Atlantis vs MVC?

[rthib]

So rarely stayed at anything buy MVC when we travel.
College age daughter wants to take a trip and remember Atlantis was a childhood dream (Olsen twins).
Reviews are mixed, but that is from masses.
So say incredible and some say it is a dump.

Wondering what the MVC folks think of it.

Will we be disappointed?
How would you rate it compared to other resorts

Thanks

 

[DeniseM]

Clarification - The timeshare is called Harborside at Atlantis. It's difficult but not impossible to get an exchange, if you can go during the off-season. There are also lots of rentals on the internet.

 

[Beachspace]

MVCI has a timeshare property at Atlantis? I know they took over management right after I left Marriott..I was so bummed because of the possibility of using the employee rate there.
I only know of the multiple towers at Atlantis. Its an over-the-top property, probably the nicest in the bahamas by far. Service is just 'ok' but that is standard in the Bahamas (at least in our experience as Floridians taking trips there).
Beach is pretty to die for though! and that's coming from a Miami Beach Resident!

 

[SueDonJ]

MVCI has a timeshare property at Atlantis? I know they took over management right after I left Marriott..I was so bummed because of the possibility of using the employee rate there.
I only know of the multiple towers at Atlantis. Its an over-the-top property, probably the nicest in the bahamas by far. Service is just 'ok' but that is standard in the Bahamas (at least in our experience as Floridians taking trips there).
Beach is pretty to die for though! and that's coming from a Miami Beach Resident!

No, like Denise said the timeshare is Atlantis at Harborside and it's part of Vistana (Starwood.) The hotels at Atlantis came under the Marriott, Int'l hotel company as an Autograph Collection property in 2014, but there's no ownership connection between Marriott Vacations Worldwide timeshare company and any Atlantis properties.

 

[kds4]

You can stay at Atlantis (proper) using Marriott Reward Points (MRPs), but it is ridiculously expensive for what you get (IMHO). Having visited Atlantis a couple of years ago during a port call, all I can say of the hotel itself is that it reminds me of 1980s Vegas. It looked worn and in need of serious updating (which is largely why I believe Marriott made an investment in exchange for it becoming part of the Autograph collection). I will say I did not get to visit any of the 'water' amenities (which is probably Atlantis' claim to fame). So, maybe the pools, slides, aquariums, and other attractions are nice enough to make a stay there worthwhile. Otherwise, definitely not. If I were wanting to go, I would definitely look for an II exchange into the Starwood timeshare property Atlantis at Harborside. I understand guests at Harborside get full access to all of the Atlantis (proper) amenities, and the benefit of staying in actual condos with full kitchens and bedrooms versus just a hotel room.

 

[rthib]

Not really interested in Timeshare. If we went, it would be to be at Atlantis. Just looking for opinions from those who are used to staying at MVC how it felt.

 

[Weimaraner]

I own both MVC and Harborside and have travelled to many resorts with 3 trips to Atlantis. It is consistently one of our top 3 favorite destinations. I've included a couple pics from our June trip in a Phase 1 villa - it's due for its planned renovation but wow I love that view of the yachts and Royal Towers. The food is pretty expensive (we spent $50 for a pizza, 2 individual salads and a Coke) so we used the daily shuttle to the grocery store to eat in the villa. We enjoyed our stay so much I cancelled our flight and booked JetBlue a couple days later. I used Marriott Rewards points to stay at the Cove and was checked into our room early in the day with another spectacular view. I ordered lobster for room service and was so happy to enjoy it with my view of the beach and cruise ships for my birthday. We did an early morning kayaking with dolphins and the playful dolphins pushed our boat. There are so many things to do: casino, spa, animal interactions, water rides, comedy shows, crafts, movies, kids club, snorkeling etc. And yes the Beach/Coral Towers were looking pretty run down years ago but they have redone the lobby areas and they are beautiful. I would have stayed there but The Cove was almost the same number of points for some odd reason. I just love the place

 

[kds4]

I own both MVC and Harborside and have travelled to many resorts with 3 trips to Atlantis. It is consistently one of our top 3 favorite destinations. I've included a couple pics from our June trip in a Phase 1 villa - it's due for its planned renovation but wow I love that view of the yachts and Royal Towers. The food is pretty expensive (we spent $50 for a pizza, 2 individual salads and a Coke) so we used the daily shuttle to the grocery store to eat in the villa. We enjoyed our stay so much I cancelled our flight and booked JetBlue a couple days later. I used Marriott Rewards points to stay at the Cove and was checked into our room early in the day with another spectacular view. I ordered lobster for room service and was so happy to enjoy it with my view of the beach and cruise ships for my birthday. We did an early morning kayaking with dolphins and the playful dolphins pushed our boat. There are so many things to do: casino, spa, animal interactions, water rides, comedy shows, crafts, movies, kids club, snorkeling etc. And yes the Beach/Coral Towers were looking pretty run down years ago but they have redone the lobby areas and they are beautiful. I would have stayed there but The Cove was almost the same number of points for some odd reason. I just love the place

How did the accommodations compare between staying in Atlantis proper versus Harborside? Was it a regular hotel room? Was Harborside a 1BR or 2BR unit?

