JerryGuitar

I am thinking about a warm weather vacation for this spring, and have always wanted to go to Atlantis. But I have been reading mixed reviews online. I don't mind paying Four Seasons prices when it comes with Four Seasons service, but it's been suggested that Atlantis is just overpriced and overhyped.
Can anyone help? I'd love to hear your thoughts on Atlantis or alternate suggestions.

Thanks

blueDC

Yes and yes. It's like <insert Vegas hotel here>-by-the-ocean i.e. enormous spread-out, Vegas-style hotel. The rooms aren't particularly nice. And the restaurants are inferior and massively overpriced. If you are looking for luxury, avoid Atlantis at all costs. On the other hand, the fun quotient is high here - great water slides, casino, clubs and bars, etc.

The Ocean Club next door, on the other hand... Very classy. We lunched at Dunes at the OC and wished we weren't on a company-paid trip so that we could move.

Ericka

If it's Four Seasons you're after - perhaps you should consider the Four Seasons in the Bahamas (Exuma).

I haven't been, but I'm sure others on this forum have.

ABG

Don't plan on going in March to the Ocean Club, its basically sold out for the whole month!

mbstone

If you stay at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island across the street you get to use all the pools and other "guests only" amenities of the Atlantis. The place is worth seeing, for the zillions of aquaria if nothing else. The room rates the Atlantis charges are off the wall, but this might not be true in March.

Chuckles

If you read thru the many reviews on TRIPADVISOR, you will see a very clear deliniation between honeymooners, empty-nesters, and old farts who hate it; and families with children who think it is the greatest place on earth. Based on this, my wife, daughter (7yo) and I went this past spring - and we had a blast! Beautiful grounds, awsome pools and slides, great beach. Yes, it was crowded at times, and it was expensive - but we had a great time and feel that it was worth the expense.

bagold

I second Ocean Club! Down the road from Atlantis and a really nice intimate resort. I love the rooms especially the suites they have. Rooms are big, bathrooms are nice especially the one in the suite. Have a great resident tennis pro and the spa is pretty decent.

One X'mas I was there for 10 nights.... had breakfast between Jennifer Gardner and Cindy Crawford a couple of times!

climbermom

Our vacation at the Atlantis was the worst experience we have ever had while traveling. Other than the beautiful grounds, I can think of no reason to stay there. The staff was ignorant and surly; the management was non-responsive and rude. The food prices are outrageous. I would avoid this hotel at all costs.

Sam - DFW

new meaning to the term breakfast sandwich...

sam

JerryGuitar

Thanks for everyone's responses. I think that makes my decision not to go there pretty easy. Any experiences with the Ritz on St. Thomas?

blueDC

I was just there 5 months ago. The resort is nice, beach is nice, pool is nice, views are nice, rooms are nice, and that's the problem: it's just nice. Nothing spectacular. And for the price they're charging, it should be close to, if not spectacular. St Thomas is also nice. Again, nothing special. But for an awesome vacation, hop over to St John. While the luxury resorts there (Caneel Bay) leave a lot to be desired as well, the island itself is amazing - nature at its best. For the same price, I would pick Caneel Bay over the Ritz for one reason alone: location.

JerryGuitar

if we go, i would definately hop over to st. john for a day trip, but the reviews on tripadvisor for Cannel Bay are pretty off-putting. have you stayed there?

blueDC

Yes (5mths ago) and the reviews you've read are all true. The hotel is old and tatty and service leaves a lot to be desired. But IMHO, the location is fantastic and I would go back just for that alone. (ps: don't forget a trip to BVI as well)

tixx

i have 5 nights at the Atlantis next week in the coral tower 3 nights comped and 2 nights casino rate, I am think of paying full rate for the imperial club & royal towers..anythought if this is worth the 650.00 per night charge?

AlexisLe

I've been lurking around FT for a long time, and have learned a lot!
Thank you, FTers!

We love the Caribbean, and St Thomas is just another gem. Our stay at the Ritz was very enjoyable, but how can you go wrong in such beautiful surroundings!

The pool is great -- it is an infiinity pool above the beach with live palm trees in it, and there were just enough children there to keep it lively. The beach is gorgeous, but fairly small with lines and lines of lounge chairs. There is also a lot of coral, rocks & shells in the water, you might want to take water shoes.

We did have a problem with the sewage backing up in our suite, and the water pressure was really pitiful, but at least it was a large bathroom.
If you are planning on using any of the services at the spa, you might want to call ahead and make reservations. They were booked solid for the week were there in December, and I was very disappointed as the facilities were great. We heard great things from folks that were traveling with children about the kids club.

The staff were very friendly and courteous, up to Ritz standards. When we ventured off of the resort grounds, it was just the opposite, but don't let that stop you from taking the ferry over to St Johns or a taxi to Red Hook. There's not much to do in the evening, and that is a great time to venture out for a more relaxed meal. The grounds were beautiful, the hotel itself is a little worn and could use some updating. The hotel isn't one of RC's best, but it definitely seemed like the nicest on the island from the ones we saw. But in the atmosphere of the islands, I'm not so sure you can go wrong at any hotel if you are there to just relax and soak up some sunshine! Have a great trip wherever you go!