We have never been to the Bahamas area, and are planning a trip with my wife and 2 year old. We want to definitely be around the atlantis area for the aquariums, etc. So my questions are:
1. Are all of the Atlantis areas open to the public, or only guest? i.e. can we stay at a nearby resort to save a little money and still take advantage of the Atlantis amenities?
2. If Atlantis is exclusive, it looks like there are several separate places with different rates within the Atlantis community, so what is the "most economical" way to get into the Atlantis area and be able to take advantage of the amenities?

Thanks and gig'em

I was actually wondering the same thing...any help is appreciated

If I recall correctly, there was a Comfort Inn next door to Atlantis that you could stay at and still use the Atlantis facilities.

I have heard the same that khammer states from someone I know. There is supposedly a comfort inn, best western, etc. at Atlantis that enables you access to the Atlantis property.

We always stayin the cove or the imperial club. You used to have wristbands that granted you access to th facilities and such. Why don't you call them....?

Thanks for the info so far. I'm a little apprehensive about Comfort Inn. Basically we want an all inclusive resort with decent food and want access to Atlantis. So, if that means we have to stay at one of their places, then that is what we will do. Just didn't want to spend the 500 a night for it.

nnichols - I will check out the two you mentioned and I'm sure I will be calling them to check on the details. Really just started looking into it and wanted to tap the TexAGS for some good insight to help me start out.

Any other info and insight on the area, etc would be great as I didn't find anything in the Travel summary links.

Atlantis is fine..but certainly overpriced. The food is definitely mostly terrible and ridiculously priced.

Take that same money and go to Disney World. Something like the Beach Club Resort could be had for the same money and provide way more options for a family, especially with a 2 yo.

Just a thought...

Riu and Paradise Island Harbour Resort are both all inclusive, and a short distance away. However, neither of those two are tied in with the Atlantis. Everything at the Atlantis is extra money, and it can be bought from people staying there and those staying at the other properties.

We stayed at the Riu last Feb. for our honeymoon and paid for a couple of activities at Atlantis. I recommend swimming with the dolphins!

http://www.atlantis.com/thingstodo/dolphincay/shallowwaterinteraction.aspx

[This message has been edited by megs (edited 2/15/2010 12:00p).]

You can buy a pass at Atlantis to do certain activities. Guests can walk around and look at stuff, but only in certain areas if you don't have the right pass.

Everything on their resort is insanely overprices. If I remember correctly, a single scoop from the Ben & Jerrys there was something like $12.50.

Don't get me started on the drinks.

I DEFINITELY recommend staying somewhere near by, and just taking the ferry that runs to Paradise Island, buying a pass for the day, and taking in the sights at Atlantis. There are a lot of other great things to do on Nassau.

Another option would be to take a cruise that stops in the local port. We did this last September and went to Atlantis for the day. We had full access to all water rides, the beach, etc... Our stay was about six hours. Dolphin Cay was fun, do the Leap of Faith water slide and the lazy river. The aquariums are a must-see as well.

The Comfort Suites across the street from Atlantis is the way to go. Significantly cheaper, full access to Atlantis. Free breakfast every morning. My wife and I had a great time. You have NO IDEA how expensive food is there. The included breakfast is worth its weight in gold.

We're looking into staying at the Royal Towers and I had a question regarding guest access to the water park rides. Does being a guest grant you full access or do you still have to pay extra for some type of all access pass? Thanks!

We just got back from the Bahamas a couple of weeks ago. We stayed at the Riu on paradise Island. Its all inclusive (food and alcohol including 24 hour room service). The price wasnt bad and we had a wonderful time at that hotel. Everyone was so nice. We walked right into the atlantis everyday. One of the towers is like a 1 minute walk away. The atlantis sales day passes for their facilities.

I would highly recommend the Riu. The food was outstanding.

just back from there, if you are concerned about $ then Comfort Suites is the way to go or there are also some cheaper towers (Beach, Coral) on Altantis. Check out thier website for best prices. Don't know about RIU but it sounds like that may be another cheaper option. I think you will want to go back when your kid is older - kids love the water park