The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Atlantis Paradise Island are both family-friendly resorts in the Bahamas with brilliant facilities. We investigate which is the better choice.
1. Best Location: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Vs. Atlantis
Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood, which we have compared separately, are part of the expansive Baha Mar resort complex on Nassau’s renowned Cable Beach in the Bahamas and a 15-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). This huge resort (1,000 acres in size) offers guests access to a wealth of shared amenities and experiences.
Numerous restaurants are available, the largest casino in the Caribbean sits within this resort, and a 15-acre Baha Bay water park with huge slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool is nearby. Stingray Cove is the best option if you have a young family, and all these facilities are within walking distance of all three hotels.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar comprises two huge white towers centrally located within the Baha Mar complex. The Grand Hyatt offers easy access to the resort’s extensive facilities. Its central position makes it ideal for guests looking to be at the heart of the action, with a lively atmosphere. This hotel is particularly good for families.
Atlantis, Paradise Island is located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, just off the coast of Nassau. It occupies a prime spot on the northern shore of Paradise Island, overlooking the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Connected to Nassau by bridges, Paradise Island is easily accessible from the mainland, making it a popular destination for travelers visiting the Bahamas.
The resort complex covers a vast area of land, with multiple accommodations, attractions, and amenities spread out along the coastline. From its central location on Paradise Island, Atlantis offers breathtaking views of the ocean, as well as easy access to the island’s pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Paradise Island is known for its idyllic tropical setting, with lush vegetation, swaying palm trees, and powdery white sand beaches. Atlantis guests can enjoy a wide range of activities both on land and in the water, including swimming, snorkeling, golfing, shopping, dining, and more.
2. Style & Character
Each resort offers a distinct experience, with the Grand Hyatt focusing on modern elegance and versatility, while Atlantis excels in themed luxury and abundant entertainment options.
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar feels like a huge Hyatt, blending contemporary design and subtle Bahamian influences. It is huge, with around 1,800 guest rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the Baha Mar resort complex. It feels large and a little bland but is well-kept and well-staffed. Open spaces are elegantly decorated with modern furnishings and vibrant artwork. The hotel is all about giving you access to wonderful facilities, including multiple dining options.
Atlantis has around 2,300 rooms and is known for its iconic, theme-park-like atmosphere that combines elements of fantasy and grandeur. The resort’s design is inspired by the myth of the lost city of Atlantis, featuring elaborate decor, extensive marine habitats, and water-themed attractions.
Atlantis’s character is vibrant and fun, making it particularly popular with families and adventure seekers. It boasts many activities, including the famous Aquaventure water park, interactive marine exhibits, and numerous entertainment options like theaters and nightclubs.
The architecture and interiors of Atlantis are grand and opulent, with massive lobbies, large-scale sculptures, and dramatic lighting. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from standard rooms to ultra-luxurious suites in the iconic Royal Towers.
In summary, the Grand Hyatt looks bland but is well cared for. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is best suited for guests seeking modern sophistication and versatility. It provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere with luxurious comfort and a wide range of amenities, all within a sleek, contemporary setting.
Atlantis, Paradise Island is ideal for those looking for themed extravagance and family-friendly entertainment. Its unique blend of fantasy-inspired design, grand opulence, and extensive recreational activities create a lively and unforgettable vacation experience.
Best Bahamas Resort: Grand Hyatt Vs. SLS Vs. Rosewood Baha Mar
The Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood Baha Mar are all luxury hotels in the Bahamas. They are all based in the same resort complex, with the Rosewood pitched as the most luxurious of these three properties. This resort complex offers superb beaches and pools and a plethora of facilities, restaurants, and water sports shared by the three hotels. Worth noting, the Rosewood has its own exclusive patch of sand, which guests of the other Baha Mar properties can't access. We outline the differences between these hotels below to help you determine which of these you should choose.
