We went in early July 2021, and it was a nightmare the first few days as there was a huge under-18 crowd which looked like it was a class trip. The buffet and a couple restaurants were closed, and all the restaurants that were open needed reservations - which we weren't told about when we booked on their website or at check-in. We ended up going out in town for a lot of our meals as it was cheaper (and better) than at the resort. Frankie Gone Bananas at Arawak Key was incredible, as were some of the restaurants on Paradise Island. El Jefe was open, but no flavor to their food. Streetbird On The Beach was expensive for portion sizes - at almost $20 for chicken and waffles, two small pieces of chicken and two halves of a square waffle just didn't cut it.. Drift Bar and Grill was closed. Swimming Pig and Marcus' were both incredible - Swimming Pig is where we ate at mostly since it was easy to get a two-top and the kitchen was very fast without sacrificing flavor. Cleo was nice as well, once you got past waiting. Carna was another fantastic spot - the seafood tower was incredible, and the steaks were top notch. There is also a cigar bar near the fountains out the rear of the casino floor, and while the drinks were fabulous the cigar choices weren't. Highly recommend you bring your own as most were Cuban and were dry, so the Habano when smoked was very bitter.
Don't go during holidays or spring break, especially with your kiddos. If so, reserve these expensive restaurants months in advance. We struggled with getting good meals since everything has no reservations available and the few that you can wait for i.e. Pizza Lab aren't that good and pricey. 2 slices of pizza with 2 cans of sprite and slice of cake came to $51.00. This definitely put a damper on everything. Same goes for trying to get chairs at the pools and just forget the spa. Trying to find where everything is also like a half day excursion. Save yourself and don't come to BahaMar (SLS- rooms not that special) unless you plan months in advance or can come when no one else is traveling, like hurricane season and the month or two after it. I wouldn't return. I'm okay with paying $$$ for high quality and ease and efficiency. I can say it didn't live up to the hype. Try to go off-site, and a cab will put you back 25-30 one way, for a short ride. What I thought would be a dream vacay was an expensive 'meh'. The good? The waterpark was nice and the warm waters of the Caribbean at the beach. Post Covid service is average truthfully. Not stellar as you would expect at this price point. Other Caribbean islands are more affordable and just as beautiful. The dollar will also go a lot further. Happy travels...
Good insight for sure. We found there was zero grab and go food available, and it was a struggle to feed our little guy. That is 100% something this resort needs to address. Early September (as kids are going back to school) was when we went and it was dead quiet (zero lineups at the water parks!)
What do you recommend? I'm planning this type of trip for the first time in my life and don't want to mess it up. I'm not rich and don't want to dump thousands into a meh experience. Would love to hear better alternatives if you don't mind sharing.
Oh and $200 per day incidentals fee plus $91.00 daily non refundable resort fee 🙄. Would have been fine if I could charge meals back to my room but not getting restaurant reservations made it 🤨 and room service food options (SLS) limited. Sorry to those that loved it, just my personal experience...do with the info what you will.😄
$200 per day for incidentals “fees”? Is this a refundable deposit? I booked directly with Hyatt and didn’t see anything about this fee. Heading there this Wednesday 8/16/23. 😊
Is it very crowded in August?? Want to go two nights bahamar and 2 nights Atlantis. What do you think?? Great Vid and your son is a cutie pie. My kids are over 30.....not so cute!! lol
Thanks! I’m sure your kids were cute when they were younger too!! We went in early Sept and it was pretty dead. My guess is once school starts, less people will be on resort. I haven’t don’t Atlantis but heard it’s a fixture there. Have fun!
We usually stay at Atlantis but decided to give this place a try. Is there a grocery store close by that we can stock up on snacks and alcohol? I hope the rooms have a mini fridge?
No grab and no is correct. Pretty disappointing, especially if you have kids. There is a cafe and a Starbucks but that barely qualifies in my opinion. There were mini fridges in the rooms we stayed in, but they were really mini! We didn't look for a grocery store. Good luck!
For the touch tank and general viewing, there is no charge (however, you need to sign up in advance). To get closer to the turtles/sharks you'll have to sign up for the "feeding" session. It's a small charge and you get a more intimate experience. Worth it in my opinion. Enjoy!
