Oct 21, 2014, 12:08 pm
Last edit by: RedSun
Good details in this post: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30029755-post302.html
The Atlantis is made up of 4 towers that will participate for redemption stays. They are as follows:
Atlantis, Beach Tower - Do not participate in Marriott reward booking(?) (old Category 7)
Atlantis, Coral Towers - New Category 5 (35k) (old Category 8 (from March, 2018 https://www.marriott.com/marriott-rewards/use/category-update.mi)
Atlantis, Royal Towers - New Category 6 (50k) (old Category 8)
The Cove Atlantis - New Category 7 (60k) (old Category 9)
Apparently, you cannot redeem points for a stay at The Reef Atlantis, but you can earn points on a paid stay there.
Points are earned for room rate only. No points on incidental spend. Platinum Arrival Gift (PAG) is 500pts or food/drink amenity. $20 internet fee* is NOT waived for Gold/Plats per Marriott's T&Cs. For rooms that will have more than two people aged twelve or over, there is an "additional adult charge" per person. *For Royal, Coral, Beach Towers, internet is included as part of the daily resort fee of $50.
"For clarification purposes, the daily charge is not a resort fee. The additional charges associated with the stay currently include mandatory gratuities and a utility service fee per person per day. The amount can vary by unit type by building. These additional charges have always been in place at Atlantis."
ADDITIONAL CHARGES:
Guests of Atlantis, Harborside Resort, The Cove and The Reef Atlantis are subject to an 20% charge per night that includes taxes, the Paradise Island Tourism and Development Association levy, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board levy and compensation for servicing your reservation. In addition, guests will be required to pay a mandatory gratuity and utility service fee of (i) up to $25.95 per person per day depending on unit type for Atlantis guests, (ii) up to $20.70 per person per day depending on unit type for Harborside Resort guests, and (iii) up to $65.95 per person per day depending on unit type for The Cove or The Reef Atlantis guests. If you purchase a pre-paid package these charges are already included in your package price. If you do not purchase a pre-paid package, these charges will be assessed upon check out at the property. Please be advised that all mandatory gratuities, taxes, levies and service fees are subject to change.
As of 01-Jan-2015, In addition to the previous 20% tax on room rate and purchases, there is an additional VAT of 7.5%, 12%* (as of July 1, 2018), making a total tax on room rate and purchases of 37.5%. This also applies to additional adult fees (for more than two person ages 12 and older staying in the same room), but does not apply to the mandatory gratuity and utility fees. https://thenassauguardian.com/2018/05/30/vat-hike-to-12-percent/
*If you booked prior to the VAT increase, you should be able to have the original 7.5% VAT honored. https://thenassauguardian.com/2018/06/07/hotels-and-resorts-allowed-to-honor-prior-bookings-at-7-5-vat/
Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas participates in Marriott Rewards as follows:
- Points or Miles may be earned for reservations booked through www.marriott.com/atlantis or by calling 1-855-696-4732.
- Points or Miles will not be earned and Points cannot be redeemed for reservations booked through Atlantis Paradise Vacations, Atlantis.com, or AtlantisBahamas.com.
- Reward booking can be done online from Marriott website. You can also book stays with points advance (borrow points). The cancellation policy is normally 14 days in advance.Points may be redeemed for stays only by calling 1-855-696-4732. At this time, redemption stays cannot be booked online.
The Atlantis is made up of 4 towers that will participate for redemption stays. They are as follows:
Atlantis, Beach Tower - Do not participate in Marriott reward booking(?) (old Category 7)
Atlantis, Coral Towers - New Category 5 (35k) (old Category 8 (from March, 2018 https://www.marriott.com/marriott-rewards/use/category-update.mi)
Atlantis, Royal Towers - New Category 6 (50k) (old Category 8)
The Cove Atlantis - New Category 7 (60k) (old Category 9)
Apparently, you cannot redeem points for a stay at The Reef Atlantis, but you can earn points on a paid stay there.
