asset Administration Inc., and since late 2014, it has been operated by Marriott as an Autograph Assortment property.
This large resort is at present made up of six completely different resort properties, however solely three of them take part within the Bonvoy program for redemptions: The Coral, The Royal Towers, and The Cove.
The opposite three properties are The Seashore Towers, The Reef, and Harborside Resort.
The Seashore Towers used to take part within the Bonvoy program; nevertheless, it’s at present closed and present process intensive renovations. The Reef gives condo-style models, and the Harborside Resort gives residential villas which have each in-suite kitchenettes and laundry amenities.
The Coral is the the oldest however most economical possibility. The rooms have been renovated in 2017, however are nonetheless fairly bare-bones with respect to in-room facilities. There are some seen indicators of age across the constructing.
There are a number of benefits staying right here although, as all rooms supply full balconies. As for its location, it’s off to the far facet of the resort, however if you happen to’re going to spend extra time by the Marina Village, the theatre, or desire a quieter venue, this may be a greater possibility.
That is the place we wound up staying, so I’ll present a extra detailed evaluate under.
The Royal Towers is probably the most iconic constructing at Atlantis Bahamas. It’s probably the most centrally situated for entry to all resort facilities, together with the Aquaventure Waterpark.
Most of the high-end retailers, the on line casino, the spa, the fitness center, and the youngsters membership are situated right here as properly.
Renovations have been ongoing this yr, and by the tip of subsequent yr, all rooms will probably be absolutely renovated and can function a contemporary, ocean-themed décor, very similar to its Dubai counterpart.
Rooms listed below are usually priced someplace between The Coral and The Cove.
The Cove is a luxurious property that simply accomplished its renovations. The foyer of the constructing is beautiful, and options an open-air design.
The renovated rooms are elegant and up to date, embellished in gentle pastel and gray tones.
The property is situated on the opposite facet of the resort, and is nearer to the spa, health centre, basketball courts, and Dolphin’s Cay. Right here, you’ll additionally discover the resort’s lone adults-only pool, along with swimming pools and seaside areas for unique use by company staying at The Cove and The Reef.
All of the properties are family-friendly and related. Alternatives to see aquatic animals are higher at at The Coral and Royal Towers.
Ultimately, which property you select will rely in your finances and which facilities you like.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Reserving
There are two methods to ebook a keep at Atlantis Bahamas. One is immediately by the Marriott Bonvoy app or web site, and the opposite is thru Atlantis’s personal web site.
When you’re hoping to redeem factors for a keep, then the Marriott route is the way in which to go. The perfect versatile charge is similar on each web sites, however if you happen to’re a Marriott member, have a company code, or maintain a Marriott enterprise card, you’ll see a bit extra of a reduction on the Marriott web site in comparison with the pricing on Atlantis’s web site.
To redeem our two rooms as a part of the Caesars Diamond perk, my husband and I needed to name the devoted Caesars reserving line. Recall that with Diamond standing, you’re entitled to a two- to five-night free keep on the Atlantis Bahamas annually.
The reserving course of with Caesars was fairly easy. You merely give the agent your dates, they usually verify for availability and ebook it for you. For any adjustments, you’ll additionally must name in, however fortunately there aren’t any change charges.
The perk solely permits you to ebook their customary room, a King or Double Queen Terrace View, at their most cost-effective property, The Coral, which continues to be an honest lodging possibility.
Sadly, every customary room can solely accommodate 4 folks, no matter whether or not they’re adults or kids. This was a bit tough for us, as each my sister and I’ve households of 5.
Somewhat than foregoing the free lodging and reserving a set to accommodate our households, we determined to ask the grandparents. This gave us a 3rd room to account for the additional youngsters on paper.
Maybe a few of you might contemplate sneaking within the additional youngster and simply shopping for them a separate day move for the waterpark. Day passes value $250 (USD) per grownup and $125 (USD) per youngster aged 4 and up, so that you’d must see if it makes financial sense to take action.
When you ebook a day previous to visiting, the passes are barely cheaper, however are additionally topic to availability. Whereas I wasn’t conscious on the time of reserving, kids beneath 48″ tall don’t require wristbands within the waterpark, so this may increasingly additionally have an effect on your reserving technique.
