Atlantis - Tips and Tricks?

[mpizza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mpizza]

The family wants to go to Atlantis next year (2015) instead of Disney.

It will be during the dreaded school holidays - any tips on which is less crowded - spring, early summer or "NJ week" a/k/a teachers' convention? Ok to miss a few days, but not a full week - grand kids are into dance, team sports, and other activities.

I'll need 2 two bedrooms, plus a studio or hotel room. I'm in II (no Starwood preference), but not opposed to renting. Any good rental websites to check-out?

Yes, I know food is expensive, but I'm thinking it will be offset since no car or van rentals needed and no park passes, correct?

Thanks,

Maria

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

I have yet to go to Atlantis but I do know people who have gone and stayed at the Comfort Suites which apparently has
some sort of arrangement with Atlantis and lets you use the watermarks for free.
They also give you a free breakfast but it's a Comfort Suites so I'm sure it doesn't compare to Harborside.
Apparently you get a microwave and fridge along with the free breakfast so you can save a little but not for much cooking.

Here is a link to the Tripadvisor info:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...d_Bahamas.html

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

I am not sure which week will be less crowded. I guess it will largely depend on which week you can rent two 2BRs from the private owners. A few sites that I will look into are redweek.com, vacationtimesharerentals.com, and TUG. I think Chris' suggestion is also a good one. The 2-2BR units at Atlantis give you at least 12 activity bands, probably more than the number needed for your party. I might consider renting a room at either Comfort Suite or some other nearby resorts for sleeping accommodation.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

there used to be a Sheraton next door to Atlantis -- I don't know what it's called now... but it was walkable along the beach

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

look into http://graycliff.com/ when booking or going to dinner there which is a must do, Better meal than any of the Atlantis restaurants ask for Paolo Garzaroli and mention bigfrank I have known him for many years

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Atlantis 2Br lock off is two one bedroom units
The premiere 1br is huge with a separate dinning room And sleeps 5. The deluxe is a sleep 4 and is the unit you stayed in when we went together.
I mention this because you could give each "family with children" a large 1BR and the other "family" without a smaller 1BR.
I no longer own Starwood and to snag a 2BR thru II you would need a Starwood to. Starwood trade...and to get two 2BR weeks thru II would be a miracle as they traditionally only do sept-October and early January.

Suggest Redweek for rentals.
Suggest June as soon as school out as the best time to visit.
Possible NJ week, but remember all the activities are in the water so would not want to visit Dec-Feb as it is cooool.

Food very very very expensive. There is information OY from. Michael Coley about packing all his food for a week. While I do not suggest that, packing a suitcase with basics for the kids would be a huge cost saver. You can also pre arrange a van pickup that includes a supermarket stop on the way to the resort. Just keep all refrigerator items separate and they will store for you when you arrive.