Grand Hyatt Baha Mar - REVIEW MASTER THREAD
Aug 14, 2022, 7:09 am
#796
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 930
Our favorites are Katsuya and Marcus Fish and Chop. And we only went to Carna once but totally enjoyed it. Of course its expensive, but all steak houses are and you're in the Bahamas.
Aug 14, 2022, 9:19 am
#797
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 930
Anyone know what email address Tmm1012 is referring to above?
I just returned from a 5-night stay. We were originally booked in a standard 2 Queen Bed room (2 adults and 2 children, ages 3 and 5), and the booking was made using points by a Globalist friend as a GOH booking. A few weeks prior to arrival, I emailed to inquire about cash upgrade possibilities, and I was offered the following:
Breakfast each morning was still in Regatta Buffet, which has a huge selection of options, and complimentary for 2 adults + 2 children on a GOH stay. Otherwise, breakfast for 2 adults is $90 ($36 per person + VAT + service charge). We were usually down there between 8:00-8:30 each morning, and there were plenty of tables available, but by the time we left around 9:00-9:15, there was a wait for a table to open up (usually 3-4 parties, so not a huge wait).
We didn't realize that we needed reservations in advance at the upscale restaurants (and there are just a few options for dinner outside of those). On the first night, we walked from one restaurant to another, only to be turned away - and the additional challenge is that most of the casual poolside restaurants close at 5 pm (poolside bars close at 6 pm). After dinner that first night, we looked online for reservations at some of the other upscale restaurants, and nothing was available for the remainder of our stay at most restaurants earlier than 9 pm. We did manage to get outside seating as a walk up at the steakhouse, Carna, which was good, but the least expensive steak is $95. In a friendly way, they asked our kids how old they were, and our 5 year old's meal was indeed charged, which is fair enough since the rules technically state that kids "under 5" eat free. We also were able to get a walk up table one night at Cleo (Mediterranean restaurant) by asking for outside seating, and we thought that was the best food of the trip. Pizza Lab was pretty good as a dinner option that didn't need a reservation.
We all had a great time at the water park, and the pools around the hotel were certainly busy, but didn't feel overcrowded since there are so many options. Prime location chairs (right next to the pool with umbrellas) always seemed taken, but with small kids, we're not usually sitting for long, so we were always able to find a chair off to the side to drop our stuff while we swam with the kids. Note that none of the casual places in the waterpark are included in the "kids eat free" program, but there are plenty of options.
I'd say service was decent overall, ranging from apathetic to very good, but on average definitely reflected what I've seen as the norm in the Bahamas, where many folks just seem to act tired of tourists and are just going through the motions. Several mornings at breakfast, I had an omelet served to me without a single word uttered (just eye contact when he was ready for me to order, then handed it to me without a word when it was finished)...but there were plenty of pleasant and helpful staff members as well. Overall, we were very pleased with our stay, especially with GOH benefits.
- One-Bedroom Fountain View Residence, West Tower - $245 per night plus taxes
- One-Bedroom Fountain View Residence, East Tower - $350 per night plus taxes
- One-Bedroom Ocean View Residence, East Tower - $480 per night plus taxes
Breakfast each morning was still in Regatta Buffet, which has a huge selection of options, and complimentary for 2 adults + 2 children on a GOH stay. Otherwise, breakfast for 2 adults is $90 ($36 per person + VAT + service charge). We were usually down there between 8:00-8:30 each morning, and there were plenty of tables available, but by the time we left around 9:00-9:15, there was a wait for a table to open up (usually 3-4 parties, so not a huge wait).
We didn't realize that we needed reservations in advance at the upscale restaurants (and there are just a few options for dinner outside of those). On the first night, we walked from one restaurant to another, only to be turned away - and the additional challenge is that most of the casual poolside restaurants close at 5 pm (poolside bars close at 6 pm). After dinner that first night, we looked online for reservations at some of the other upscale restaurants, and nothing was available for the remainder of our stay at most restaurants earlier than 9 pm. We did manage to get outside seating as a walk up at the steakhouse, Carna, which was good, but the least expensive steak is $95. In a friendly way, they asked our kids how old they were, and our 5 year old's meal was indeed charged, which is fair enough since the rules technically state that kids "under 5" eat free. We also were able to get a walk up table one night at Cleo (Mediterranean restaurant) by asking for outside seating, and we thought that was the best food of the trip. Pizza Lab was pretty good as a dinner option that didn't need a reservation.
