We booked our package through the AMEX agent we've been working with for years, so the dreaded 'resort levy' was included in our total cost, along with transfers to the airport and some two for one coupons. Check in (6:30 PM Thur.) was smooth and courteous. Complimentary fruit was available from baskets on the counter. We found our island view room in Tower H very comfortable: spacious, well laid out and our balcony revealed not so much an island view as a palm and adjacent towers view. The sun came up behind 'our' palm tree every morning. We liked the separate toilet/bath and double sink vanity. All the expected amenities were there: breakfast table, mini-frig, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, walk in closet, many channels on TV and prompt attention from the front desk (e.g. you tear a coffee packet the wrong way and need a new one - a bagful of coffees and teas within five minutes.)
We spent our first day at the hotel. The breakfast buffet at the Seaside ($18 US incl. gratuities) is lavish. Neither of us can eat that much for breakfast, but it was an easy way to pick and choose some favorites. Plenty of American standards: eggs, crispy bacon (far better than the limp slabs too often found) home fries, sausage,
waffles, pancakes, an abundance of fresh fruit, toast and pastry, etc. For those with hearty appetites, it's probably worth it. The pool has a swim up bar (Flamingo's - also dry land seating) a waterslide, plenty of deck chairs with drinks and snacks served poolside if you want to loll in the sun. Our only complaint was that the water was chilly, but that was probably because we were in a sort of cold snap even for the Bahamas. Air temperature wasn't much above 75 degrees. There is also a beach on the ocean and a private lagoon. We found that our favorite for swimming. Various vendors and water sports operators frequent the beach area; excursion trips are available from booths in the lower lobby.
Also in the lower lobby (next to the internet 'bar') is Crystal Sweets, a convenient, low priced (relatively) alternative for breakfast, sandwiches and salads. They can be packed to take away to the beach or pool (or your room.) Another option for breakfast is S'barro's, a few minute's walk away and right next to a jitney bus stop. We had dinner one night at the Black Angus, located on a mezzanine floor above the casino. Prices there won't shock anyone familiar with New York, Las Vegas or (gulp) London, but if you're not accustomed to those rarified levels it is expensive, especially considering every thing is a la carte. Entrees run from $26 US to $50 and more. Appetizers and sides are $4 - $10, desserts $5 -10. Wines are available by the glass or the bottle. (The bill will also include a gratuity of approx. 10 percent.) That said, our filet mignon was superb, the asparagus with hollandaise and baked potato just right, and the service attentive and gracious.
Our favorite dinner destination was Johnny Canoes's, a pleasant stroll from the front door. When we ate there on Friday, we were treated to their weekly 8:00 PM Junkanoo Rushout, a crazy parade of people in outlandish costumes, with trumpets and drums, weaving through the restaurant. Another night we ate on their outdoor terrace and listened to island music. Bahamian food is their specialty and their conch preparations are worth the trip (just be sure to order a glass of water with them - they are Bahamian seasoned!)










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