Points are earned for room rate only. No points on incidental spend. Platinum Arrival Gift (PAG) is 500pts or food/drink amenity. $20 internet fee* is NOT waived for Gold/Plats per Marriott's T&Cs. For rooms that will have more than two people aged twelve or over, there is an "additional adult charge" per person. *For Royal, Coral, Beach Towers, internet is included as part of the daily resort fee of $50.
"For clarification purposes, the daily charge is not a resort fee. The additional charges associated with the stay currently include mandatory gratuities and a utility service fee per person per day. The amount can vary by unit type by building. These additional charges have always been in place at Atlantis."
ADDITIONAL CHARGES:
Guests of Atlantis, Harborside Resort, The Cove and The Reef Atlantis are subject to an 20% charge per night that includes taxes, the Paradise Island Tourism and Development Association levy, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board levy and compensation for servicing your reservation. In addition, guests will be required to pay a mandatory gratuity and utility service fee of (i) up to $25.95 per person per day depending on unit type for Atlantis guests, (ii) up to $20.70 per person per day depending on unit type for Harborside Resort guests, and (iii) up to $65.95 per person per day depending on unit type for The Cove or The Reef Atlantis guests. If you purchase a pre-paid package these charges are already included in your package price. If you do not purchase a pre-paid package, these charges will be assessed upon check out at the property. Please be advised that all mandatory gratuities, taxes, levies and service fees are subject to change.
*If you booked prior to the VAT increase, you should be able to have the original 7.5% VAT honored. https://thenassauguardian.com/2018/06/07/hotels-and-resorts-allowed-to-honor-prior-bookings-at-7-5-vat/
Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas participates in Marriott Rewards as follows:
- Points or Miles may be earned for reservations booked through www.marriott.com/atlantis or by calling 1-855-696-4732.
- Points or Miles will not be earned and Points cannot be redeemed for reservations booked through Atlantis Paradise Vacations, Atlantis.com, or AtlantisBahamas.com.
- Reward booking can be done online from Marriott website. You can also book stays with points advance (borrow points). The cancellation policy is normally 14 days in advance.
Atlantis, Bahamas an Autograph Collection [Master Thread]
Jan 13, 2019, 10:24 am
#331
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
I do mention that:
“In fact, even if you are only Caesars Total Rewards Platinum, you have access to this offer, however you’re limited to 3 nights in the Beach Tower.
For Diamond, even matched base level Diamond, you get 4 nights in the Beach tower at peak times, but 4 nights in the Royal Tower off-peak.”
(Note that I don’t consider the Gold deal a deal based on the actual selling prices of the Beach tower)
That said, one thing to mention is I hardly gamble - I may acrus 400-500 Tier Credits in a year, but I am retired military, which qualifies me for Platinum each year (As long as they maintain the program that is) and so you get a free trip each year (Although "Free" is pushing it)
Feb 5, 2019, 8:57 am
#332
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I updated the Wiki with new Category info. Also, you can do reward booking online at Marriott.com.
The Beach and Reef do not have new Marriott Category info. Reef does not participate in Marriott reward booking. Probably the same case with Beach.
The Beach and Reef do not have new Marriott Category info. Reef does not participate in Marriott reward booking. Probably the same case with Beach.
Feb 5, 2019, 11:37 am
#333
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
It is great to have a lot of info about this place. We have a trip planned this late May. We just got good flight rewards to Bahamas, but not available to Aruba and other places I looked at.
I originally have the 7-night TP hotel portion planned, both a NC-5 and NC-6. Can attach the TP to either Royal or Cove. But after some research, decided to book most of the stay at Hyatt Baha Mar. Still like to spend 2-3 nights at Atlantis. Visited Atlantis many years ago and like to re-visit.