Hi there. Does the SLS provide water filter station and ice machine, mini fridge on each floor? The Atlantis have water filter, ice and in room mini fridge..
@@lifeatlarge1 Nope. SLS normal room have no fridge. Building have no ice machine. They give you 2 small bottle water everyday. Ice has to be requested through room service and can take up to 30 min to get it. No water filter or fountain in the building. I am leaving SLS tomorrow. The Atlantis has ice machine and real water filter, but the quality of service has been decline every year. I ve been going to the Atlantis every year for the past 10 years. I think I am done with them both.
Menus are available online before you go so you know what you’re getting yourself into. That’s on you for not doing your research before you booked your trip
@@davidstephan5116maybe he did know but still wanted to complain about it or acknowledged it to let others know..... he has that right you know.....why does that bother you?
TBH, I expected high prices, but these are skyscraper level. Even then I would accept that but at most places I didn't find it that good. From what I could tell the food is cooked offsite and then reheated and assembled at time of purchase.
Not on this trip. On a previous trip we visited Nassau and spent a 1/2 day wondering around. The town centre is quite touristy, however, there are definitely some local spots. A bit of research prior to heading out and you'll be set. Enjoy!
Horrible... at Baha Mar now. Unable to find a chair at pool or beach. Restaurants over capacity. Water park over run by cruise ships . You'd think for the price they'd have enough space... nope! Go somewhere else!
Sounds horrible! Having all those people around would definitely change my impression of the resort. The exact opposite when we were there in early September. I suppose every destination has its high and low times!
Good video! How's the room service and ordering food straight to the room? Any issues? I stayed at the SLS a few years back and had no problems. I remember they also had food trucks by the beach back then. Are those still around?
There were a couple of food trucks by the beach. The one selling burrito bowls was good and is recommend grabbing food from there vs the pool side restaurants. We didn’t try room service!
@@lifeatlarge1 that’s good since I never been outside of the US what’s the best way to shuttle from the airport to ur hotel ? And if I’m staying there for a week u think $700 will be good for 5 days if I’m only eating 2 meals a day
@@iitzpepsii I'd budget $150 per person, per night for food. Not including any alcohol. I'd personally get a bit bored staying there for a week...3-4 days is the perfect amount in my opinion. There is a resort shuttle from the airport but its expensive and you have to pre-book. I'd suggest taking a taxi. Also, you can watch the first few minutes of the video, I share all the details there too :)
We went in early July 2021, and it was a nightmare the first few days as there was a huge under-18 crowd which looked like it was a class trip. The buffet and a couple restaurants were closed, and all the restaurants that were open needed reservations - which we weren't told about when we booked on their website or at check-in. We ended up going out in town for a lot of our meals as it was cheaper (and better) than at the resort. Frankie Gone Bananas at Arawak Key was incredible, as were some of the restaurants on Paradise Island. El Jefe was open, but no flavor to their food. Streetbird On The Beach was expensive for portion sizes - at almost $20 for chicken and waffles, two small pieces of chicken and two halves of a square waffle just didn't cut it.. Drift Bar and Grill was closed. Swimming Pig and Marcus' were both incredible - Swimming Pig is where we ate at mostly since it was easy to get a two-top and the kitchen was very fast without sacrificing flavor. Cleo was nice as well, once you got past waiting. Carna was another fantastic spot - the seafood tower was incredible, and the steaks were top notch. There is also a cigar bar near the fountains out the rear of the casino floor, and while the drinks were fabulous the cigar choices weren't. Highly recommend you bring your own as most were Cuban and were dry, so the Habano when smoked was very bitter.
I was there May 2024..Baha Mar is by far my favorite resort I've ever stayed at..