For my dad and mom, we ended up reserving two nights on factors and two nights with money. For the 2 nights on factors, we redeemed Free Night time Awards value 35,000 factors apiece, plus a top-up of 12,000 Bonvoy factors, for a complete of 47,000 factors per evening for a Double Queen Terrace View room.
For the 2 nights on money, we paid $216 (USD) per evening earlier than taxes. Once we initially booked the room, it was nearer to $400 (USD), however at one level the worth dropped, so I cancelled and rebooked. After I checked again later, it had gone again up once more, so you’ll want to verify usually for a greater worth.
One other factor to notice is that there’s a two-night minimal on money bookings. When you attempt looking the speed for one evening, it can come again with no availability.
Taxes and resort charges
One factor to concentrate on at Atlantis Bahamas is that taxes and resort charges add so much to your keep. The bottom room value could look cheap, however you might wind up being unpleasantly stunned by the entire value.
Presently, there’s a 21% cost on room charges that features varied taxes and levies. As well as, there’s a day by day resort price for The Coral and The Royal of $64.90 (USD) per room per evening, and $77 (USD) per room per evening for The Reef and The Cove for all bookings made after March 23, 2022.
The resort price covers the next:
- Day by day entry to Aquaventure Waterpark
- Limitless entry to and viewing of outside marine life shows and feedings
- Complimentary Wi-Fi entry
- Day by day entry to the health centre for 2
- Two reusable water bottles per room and entry to filtered water stations
- Entry to the indoor theatre and poolside films
- Complimentary resort actions
- Complimentary espresso and tea
- Use of resort shuttle service
- Day by day slot event in Atlantis On line casino
- Free gaming classes (upon request)
- Limitless native cellphone calls
Different methods to ebook Atlantis Bahamas
The free stick with Caesars Diamond perk continues to be ongoing, however reaching Caesars Diamond standing has develop into harder. As of March 2022, standing matching between Caesars Diamond and Wyndham Diamond is just doable if the Wyndham standing is earned by stays or by a bank card.
One other strategy to get Caesars Diamond is by standing matching with MGM Gold, Platinum or Noir standing. This match is just accessible for brand spanking new Caesars Rewards members solely.
Having a Founder’s Card will even offer you Caesars Diamond, but it surely comes with an annual price of a number of hundred {dollars}.
Standing matching apart, you may reap the benefits of some extra reductions and perks in case you are planning to remain on the Royal Towers or the Cove by reserving by Amex Resort Assortment or Amex High quality Resorts & Resorts applications, respectively. The American Categorical Gold Rewards Card and American Categorical Platinum Card supply annual credit that may be utilized to those bookings.
Though The Royal Towers and The Cove are Autograph Assortment properties, they don’t seem to take part within the Marriott Luminous program.
An alternative choice is to remain at a less expensive property in The Bahamas and go to the waterpark as a day visitor. Consolation Suites Paradise Island, situated a five-minute stroll from Atlantis Bahamas, gives free admission to the waterpark if you happen to stick with them, in addition to a free sizzling breakfast buffet.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Location
Atlantis Bahamas is situated in Nassau, Bahamas. To get to the resort, you’ll must ebook a flight into Lynden Pindling Worldwide Airport (NAS) airport. Each WestJet and Air Canada present continuous flights right here from Canada.
The resort is situated outdoors of the downtown space of Nassau on Paradise Island, which is a couple of 25-minute drive from the airport. You may make your individual preparations to the resort, or use a paid shuttle service that may be bought by the resort.
Travelling as a household, probably the most economical approach was by taxi. Though plenty of web sites quote $50–60 (USD) one-way, we have been quoted solely $40 (USD) on the airport taxi stand.
Travelling as a celebration of 12, we have been in a position to prepare a big taxi that might match all of us for $100 (USD) on arrival.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Test-in
Every resort has its personal foyer and check-in. Once we pulled as much as The Coral, it seemed very unassuming and fairly dated on the skin.
Getting into the foyer, we have been pleasantly stunned by an open and brightly lit house with mosaic tile flooring. Immediately in entrance of the doorway is a big fountain show, and to the left is the check-in desk.