We all had a great time at the water park, and the pools around the hotel were certainly busy, but didn't feel overcrowded since there are so many options. Prime location chairs (right next to the pool with umbrellas) always seemed taken, but with small kids, we're not usually sitting for long, so we were always able to find a chair off to the side to drop our stuff while we swam with the kids. Note that none of the casual places in the waterpark are included in the "kids eat free" program, but there are plenty of options.
I'd say service was decent overall, ranging from apathetic to very good, but on average definitely reflected what I've seen as the norm in the Bahamas, where many folks just seem to act tired of tourists and are just going through the motions. Several mornings at breakfast, I had an omelet served to me without a single word uttered (just eye contact when he was ready for me to order, then handed it to me without a word when it was finished)...but there were plenty of pleasant and helpful staff members as well. Overall, we were very pleased with our stay, especially with GOH benefits.
Aug 14, 2022, 9:20 am
#798
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 930
Anyone know what email address Tmm1012 is referring to above?
I just returned from a 5-night stay. We were originally booked in a standard 2 Queen Bed room (2 adults and 2 children, ages 3 and 5), and the booking was made using points by a Globalist friend as a GOH booking. A few weeks prior to arrival, I emailed to inquire about cash upgrade possibilities, and I was offered the following:
Breakfast each morning was still in Regatta Buffet, which has a huge selection of options, and complimentary for 2 adults + 2 children on a GOH stay. Otherwise, breakfast for 2 adults is $90 ($36 per person + VAT + service charge). We were usually down there between 8:00-8:30 each morning, and there were plenty of tables available, but by the time we left around 9:00-9:15, there was a wait for a table to open up (usually 3-4 parties, so not a huge wait).
We didn't realize that we needed reservations in advance at the upscale restaurants (and there are just a few options for dinner outside of those). On the first night, we walked from one restaurant to another, only to be turned away - and the additional challenge is that most of the casual poolside restaurants close at 5 pm (poolside bars close at 6 pm). After dinner that first night, we looked online for reservations at some of the other upscale restaurants, and nothing was available for the remainder of our stay at most restaurants earlier than 9 pm. We did manage to get outside seating as a walk up at the steakhouse, Carna, which was good, but the least expensive steak is $95. In a friendly way, they asked our kids how old they were, and our 5 year old's meal was indeed charged, which is fair enough since the rules technically state that kids "under 5" eat free. We also were able to get a walk up table one night at Cleo (Mediterranean restaurant) by asking for outside seating, and we thought that was the best food of the trip. Pizza Lab was pretty good as a dinner option that didn't need a reservation.
We all had a great time at the water park, and the pools around the hotel were certainly busy, but didn't feel overcrowded since there are so many options. Prime location chairs (right next to the pool with umbrellas) always seemed taken, but with small kids, we're not usually sitting for long, so we were always able to find a chair off to the side to drop our stuff while we swam with the kids. Note that none of the casual places in the waterpark are included in the "kids eat free" program, but there are plenty of options.
I'd say service was decent overall, ranging from apathetic to very good, but on average definitely reflected what I've seen as the norm in the Bahamas, where many folks just seem to act tired of tourists and are just going through the motions. Several mornings at breakfast, I had an omelet served to me without a single word uttered (just eye contact when he was ready for me to order, then handed it to me without a word when it was finished)...but there were plenty of pleasant and helpful staff members as well. Overall, we were very pleased with our stay, especially with GOH benefits.
- One-Bedroom Fountain View Residence, West Tower - $245 per night plus taxes
- One-Bedroom Fountain View Residence, East Tower - $350 per night plus taxes
- One-Bedroom Ocean View Residence, East Tower - $480 per night plus taxes
Breakfast each morning was still in Regatta Buffet, which has a huge selection of options, and complimentary for 2 adults + 2 children on a GOH stay. Otherwise, breakfast for 2 adults is $90 ($36 per person + VAT + service charge). We were usually down there between 8:00-8:30 each morning, and there were plenty of tables available, but by the time we left around 9:00-9:15, there was a wait for a table to open up (usually 3-4 parties, so not a huge wait).
