BookerT

I can report back soon with our experience - we are also Explorist and doing a 6 night all points stay starting next weekend. We did a suite booking so we should already have a balcony, but are hoping for an ocean view too.

We are using a club access upgrade so are planning to ask for a West tower room to be closer to the club.

slm9555

SilverGoat

Just completed a 3-night stay at this property last week with Mrs. 'goat and baby 'goat (who is 14 now). We booked a standard double-queen room which was satisfactory for us. I have no status with Hyatt, and could not score any kind of status match to my Hilton Diamond status. We were located in the East Tower.

We asked about adding access to the club but this was $300 per day so we passed on it. Be prepared for a lot of walking, this is a very large property. The Wyndham hotel next door is in the process of being torn down and word is that they will build a waterpark there for Hyatt guests.

The good:

• Grounds are beautiful, and there are a ridiculous number of pools and eateries to choose from on the property.
• Lifeguards are present at pools and the beach during the daytime.
• Poolside games (like bocci) and entertainment (Caribbean parade) are nice
• Extensive watershow (like the Bellagio in Las Vegas) in the evenings
• Many food options, we were pleased with everything we ate.
• Pool kiosks at the pools had plenty of towels, lemon water, suntan lotion, etc.
• Various animal sanctuaries (bird aviary, stingrays, nurse sharks, sea turtles) provided free activities
• Beach services (lounge chairs, setting up umbrellas) were well staffed and prompt.
• In addition to the Baha Mar hotel, the property includes the SLS hotel and Rosewood. Rosewood is a more private condo/timeshare type of property. (guests may access different venues and restaurants throughout the complex).
• Tips for ALL of the staff are included in your daily Service Charge. Convenient that you never need to tip a bellman, chambermaid, or anyone else.
• Casino is big and centrally located.

The bad:

• Resort fee + service charges + a bazillion different taxes that are typical in the Bahamas increased our base room rate over 70%
• Food anywhere in the hotel was unconscionably expensive. Pretty much all food service was also hit with a 12% VAT and 15% service charge. A bag of ChexMix in the gift shop is $12+ One notable exception was Starbucks where the prices were comparable to the U.S.
• The resort fee was supposed to include daily water in the room. Although our room was serviced, we had to call housekeeping to get our water. I did hear something about bottled water being in short supply. At wholesale prices, Dasani water is probably less than 10 cents per bottle. Daily resort fee was $50+
• We went to see the Fitness Center and had to sign in just to get a look at it. Our daughter was forbidden to enter because min. age was 16. They claimed to have other activities for her but these were non-existent. We were able to get in a workout at another fitness center on the property that wasn't guarded by "Spa Dragons."
• In-room tablet says they do currency exchange in the Casino. They don't. They claim that they plan to, but are not set up for it yet.
• Cigar bar and/or Casino cigarette smoke caused air quality in the lobby to be lousy.

All in all we would stay here again but would do a better job of leveraging points. Please feel free to ask any questions.

SilverGoat

Edited to add Tower location and fitness notes.

creativeguess1

Great Review!

I would agree with everything above, OUR biggest CON was this;
Resort fee + service charges + a bazillion different taxes that are typical in the Bahamas increased our base room rate over 70% (THIS makes one think long and hard at other vacation options).

In-room tablet says they do currency exchange in the Casino. They don't. They claim that they plan to, but are not set up for it yet. Last January we went and ran our Amazon Credit card for chips. It was nice it was viewed as a PURCHASE and not as a cash advance. There were no addition fees or interest and were also able to get CC points, not sure if this is still true. But was a pleasant surprise when we got home. Just went to the casino cage and ran our credit card for X amount.


Because of the fees, and even with Hyatt status, were still on the fence about a JAN trip.

tygran37

So I have a couple questions ahead of my stay coming up over New Years this year... I was the beneficiary of a Hyatt rep error in my favor (they are aware and let me keep the booking). Basically I did a points + cash booking for a grand king suite. They basically gave me free suite upgrades by mistake so I got it for the 10k + $125 rate. Taxes and fees are kinda absurd but I can't really complain...

