Dcislander

Have done multiple stays now. Others may have additional info but based on my experience...
1. They said the club is closed at least though the end of mandatory testing to return to the US. The club is currently housing the Doctors Hospital testing center (note: save yourself some time and make sure you have your Bahamian travel visa handy when getting tested).
2. Water: I use the tap and it's just fine. You can beef it up with ice from the machines. If you have full sized water bottled you can also go to the gym where there are cold filtered dispensers and fill up there. Note, the restaurants only offer still and sparking from bottles. You can also stop at the grocery on the way from the airport and pick up a case.
3. For booze, definitely stop en route to Bahamar. There are tons of well stocked liquor stores relatively close. For a few bucks the taxi should make the short stop. You can get water there too.
4. Taxi's to/fr off property restaurants start to get expensive, especially when you pay per person. Most places I've been to are in/around Nassau and too far afield to recommend unless you are already there. Poop Deck at Sandyport is good local spot. The fish fry at Arawak is a good spot where a ton of folks from the hotels and cruise ships go to eat. There are lots of options and they've added a long strong of stalls as well. Some legit jerk BBQ at the stalls. Grab a skyjuice and BBQ and sit outside-- it'll be 1/10 the price of Bahamar.
5. I'm sure its frowned upon but I'd put booze in something less obvious than a cooler--like a backpack and be covert in the pouring. Globalists get a voucher for 2 drinks for each night and these are good to use at the pool bars.
6. After 6 stays I am still puzzled by the Globalist upgrade policy. The standard upgrade seems to be a room at the next level. A fountain view upgraded to a ocean view, ocean view upgraded to ocean view balcony. Last time I had an ocean view balcony reservation I wasn't upgraded at all. A few times I asked for a suite and got one. Two great suite and one dump. It's kind of hit or miss unless you are in the Reserve. I was told on the last trip that its all dependent on inventory which I don't fully believe because inventory seemed wide open on the app. Note: front desk personnel have little to no authority to upgrade--if asked/pressed, they will go into the back and ask a manager.

Hope this help.

Dcislander

Good idea. For my last stay, I asked the Globalist concierge to help with some restaurant reservations and the resort never even called her back. Communications with the resort or management seem to work on a very Bahamian schedule.

Dsnow0819

The whole resort operates this way. Friendly, for the most part, but very much island time. It is what is it.

Another thing to add is make dinner reservations weeks in advance. Use the Baha Mar app an/or email restaurants directly. The GH staff is completely useless in this regard.

danib62

What's the best way to get from the airport to the resort? Is it easy to get a cab at the airport and how much will it run?

Dcislander

SUPER easy from the airport. Never has to wait once. Just walk out the airport, cross the street and a taxi stand monitor will ask you where you want to go and assign a cab to you. Taxis are not what you'd find here... they are a smattering of different cars, vans, trucks, minivans etc from 1995-2022! You'll be asked if you want a limo or towncar but the taxis are super easy and cheaper (though still expensive).

I think it's $18 to Bahamar from NAS. I usually give them $25.

danib62

You read my mind because I was going to ask if tipping is expected in Nassau. I assume taxis are cash only and don't take credit cards?

Also unrelated, but how is the duty free selection for US bound passengers at NAS?

Dcislander

Lot's of work trips and have never had a taxi that took credit. Bummer because many don't carry receipts either so it's a pain to track. As per tipping I am not sure what is standard. I usually put in a few extra bucks because I never know if I'll need a ride home from the office. I always get a card so I have a taxi to call and they remember the drop off location. The few extra dollars has helped with quicker pick up in the past.

Duty free. NAS has a small but decent duty free shop. Always thought that it would do better with more interesting Bahamian selections. Can't really speak to the prices. Greaycliff's shop (also in departures gates) has a more upscale selection. There is also a bigger shop that seemed a bit downmarket---so a few choices.

danib62

Last one (for now): I assume people accept USD and you don't need to bother exchanging money?

Dcislander

It's a 1:1 exchange rate and US dollars are excepted everywhere. Sometimes you'll get change in Bahamian dollars, sometime in US. The only place that won't take Bahamian currency is the casino. US only there (it's illegal for Bahamians to gamble in the casinos).

rfento05

Last time we visited in 2019, their food trucks were a fantastic option for my family. Are they open still or closed due to COVID? It's already a disappointment the Club is still closed

Dsnow0819

Still open and they have added a few more. They close at 6 pm though.

christine

Is the club open now after the US testing ended?

Dcislander

Good question. Personally I hope not. The breakfast buffet is great and made avail for 4 people. No way the club can match the offerings in the buffet. The drink coupons can be used at the pool bar or bars around the hotel are great also, esp given the cost of day drinking at the pool. I'd rather have these amenities and be in mix in the resort/pool vs away from everything in the club. I know others may feel different but thats my take. Going back in a few weeks and will report back if other do not write on it before me.

pdisme

How many drink coupons do you get? I'll be there in a few weeks too.

Dcislander

One coupon per day. 2 drinks per coupon .

At $15+ a mixed drink it adds up!