Don't go during holidays or spring break, especially with your kiddos. If so, reserve these expensive restaurants months in advance. We struggled with getting good meals since everything has no reservations available and the few that you can wait for i.e. Pizza Lab aren't that good and pricey. 2 slices of pizza with 2 cans of sprite and slice of cake came to $51.00. This definitely put a damper on everything. Same goes for trying to get chairs at the pools and just forget the spa. Trying to find where everything is also like a half day excursion. Save yourself and don't come to BahaMar (SLS- rooms not that special) unless you plan months in advance or can come when no one else is traveling, like hurricane season and the month or two after it. I wouldn't return. I'm okay with paying $$$ for high quality and ease and efficiency. I can say it didn't live up to the hype. Try to go off-site, and a cab will put you back 25-30 one way, for a short ride. What I thought would be a dream vacay was an expensive 'meh'. The good? The waterpark was nice and the warm waters of the Caribbean at the beach. Post Covid service is average truthfully. Not stellar as you would expect at this price point. Other Caribbean islands are more affordable and just as beautiful. The dollar will also go a lot further. Happy travels...
Good insight for sure. We found there was zero grab and go food available, and it was a struggle to feed our little guy. That is 100% something this resort needs to address. Early September (as kids are going back to school) was when we went and it was dead quiet (zero lineups at the water parks!)
What do you recommend? I'm planning this type of trip for the first time in my life and don't want to mess it up. I'm not rich and don't want to dump thousands into a meh experience. Would love to hear better alternatives if you don't mind sharing.
Well done very informative and helpful for my family next trip
Glad to hear 😀 Hope you have a great trip!
What a great video! Looks like the family had lots of fun 😀
you sir have no idea if that family that you don't know and have never met had any fun
This is the best channel for info like this! Definitely subscribing for more
Welcome aboard!
Very well done, thoughtful review. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
Thank you for sharing all the details. It is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful! This was our first-go at a video like this :)
Been there twice.
Loved it.
😎😎😎 third times a charm!
Loved this video
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
It's so fun there!!!!
Agreed! So many options to choose from too!
Oh and $200 per day incidentals fee plus $91.00 daily non refundable resort fee 🙄. Would have been fine if I could charge meals back to my room but not getting restaurant reservations made it 🤨 and room service food options (SLS) limited. Sorry to those that loved it, just my personal experience...do with the info what you will.😄
Yes! It’s important that people read comments and reviews before they make their decision to go anywhere!
$200 per day for incidentals “fees”? Is this a refundable deposit? I booked directly with Hyatt and didn’t see anything about this fee. Heading there this Wednesday 8/16/23. 😊
The only thing I miss more than these videos is that five-star lip sweater you used to have. Bring back the stache!
That sounds like a plausible idea.
Please no more stache.
Thank you 🙏
Cinqo is a Kosher restaurant which is why the prices are so high. You are getting Kosher meats in the middle of the Caribbean.
Good point!
Is it very crowded in August?? Want to go two nights bahamar and 2 nights Atlantis. What do you think?? Great Vid and your son is a cutie pie. My kids are over 30.....not so cute!! lol
Thanks! I’m sure your kids were cute when they were younger too!!
We went in early Sept and it was pretty dead. My guess is once school starts, less people will be on resort. I haven’t don’t Atlantis but heard it’s a fixture there. Have fun!
For takeout I know you can get stix noodles and pizza lab to go
If I'm not a paying customer, which parts of the resort can I access? Can I walk to the beach?
We usually stay at Atlantis but decided to give this place a try. Is there a grocery store close by that we can stock up on snacks and alcohol? I hope the rooms have a mini fridge?
Omg…..”No grab and go food”? Great!
No grab and no is correct. Pretty disappointing, especially if you have kids. There is a cafe and a Starbucks but that barely qualifies in my opinion. There were mini fridges in the rooms we stayed in, but they were really mini! We didn't look for a grocery store. Good luck!
the fridge is fully stuffed and if you touch anything you ll be charged automatically
Yes there are two food stores 3 minutes away from the hotel . They sell food and grocery
Hi! Were you able to see the sharks and turtles and touch tank for free or did you have to pay to do that?
For the touch tank and general viewing, there is no charge (however, you need to sign up in advance). To get closer to the turtles/sharks you'll have to sign up for the "feeding" session. It's a small charge and you get a more intimate experience. Worth it in my opinion. Enjoy!