Once we checked in for our two complimentary rooms, no elite advantages have been supplied, regardless that I used to be a Platinum member and my husband was a Titanium member. We weren’t stunned, because it has been well-documented by others that elite advantages aren’t honoured with the Caesars promo.
Once we checked in for my mother, the agent was fast to acknowledge my elite standing, and we have been supplied a welcome amenity alternative of 1,000 factors or a snack and beverage alternative as outlined within the picture under. Sadly, complimentary breakfast will not be an possibility right here.
In lieu of providing bottled water to company and as part of the resort price, employees handed out double-walled water bottles. I used to be fairly impressed with the standard, they usually saved my drinks cool the entire day.
Formally, check-in is at 4pm, and check-out at 11am. We arrived at round 12:30pm and two out of our three rooms have been prepared, which was nice.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Double Queen Terrace View Room
As quickly as we stepped out of the elevator, the age of the constructing confirmed once more. It felt like a resort from the Nineteen Seventies.
The hallways have been carpeted apart from the realm immediately in entrance of the elevators, which was tiled. The ceilings appeared low, however have been most likely the usual eight ft. The partitions have been painted a boring yellowish color, and the the room doorways have been created from varnished oak wooden.
The room itself was nicer than I anticipated after seeing the hallways. The room was spacious, however even with the additional house, it appeared a bit naked.
The flooring have been coated with gray ceramic tiles that resemble wood planks. The furnishings was wood with linen and glass accents.
Two floor-to-ceiling mirrors flanked a three-drawer dresser and wall-mounted TV.
To the nook of the room was a small eating set, which had a small round glass desk and two wood chairs with linen seat coverings.
The room had two queen beds with evening tables on both facet, in addition to a facet desk between with a cellphone and alarm clock.
There was a tiny espresso and tea station near an empty mini-fridge, as properly.
On the entrance was a big closet with a sliding door, and inside have been hangers, a secure, an ironing board, and an iron.
Throughout from right here was the lavatory, which featured a bathroom, a tub, and a big self-importance with a single sink.
Gilchrist & Soames facilities have been offered within the lavatory. The self-importance seemed a bit dated and there was some rust on the bathe curtain bar, but it surely was in any other case clear.
Each room has a balcony with a sliding door that may lock. The balcony had two patio chairs and a small facet desk.
All of our rooms have been on the sixth flooring, and my room was related with my sister’s room, about which the youngsters have been fairly happy.
Though they have been technically all the identical room sort, my mother’s paid room had extra of an ocean view than our complimentary ones. We had nearly no view, apart from the roof of the constructing under and the one in entrance.
One factor to notice that’s if you happen to’re in search of a spot to fill your water bottles, there may be one situated on every flooring hidden behind the elevators. The water has a little bit of a sulphurous odor and style to it, so some could desire to purchase bottled water as an alternative.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Eating
With 21 eating places and 19 bars and lounges, there isn’t any scarcity of eating venues on-site. For comfort, we stayed on-site for our meals and located it to be pretty costly.
An automated 10% in taxes and 15% gratuity is added to all meals payments, so hold that in thoughts when reviewing the pricing under.
For breakfast, you may take pleasure in a buffet breakfast at Poseidon’s Desk for $36 (USD) per grownup and $14 (USD) per youngster aged 5–12. Youngsters beneath 5 eat free of charge.
The choice was first rate and the meals high quality was customary, and what you’d usually anticipate for a breakfast buffet.
When you desire one thing cheaper, you should purchase a breakfast sandwich and occasional combo on the Solar & Ice Café at The Coral for $13 (USD). You possibly can have free refills on espresso until 11am each morning.
The adults in our group selected this feature. For the youngsters, they have been completely happy having the cereal we packed from residence with milk we purchased on the resort.
There’s a toaster at Solar & Ice Café that’s for public use. If you should purchase some bagels, peanut butter, and jam off-site, that’ll make for one more fast low cost breakfast.
Each morning, by the doorway to The Coral, is a donut stand that sells completely different flavours of freshly baked donuts for $1.50 (USD) every.
One factor I found on my final day on the resort is that there’s a full-service Starbucks situated one flooring under the primary foyer. Pricing is much like different Starbucks places.