We didn't realize that we needed reservations in advance at the upscale restaurants (and there are just a few options for dinner outside of those). On the first night, we walked from one restaurant to another, only to be turned away - and the additional challenge is that most of the casual poolside restaurants close at 5 pm (poolside bars close at 6 pm). After dinner that first night, we looked online for reservations at some of the other upscale restaurants, and nothing was available for the remainder of our stay at most restaurants earlier than 9 pm. We did manage to get outside seating as a walk up at the steakhouse, Carna, which was good, but the least expensive steak is $95. In a friendly way, they asked our kids how old they were, and our 5 year old's meal was indeed charged, which is fair enough since the rules technically state that kids "under 5" eat free. We also were able to get a walk up table one night at Cleo (Mediterranean restaurant) by asking for outside seating, and we thought that was the best food of the trip. Pizza Lab was pretty good as a dinner option that didn't need a reservation.
We all had a great time at the water park, and the pools around the hotel were certainly busy, but didn't feel overcrowded since there are so many options. Prime location chairs (right next to the pool with umbrellas) always seemed taken, but with small kids, we're not usually sitting for long, so we were always able to find a chair off to the side to drop our stuff while we swam with the kids. Note that none of the casual places in the waterpark are included in the "kids eat free" program, but there are plenty of options.
I'd say service was decent overall, ranging from apathetic to very good, but on average definitely reflected what I've seen as the norm in the Bahamas, where many folks just seem to act tired of tourists and are just going through the motions. Several mornings at breakfast, I had an omelet served to me without a single word uttered (just eye contact when he was ready for me to order, then handed it to me without a word when it was finished)...but there were plenty of pleasant and helpful staff members as well. Overall, we were very pleased with our stay, especially with GOH benefits.
Aug 14, 2022, 4:00 pm
#799
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
Programs: WN A-List, AA EXP, Hyatt Top Tier (definitely NOT a Globalist), National Exec Elite
Posts: 491
There seems to be a bit of conflicting information upthread, so I would greatly value info from anyone who has dealt with this specific situation:
(1) Will they allow a rollaway bed in a standard King room;
(2) If so, is this comped for Globalists? If not, is there a daily rate?
Much appreciated, and I echo the sentiment above that it’s hard to plan a family adventure at this resort when the room mix, and even the suite mix, seems unfriendly to families.
(1) Will they allow a rollaway bed in a standard King room;
(2) If so, is this comped for Globalists? If not, is there a daily rate?
Much appreciated, and I echo the sentiment above that it’s hard to plan a family adventure at this resort when the room mix, and even the suite mix, seems unfriendly to families.
Aug 14, 2022, 4:14 pm
#800
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: TPA
Programs: DL Kettel, WN Companion Pass
Posts: 547
There seems to be a bit of conflicting information upthread, so I would greatly value info from anyone who has dealt with this specific situation:
(1) Will they allow a rollaway bed in a standard King room;
(2) If so, is this comped for Globalists? If not, is there a daily rate?
Much appreciated, and I echo the sentiment above that it’s hard to plan a family adventure at this resort when the room mix, and even the suite mix, seems unfriendly to families.
(1) Will they allow a rollaway bed in a standard King room;
(2) If so, is this comped for Globalists? If not, is there a daily rate?
Much appreciated, and I echo the sentiment above that it’s hard to plan a family adventure at this resort when the room mix, and even the suite mix, seems unfriendly to families.
Aug 14, 2022, 8:20 pm
#801
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: GSO
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 776
The email address I used to inquire about upgrades was simply: [email protected]
I emailed on a Friday, and got a response on Tuesday with the upgrade offers. Once I responded and confirmed my selection, I was emailed a folio of estimated charges to sign and return back, which secured the room upgrade.
I emailed on a Friday, and got a response on Tuesday with the upgrade offers. Once I responded and confirmed my selection, I was emailed a folio of estimated charges to sign and return back, which secured the room upgrade.
Aug 16, 2022, 1:34 pm
#802
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum; Hyatt Diamond/GLOB
Posts: 738
Returned from a 7-night stay in adjoining ocean-view king and queen rooms (using points) for two adults and three kids (10, 10, and 8), and this is really from the perspective of a family vacation with kids rather than a couple's getaway.