It just seems Baha Mar and Atlantis are just day and night. It is reward booking at Hyatt, club access and all resort fees waived. We'll get free breakfast, snacks, evening happy hours and free alcoholic drinks. Food is expensive at Atlantis. I may further cut down stay at Atlantis for one single night. I do not think it is good idea to have a day trip to Atlantis from Cable Beach and pay the park fees.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome. To us, I do not think we'll visit Bahamas again anytime soon. So, like to keep the trip within budget, but can burn some points. The Royal cost 50k and Cove costs 60k points now after the new Category changes.
I originally have the 7-night TP hotel portion planned, both a NC-5 and NC-6. Can attach the TP to either Royal or Cove. But after some research, decided to book most of the stay at Hyatt Baha Mar. Still like to spend 2-3 nights at Atlantis. Visited Atlantis many years ago and like to re-visit.
It just seems Baha Mar and Atlantis are just day and night. It is reward booking at Hyatt, club access and all resort fees waived. We'll get free breakfast, snacks, evening happy hours and free alcoholic drinks. Food is expensive at Atlantis. I may further cut down stay at Atlantis for one single night. I do not think it is good idea to have a day trip to Atlantis from Cable Beach and pay the park fees.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome. To us, I do not think we'll visit Bahamas again anytime soon. So, like to keep the trip within budget, but can burn some points. The Royal cost 50k and Cove costs 60k points now after the new Category changes.
Feb 7, 2019, 8:28 pm
#334
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Anyone knows how far it is from Royal to Cove tower? We can stay the nights at one tower, or stay at different towers to get some flavor of the guest rooms. I know Cove is much nicer and newer than Royal.
Feb 8, 2019, 4:39 am
#335
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Bonvoy titanium
Posts: 537
the biggest downside is the only real way to get to the marina is through the casino which smells like an ashtray
Feb 9, 2019, 2:25 pm
#336
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
from royal lobby to the cove lobby it’s about a five to ten min walk. To get to the marina where most of the food is is another five min from the royal lobby so from cove between 10-15 min at a pretty brisk pace
the biggest downside is the only real way to get to the marina is through the casino which smells like an ashtray
Feb 12, 2019, 2:51 pm
#338
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Right now, I get a 7-night Cat-6 hotel package to use at Royal. Or I can stay at Baha Mar and two nights at Roay or Cove. I'm not sure if it is worth bothering with all the headaches to stay 7 nights at Atlantis, or I'd be better off at Hyatt.
Feb 17, 2019, 1:39 pm
#339
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
Feb 28, 2019, 2:15 pm
#340
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Boston, MA,
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, Delta PM, *wood Ambassador Plat, Marriott Self-Imposed Exile
Posts: 679
Ending a 5 night stay on points... three rooms... at the Royal. After reading all these posts for the last 3 or 4 months since we booked, I was pretty prepared for what to expect and when things started going awry from check in, I started pondering what review would I leave here that is additive and isnt just another complaint about no status acknowledgement, etc etc. So here goes.
The simple truth about this property is that it is so gigantic, they run it more like an amusement park than a hotel. They tag you with bracelets (I'm wearing three right now), every transaction is unnecessarily long bc of a convoluted process that uses your key card and so in many ways, the hospitality is completely sucked out.
After a mess of a check in I called the front desk about the cribs, never answered. At one point, I called Titanium Bonvoy whatever line for help (regarding getting cribs), they called the property. Never answered the phone.took me forever to get two cribs. I called the front desk about the message light blinking... never answered (turns out it was a gift from a friend).
There's a kids pool with a mini water park. Pool opens at 9 (which I think is late). Park and rides at 10 (definitely late). Try explaining that to a three year old. The river rides are often "closed" for periods of time. Bars and coffee shops are barely staffed. I'm convinced that this is to reduce man hours to make the hotel even more profitable. Even the casino is wildly understaffed.
