My husband and I stayed at the Reef for our anniversary and we were very pleased overall. The hotel is definitely nice - beautifully landscaped, lots to do (or nothing at all), good restaurants. Like most every other reviewer, we thought things were pricey but did find ways to save - first, the beach and waterpark are included in the price so we took full advantage of that. Our room had a full kitchen (we splurged on that) so we ordered groceries online for delivery to the hotel and had many of our meals in the room. We took the water taxi into Nassau one cloudy day which is only $3 each - a great deal. The staff were excellent - the concierge staff especially - they were very gracious and helped with meal reservations and our spa reservation. Room was kept clean and everything was functional - no complaints there.

It was quite busy during our stay, lots of cruise ship visitors so that took away from our "intimate" get away. Otherwise, we'd love to visit again.

I stayed at the Reef on business and admit I chose it because it fronts onto the beach so I could walk there.

It's a modern hotel, part of the Atlantis resort which is aimed firmly at tourism but is good enough for a business stay and much better than the dos town hotels. Service is very good by Bahamian standards and the romo was top class. I rather resented paying $20 per day for internet however.

The weak point is the food, although there are about 20 restaurants in the resort I didn't find any that I would really choose to eat in. Tip : avoid the "cheese" nachos and the breakfast "danish" pastries at all costs.

The resort is in the Bahamas but clearly not like the Bahamas - more like a slice of Miami transported here. I'd use it again.


Overall though a good choice

Stayed here the first week of December, right after the Thanksgiving crowd left, and right before the Holiday crowds arrived. The resort itself is amazing. Where else can you enjoy such an assortment of activities, pools, slides, spa, casino, nightlife? The reviews concerning how expensive this place is are all valid. However, with some careful planning and knowledge, you can have a wonderful time at this 5 Star Resort, at a fraction of the cost. We stayed in a Studio Suite at the Reef. What's great about this room is that it has a kitchennette with a stove-top, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. All the amenities such as pots and pans, dishes, glasses, etc. If you want to have a totally relaxing vacation and money is not an object (after all you work hard all year so you deserve some R&R), then opt for the meal plan. It cost about a hundred dollars a day for an adult, less for kids, and includes 3 meals a day that can be used at most of the restaurants at the Atlantis, including Bobby Flay's restaurant Mesa Grill and Carmine's, a great family style Italian restaurant located in the marina.

However, don't rule this place out if you are on a budget. Since there is a refrigerator, stove and cooking utentsils, you can actually dine for a few dollars more than you do at home. On your way to the resort from the airport, ask the taxi driver to stop at the local super market. Groceries that are easy to cook and less expensive to buy are eggs, cheese, breakfast meats, cereal, milk, hot dogs, hamburgers, bagels, tortillas, potatoes, mac & cheese and pasta. Having the driver stop on the way to the resort saves the cost of a taxi there & back on a subsequent trip. Also, if you are a drinker, have them stop by a liquor store to buy your alchohol, wine & beer. Remember, you have a refrigerator, so you can keep things cold. A handle of Bacardi rum only cost about $15, so if you like rum stock up. Don't forget the mixers. Bring spices in little zip lock bags from home so you don't have to pay an arm & a leg for them at the grocery store.

Rather than spending a fortune at the restaurants at the resort, if you are athletic, you can walk (or take a short taxi ride) over the bridge and eat where the locals do at one of the shacks at Arawak Cay. With a host of seafood restaurants that serve delicious fried fish and the delectable conch salad with Kalik beer (feel free to bring your own beverages), brewed on New Providence Island itself, a visit to this place makes for an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the cost of the resort restaurants. The conch salad is prepared fresh and made tableside. If you go in the morning you can actually buy some fresh local fish that you can take back to your room and prepare for dinner. Pan seared Grouper is easy to prepare and a wonderful dish to enjoy out on your private balcony.

A little further in town is another great place ot eat - Potters Cay (a short taxi ride) – Bahamian food with fresh fish/vegetables from the market. This is a great spot to watch locals eat, drink, and do business in the marketplace at a fraction of the cost of the resort restaurants.

Downtown Nassau has some great spots for Happy Hour & the Straw Market where you can barter with the locals for your souvenirs and fake designer luggage. The Nassau Water Taxi (which you can get under the bridge for around $3 per person) provides a cost effective and highly visual alternative to traditional road transportation (taxi). Each boat offers a guided tour of the surrounding area.

We actually splurged (cost about $60 a person) one night and ate at Mosaic, which is located at the Cove. It is an upscale casual mediterrean style restaurant with serving stations that include steak, lamb chops, chicken, fresh prepared fish, a pasta station, salads, a fabulous assortment of sushi and some wonderful desserts. Delish.

All in all we had a wonderful vacation staying at this 5 star resort on a 3 star budget, and will definately be back.

Feel free to contact me for information on how to get substantial discounts on room rates at The Reef.

Room Tip: Request a room at the end of the hall and you will be right by the Ice Machine.
See more room tips

Stayed at The Reef a few days before Thanksgiving with wife and 2 kids (ages 11 and 8). We booked a studio room, which was okay for the 4 of us. There is a small stove, small dishwasher, small refrigerator, and small microwave in the room for our use. Note the emphasis on the word small. I'm sure the one bedroom suite is better, but it's a little bit too expensive for my tastes.

There's also a small coffeemaker (comes with starbucks coffee that should be replenished every day). I thought it will be more convenient to order coffee at the starbucks in the lobby, but couldn't get myself to pay about 3 bucks for a tall coffee.

Like a bunch of reviewers said, try to get some "supplies" to get you through your stay. Especially food. And water. Bottled water costs a fortune in Atlantis. For example, I bought ice cream for my 2 kids, and it cost me about 7 bucks, each! This includes the 15% tip of course. Yes - it's a mandatory charge so the person at the other side of the counter can hand you the ice cream.

But enough of the gripes. Other than the cost, this place is awesome! The grounds are amazing, and my kids enjoyed the waterpark. My kids did the shallow dolphin interaction, which was okay if it is your first time interacting with dolphins, but a little too tame for them since this does not include the dolphin push or hanging by the fin as the dolphin pulls you.

My wife and I also dined at Mesa Grill, and the food was heavenly. I know since both of us practically cleaned our plates. Also ate at Carmine's. One order of spaghetti and meatballs was enough for the 4 of us.

This is a place you need to experience at least once, and I am glad we went.