I had my hyatt concierge to guest-of-honor for the second room because I didn't want anyone quibbling about getting free breakfast for the 5th person across two rooms. No suites available for upgrade, but with adjoining rooms, we were not expecting anything either. Check-in was slow with any number of computer problems, but finally corralled someone who walked us to a different desk, got everything set up, and walked us to our room.
For our family with three non-teenage kids, the waterpark was hands down the greatest thing about the resort. The big slides are all do-able for a adventurous and tall (over 52 inches) 8-year old going solo, but the slides were large and "scary" enough that there were plenty of teenagers and adults who enjoyed them also. There is a great baby pool area with small slides, and family area that was the best set of slides I've seen for those not yet 52 inches tall. There is a wave-runner area (with a good sized line), a big wave pool, and a lazy river that is less lazy and more fun than typical. The hotel was pretty full, but there was never a long line for any ride other than the wave runner. Folks from Atlantis said the crowd experience over there was very different. The overall footprint of the park is small enough that you can be centrally located at the wave pool and get to all the slides and lazy river without a long walk anywhere. I cannot imagine finding a water park more perfect for kids from one to thirteen, and I suspect the big slides were big enough to keep teenagers happy as well. Our kids happily went to the water park for six straight days. It was easily the highlight of the trip.
There are at least a half-dozen pools, but the more kid focused one has a spot to jump off a "cliff" into the pool and a swimup area with aquarium glass to see fish, turtles, etc. It would not be hard to find a quieter adult pool.
The beach area was very underwhelming for us. The beach itself is fine, but with the dock, boulders, and buoys, the water area feels small. The water is bathtub still with zero waves, so there is no body surfing or bogie boarding going on. We normally spend a fair amount of time on a beach, but I doubt we spent four hours there across seven days on this trip. We liked swimming out to the various floats anchored off shore, but other than that, the kids found it kind of boring.
The ocean-view king and queen rooms are fine, but they will feel pretty standard. Nothing bad nor anything spectacular. We had a high floor and the balconies were nice. We requested a mini-fridge and microwave upon arrival, and they were delivered quickly. We were told there would be a $100 per stay charge for them, but that never ended up on our bill.
As everyone notes, food prices are crazy, so the globalist breakfast buffet was nice. The breakfast charges appeared on the bill, but I went down the night before check out to have all that cleared off. The drink vouchers are good but not usable at the water park or some of the other venues. Generally just go to a pool bar. I learned that two frozen drinks fit perfectly in my hydroflask and would stay moderately frozen until finished. The boys carried their hydroflasks to the water park to avoid the $5.00 bottles of water or $6.00 gatorades.
My picky-eating children liked the breakfast buffet and the lunch food inside the waterpark. We ordered Dominos pizza delivered twice (because my children have poor but cheap taste in pizza), and I made one run to the nearby grocery store ($40 taxi to take and wait for me). With a few groceries, leftover Dominos, Pizza Lab, and one trip to the Sugar Factory, the kids were generally set for dinner through the trip. The Sugar Factory was something over $200 for a wrap, a burger, two bowls of plain pasta, and three milkshakes, none of which were worth the price, but the kids thought the environment was fun. The first words from the waitress after we sat down were, "We only serve bottled water, and it'll be 26 dollars", and that was before we even asked for water. Soda and milks were cheaper than water.
The "mini-blue" miniature golf course is nice, but $25 per person/kid. The bocce ball is free but there is a charge to play croquet. They do have a basketball court (with lights at night) that kept one of our 10 year olds happily playing for an hour or so most evenings with random kids there (while the other end of the court had more serious basketball games going on).
This was the trip replacing the covid-canceled Cap Cana trip last year. We talked about trying Cap Cana next year, but we liked Baha Mar enough (and a shorter flight) that we are tempted to come back next year.
I had my hyatt concierge to guest-of-honor for the second room because I didn't want anyone quibbling about getting free breakfast for the 5th person across two rooms. No suites available for upgrade, but with adjoining rooms, we were not expecting anything either. Check-in was slow with any number of computer problems, but finally corralled someone who walked us to a different desk, got everything set up, and walked us to our room.