Here's what I'm wondering:

1) No rooms, including suites, come with lounge access correct?

2) If I'm interested in that can I call and add it for more points and is 7k per night the right amount for that (or does it vary?) I'm assuming I could also pay cash either ahead of time or once I arrive but that seems to be extremely variable as to cost?

3) Would Explorist get me anything of note here?

bonus question: Any advice for what to do NYE either at the resort or somewhere in Nassau?

BookerT

If you are Explorist I would suggest using one of your 4 Club lounge access awards at this property. The club is excellent.

I am Explorist and got upgraded from a standard suite to 1 bedroom ocean view deluxe residence on our stay.

jkjetsetters

We are staying here next week & have a couple questions if anyone can help. We're Explorist & using a club lounge award.

1) Service charge is technically included, correct? Did anyone still tip bartenders/pool staff for drinks, or add a tip at restaurants? Since the property is cashless we're trying to decide how much cash to bring for tips.
2) Do any of the bars, particularly the bars by the beach/pool serve drinks in disposable plastic cups, or are they reusable?
3) Building off that Q, has anyone brought & used their own reusable cups/mugs, e.g. Contigo, Thermos, Bubba, etc, at any of the bars? This is popular at all-inclusives, but wasn't sure about a place like this.
4) Did anyone drink the tap water here? Most things I've read say it's perfectly safe to drink.
5) Any favorite restaurants, including those at the SLS or Rosewood properties? We are celebrating an anniversary so not too worried about some pricier meals.
6) Does anyone have an email address for the concierge or front desk?
7) Any recommended companies for transportation from the airport?
8) Has anyone heard anymore on the elusive pay $350 for $500 F&B credit offer? Was really hoping it'd come back around for our stay.

Thanks in advance, looking forward to our stay!

jkjetsetters

For anyone else staying in the next couple weeks, I just found this 'Festive' Brochure, which details some holiday events they have going on. This includes a 'glice' skating rink, movies on the lawn, holiday crafts for little kids, & a Junkanoo Parade (traditional Bahamian holiday parade) on the 21st & 28th. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Festive Brochure (url shows as not secure, but it's what they linked to on the Hyatt site)

BookerT

1) I left a few large tips in the lounge (they have a small tip jar by the drinks) because we were down there all the time and the staff was great. Tipped the bellman on the way in because I forgot the service charge covered tips. Didn't tip anywhere else.
2) I only got a few drinks by the water and they came in disposable cups. I saw some people with real glass but I can't imagine they wanted people to have them by the pools. Side note - there is a place called the Daiquiri Shack about a 5 minute walk off property if you are looking for some great frozen drinks for 1/2 the cost of on property.
3) Probably wouldn't be any issue.
4) Tap water tasted very chlorinated but didn't give us any issues. You can grab unlimited bottles from the lounge.
5) Didn't eat any of the fancy places - travelling with toddler.
6) [email protected] is the shared guest relations email. They respond quickly.
7) We just used a regular cab both ways. It is a really short drive.
8) We asked about it on check-in. Was told it has not been around for a long time.

jkjetsetters

Thank you so much for the quick reply, helpful answers! I've already been planning to check out the Daiquiri Shack, one of my favorite drinks!

jkjetsetters

A new food truck opened on December 10th! Umami Burger is a US chain run by SBE, the same company that runs Fi'lia, Katsuya, Cleo, & other Baha Mar outlets. We loved Umami Burger when we lived in the SF Bay Area, pretty excited to check out their food truck next week!

There's a Festive Brochure for the Baha Mar resort now, with a variety of holiday activities for kids, teens & a few for adults. There's a 'glice' skating rink, photo ops with Santa & Ms. Clause, a traditional Bahamian Holiday parade, Junkanoo, & special meals.

harbourxie

Have anyone stayed with a Hyatt Prive rate at GH Baha Mar? What perks have you got? Thanks,

Rusdude

surikatina

When you are on the Hyatt site booking a suite, click on more details. It states that the suite has exclusive access to the Reserve Lounge.

Rusdude