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 Luxury Not Found Visited: August 2008 |
| Posted by nicolecpa |
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I have been to other all inclusive resorts, but since I paid almost double for Sandals, I expected to get more than before. When we arrived, our door didn't lock. It took 3 1/2 hours to get it resolved, so we were pretty much stuck in the room, right off the bat. We didn't have any robes in the rooms, had to ask. The mini bar was never restocked, had to ask and continue to leave notes of what to restock. Our breakfast room service never showed up on one of the days. Our spa service that was booked in advance ($446 for 2 80-minute massages) was "on sale" when we arrived for only $298. We didn't receive any adjustments or further credit towards spa services. The rooms are old. We stayed in teh Windsor Grande Luxe Oceanview. The water was impossible to regulate. It would be warm one second, scalding the next, ice cold the next. The bugs are horrible. We both have welts all over our bodies. The beds were so uncomfortable. We woke every morning with a backache. On a positive note, the food was out of this world. The drinks were also superb. I would consider going to a Sandals again, but never back to the Royal Bahamian. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Loss of Focus Visited: August 2008 |
| Posted by mcooper |
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This was our third visit. The first two were great! This last visit we experienced a resort that was all about selling you condos,etc. We were not pampered but were just a number. The lack of maintenance was everywhere from rust and breaks in the outdoor lighting fixtures to broken mirrors in the casino itself- bathroom doors had to be pried open. The quality of the food has dropped except at the WatersEdge. They have created a village shops area that is strictly Disney-transparent cold.
It is beautiful and an eye full with fish everywhere, but you always feel the need to keep moving. Nothing is close anymore. Instead of relaxing, we found ourselves making excuses to not walk three blocks to a certain area or the ocean.The noise level was frequently loud in the lobbies and fine dinning areas. The dress code does not exists anymore. Our first two visits were the exact opposite.
The staff is attentive. We had no towels in our room and the table's finished had blistered. WE received the towels promptly. // Another couple had a malfunction with their room key and had to wait hours for the problem to be corrected and access their room.
The resort has evolved into a place to see or be seen. We wanted a resort to feel special and relax with fine dining. We hope it returns to its original mission so we can return. Now, it is the perfect destination for the New Money Crowd. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Not as advertised! Visited: August 2008 |
| Posted by diver_guy |
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I found the diving be very poor. Very few fish compared to diving near Nassau (Exuma Cays).
As a PADI resort I felt that they didn't follow the guidelines that PADI has set for Rec Diving. Diving at 45 feet for 45 minutes is NOT like a 45 minute safety stop (which I was told by the dive staff) especially after doing 90feet+ dive with only a 10 minute (or less) surface interval.
This sort of diving can be dangerous to new divers who do not know their limits or the NDL (no decompression limits) calculations. There were many times that I saw new divers exceed their NDL especially on the second morning dive (btw the dive staff never participated in second morning dive). The first dive of the day ALL dive staff participated which meant that the boat was left anchored but unmanned.
I was informed that there was no air conditioning (unless you pay the $15/day) But what I wasn't informed of was the partial fresh water showers.
I must admit that the beach looked just like the pictures on the small hope website (long beach, nice sand, etc.). What the pictures didn't show was that at high tide the beach disappears. The water goes right up to the rock.
The food was hit & miss. Making your own sandwiches every lunch for 289.00/day was not exactly what I had in mind.
To be honest I thought that they had a fairly nice/rustic resort & I would have been slightly more satisfied with the the actual resort stay (not including the diving) if it hadn't been for the luxury price. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 nightmare in paradise Visited: August 2008 |
| Posted by nightmareinparadise |
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rooms need refurbishing.pool and pool area very run down. some guests sing and shout at the pool bar till about 5am without security telling them that they are disturbing the guests in the hotel as well as the guests in the hotel next door.lifts are always breaking down.limited choice of food which is poorly prepared. everytime i ate in any of the restaurants i caught food poisoning. the restaurant staff are very unhelpful and only serve you when they feel like it as they would rather chat amongst themselves.all in all a nightmare in paradise! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 South Palmetto Beach House offers simple elegance in paradise. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by thoreau101 |
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This apartment on the second floor is 60 feet from the water.
The accommodations are spacious and simple. The beach is called "bonefish flats" because of the bonefish habitat and fishing.
The beach is simply one of the finest in the world. It is 300 feet out until you reach your chest, and you are surrounded in crystal clear blue water with white sand underfoot. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 This place is great if traveling with small children. Visited: August 2008 |
| Posted by objectmaster |
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I agree mostly with the exceptional review (A-list) from above, but disagree with the part on small children.
I was traveling with both a four-month-old and a three-year-old, and found that the Atlantis was extremely unsuitable for children of that age. Being exposed to tobacco smoke (due to the Cuban cigars available), and being forced to travel through the casino to get to some of the food outside was not pleasant. Simply stated, the Atlantis is far to loud for younger children.
The Best Western Bay View is far more pleasurable if you have a young family, and when best to enjoy your children than on vacation? This hotel offers the privacy and tranquility needed by small children.