 

[Weimaraner]

I own a 2 bedroom corner unit - it's a rare Ultra Premium week that gets the same villa every year. It's spacious, has washer/dryer, full kitchen, great view. There are some units that don't have good view. We love the Harborside pool because it's quiet and enjoy walking along the yachts. You take a bus to other hotels or the water park. Now The Cove is more luxurious - adult only pool and family pools, room service, housekeeping/turndown, stockedmini bar, nice restaurants, koi/stingray ponds and a resort fee. As Marriott Reward platinum we were spoiled and had early checkin and late check out- not usually an option at a timeshare. Also brought us cookies and wine as gift. The hotel is next to the water park and Cove with the animals. It's more in the action. Unfortunately my 10 yo has decided that we need to add The Cove on future timeshare stays. Here are some pics

 

[GregT]

My daughter wanted to stay in the hotel for the same reason (Olsen Twins) but we ended up at Harborside. It was a fantastic trip and we love the water amenities at HRA.

The timeshare room was worn by most Marriott standards - it showed the wear and tear I've seen at Caribbean properties (Aruba, Ritz STT) so it didn't bother me.

I do think the hotel itself is tired based on pictures we have seen. I think it is the Cove that is the nicest, but I would still opt for the timeshare.

Please let us know how it goes!!

Best,

Greg

 

[suzannesimon]

We absolutely love Harborside! My daughter and I have 4 three-bedroom weeks there and were there in June. The timeshare is undergoing a complete renovation. My daughter was in a renovated unit and it was as good as any of the Marriotts. My unit had not been done yet and was slightly worn but not bad. Make no mistake, it is Atlantis, but better because you can come back to the peace and quiet of a private Harborside pool after a crazy day of fun over at the waterpark. You can walk to it through Marina Village if you want or take one of the continuous shuttles that will drop you off at any of the Atlantis hotels. Food is expensive there so having a timeshare kitchen to offset the cost of the restaurants is a big deal. I also much prefer the lock-off side to Marriott timeshares as they are a full one bedroom unit with kitchen (2-burner stove, large frig, washer/dryer, micro/convection oven.) As to the Atlantis waterpark, it was great. It was the first time there that all the attractions were open. There are a lot of renovations going on there as well so you can tell there has been a change in ownership.

 

[randster2]

I am going to Harborside for the first time in October. How far is the walk to Marina Village? How close is reasonably priced food? How far is the walk to Atlantis?

 

[TXTortoise]

Google Maps has a pretty nice 3D satellite view, but apparently doesn't seem to think you can walk or drive anywhere. ;-)

Worth a look for context thought...

 

[suzannesimon]

I am going to Harborside for the first time in October. How far is the walk to Marina Village? How close is reasonably priced food? How far is the walk to Atlantis?

The Marina Village is no more than 2 blocks from the resort. Probably less. If you continue to walk through the village, you end up in one of the towers. I can't remember which one but it is less than a mile. There is relatively reasonable restaurants at Marina Village - think burgers, Deli food, Caribbean grill etc. To go outside of Atlantis, there is a shopping center across from Marina Village that has a restaurant, Anthony's, that lots of people love. We haven't gone there ourselves. We went to Margaritaville at the Ferry Terminal across the street from Harborside and it took over an hour to get our food so don't go there too hungry. Check out the Fish Fry in Nassau on Trip Advisor. Lots of people swear by it as a place where the locals eat at a reasonable price - multiple restaurants are there. Also, The Point is the restaurant at Harborside and prices aren't bad. A lot of what drives prices up is there is a 7.5% tax on the island plus Atlantis adds another 15% gratuity on everything so you are looking at 22.5% added to everything at Atlantis. I still believe Harborside is the cheapest way to do Atlantis. October is beautiful. Our first trip was on an II trade in October. We came back and bought 2 weeks in large units. We love that place but are eating in more and more now that we're retired.

 

[randster2]

Thanks for the information on Harborside. I am looking forward to the trip!

 

[mdurette]

OP: Reading through what you wrote, you mention you didn't want timeshare, you want hotel at Atlantis. I realize that most are talking about Harborside....I'm just wondering if you realize Harborside is a timeshare at Atlantis.