Hi there. Does the SLS provide water filter station and ice machine, mini fridge on each floor?
The Atlantis have water filter, ice and in room mini fridge..
I have no idea! We didn't stay at the SLS. My guess is 'yes' but check the SLS website to see what each room includes.
@@lifeatlarge1 Nope. SLS normal room have no fridge. Building have no ice machine. They give you 2 small bottle water everyday. Ice has to be requested through room service and can take up to 30 min to get it. No water filter or fountain in the building. I am leaving SLS tomorrow.
The Atlantis has ice machine and real water filter, but the quality of service has been decline every year. I ve been going to the Atlantis every year for the past 10 years. I think I am done with them both.
Very help sir thank you
Glad you found it helpful 😃
How many days would you recommend staying here? Thx!
How much money do you have? lol 😂
4 nights was a perfect amount for us. I'd say at least 3 to get a good sense of what the resort has to offer.
Enjoy!
Another reviewer said he had to pay for the water park (even being a guest). im a little confused. may be that changed lately?
I'd be very surprised if that was the case. Best to confirm on the waterpark's website.
It’s a great resort, if only the food wasn’t so expensive…
100% agree, Ordering guacamole and chips was $25! It would be nice if there were some quick, grab-and-go food options too.
Menus are available online before you go so you know what you’re getting yourself into. That’s on you for not doing your research before you booked your trip
Plus out of the 20 restaurants on location, I believe a lot of them are privately owned. They set their own prices
@@davidstephan5116maybe he did know but still wanted to complain about it or acknowledged it to let others know..... he has that right you know.....why does that bother you?
TBH, I expected high prices, but these are skyscraper level. Even then I would accept that but at most places I didn't find it that good. From what I could tell the food is cooked offsite and then reheated and assembled at time of purchase.
Did you eat off the resort at all?
Not on this trip. On a previous trip we visited Nassau and spent a 1/2 day wondering around. The town centre is quite touristy, however, there are definitely some local spots. A bit of research prior to heading out and you'll be set. Enjoy!
But will you go back? I know I won't. 💁
If you pay, we'll go back 😝
@@lifeatlarge1 😂
Horrible... at Baha Mar now. Unable to find a chair at pool or beach. Restaurants over capacity. Water park over run by cruise ships . You'd think for the price they'd have enough space... nope! Go somewhere else!
Sounds horrible! Having all those people around would definitely change my impression of the resort. The exact opposite when we were there in early September. I suppose every destination has its high and low times!
We went this year in may, honestly we prefer Atlantis over bah mar
@spider I've never been to Atlantis. What are some of the main differences in your experience?
Good video! How's the room service and ordering food straight to the room? Any issues? I stayed at the SLS a few years back and had no problems. I remember they also had food trucks by the beach back then. Are those still around?
There were a couple of food trucks by the beach. The one selling burrito bowls was good and is recommend grabbing food from there vs the pool side restaurants.
We didn’t try room service!
@@lifeatlarge1 appreciate it
Too rich for my blood I’ll stick with breezes next door🎉
Dinner alone is 150$+ without booze, way over priced!
Agreed 1000% Not an affordable resort at all.
🤲🍋🍊🇨🇦🤲🍋🍊🤲
after I seen that u have to dress a certain way to come here I instantly stopped browsing for a room
Most of the people I saw were in t-shirts and shorts! You'll find some more dressed-up people in the higher end restaurants and in the casino.
@@lifeatlarge1 that’s good since I never been outside of the US what’s the best way to shuttle from the airport to ur hotel ? And if I’m staying there for a week u think $700 will be good for 5 days if I’m only eating 2 meals a day
@@iitzpepsii I'd budget $150 per person, per night for food. Not including any alcohol. I'd personally get a bit bored staying there for a week...3-4 days is the perfect amount in my opinion.
There is a resort shuttle from the airport but its expensive and you have to pre-book. I'd suggest taking a taxi. Also, you can watch the first few minutes of the video, I share all the details there too :)
I've been to BahaMar 5 times and never dress up
Extremely overpriced, not worth the money!
Agreed! We wouldn't go back on our own dime.