I think singles, adults without young children, or college students on spring break may find this hotel too "quiet" for their taste, and should head over to the Atlantis for some gambling, booze, and dancing. |
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Island Palm Resort, Grand Bahama Island traveler review
| I couldn't wait to get back to the states! Visited: July 2008 |
| Posted by wohdonkey |
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This was the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. It was not conveniently located to anything.
The International Bazaar was three miles away - which we walked to. However, hardly any of the shops were open on both days we went. Stores close to the hotel were where the locals shop, and they had bars on the windows.
Beer at hotel was very expensive. Also, the hotel staff was not friendly, and housekeeping did not clean the room. The room was not clean when we arrived, and the towels looked dirty. When we asked for more towels, they accused us of already having towels in our room - and they said we had to wait until laundry day. We tried to get pool towels, and they were all out.
We were left one pack of coffee, and had to ask three times for more - and only got one more packet. We asked for more toilet paper, and they had to leave a note for housekeeping because they were out at the front desk.
Other guests at hotel seemed scary, and were mostly families. There were no younger people staying at hotel to hang out with - and no entertainment.
Air conditioning units in the rooms were very loud, and the beds were very uncomfortable. I woke up one day, and could have sworn I had slept on a side walk all night. We also received gnat/fleas/bed bug bites from staying here.
In addition, if we wanted to take a taxi to go somewhere, it was a $12 ride to go there ($24 total round trip).
The area was not pretty, either. There were condemned houses and other hotels that were shut down. The restaurant next door was also shut down. This area and hotel were not what we expected at all - and we couldn't wait to go home. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a nice island, but not a nice hotel. Visited: May 2008 |
| Posted by poohbear |
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We changed rooms after reporting the leaking ceiling in the bathroom. Our "upgraded" oceanview was blocked by a palm tree. The hot tubs were only "motion pools."
Also, the hotel had a big patio party/banquet scheduled, and the front desk just really didn't have the time to accommodate a handicapped retiree.
The buffet and the bars get the stars, though, as they were excellent. It was a bit pricy for the value.
In addition, check your final bill closely. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was horrible! Visited: July 2008 |
| Posted by angelgenie |
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This was, without a doubt, the worst resort I have ever stayed at. For the past five years, I have taken a beach trip every year. While not all have been great, this one really stands out.
Upon our arrival, we were given a room which was a king bed. We had reserved two double beds, as I was traveling with a friend. We were then told it had been given away, and we would have to wait two-three hours before another was ready.
Finally, we got a room that was disgustingly dirty. The next morning, we were awakened by construction on our entire floor! Finally, we got a nice room, but still the inconvenience wasn't worth it.
The staff was not friendly - and down right rude if you have a problem. Make sure you look at the times the restaurants are open, because at many times all that you can eat is the pool grill, which is never open when they say.
The activity sheet is put out the day of, so anything that requires sign up is already full (then probably won't happen).
The food was bland and the same everywhere. Make sure you book reservations the day before. The four pools they mentioned were actually one large one divided - and it was always dirty.
Also, the beach was small and full of seaweed. Last, everyone here was on "island time" so expect to wait - for everything! My advice - spend the cash and stay at Atlantis! |
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| 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
Towne Hotel, New Providence Island traveler review
| This hotel was awful. Visited: November 2007 |
| Posted by professionalism |
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If it were up to me, there would be no stars at all. It was not very beautiful, and the rate was ridiculous for a hotel which was not very classy.
The island was also awful for cellular phone reception. I don't know if that is a plot to get everybody to purchase phone cards, but I could not use mine at all.
The manager of this hotel had poor customer service skills, as well. Hopefully, you won't have an issue because she will tell you in a subtle way it is your fault. I found that very upsetting and annoying. I couldn't believe the nerve of her.
Also, if you need a receipt of your bill, please ask for it when you check in. I have yet to see mine - even though I was supposed to get it long ago. I guess this was also a subtle way to show me that she could not be bothered (punishment I guess). It will prove to be less financially viable for her hotel and the island in general.
I shared my experience with all of my friends and family, and we will never visit the hotel again. They need to realize that you have the purchasing power, so they need you more than you need them.
As a result of my experience, a couple of my friends opted not to choose this island as their honeymoon destination. I don't know for others, but I will opt to go somewhere else because this experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It's great if you like to travel in fear. Visited: May 2008 |
| Posted by niki245 |
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I spent three days in absolute fear, and the hotel staff did nothing to take me seriously - besides move my room (only to get to the new room and have the same stuff happen again).
Someone from the hotel staff got a hold of my personal information, cell phone, etc., and continoulsy called my cell phone, my hotel room and banged on the door while I was in my room. Calling out crude remarks continued for three days. I informed the front desk to stop all calls in, and they did nothing.
I finally cut my trip short, and spent over $200 to rebook my airfare to leave. The response of the hotel manager on duty that night was "Yeah, we have had this happen before." However, my favorite response was from someone working behind the desk who said "This isnt Aruba honey, you won't disappear!"