My question: When staying at Harborside what are the other costs that a person may encounter (outside of food and beverage)

 

[suzannesimon]

OP: Reading through what you wrote, you mention you didn't want timeshare, you want hotel at Atlantis. I realize that most are talking about Harborside....I'm just wondering if you realize Harborside is a timeshare at Atlantis.

My question: When staying at Harborside what are the other costs that a person may encounter (outside of food and beverage)

OP: Reading through what you wrote, you mention you didn't want timeshare, you want hotel at Atlantis. I realize that most are talking about Harborside....I'm just wondering if you realize Harborside is a timeshare at Atlantis.

My question: When staying at Harborside what are the other costs that a person may encounter (outside of food and beverage)

Just the 7.5% tax and 15% gratuity on Atlantis purchases. I think they charge $7 round trip to go on the grocery store shuttle.

 

[dioxide45]

OP: Reading through what you wrote, you mention you didn't want timeshare, you want hotel at Atlantis. I realize that most are talking about Harborside....I'm just wondering if you realize Harborside is a timeshare at Atlantis.

My question: When staying at Harborside what are the other costs that a person may encounter (outside of food and beverage)

Food can be expensive in the Bahamas. So much so that many people pack suitcases full of groceries. We are going to Barbados next May and we are finding things to be similar there. $35 USD for a pack of 12 hot dogs? Now I don't plan to eat hot dogs, but if that is a baseline, things won't be cheap. Though I have been reading up on TripAdvisor and getting some good tips on how to eat on a more modest budget.

 

[DannyMc]

So rarely stayed at anything buy MVC when we travel.
College age daughter wants to take a trip and remember Atlantis was a childhood dream (Olsen twins).
Reviews are mixed, but that is from masses.
So say incredible and some say it is a dump.

Wondering what the MVC folks think of it.

Will we be disappointed?
How would you rate it compared to other resorts

Thanks

We rented a 2 BR unit at Harborside at Atlantis in June 2016 and really enjoyed the week. The pool at the timeshares is really large and relaxing. We all (2 grandparents in 60's, 2 parents in 30's, and an 8-year old) enjoyed the pools and waterslides more than we thought we would prior to the trip. I would definitely return for a future visit.

 

[hollyl]

We would like to buy a timeshare and are thinking about Atlantis but have never been. I'm looking at rentals and it's the same price to rent for one week compared to the maintenance fees of owning (and you can buy a resale for cheap). So renting one week=price of owning. Is it crazy to spend the same amount of rent to figure out if you like it instead of just owning?

 

[tschwa2]

Summer and holiday rentals still rent for more than MF's especially for 2 and 3 br units. MF's have been climbing so 5 years ago the profit for renting those units were greater. I would definitely rent before buying and carefully decide if you would want to go annually or almost annually and if so at what time of year. If not during the busiest times you might want to go for a mandatory Vistana unit with lower MF's. Keep in mind that purchasing at Harborside will incur a Bahamas attorney cost in the neighborhood of $1800 that either the buyer or seller has to cover.

 

[dioxide45]

We would like to buy a timeshare and are thinking about Atlantis but have never been. I'm looking at rentals and it's the same price to rent for one week compared to the maintenance fees of owning (and you can buy a resale for cheap). So renting one week=price of owning. Is it crazy to spend the same amount of rent to figure out if you like it instead of just owning?

Atlantis isn't a timeshare, it is an independent hotel property that is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. You can book nights with cash or use MR points for stays. There is a timeshare that is associated with Atlantis. It is Harborside Resort at Atlantis. It is not affiliated with Marriott Vacation Club, but rather Vistana (formerly Starwood)

 

[hangloose]

We've stopped by Atlantis when on a cruise, but only very briefly. I would like to go to experience with the kids at some point. We would likely stay in one of the Marriott hotels via MR pts, if an exchange into Harborside Resort timeshare didn't come through. I do hear food/drink is quite pricey on-site...thus a timeshare would be beneficial!

I'm surprised MVC didn't pickup a section or building within the Atlantis property, when broader Marriott Hotels purchased them. Seems this would have been a great addition to the MVC portfolio.

 

[bizaro86]

I'm surprised MVC didn't pickup a section or building within the Atlantis property, when broader Marriott Hotels purchased them. Seems this would have been a great addition to the MVC portfolio.

I'm sure MVC would have liked to. But what incentive would Vistana have to give up management of Harbourside?

 

[dioxide45]

I'm surprised MVC didn't pickup a section or building within the Atlantis property, when broader Marriott Hotels purchased them. Seems this would have been a great addition to the MVC portfolio.

Marriott International didn't purchase any part of the Atlantis property. They provided financing to the owners and an affiliation agreement, but the property is still independently owned and managed.