We ate lunch at Zero Entry by the waterpark and seaside. By the poolside you may order burgers, wraps, sizzling canines, and salads starting from $7–14 (USD).
You possibly can usually get a pop and bag of chips for an additional $2 (USD) by making it a combo. Pop refills are complimentary.
If the youngsters are in want for a chilly snack, snow cones can be found for $7 (USD) every. They’re an honest dimension and the employees are completely happy to separate an order into two cups for youths to share.
By the seaside, there’s a meals stand known as Pisces, which had completely different choices from different locations and we discovered to be our favorite. Right here, that they had coconut fried shrimp and breaded rooster cutlets that have been scrumptious.
An order of shrimp was $18 (USD), however you bought 5 enormous prawns with fries.
If you’re in search of an excellent seafood sit-down meal, I’d suggest Fish by Jose Andres, situated at The Cove. The fish entrées are fairly massive (bigger than what’s specified within the menu) and could be shared between two folks, which helps reduce down the price.
I ordered an eight ounce grilled branzino, which was really greater than 16 ounces and price $54 (USD). Their signature Bahamian Entire Fried Fish, pictured under, was $60 (USD).
Olives, a Mediterranean restaurant, supplied the very best worth for a youngsters meal. The rooster tender meal has 9 decent-sized nuggets with fries for $8 (USD).
In order for you one thing extra informal or want a late evening snack, you may order a pizza from the Marina Pizzeria. Value sensible, you’re $7 (USD) a slice, $23 (USD) for a 12-inch pizza, or $50 (USD) for an 18-inch pizza with six sodas. It was fairly a well-liked possibility for households.
Reservations for many eating places could be made on OpenTable, however for tables of larger than eight folks, you’ll must name the eating reservation line.
To avoid wasting cash on eating, pack additional snacks for the journey or make a grocery cease en path to the resort. Most taxis will enable a fast cease for just a few additional {dollars}.
After all, consuming off-site can be probably the most value efficient, however bear in mind to issue within the taxi fare.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Aquaventure Waterpark
The 141-acre waterpark is the primary draw and attraction of Atlantis Bahamas.
The principle options are the 2 towers that function a complete of eight waterslides, the river rapids, a lot of swimming pools, a sizzling tub, just a few swimming pools devoted for youths, and a five-mile stretch of seaside.
To be trustworthy, given the large dimension of the waterpark, I used to be anticipating to search out just a few extra rides.
Poseidon’s Playzone, the latest play construction for youths that simply opened in Fall 2022, has a lot of water-play options. It’s an ideal addition for youths who could in any other case not be tall sufficient for the primary waterslides, which have a peak requirement of 48″.
For youthful youngsters, there are just a few shallow swimming pools dotted across the resort. When you head midway up the Mayan Temple, there are a few smaller slides that go into the Mayan Temple pool that don’t have any peak restrictions.
We discovered the enduring Serpent Slide on the Mayan Temple to be bit overrated. The sharks are higher considered from the skin somewhat than contained in the experience, in my view, as visibility will not be the best within the tunnel.
All company 48″ and taller are required to have a wristband, which could be picked up from towel stations all through the resort. The employees will search for your room to verify the variety of company, however solely company who meet the peak requirement will obtain wristbands.
Youngsters beneath 48″ who wish to experience the river rapids should accomplish that with an grownup. There are just a few double tubes which have a closed backside for youngsters too small to sit down in a tube with out falling by. When you don’t see one instantly, ask an attendant that can assist you discover one.
Understand that the waterpark will not be unique to Atlantis company, as day company from different accommodations or cruise ships usually frequent the waterpark. Regardless of this, once we visited, the waterpark was not busy, and we hardly ever waited quite a lot of minutes for a experience.
Cabanas can be found for lease all through the waterpark. They’ll accommodate six to eight company and supply a shaded retreat with a fridge, secure, and private attendant. The associated fee ranges from $242–1,250 (USD) per day, relying on the situation.
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas – Different Services
On the primary degree, there are few clothes retailers and a comfort retailer that sells snacks, drinks, and toiletry gadgets.
When you hold strolling previous the retailers, you’ll attain the Atlantis Theatre, the place three movies are featured day by day at 5pm, 7:15pm, and 10pm. The primary function is at all times geared for youngsters.