The only good to great service can be found at top restaurants and the cabanas (which you are obviously paying a premium for). Hubs and I had lunch... two rounds of drinks and burgers... $190. dinner for 4 adults, two kids (and two of the adults dont drink alcohol) at Olives --> $350
So when you take what is already a high room rate (points or otherwise), add a $60 per night resort fee, and factor in the 15 - 20% surcharge on everything (medium coffee in the lobby is $4.75)... you starting to look at an extremely expensive hotel. and... you're pretty trapped. leaving the property is not cheap by any imagination.
If we didnt have points, here's my math..
Three rooms/5 nights... were running about $1600
Resort fee... $60 X 5 nights X 3 room... $900
We probably spend $1000 at least a day on property... breakfast at the coffee shop has been $60-70 a day for each of us. at the buffet it's about $150 a day... drinks, dinner, cabanas, etc...
so all in.. $7500 in hotel. it's a lot. not our most expensive trip... but it's alot. and really, you're not getting that kind of vacation.
On the flip side... Westin Lagunamar Cancun. Great property, great service, always well priced. So many options on and off property - Xcaret for a water park, Tulum or the ruins for history, Isla Mujeres for a fun family day... So many excursions. AND Hospitality. Heaven forbid. I'd say the same for Westin/Sheraton Cabo, the offline Westin St. John, W Mexico City... I could ramble on... even the photographers on property are crazy expensive. We did a photoshoot at Lagunamar... $150 - 200... we have amazing photos. Here? $500 for the hour... you get all the pics.
Something dawned on me... we're pretty friendly people, we almost always meet some folks at these properties and there's always some group that "always comes back"... now this isnt statistically valid, but haven't met a single return guest.
So did we have a nice trip? I guess. our three year old twins had a blast. But they have a blast with empty amazon boxes.
The simple truth about this property is that it is so gigantic, they run it more like an amusement park than a hotel. They tag you with bracelets (I'm wearing three right now), every transaction is unnecessarily long bc of a convoluted process that uses your key card and so in many ways, the hospitality is completely sucked out.
After a mess of a check in I called the front desk about the cribs, never answered. At one point, I called Titanium Bonvoy whatever line for help (regarding getting cribs), they called the property. Never answered the phone.took me forever to get two cribs. I called the front desk about the message light blinking... never answered (turns out it was a gift from a friend).
There's a kids pool with a mini water park. Pool opens at 9 (which I think is late). Park and rides at 10 (definitely late). Try explaining that to a three year old. The river rides are often "closed" for periods of time. Bars and coffee shops are barely staffed. I'm convinced that this is to reduce man hours to make the hotel even more profitable. Even the casino is wildly understaffed.
The only good to great service can be found at top restaurants and the cabanas (which you are obviously paying a premium for). Hubs and I had lunch... two rounds of drinks and burgers... $190. dinner for 4 adults, two kids (and two of the adults dont drink alcohol) at Olives --> $350
So when you take what is already a high room rate (points or otherwise), add a $60 per night resort fee, and factor in the 15 - 20% surcharge on everything (medium coffee in the lobby is $4.75)... you starting to look at an extremely expensive hotel. and... you're pretty trapped. leaving the property is not cheap by any imagination.
If we didnt have points, here's my math..
Three rooms/5 nights... were running about $1600
Resort fee... $60 X 5 nights X 3 room... $900
We probably spend $1000 at least a day on property... breakfast at the coffee shop has been $60-70 a day for each of us. at the buffet it's about $150 a day... drinks, dinner, cabanas, etc...
so all in.. $7500 in hotel. it's a lot. not our most expensive trip... but it's alot. and really, you're not getting that kind of vacation.
On the flip side... Westin Lagunamar Cancun. Great property, great service, always well priced. So many options on and off property - Xcaret for a water park, Tulum or the ruins for history, Isla Mujeres for a fun family day... So many excursions. AND Hospitality. Heaven forbid. I'd say the same for Westin/Sheraton Cabo, the offline Westin St. John, W Mexico City... I could ramble on... even the photographers on property are crazy expensive. We did a photoshoot at Lagunamar... $150 - 200... we have amazing photos. Here? $500 for the hour... you get all the pics.