For our family with three non-teenage kids, the waterpark was hands down the greatest thing about the resort. The big slides are all do-able for a adventurous and tall (over 52 inches) 8-year old going solo, but the slides were large and "scary" enough that there were plenty of teenagers and adults who enjoyed them also. There is a great baby pool area with small slides, and family area that was the best set of slides I've seen for those not yet 52 inches tall. There is a wave-runner area (with a good sized line), a big wave pool, and a lazy river that is less lazy and more fun than typical. The hotel was pretty full, but there was never a long line for any ride other than the wave runner. Folks from Atlantis said the crowd experience over there was very different. The overall footprint of the park is small enough that you can be centrally located at the wave pool and get to all the slides and lazy river without a long walk anywhere. I cannot imagine finding a water park more perfect for kids from one to thirteen, and I suspect the big slides were big enough to keep teenagers happy as well. Our kids happily went to the water park for six straight days. It was easily the highlight of the trip.
There are at least a half-dozen pools, but the more kid focused one has a spot to jump off a "cliff" into the pool and a swimup area with aquarium glass to see fish, turtles, etc. It would not be hard to find a quieter adult pool.
The beach area was very underwhelming for us. The beach itself is fine, but with the dock, boulders, and buoys, the water area feels small. The water is bathtub still with zero waves, so there is no body surfing or bogie boarding going on. We normally spend a fair amount of time on a beach, but I doubt we spent four hours there across seven days on this trip. We liked swimming out to the various floats anchored off shore, but other than that, the kids found it kind of boring.
The ocean-view king and queen rooms are fine, but they will feel pretty standard. Nothing bad nor anything spectacular. We had a high floor and the balconies were nice. We requested a mini-fridge and microwave upon arrival, and they were delivered quickly. We were told there would be a $100 per stay charge for them, but that never ended up on our bill.
As everyone notes, food prices are crazy, so the globalist breakfast buffet was nice. The breakfast charges appeared on the bill, but I went down the night before check out to have all that cleared off. The drink vouchers are good but not usable at the water park or some of the other venues. Generally just go to a pool bar. I learned that two frozen drinks fit perfectly in my hydroflask and would stay moderately frozen until finished. The boys carried their hydroflasks to the water park to avoid the $5.00 bottles of water or $6.00 gatorades.
My picky-eating children liked the breakfast buffet and the lunch food inside the waterpark. We ordered Dominos pizza delivered twice (because my children have poor but cheap taste in pizza), and I made one run to the nearby grocery store ($40 taxi to take and wait for me). With a few groceries, leftover Dominos, Pizza Lab, and one trip to the Sugar Factory, the kids were generally set for dinner through the trip. The Sugar Factory was something over $200 for a wrap, a burger, two bowls of plain pasta, and three milkshakes, none of which were worth the price, but the kids thought the environment was fun. The first words from the waitress after we sat down were, "We only serve bottled water, and it'll be 26 dollars", and that was before we even asked for water. Soda and milks were cheaper than water.
The "mini-blue" miniature golf course is nice, but $25 per person/kid. The bocce ball is free but there is a charge to play croquet. They do have a basketball court (with lights at night) that kept one of our 10 year olds happily playing for an hour or so most evenings with random kids there (while the other end of the court had more serious basketball games going on).
This was the trip replacing the covid-canceled Cap Cana trip last year. We talked about trying Cap Cana next year, but we liked Baha Mar enough (and a shorter flight) that we are tempted to come back next year.
Aug 22, 2022, 12:23 am
#803
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 33
Booking with Points
Any advice folks? I'm a Globalist but without a concierge. Every time I look at this property online it states that the property isn't offering any availability using points despite showing both point prices and availability prior to the select room screen. I've looked at a variety of off-peak dates and am surprised to have such limited luck.
Please help.
Thanks!
Please help.
Thanks!
Aug 22, 2022, 6:56 am
#805
Join Date: May 2006
Location: DC
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 597
PMd you RE concierge
Any advice folks?
I'm a Globalist but without a concierge. Every time I look at this property online it states that the property isn't offering any availability using points despite showing both point prices and availability prior to the select room screen. I've looked at a variety of off-peak dates and am surprised to have such limited luck.