The next day, the manager on duty, Vince, told me that they would do everything possible to make up for this. However, when I tried to get refunded, they would only issue me a credit for the nights that I didn't stay.
Mind you, I am a single female traveling alone. It's been over a month, and nothing has been done. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
| I was very disappointed. |
| Posted by ccindyarleen |
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I had a very bad experience, and was very disappointed.
The lights went out completely the first night we were here. The hotel didn't even have generators. Also, the customer service was terrible. They were very unorganized.
I won't go back - ever. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Viola's offers delicious and casual outdoor dining. |
| Posted by amyn |
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On our recent stay, we took the opportunity to enjoy a stop at Viola's a number of times. We enjoyed the casual outdoor atmosphere whether we were eating prior to sightseeing, or just taking a break from the pool.
The food was delicious and appealing - to both kids and adults. We truly enjoyed everything we ordered from appetizers and meals to beer and fun cocktails.
Viola's was clean and inviting, and the staff was very friendly. It was a treat to have such a great place so close! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
Romora Bay Club, Harbour Island traveler review
| Romora Bay is the most romantic place in the world! |
| Posted by laurahale |
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They have such beautiful tropical sunsets and sunrises.
I came here in 1982 with the most romantic man ever. We walked on the beach - which was really our own, as hardly anyone was on the beach.
We ate when the conch horn sounded. They had great food and drinks! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
A Grand Bahama Island travel review
| It was a terrible hotel. |
| Posted by neveragain |
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I stayed here for a week in June 2008 .
The room was not ready, and was filthy (with old cotton buds on floor). Most of the staff seemed lazy and ignorant (although some were friendly).
Also, the food was of very poor quality and repetitive. The manager walked around seemingly oblivious to how poorly run the hotel is.
In addition, the bar staff was too busy either chatting amongst themselves or chatting up female guests to provide proper service.
The location was excellent. It is a pity the same cannot be said about the hotel. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a boring way to visit a beautiful country. Visited: August 2007 |
| Posted by beatricepants |
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What a disappointment!
Sure, the hotel was fancy and expensive, but the service was poor, the food was mediocre, and I might as well have stayed in the US!
This is a stupid way for anyone to visit another country. Resort vacations are not for me. I did not get to experience the culture of the Bahamas. What a bore. At least I was not the one who paid for it! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. |
| The room was a dump. Visited: May 2008 |
| Posted by cathyp2be |
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Granted, it is the Bahamas and moreover, the back end. However, Treasure Cay, of all the places I have been in the Bahamas, is (by far) the worst of them all.
The rooms are less than clean - and defintely old. Overall cleanliness is below average, there are even roaches in the room - not nice!
The bar service is the slowiest I have encountered in the islands. Also, the food at Spinnaker's is awful. If you are on your boat, be prepared to cook every night.
They list the shopping center witnin walking distance. It is the biggest joke. Theirs is a moderately stocked grocery store, a liquor store, and a few stalls with vendors.
The highlight is the cinnamon buns at Florence's bakery. But, I will state, the beach is amazing. It is totally pristine, and the beach bar is a highlight through-out the day. They serve great frozen drinks!
If you really want to go to Treasure Cay, I suggest you rent across the street at The Beach Club. You'll be much happier. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a fantastic place at a fantastic price. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by amasake |
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Researching this trip, I read that Viva Fortuna underwent serious renovations. But I had still been a little worried after reading all the bad reviews.
Fuggetaboutit! The place was beautiful. And, as of Dec 2007, they were only half finished the improvements.
They offered crazy rates. I paid $675 for four nights and five days - including air (during Christmas 2007).
Here, I ate like a pig, drank like a fish, and snorkeled in the incredible reef 30 yards off the beach. I hopped on a free bike, and zipped around the lovely suburban roads of inland Grand Bahama.
The staff was generally friendly, but there were some harmless sour pusses - as well as smiling, energetic cheerleaders (much more the latter than the former).
Now, this isn't the Four Seasons. The rooms were kind of sparse, but that's only practical in the islands. The food was basic and tasty enough, and there was always plenty. I didn't have trouble getting into the a la carte restaurants, but they were just okay.
I am going back this July. I had such a great time. I can't wait to sit on the beach, sip drinks while burgers and dogs sizzle on the grill behind me, while the beautiful, clear blue ocean gently laps the white sand at my feet.
Viva! Viva! |
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| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Breezes Bahamas, New Providence Island traveler review
| It was dirty, dirty, dirty! Visited: May 2008 |
| Posted by njtravelnj |
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Don't stay here. This was the filthiest hotel I've ever stepped foot in. It should be shut down - and no, I'm not exaggerating.
If you're looking to vacation in a frat house - empty beer cups everywhere, dirty beds, filthy bathrooms, poor service, and drunks at every turn - this is the place for you.
However, if you, like me, expect a hotel to change the sheets between guests, look somewhere else. Bed mites - need I say more? |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was the best stay ever. Visited: May 2008 |
| Posted by michellechick18 |
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I loved it here. It was so nice and relaxing! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
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