Harborside Review - July 2022

[DanCali]

We were recently at HRA and stayed in a 2BR unit Phase II. The resort actually was in better condition than I recalled from my visit last year - the overall furnishings and amenities were about on par with Marriotts'. For some reason and recalled and expected less. The front desk people did their best to accommodate our view request and we got a building 5 south view, which is a very nice view for Phase II. Not sure how much time stamps matter here but we did book at 12 months out and being 5-star elite may have also helped.

Everything in the room seemed functional and the one housekeeping request we had (extra sheets and blankets for the sleeper couch) was filled quickly, especially for a checkin day. The biggest peeve I have is that the amenity pack they provided included only 2 dishwasher tabs, and they actually sell more at the lobby convenience store for $1-$2 a piece. That seems kind of petty for the maintenance fees owners pay and I'm sure lots of people leave a bunch of dirty dishes on the last day to save money on that extra tab... I wish the balconies had 4 chairs (like the 1BR premiums) and they also should find a way to include free wifi for owner stays. The lobby now does have high speed free wifi, instead of the free desktop stations, which I used to do some work on one of the nights on my own laptop - and it's also convenient to check emails before and after the water park (although we did use the AT&T Intl Day Pass).

The shuttles are no longer the dedicated Harborside shuttles - they now use the Atlantis resort shuttles. That does create some weird longer routes like HRA->Coral->HRA->Cove->Royal but the driving distances are pretty short so it wasn't a big deal. But if you like going to the Royal, you should take that into account.

Atlantis was busy but not overly crowded. We could get chairs with umbrellas reliably before 10:30am. It got busier later in the day with the cruise ship crowds. Some of the towel huts seemed permanently closed and some rides were occasionally closed on some days (challenger and jungle slides) allegedly due to lack of lifeguards. Some of the towel huts ran out of towels on occasion - not sure why.

Regarding dining, I'll just say that Frankie Gone Bananas (I think that's formerly Bimini Road) is a bit pricy for what it is, and the chicken parmesan at Carmine's seemed precooked and not freshly made (center of patty was cold).

Below are some photos of the unit. Happy to respond to questions.

 

[vacation dreaming]

My kids love Atlantis but we swore we would never stay at Harborside again. Your review is making me rethink that decision. Our last stay was years ago, pre-covid. We found thread-bare sheets, toilets that would not stop running, stained sofas, not one big thing but so many small things made the resort feel under maintained and not on par with our typical accommodations. Do you know if/when they have replaced sofas, mattresses, etc? I think that is called a soft refurbish?

 

[klpenny]

We were there just before COVID hit in February of 2020 and really enjoyed our stay at Harborside. We are heading there again in November. We had an updated 1 bedroom premium villa in Phase II overlooking the water. It was an easy walk to Atlantis and we enjoyed the walk to help work off all the food we ate lol. If we had gear to bring for the beach we took the shuttle. It may depend on which unit you stay at there. We are owners there and seem to get a nice, refurbished room. I will say I do enjoy the restaurants more over the bridge in Nassau than I do at Atlantis. I find the ones at Atlantis to be overpriced and not the food not good. I am sad to hear about Carmines as that was the one place we did enjoy our mean at Atlantis and we had leftovers for another meal.

 

[DanCali]

My kids love Atlantis but we swore we would never stay at Harborside again. Your review is making me rethink that decision. Our last stay was years ago, pre-covid. We found thread-bare sheets, toilets that would not stop running, stained sofas, not one big thing but so many small things made the resort feel under maintained and not on par with our typical accommodations. Do you know if/when they have replaced sofas, mattresses, etc? I think that is called a soft refurbish?

I am not sure when they refreshed Phase II - I really should pay more attention to the newsletters - but it's certainly been refreshed since we last stayed there 5-6 years ago. Some of the work may be ongoing since we could see through the windows of a ground floor unit by the pool (bdg 5), and it looked like it was getting remodeled.

This is what some of the units used to look like (this is from a 1BR premium, and it's probably ~10 years old):

 

[dioxide45]

The decor of the unit you stayed in recently looks very similar to the two bedroom we had that I recorded for one of my first videos. We booked it for a cruise stop/excursion in December 2018. So the renovations are quite a while ago.