Please help.
Thanks!
I'm a Globalist but without a concierge. Every time I look at this property online it states that the property isn't offering any availability using points despite showing both point prices and availability prior to the select room screen. I've looked at a variety of off-peak dates and am surprised to have such limited luck.
Please help.
Thanks!
Aug 29, 2022, 8:39 am
#806
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 79
Any advice folks? I'm a Globalist but without a concierge. Every time I look at this property online it states that the property isn't offering any availability using points despite showing both point prices and availability prior to the select room screen. I've looked at a variety of off-peak dates and am surprised to have such limited luck.
Please help.
Thanks!
Please help.
Thanks!
Aug 31, 2022, 4:58 am
#807
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: Loyalty? I go where the points and status are!
Posts: 189
There seems to be a bit of conflicting information upthread, so I would greatly value info from anyone who has dealt with this specific situation:
(1) Will they allow a rollaway bed in a standard King room;
(2) If so, is this comped for Globalists? If not, is there a daily rate?
Much appreciated, and I echo the sentiment above that it’s hard to plan a family adventure at this resort when the room mix, and even the suite mix, seems unfriendly to families.
(1) Will they allow a rollaway bed in a standard King room;
(2) If so, is this comped for Globalists? If not, is there a daily rate?
Much appreciated, and I echo the sentiment above that it’s hard to plan a family adventure at this resort when the room mix, and even the suite mix, seems unfriendly to families.
I also think the hotel suffers from somewhat of an identity problem - it's a big resort with a casino and a fully functioning waterpark attached, as well as more adult only hotels (SLS and Rosewood) that are connected to it.
Returned from a 7-night stay in adjoining ocean-view king and queen rooms (using points) for two adults and three kids (10, 10, and 8), and this is really from the perspective of a family vacation with kids rather than a couple's getaway.
I had my hyatt concierge to guest-of-honor for the second room because I didn't want anyone quibbling about getting free breakfast for the 5th person across two rooms. No suites available for upgrade, but with adjoining rooms, we were not expecting anything either. Check-in was slow with any number of computer problems, but finally corralled someone who walked us to a different desk, got everything set up, and walked us to our room.
For our family with three non-teenage kids, the waterpark was hands down the greatest thing about the resort. The big slides are all do-able for a adventurous and tall (over 52 inches) 8-year old going solo, but the slides were large and "scary" enough that there were plenty of teenagers and adults who enjoyed them also. There is a great baby pool area with small slides, and family area that was the best set of slides I've seen for those not yet 52 inches tall. There is a wave-runner area (with a good sized line), a big wave pool, and a lazy river that is less lazy and more fun than typical. The hotel was pretty full, but there was never a long line for any ride other than the wave runner. Folks from Atlantis said the crowd experience over there was very different. The overall footprint of the park is small enough that you can be centrally located at the wave pool and get to all the slides and lazy river without a long walk anywhere. I cannot imagine finding a water park more perfect for kids from one to thirteen, and I suspect the big slides were big enough to keep teenagers happy as well. Our kids happily went to the water park for six straight days. It was easily the highlight of the trip.
There are at least a half-dozen pools, but the more kid focused one has a spot to jump off a "cliff" into the pool and a swimup area with aquarium glass to see fish, turtles, etc. It would not be hard to find a quieter adult pool.
The beach area was very underwhelming for us. The beach itself is fine, but with the dock, boulders, and buoys, the water area feels small. The water is bathtub still with zero waves, so there is no body surfing or bogie boarding going on. We normally spend a fair amount of time on a beach, but I doubt we spent four hours there across seven days on this trip. We liked swimming out to the various floats anchored off shore, but other than that, the kids found it kind of boring.
The ocean-view king and queen rooms are fine, but they will feel pretty standard. Nothing bad nor anything spectacular. We had a high floor and the balconies were nice. We requested a mini-fridge and microwave upon arrival, and they were delivered quickly. We were told there would be a $100 per stay charge for them, but that never ended up on our bill.
As everyone notes, food prices are crazy, so the globalist breakfast buffet was nice. The breakfast charges appeared on the bill, but I went down the night before check out to have all that cleared off. The drink vouchers are good but not usable at the water park or some of the other venues. Generally just go to a pool bar. I learned that two frozen drinks fit perfectly in my hydroflask and would stay moderately frozen until finished. The boys carried their hydroflasks to the water park to avoid the $5.00 bottles of water or $6.00 gatorades.
