The Segmental Info System

Accommodations in the Bahamas

The Bahamas offer a wide array of accommodations with something to please everyone

Photo credit: © Adambooth | Dreamstime.com
bahamas.guide.accommodations
 

Accommodations in the Bahamas offer plenty of options for the discerning vacationer, outdoor explorer, and everyday traveler. From all-inclusive resorts to guest houses and beach side cottages, you'll find something for every style and budget.

Travelers in the Bahamas will have a lot of choices about where they'd like to stay, and sometimes a bit of description can truly help vacationers to make the best choice for them. Whether you're looking for detailed descriptions of a hotel and its surrounding area, or just an overview of the different types of accommodations you'll find in the Bahamas, this is a great place to start. Our guide to Best Hotels For specific interests, and our hotel listings organized by Star Ratings are also easy to use resources that offer quick ways to find the hotels and resorts that meet your particular requirements.

Location

With 30 inhabitable islands in a chain of over 700 land masses, the number of places for vacationers to stay in the Bahamas is limitless.  Deciding where to set up your Bahamas home base can be a daunting task, but determining what type of surroundings you feel most comfortable in may help you to make the final choice.

Nassau, on New Providence Island, is centrally located among the islands of the Bahamas, and is the capital city of the country.  This city is one of the most popular among tourists, and features numerous attractions, plenty of opportunity to participate in watersports, great places to shop, and some delectable eateries as well.  The accommodations offerings here are plentiful and varied, with choices ranging from the colorful boutique hotel Compass Point Beach Resort to Towne Hotel, your typical hotel with basic amenities, but that is located near a number of attractions and perfect for a business traveler, and even Breezes Bahamas, a sprawling all-inclusive property.

 

...Paradise Island is the epitome of tourism in the Bahamas, with its small area filled with resorts...

 

Across the bay from Nassau is Paradise Island, which is connected to the city by a series of bridges.  Paradise Island is the epitome of tourism in the Bahamas, with its small area filled with resorts like the Atlantis Resort complex (five separate Atlantic resorts in one convenient locale), Sunrise Beach Club & Villas, and the all suites Paradise Islands Beach Club. 

To the northwest of Nassau and Paradise Island is Grand Bahamas Island.  Grand Bahamas Island is known for its beaches, marinas, and shopping opportunities (the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Marketplace to name a few).  Spread out over the island are an array of accommodation choices, such as Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort and Dundee Bay Villas.

The Out Islands are made up of all of the other islands in the Bahamas.  These islands are not typically as popular among tourists, but do have a certain charm to them – they are a much quieter choice for vacationers who want to get away from it all, and those who want to spend time exploring nature will find many more opportunities to do so in the Out Islands.  Vacationers who head to the Out Islands will find many more villas and rental properties, rather than the all-inclusive resorts that are popular on Grand Bahamas Island, and in Nassau and Paradise Island, though there are hotels available as well.

Take heed if you choose to book your stay through an on-line travel service. It is not uncommon for these sources to suggest that a hotel is located in a large city, when in fact it is only near that city.  Make sure you confirm the location of the place you plan to book from an outside source (such as the hotel's official web site), before you put down a deposit. 

It may be helpful for you to be able to view a map of the Bahamas, and learn more about how the islands are laid out. Visit our Map of the Bahamas to do so.

Types of Accommodations

Hotels

All-inclusive resorts are the cause for some heated debate among travelers, but those who enjoy them often return regularly. An advantage of this type of lodging may be the bill - all-inclusives offer one price and one stop for everything that most vacationers want.

If all-inclusive accommodations in the Bahamas aren't your style, consider another upscale resort or hotel. Resorts in the Bahamas are as plentiful and varied as the islands' natural splendor. Click here for our comprehensive directory of Hotels in Detail. 

Condos & Villa Rentals

Meanwhile, groups of visitors and those who plan to stay longer than a week can choose from several types of rental properties, including villas, apartments, and condos.  These differ so widely that you never know what you'll get, from roadside motel-like accommodations to quaint cottages.  Research is key when deciding upon a rental property.  Still, be sure to book these well in advance during the high season, as they fill up quickly.

Camping and Eco-Tourism

Eco-tourists won't find many camping opportunities, but they will find several dive resorts and fishing accommodations in the Bahamas. There are also plenty of places to stay near the Bahamas' many national parks. Our guide to Camping and Eco-Tourism will provide more information.

Personal Considerations

There are a number of other factors to consider when choosing your Bahamas accommodations, especially if you are planning the trip for a large party.  Finding a happy medium for everyone going on the trip can be hard, but fortunately, the Bahamas has a huge number of option to choose from.