This review is timely. We have reserved a 1BR in Phase 1 for another upcoming cruise in September. Mainly to be able to record some more videos for the channel and also check out Atlantis as my wife wasn't able to go in 2018. Using StarOptions is far cheaper than paying for a day pass. It would have been better if it was a weekday rather than a weekend night that we needed.

 

[DanCali]

The decor of the unit you stayed in recently looks very similar to the two bedroom we had that I recorded for one of my first videos. We booked it for a cruise stop/excursion in December 2018. So the renovations are quite a while ago.

This review is timely. We have reserved a 1BR in Phase 1 for another upcoming cruise in September. Mainly to be able to record some more videos for the channel and also check out Atlantis as my wife wasn't able to go in 2018. Using StarOptions is far cheaper than paying for a day pass. It would have been better if it was a weekday rather than a weekend night that we needed.

Yes, that does look very similar - although, unlike in your video, now they only have 2 chairs on the balconies on the 2BR units...

 

[vacation dreaming]

The decor of the unit you stayed in recently looks very similar to the two bedroom we had that I recorded for one of my first videos. We booked it for a cruise stop/excursion in December 2018. So the renovations are quite a while ago.

This review is timely. We have reserved a 1BR in Phase 1 for another upcoming cruise in September. Mainly to be able to record some more videos for the channel and also check out Atlantis as my wife wasn't able to go in 2018. Using StarOptions is far cheaper than paying for a day pass. It would have been better if it was a weekday rather than a weekend night that we needed.

Do you just grab a cab off the ship or arrange transportation ahead of time? I did that once off a cruise and did not enjoy the cabs. Aggressively trying to get our business, dirty, and my kids tried to use the seatbelts which were broken. The driver literally used a pocketknife to cut my son out of the seatbelt. The cost savings is huge so I would be willing to try again but I wish I could find a less stressful means of transportation.

 

[dioxide45]

Do you just grab a cab off the ship or arrange transportation ahead of time? I did that once off a cruise and did not enjoy the cabs. Aggressively trying to get our business, dirty, and my kids tried to use the seatbelts which were broken. The driver literally used a pocketknife to cut my son out of the seatbelt. The cost savings is huge so I would be willing to try again but I wish I could find a less stressful means of transportation.

Yeah, we will likely just grab one of the cabs. I am not sure about pre-arranging transportation, but it may be an option but probably more expensive. What you experiences is unfortunately the state of affairs with cabs in the Bahamas. The only thing worse is the ferry that can take you over to Paradise Island. They cram as many people on that thing as possible. It always reminds me of those news stories you here where some ferry sunk in a third world country and a bunch of people died.

 

[jwalk03]

Thanks for the review! I snagged an exchange through Interval for my kids Spring Break next March and we are very excited to stay at Harborside! Have never been to Atlantis and always wanted to go!!

 

[DanCali]

The decor of the unit you stayed in recently looks very similar to the two bedroom we had that I recorded for one of my first videos. We booked it for a cruise stop/excursion in December 2018. So the renovations are quite a while ago.

This review is timely. We have reserved a 1BR in Phase 1 for another upcoming cruise in September. Mainly to be able to record some more videos for the channel and also check out Atlantis as my wife wasn't able to go in 2018. Using StarOptions is far cheaper than paying for a day pass. It would have been better if it was a weekday rather than a weekend night that we needed.

Smart to use Staroptions instead of the day pass.

We had a Disney cruise in March that also stopped in Nassau. But knowing that we'd be back in July for a full week, we ended up just staying on the ship and doing some activities without the crowds. It can be quite a relaxing day to do that.

 

[dioxide45]

Smart to use Staroptions instead of the day pass.

We had a Disney cruise in March that also stopped in Nassau. But knowing that we'd be back in July for a full week, we ended up just staying on the ship and doing some activities without the crowds. It can be quite a relaxing day to do that.

I did the math and it is costing about $170 for our night there based on the StarOptions and MFs. We could get up to four people in on that, but it will probably just be the two of us. That is higher than I would like, but we are there on a Friday, so the expensive Friday night cost us. When we did it in the past, we had six people and booked a 2BR for a weeknight, so our cost was closer to $35 per person.

 

[colmo]

Thanks for the review! We are headed to Harborside for Spring Break next year and we haven't been there in years so it's nice to see some updated pictures and information. I'm excited about the water park because my kids are the perfect age to enjoy it now.
Did you get grocery delivery or mainly eat at the restaurants?