My picky-eating children liked the breakfast buffet and the lunch food inside the waterpark. We ordered Dominos pizza delivered twice (because my children have poor but cheap taste in pizza), and I made one run to the nearby grocery store ($40 taxi to take and wait for me). With a few groceries, leftover Dominos, Pizza Lab, and one trip to the Sugar Factory, the kids were generally set for dinner through the trip. The Sugar Factory was something over $200 for a wrap, a burger, two bowls of plain pasta, and three milkshakes, none of which were worth the price, but the kids thought the environment was fun. The first words from the waitress after we sat down were, "We only serve bottled water, and it'll be 26 dollars", and that was before we even asked for water. Soda and milks were cheaper than water.
The "mini-blue" miniature golf course is nice, but $25 per person/kid. The bocce ball is free but there is a charge to play croquet. They do have a basketball court (with lights at night) that kept one of our 10 year olds happily playing for an hour or so most evenings with random kids there (while the other end of the court had more serious basketball games going on).
This was the trip replacing the covid-canceled Cap Cana trip last year. We talked about trying Cap Cana next year, but we liked Baha Mar enough (and a shorter flight) that we are tempted to come back next year.
I had my hyatt concierge to guest-of-honor for the second room because I didn't want anyone quibbling about getting free breakfast for the 5th person across two rooms. No suites available for upgrade, but with adjoining rooms, we were not expecting anything either. Check-in was slow with any number of computer problems, but finally corralled someone who walked us to a different desk, got everything set up, and walked us to our room.
For our family with three non-teenage kids, the waterpark was hands down the greatest thing about the resort. The big slides are all do-able for a adventurous and tall (over 52 inches) 8-year old going solo, but the slides were large and "scary" enough that there were plenty of teenagers and adults who enjoyed them also. There is a great baby pool area with small slides, and family area that was the best set of slides I've seen for those not yet 52 inches tall. There is a wave-runner area (with a good sized line), a big wave pool, and a lazy river that is less lazy and more fun than typical. The hotel was pretty full, but there was never a long line for any ride other than the wave runner. Folks from Atlantis said the crowd experience over there was very different. The overall footprint of the park is small enough that you can be centrally located at the wave pool and get to all the slides and lazy river without a long walk anywhere. I cannot imagine finding a water park more perfect for kids from one to thirteen, and I suspect the big slides were big enough to keep teenagers happy as well. Our kids happily went to the water park for six straight days. It was easily the highlight of the trip.
There are at least a half-dozen pools, but the more kid focused one has a spot to jump off a "cliff" into the pool and a swimup area with aquarium glass to see fish, turtles, etc. It would not be hard to find a quieter adult pool.
The beach area was very underwhelming for us. The beach itself is fine, but with the dock, boulders, and buoys, the water area feels small. The water is bathtub still with zero waves, so there is no body surfing or bogie boarding going on. We normally spend a fair amount of time on a beach, but I doubt we spent four hours there across seven days on this trip. We liked swimming out to the various floats anchored off shore, but other than that, the kids found it kind of boring.
The ocean-view king and queen rooms are fine, but they will feel pretty standard. Nothing bad nor anything spectacular. We had a high floor and the balconies were nice. We requested a mini-fridge and microwave upon arrival, and they were delivered quickly. We were told there would be a $100 per stay charge for them, but that never ended up on our bill.
As everyone notes, food prices are crazy, so the globalist breakfast buffet was nice. The breakfast charges appeared on the bill, but I went down the night before check out to have all that cleared off. The drink vouchers are good but not usable at the water park or some of the other venues. Generally just go to a pool bar. I learned that two frozen drinks fit perfectly in my hydroflask and would stay moderately frozen until finished. The boys carried their hydroflasks to the water park to avoid the $5.00 bottles of water or $6.00 gatorades.
