We just returned from Atlantis on 3/29/08. We rented the timeshare at Atlantis directly from the owner. There are web sites you can do this on and save quite a bit of money. I'm in my 30s and my husband is in his early 40s. We take a vacation with our kids, ages 7 and 9 every year. We also take several other vacations throughout the year. First, let me say that my kids LOVED Atlantis. Now, I will comment on some specifics.
ACCOMODATIONS: We were in a new building in a 2 bedroom unit. It looked clean enough - but our socks and feet were dirty. They need to thoroughly clean the floors. Our shower leaked so the bath mat would be soaked after a shower. Not a big deal - I threw it in the dryer. It was well stocked with things we needed and we had no complaints. There is a TV and DVD player in the living room and both bedrooms. There is a Bose sound system.
LOCATION: The Harborside units are kind of away from the action. That is somewhat nice - you can get a break from things. The shuttles run regularly and it is no problem getting around. We found it was just as fast to walk.
WATER PARK: This is awesome. The kids loved it. I felt they were very safe. There are a lot of life guards around and you cannot get in there without a wrist band. We went every day but one. My husband went down and put towels on chairs at about 7:00 each morning. No biggie - he picked up Starbucks on the way back. It is VERY difficult to get a chair if you aren't there early. Just go down and put your towel and a magazine on a chair. We brought beach towels from home to distinguish ours from the hotel towels they give you. $5.00 to the pool boy will probably get you a chair if you're hard up.
FOOD: We ate breakfast in our unit each morning but two. We had breakfast at The Point which is right by the Harborside pool that last day. That was good. Another day, we got muffins and juice. Food is expensive. Tropical drinks are expensive - about $10 each. But - you're on vacation. We packed snacks in our suitcase - that helped with having stuff around for the kids when we went back to shower before dinner. You will easily spend $200 per day for a family of 4 for 2 meals. We spent much more than this.
RESERVATIONS: Everything said to reserve tables before I got there. I didn't. Most of our dinner reservations were at 8:00 or after. I encourage you to do this. If you don't, call at 4:00 - there seems to be openings at that time. Also - I showed up early for all reservations (one time an hour early) and was immediatley seated.
GOLF: We put the kids in the kids club one day to golf. They loved the kids club and wanted to go back. The golf was the best! Most incredible views. So much fun. Very expensive - but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Dolphin Encounter. We did the one that isn't through the result. Was a blast. I booked ahead of time. Don't do that. You'll get better deals there.
Jet skis: Rented these and went out on the ocean. Very fun!
STAFF: I read reviews that the staff was rude and slow. Yes, they are a little slow compared to what I am used to. Many times, I wanted to jump behind the counter and count out my own change because it was taking them forever. However, every one was very nice and friendly.
AIRPORT: The line was long when we went to fly home. Flipped a luggage guy a $50 - and he walked us through customs. Cut right through all the lines - which kind of made everyone else angry. Others on our flight were in line for 3 hours. It would've been a nightmare to stand in line with a 7 and 9 year old for 3 hours - so I was happy. Best $50 we spent - and I hesitate to say anything about it here because now everyone will do it and I hope it doesn't put a stop to it.
CAB DRIVERS: The rates are posted at the hotel - look at them and enforce them. They attempted to overcharge us.
We will definitely go back. Was a great family vacation!





Location (e.g., convenience, views)
Cleanliness
Cleanliness