3. Waterparks
While both water parks offer fantastic amenities and experiences, Atlantis’ Aquaventure stands out for its sheer size, extensive variety of attractions, and unique marine experiences. It is renowned for its thrilling rides and immersive theme, making it a top destination for water park enthusiasts. The Baha Bay Water Park at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offers a more modern and luxurious experience, but it does not match the scale and iconic status of Aquaventure at Atlantis. Therefore, for the ultimate water park experience, Atlantis Paradise Island is the superior choice.
4. Beach
Atlantis, Paradise Island boasts the best beach when compared to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Atlantis is located on Paradise Island, renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The resort offers several distinct beach areas, including the famous Cove Beach, Paradise Beach, and Atlantis Beach, all providing a serene and picturesque setting with ample space for relaxation and various water activities. The beaches at Atlantis are complemented by the resort’s lush tropical landscaping and extensive amenities, making it a top choice for beach lovers seeking both beauty and convenience. In contrast, while the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s Cable Beach is beautiful and well-maintained, offering calm waters and a more tranquil environment, it doesn’t quite match the expansive and iconic beachfront experience provided by Atlantis.
5. Rooms
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar rooms are spacious and modern, featuring contemporary furnishings and amenities. With a focus on comfort and functionality. There is nothing special about these rooms but they are functional and provide everything you would expect from a Grand Hyatt hotel. Many rooms at the Grand Hyatt offer stunning views of the ocean or resort grounds.
The rooms at Atlantis, Paradise Island are diverse, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets, with accommodations spread across several distinctive towers. The Royal Towers offer the most iconic and luxurious rooms, featuring grand decor, sweeping ocean views, and opulent furnishings.
The Cove Atlantis provides a more upscale, boutique experience with contemporary suites that include spacious living areas, private balconies, and access to exclusive amenities like the adults-only Cove Pool. The Coral Towers are family-friendly, offering comfortable and stylish rooms with easy access to the marina and kid-centric activities.
Finally, the Beach Tower offers more affordable accommodations with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Each tower’s rooms are designed to reflect the resort’s aquatic theme, with vibrant colors and tropical decor, ensuring a memorable stay for all guests. The rooms at the Atlantis are more varied.
6. Price
Compared to Atlantis, Paradise Island, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is generally more affordable. It offers a range of room categories at various price points, making it accessible to a wider range of budgets. You can also book this hotel on World Of Hyatt Points.
At Atlantis, Paradise Island, the luxury accommodations, particularly in the Royal Towers and The Cove, can be quite expensive, although the Beach Tower offers more budget-friendly options.
The cheapest time to visit these hotels is during the hurricane season, from late summer to late fall. Obviously there is the risk of hurricanes at this time of year but assuming you avoid the hurricanes, the days can be much greyer and cloudier at this time of year so it is a risk.
Book any of these three hotels via our luxury travel concierge to get a better deal. You will get free breakfast along with priority room upgrades and hotel credit if you book with us.
6. Conclusion
Atlantis, Paradise Island is the best choice for families, offering a wide array of activities and amenities tailored to all ages. The resort features the expansive Aquaventure water park with thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and interactive marine exhibits, providing endless entertainment for children and adults alike. The Kids Adventures program offers supervised activities, crafts, and games, ensuring that younger guests are engaged and having fun. Additionally, Atlantis has numerous family-friendly dining options, spacious accommodations designed to accommodate families, and convenient access to beautiful beaches.
While the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar also offers excellent family amenities, including a water park, kids’ club, and various recreational activities, Atlantis stands out for its sheer variety of attractions, immersive experiences, and world-renowned reputation as a premier family vacation destination.
If you’re looking for luxury with access to water parks for your family, our top choice is actually the Rosewood in the Baha Mar complex. This tranquil retreat appeals to discerning travelers seeking a serene and luxurious escape, complete with private beach access, lush gardens, and a serene ambiance. The Rosewood also has access to all the water park facilities of the Baha Mar complex but you can retreat to a luxurious setting when you’re done with the fun.
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