My picky-eating children liked the breakfast buffet and the lunch food inside the waterpark. We ordered Dominos pizza delivered twice (because my children have poor but cheap taste in pizza), and I made one run to the nearby grocery store ($40 taxi to take and wait for me). With a few groceries, leftover Dominos, Pizza Lab, and one trip to the Sugar Factory, the kids were generally set for dinner through the trip. The Sugar Factory was something over $200 for a wrap, a burger, two bowls of plain pasta, and three milkshakes, none of which were worth the price, but the kids thought the environment was fun. The first words from the waitress after we sat down were, "We only serve bottled water, and it'll be 26 dollars", and that was before we even asked for water. Soda and milks were cheaper than water.
The "mini-blue" miniature golf course is nice, but $25 per person/kid. The bocce ball is free but there is a charge to play croquet. They do have a basketball court (with lights at night) that kept one of our 10 year olds happily playing for an hour or so most evenings with random kids there (while the other end of the court had more serious basketball games going on).
This was the trip replacing the covid-canceled Cap Cana trip last year. We talked about trying Cap Cana next year, but we liked Baha Mar enough (and a shorter flight) that we are tempted to come back next year.
- You can check in either tower (east or west) so if one seems overwhelmed check the other tower.
- The Sugar Factory is insanely overpriced, even for the Bahamas
- Stayed as a GOH across two rooms, so breakfast buffet was available to whole family. You need to sort everything out with the front desk before you leave as it's not automatically credited, so leave some time or if checking out early AM do it the night before. Highly advise to do this regardless as there were a bunch of charges that were not ours.
- The beach is roped in so don't expect to be kayaking out around the bay. They also don't have enough paddles for the SUP Boards they have, which is just weird.
- Overall people are friendly and the service is pretty good with some exceptions; was not impressed with the housekeeping but I Gather that's a worldwide problem these days.
- If your kids are under 48 inches (did not see any 52 inch signs, maybe on the 6 story ride?) there is the potential for them to be very upset at the water park. They are pretty strict about the height, give or take an inch or two.
Sep 18, 2022, 1:00 am
#808
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: Top Tier with all 3 alliances
Posts: 11,669
I am contemplating purchasing the 17k points per night for $285 (with the 30% discount) needed for an upcoming stay. Basic rooms are $400/night prepaid/nonrefundable ($260+140 taxes and fees). Am I missing something?
Personally, I find the Bahamas rates too high, given that I just did the Ziva Riviera Cancun for $200/night all inclusive...But it will be my first (and probably last) trip to the Bahamas, so...I dislike the Bahamas already, just by reputation, lol....
There are some bedbug reports on tripadvisor but I assume y'all are fine...
Personally, I find the Bahamas rates too high, given that I just did the Ziva Riviera Cancun for $200/night all inclusive...But it will be my first (and probably last) trip to the Bahamas, so...I dislike the Bahamas already, just by reputation, lol....
There are some bedbug reports on tripadvisor but I assume y'all are fine...
Sep 18, 2022, 8:17 am
#809
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: TPA
Programs: DL Kettel, WN Companion Pass
Posts: 547
Seems like the way to go to me; 17k/ni at that property is really great. Between my family and friends who traveled at the same time with us, we had five rooms last month and the only issue was they decided to do some maintenance in the room above ours at 11pm one night, but quickly stopped when we reported the noise. Not sure what you mean about the reputation other than just being generally expensive, but you can solve that problem by stopping at grocery / liquor stores on the way from the airport. Certainly isn't like Mexico where it's generally unsafe to leave the tourist area on your own these days.
Sep 18, 2022, 8:23 am
#810
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,790
I am contemplating purchasing the 17k points per night for $285 (with the 30% discount) needed for an upcoming stay. Basic rooms are $400/night prepaid/nonrefundable ($260+140 taxes and fees). Am I missing something?
Personally, I find the Bahamas rates too high, given that I just did the Ziva Riviera Cancun for $200/night all inclusive...But it will be my first (and probably last) trip to the Bahamas, so...I dislike the Bahamas already, just by reputation, lol....
There are some bedbug reports on tripadvisor but I assume y'all are fine...
Personally, I find the Bahamas rates too high, given that I just did the Ziva Riviera Cancun for $200/night all inclusive...But it will be my first (and probably last) trip to the Bahamas, so...I dislike the Bahamas already, just by reputation, lol....
There are some bedbug reports on tripadvisor but I assume y'all are fine...