Party Size

Your choice of accommodations may depend upon the group you are traveling with.  If you're traveling alone, perhaps on business, a high rise hotel in the business district of Nassau may be your best choice.  If you're heading out on a romantic getaway, a couples only resort, or intimate boutique will make for the best lodgings, while groups of adult friends looking for a good time may want to look for an adults-only resort, where they can get rowdy without offending small eyes and ears.  Families will find a number of hotels and resorts in the Bahamas that cater to children with kids clubs, playgrounds, and waterparks – plus babysitting services for when the grownups need a little time away.  If you're traveling with a large group, a villa rental or property with suites large enough to accommodate your party will be the best option.

Interests

Most travelers look for lodgings close to the attractions they want to visit.  The great thing about the Bahamas is that there are a number of ferry services available, so you can journey between the island and see all the sites if you have the time and inclination to do so.  Still, you may want to choose your hotel based upon their distance from your favorite vacation activities – such as shopping (Freeport or Nassau), visiting nature preserves (the Out Islands), or golf (Nassau and Grand Bahamas Island). There are some resorts that cater to a specific type of interest, for example, Sweeting Cay Bonefishing Lodge on Grand Bahamas Island is designed specifically for guests who like to fish.  Alternatively, Andros Island is great for anglers and divers, due to its location near the barrier reef.

Length of Stay

The amount of time you plan to stay on the islands plays a role in your choice of accommodations as well.  If you're like most guests, your stay will be around a week long.  This type of traveler would be best suited to a hotel, inn, or all-inclusive resort.  Travelers staying for an extended period of time may like to choose lodgings that make them feel more at home.  This is why a villa or condo rental, where you will likely have a separate bedroom, laundry facilities, and kitchen, would be the best choice.

Quality

...the highest rated hotel may not be the most expensive option...

 

When selecting a hotel based upon Star Rating, it is important to know that just because a  locale has a low rating does not mean it is going to be inexpensive; likewise, the highest rated hotel may not be the most expensive option out there.  More often, the price of the lodging has to do with its location (is it near the beach? Then you can expect a higher price.  If it is further inland, expect to pay less), coupled with the size of the rooms, the amenities offered, and even the popularity of the name.  Based upon your budget, you may be able to find a range of options in different ratings to select from. 

One and Two Stars

Accommodations with 0 to 1 Star may not be known for providing the most luxurious amenities, but this may be just fine for vacationers who won't be spending much time in their hotel room anyways.  If you're just looking for a place to sleep at night and store your luggage while you're out and about, why pay a hefty sum?  There are 1 Star lodgings throughout the Bahamas, including Paradise Cove Beach Resort (which are a grouping of villas) in Freeport and Seascape Inn on Middle Andros Island.  Expect to spend between $70 and $225(USD) per night for a 0 to 1 Star hotel.

Hotels with 2 Star ratings are often laid back and low-key.  The furnishings at these locations may not be over the top luxurious, but they aren't terrible either.  Surfers Beach Manor Hotel on Eleuthera is geared towards more athletic travelers who prefer to spend their days out biking or surfing, rather than being pampered back at the hotel.  Meanwhile, the Red Carpet Inn on Paradise Island is your basic, run-of-the-mill hotel option.  Two Star lodging exist in a wide price range, often costing between $80 and $585(USD).

Three Stars

Located right in the middle of the road are the 3 Star rated hotels and rental properties.  These locations vary from having simply comfortable to absolutely luxurious décor and amenities, okay to delicious dining options, and will typically have a very attentive staff.  Because the 3 Star properties can vary so greatly, research on these choices is a must.  Expect to pay between $140 and $700(USD) and locations such as Romora Bay Resort & Marina on Harbour Island and Pineapple Fields Condos and Hotel on Eleuthera.  For an extended stay on Grand Bahama Island lasting a month or more, you may want to look into Suffolk Court Apartments, which has vacation rentals for $1600(USD) a month, which breaks down to around $50(USD) a day.

Four Stars

As you reach the properties rates in the 4 Star range, you start to encounter the luxury amenities and excellent service.  For between $200 and $2,000(USD) you'll find a number of hotels and rental properties that offer some of the best amenities and service on the islands.  Check out Wyndham Nassau & Crystal Palace Casino and Atlantis the Reef, which are some of the well-known properties with a 4 Star rating.

Five Stars

At 5 Stars, you have now reached the best of the best.  Extras like golf course access and private pools are included in the price, pampering is a must, and you probably won't find cleaner or more comfortable rooms throughout the Bahamas.  Rock House, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, and Tiamo Resorts are just a few of the 5 Star properties in the Bahamas, with price tags ranging from $500 to $3,000(USD).

Hotel Search

With so many options, it can be hard to find the perfect accommodations for you on your own.  Take the simple approach by visiting our advanced hotel search tool. Here you can search for lodgings based upon a number of criteria, narrowing down your choices significantly.  You can also search by availability, which will prevent you from falling in love with a locale that you won't even be able to find a room at.  Once you've made your decision, we also offer you the option to book your hotel.

While deciding where to stay might take awhile, knowing that accommodations in the Bahamas cater to all tastes should put your mind at ease. 

 

Help us improve! We welcome your corrections and suggestions.