Something dawned on me... we're pretty friendly people, we almost always meet some folks at these properties and there's always some group that "always comes back"... now this isnt statistically valid, but haven't met a single return guest.
So did we have a nice trip? I guess. our three year old twins had a blast. But they have a blast with empty amazon boxes.
Mar 3, 2019, 5:36 pm
#341
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
There's a kids pool with a mini water park. Pool opens at 9 (which I think is late). Park and rides at 10 (definitely late). Try explaining that to a three year old. The river rides are often "closed" for periods of time. Bars and coffee shops are barely staffed. I'm convinced that this is to reduce man hours to make the hotel even more profitable. Even the casino is wildly understaffed.
s.
s.
You went in the middle of winter, I would imagine you noticed there was next to no one there - that is why stuff is closed/empty - I am not saying it is right - but it is the reason
If you go in July, you can't move in the water park, all the casino tables are open almost 24/7 and all the drink/food facilities are overcharging you from dusk til dawn
Mar 4, 2019, 3:34 am
#342
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Boston, MA,
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, Delta PM, *wood Ambassador Plat, Marriott Self-Imposed Exile
Posts: 679
I only want to address this part, the rest of your review is pretty damn accurate - like Disney World, but no mouse
You went in the middle of winter, I would imagine you noticed there was next to no one there - that is why stuff is closed/empty - I am not saying it is right - but it is the reason
If you go in July, you can't move in the water park, all the casino tables are open almost 24/7 and all the drink/food facilities are overcharging you from dusk til dawn
You went in the middle of winter, I would imagine you noticed there was next to no one there - that is why stuff is closed/empty - I am not saying it is right - but it is the reason
If you go in July, you can't move in the water park, all the casino tables are open almost 24/7 and all the drink/food facilities are overcharging you from dusk til dawn
and if that’s what it’s likenin July, I’m definitely never going back.
Apr 29, 2019, 3:16 am
#344
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Boston, MA,
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, Delta PM, *wood Ambassador Plat, Marriott Self-Imposed Exile
Posts: 679
Apr 29, 2019, 3:18 pm
#345
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum Medallion, AA Lifetime Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold, Amtrak Select
Posts: 303
I stayed at the Cove with my wife in early December, it was a big couples trips, no kids, just 8 couples. For reasons I won't get into, I did not have to pay for the room or our meals. We were on a club floor, so we had breakfast included (modest, but it was fine). Wow, this place. For the price, I don't know how anyone chooses to stay here over other options in the Caribbean. I guess some people love the big hotel, disney world vibe, but sheesh...i could never go back here for what they charge and what you get. The rooms at the Cove were lovely...and the adult pool cabanas are nice...but for the price of a four seasons in high season? I'm going to the four seasons.
The lack of Bonvoy (still having trouble saying it) benefits are the real kicker...just not worth it with some many great options out there.
Though, not gonna lie, I did love acting like a kid for a couple of days in the water park!!
Lastly...anyone else find it funny that AALoyalNYC is right after Boston AA Flyer...both who are current DL PM and AA MMilers...who probably NEVER fly AA anymore? AA and SPG farewell...how I yearn for the good old days...and I'm talking like 2004 right now...so it was NOT that long ago!!!
The lack of Bonvoy (still having trouble saying it) benefits are the real kicker...just not worth it with some many great options out there.
Though, not gonna lie, I did love acting like a kid for a couple of days in the water park!!
Lastly...anyone else find it funny that AALoyalNYC is right after Boston AA Flyer...both who are current DL PM and AA MMilers...who probably NEVER fly AA anymore? AA and SPG farewell...how I yearn for the good old days...and I'm talking like 2004 right now...so it was NOT that long ago!!!