 

[DanCali]

I did the math and it is costing about $170 for our night there based on the StarOptions and MFs. We could get up to four people in on that, but it will probably just be the two of us. That is higher than I would like, but we are there on a Friday, so the expensive Friday night cost us. When we did it in the past, we had six people and booked a 2BR for a weeknight, so our cost was closer to $35 per person.

Curious how you got to $170. On one hand you say you include MFs so it seems to me like you might be overestimating the cost. MFs should probably not be included in the calculation. You pay MF whether you use your week, rent it out, exchange with Staroptions, bank Staroptions, deposit in II, or let the Options expire without using at all- it's really a "sunk cost" that you pay in any usage scenario, so it becomes irrelevant when comparing alternative ownership uses.

To me, the thing that matters is the opportunity cost of using the Staroptions. I value that at around 3c/SO (e.g., I could use 67,100 SO to book a Maui Studio week that I would otherwise rent from someone for $2000) but YMMV. So, a 1BR Friday night in September is 7400 SOs which to me is about $220. Thus, on the other hand, you estimated cost came out lower than mine.

 

[DanCali]

Thanks for the review! We are headed to Harborside for Spring Break next year and we haven't been there in years so it's nice to see some updated pictures and information. I'm excited about the water park because my kids are the perfect age to enjoy it now.
Did you get grocery delivery or mainly eat at the restaurants?

We did not get the grocery delivery (I don't think that service still exists). We booked Sandra's taxi (always reliable and nice air-conditioned cars) and stopped at a grocery and liquor store on the way in. It's more than a taxi service but after reading the posts above about taxis, I'm even happier we use Sandra's service.

We generally have breakfast in the room every day (cereal, pancakes, waffles or eggs) and eat out 3-4 dinners, and 3-4 lunches. Lunches we buy at the pool areas are reasonably priced (also great soft pretzels at frozen yogurt for snacks at the Splashers pool for $4-$5), and our one dinner at Carmine's usually provides leftovers for another dinner in the room. When we pack lunches, it's usually sandwiches and cans in a soft cooler.

In case you're wondering... yes, I do carry two small waffle makers with me to make waffles in the room (1.3 lbs each). Just have to buy syrup and Nutella to put on them. The kids love it, especially this one that can be a pancake or waffle, depending on which side is up!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V6M95F2/

 

[dioxide45]

Our reservation is 7,400 StarOptions that come from SVV. I calculated our MF+VSN Fee cost per StarOption ($0.0231/SO) and then multiply that by 7,400 to come out to $170. If I had a HK fee, I would also add that in. My cost per StarOption is a little messy since I have an EOY but pay 50% of the fee every year. That is in addition to an annual. So it can inflate the cost per StarOption in even years and make it lower in odd years when we get use. If I calculate it on the pure cost of the SOs, then it comes out to $128.

As to your other method, I could have possibly used the StarOptions for Hawaii, but I'm not. I am using them for Harborside. The only fixed cost I can use is the MFs+VSN Fee. Not sure I would consider what-ifs.

 

[colmo]

We did not get the grocery delivery (I don't think that service still exists). We booked Sandra's taxi (always reliable and nice air-conditioned cars) and stopped at a grocery and liquor store on the way in. It's more than a taxi service but after reading the posts above about taxis, I'm even happier we use Sandra's service.

We generally have breakfast in the room every day (cereal, pancakes, waffles or eggs) and eat out 3-4 dinners, and 3-4 lunches. Lunches we buy at the pool areas are reasonably priced (also great soft pretzels at frozen yogurt for snacks at the Splashers pool for $4-$5), and our one dinner at Carmine's usually provides leftovers for another dinner in the room. When we pack lunches, it's usually sandwiches and cans in a soft cooler.

In case you're wondering... yes, I do carry two small waffle makers with me to make waffles in the room (1.3 lbs each). Just have to buy syrup and Nutella to put on them. The kids love it, especially this one that can be a pancake or waffle, depending on which side is up!

Cute idea with the waffle maker - I think I have a small one like that somewhere. Good to keep that in mind. I asked about the grocery delivery service because we used one the last time we were at Harborside and they are no longer in business- however I think they changed their name because I see one on Facebook called "Instagopher-Bahamas Online Grocery Delivery" that apparently is the same company with a new name. (I don't remember the former name unfortunately).