Watching films is without doubt one of the few actions at Atlantis Bahamas that you may take pleasure in free of charge. The theatre resembles a typical film theatre and there’s a concession on-site as properly. Popcorn and drinks have been fairly priced.
The Coral additionally encompasses a weekly exercise information which options each paid and complimentary actions. Some complimentary actions embrace bingo, poolside video games, and scavenger hunts.
On the primary flooring is Solar & Ice Café, which I briefly talked about earlier for his or her breakfast. Additionally they serve gentle snacks, snacks and wraps all through the day till 11pm, together with ice cream.
Proper subsequent to the café are some seating areas which can be good for socializing and enjoying a card sport.
In the direction of the again of this identical space are a few work tables as properly, with retailers for laptops and desk lamps for sufficient lighting.
Exterior, The Coral has its personal pool, and there are many marine life shows round it.
You’ll additionally discover the Mandara Spa and a reasonably large health centre at Atlantis Bahamas. Exterior the health centre is a lap pool and basketball courts which can be complimentary to make use of.
They’re situated between the Royal Towers and The Cove.
Tennis courts and gear can be found for lease as properly. You may as well play a spherical of golf on the award-winning Ocean Membership Golf Course.
The on line casino is situated within the Royal Towers and has your typical tables and slot machines.
The on line casino is flanked by a buying promenade on both facet, consisting primarily of excessive finish retailers, similar to Gucci and Rolex.
There are many areas all through the resort to sit down, socialize, and revel in a drink.
When you’re in want of some adult-only time, there are a few choices for youngster care. Atlantis Children Adventures is the resort’s youngsters membership that’s situated within the Royal Towers for youngsters aged 3–12.
They supply free play and arranged actions, similar to cooking, artwork & crafts, and video games, throughout morning, afternoon, and night periods. The price of a session begins at $65 (USD) plus taxes per youngster for roughly 2.5 hours. Sadly, there aren’t any sibling reductions.
Given the hefty worth of the youngsters membership, we determined in opposition to making an attempt it out. Alternatively, the resort additionally gives a babysitting service to company of their rooms. The pricing right here is a little more economical.
Throughout from the youngsters membership is The Gamer’s Reef, a pay-as-you-go arcade room. The video games value on common $1–2 (USD) per sport.
Marine actions, similar to swimming with dolphins, interacting with sea lions, or snorkelling amongst sting rays, could be booked on the Aquatic Experiences desk within the foyer. Generally, these close-up encounters are fairly dear.
For instance, a swim with the dolphins encounter will value $250–300 (USD).
One expertise that appeared cheap was an early-riser 20-minute encounter with dolphins for $65 (USD) per grownup and $35 (USD) per youngster. When you select this expertise, you’ll wade in knee-high water to work together with the dolphins.
When you have a toddler, look out for experiences that are complimentary for youngsters aged three and beneath, so long as they’re accompanied by a paying grownup.
When you don’t thoughts seeing them from a little bit of a distance, you may view the dolphins swimming round from the patio at Dolphins Cay free of charge.
Exterior of paid experiences, there are nonetheless loads of alternatives for youths to see marine life across the property. My youngsters had plenty of enjoyable simply strolling across the resort, exploring tunnels, and working over bridges in search of aquatic life.
They noticed sea turtles, sting rays, sawtooth fish, and hammerhead sharks, simply to call just a few.
Scattered all through the resort are info boards on the animals and completely different conservation efforts that the resort participates in, which makes it a pleasant academic expertise as properly.
Conclusion
My household had a extremely enjoyable time at The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas; nevertheless, I’m undecided if we will probably be again any time quickly, particularly if I’ve to pay the complete charge. Though our rooms have been complimentary, the resort charges, taxes, and the price of meals actually provides up.
For a similar sum of money, we might most likely simply go to an all-inclusive resort and have the same expertise.
Moreover, after an incredible keep at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, I can’t assist however really feel that our keep at The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas fell a bit brief as compared. In my thoughts, The Palm, Atlantis in Dubai has the very best waterpark resort on the planet.
Whereas I felt that our keep was well worth the effort of pursuing Caesars Diamond standing, I want the resort offered extra worth to justify all the extra prices.