I'm wondering if anyone has used this company.

We love Sandra's service - I will remember to book them too.

 

[EnglishmanAbroad]

I wonder what sort of deal they get on 10,000,000 sq. ft. of carpet as that's the same as the one they've put in at WKORVN. Easily snagged by case wheels unfortunately.

 

[Troyrissa]

Can anyone tell me whether Harborside is enjoyable as a couple without the kids? We are thinking of taking a couples only trip but I wonder if there is much to do without kids. I have never been before, but I would feel bad going there and seeing so many kids having fun and we left ours if everything is kids centered. What activities on the Atlantis property are geared towards adults? What are some attractions to see? Is there a nice relaxing beach? We are not into casinos.

 

[DanCali]

Can anyone tell me whether Harborside is enjoyable as a couple without the kids? We are thinking of taking a couples only trip but I wonder if there is much to do without kids. I have never been before, but I would feel bad going there and seeing so many kids having fun and we left ours if everything is kids centered. What activities on the Atlantis property are geared towards adults? What are some attractions to see? Is there a nice relaxing beach? We are not into casinos.

It really depends on what you like to do on vacations...

You are basically at a resort, with a large waterpark, several large pools, beaches, a variety of restaurants, casino, and shops. It's fun for kids but I enjoy the slides too and I'm in my 50s. Even if you just like sitting on a chair at the pool and beach, you will probably like it here too.

You're also near Nassau which is the capital on the Bahamas and that can be a destination on its own to explore for 2-3 days. It's easily accessible by taxi or ferry.

 

[emeryjre]

Any information on the current status of the wifi. I had a renter there in late June that said he used the "Atlantis-guest" wifi on his phone, Ipad, and computer the whole week. Did not pay any wifi fees and the quality was good. He did not do any streaming TV. But said he could do short videos. His two sons used phones and ipads for tiktok and the like with no problem.

Any other reports on the current status.

 

[DanCali]

Any information on the current status of the wifi. I had a renter there in late June that said he used the "Atlantis-guest" wifi on his phone, Ipad, and computer the whole week. Did not pay any wifi fees and the quality was good. He did not do any streaming TV. But said he could do short videos. His two sons used phones and ipads for tiktok and the like with no problem.

Any other reports on the current status.

I did pay for it on my stay in the Fall, but I actually did not bother to check this last trip.

 

[Stingrae]

Wifi is free now around all of the pools, Marina, and even the beach. The signal is much stronger than in the past. Back then it was horrable. We were there mid July and were suprised that the signal was a lot stronger and we didn't have to pay for it.

 

[dioxide45]

Wifi is free now around all of the pools, Marina, and even the beach. The signal is much stronger than in the past. Back then it was horrable. We were there mid July and were suprised that the signal was a lot stronger and we didn't have to pay for it.

When you say pools, marian and the beach, you are referring to the Atlantis pools? What about the pool at Harborside?

 

[Stingrae]

When you say pools, marian and the beach, you are referring to the Atlantis pools? What about the pool at Harborside?

Yes, All pools and even the Harborside pool. It also worked in the rooms there and also in the restrauants.

 

[tschwa2]

Our reservation is 7,400 StarOptions that come from SVV. I calculated our MF+VSN Fee cost per StarOption ($0.0231/SO) and then multiply that by 7,400 to come out to $170. If I had a HK fee, I would also add that in. My cost per StarOption is a little messy since I have an EOY but pay 50% of the fee every year. That is in addition to an annual. So it can inflate the cost per StarOption in even years and make it lower in odd years when we get use. If I calculate it on the pure cost of the SOs, then it comes out to $128.

As to your other method, I could have possibly used the StarOptions for Hawaii, but I'm not. I am using them for Harborside. The only fixed cost I can use is the MFs+VSN Fee. Not sure I would consider what-ifs.

Since there is only 2 of us, I am considering just doing day passes to Margaritaville Nassau. It's a 12 minute walk from the wharf and $79 per person wifi included. I can then decide if I want to walk back to the ship for lunch. I am not sure a Saturday during platinum season with an extra house keeping fee and the taxi rides are worth it.