Research and homework for Harborside trip/MERGED

[billymach4]

I have been reading the reviews and past posts regarding this fabulous resort.
Got the drill down about food, groceries, shuttles, meal plans, restaurants. Still a little fuzzy on the taxi, and porters at the airport.

Let me ask about my exchange, and the best view/building to request.

My exchange in II is written as
Confirmed To:
Harborside at Atlantis • HRA
Unit: 275554 (2 bedrooms)

The Confirmation Certificate says
Accomodations 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
Accomodating 08 Privately, 08 Maximum

Does anyone know if I have a Deluxe, or Premium villa? How can I find out?
What building/phase should I request?


Regarding the lazy river/pools. I would like to avoid taking my own inflatables/rafts. Does the resort supply tubes for the lazy river? Do they supply rafts?

I don't have travel insurance but I am seriously considering a policy at this point due the active storm season we are having.

TIA

Bill

 

[Ken555]

Does anyone know if I have a Deluxe, or Premium villa? How can I find out?

Deluxe = small 1 bed
Premium = large 1 bed

2 bed lock-out = Deluxe & Premium
2 bed = standard 2 bed (which includes the Premium larger kitchen).

You'll be happy.

What building/phase should I request?

Keep in mind that II exchanges don't always get their requests...especially considering that SVN exchanges don't, either. Phase I is undergoing remodeling now, so if you're going to be there next year the Phase I units may be a bit nicer. I was in Phase II last year (Premium 1 bed) and was very pleased.

Regarding the lazy river/pools. I would like to avoid taking my own inflatables/rafts. Does the resort supply tubes for the lazy river? Do they supply rafts?

They supply tubes for the lazy river. In fact, I'm not sure they permit your own to be used there. I certainly did not see any that were not provided.

I'm not sure about the pools.

 

[clsmit]

They supply tubes for the lazy river. In fact, I'm not sure they permit your own to be used there. I certainly did not see any that were not provided.

I'm not sure about the pools.

We brought blow up inflatables to use in the cove for pseudo-snorkling (lay on the inflatable, look at the pretty fish thru your swim goggles). We also used them in the Harborside pool without any problems. They'd be a pain to take in the bus inflated to the other pools, but I don't think they'd be a problem.

 

[sjuhawk_jd]

Harborside

You have a two bedroom, lock-off unit.

Tubes/rafts etc. are provided. No need to carry your own.

Take the taxi from the airport and ask the driver to stop at the Grocery store. Do your groceries on your way to the resort. Taxi driver will probably charge $10 additional for this, which will save you half day later on. When you arrive at the resort and if your unit is not ready, ask them to put your perishables in a freezer. Works much better.

 

[azsunluvr]

Don't take too many clothes! You won't need them. A bathing suit and a t-shirt and flip flops is all we wear all day long. I'm taking a couple of outfits to wear while lounging in the unit. I figure we'll throw a load in the wash every couple of days and we'll be good. All my clothes for the week plus the playing cards and a couple other things fit in a small rolling backpack. So proud of myself that except for the suitcase with non-perishable foods, we've only got carry-ons!

 

[DeniseM]

Don't take too many clothes! You won't need them. A bathing suit and a t-shirt and flip flops is all we wear all day long. I'm taking a couple of outfits to wear while lounging in the unit. I figure we'll throw a load in the wash every couple of days and we'll be good. All my clothes for the week plus the playing cards and a couple other things fit in a small rolling backpack. So proud of myself that except for the suitcase with non-perishable foods, we've only got carry-ons!

Do people dress very casually for the hotel and casino too?

 

[tomandrobin]

Do people dress very casually for the hotel and casino too?

When we have gone to the casino, most people are dress at least business casual. But it is not unusual to see ladies in nice evening gowns. Some do dress down, t-shirt and shorts....but they are in the minority.

I usually were a nice button down and dockers.

 

[califgal]

I never saw anyone in an evening gown last summer when we were there..everyone looked casual .

 

[calgarygary]

I wouldn't even say that people were dressed business casual - resort casual including shorts were very common except in the better restaurants.

 

[clsmit]

If you're planning on eating at Mesa Grill (which I highly recommend if you want a grownup dinner) or the Bahamian Club or any of the other "Fine Dining" places you might want the guys to bring khakis and a collared shirt (polo or Hawaiian print) and the ladies a sundress or cute pants. Otherwise shorts and a shirt works pretty much anywhere. The casino can get chilly if you're going to spend a lot of time there.

We did our whole week with just carryons and had enough room on the way back for the DD's rolling bag to carry the baskets, local soaps, and fabric we purchased while we were there and her clothes went into the other luggage.

 

[azsunluvr]

On the Atlantis website on the dining tab there is a place where you can see what the dress code is for each restaurant. Most are resort casual. I never saw anyone really dressed up when I was there. A collared shirt is the most dressed-up for men. A sun dress or skirt and blouse for women is perfect for most everything.

http://www.atlantis.com/content/pdf/2_5_08DiningGuideOnly_revised_OLv1.pdf

 

[billymach4]

Deluxe = small 1 bed
Premium = large 1 bed

2 bed lock-out = Deluxe & Premium
2 bed = standard 2 bed (which includes the Premium larger kitchen).

You'll be happy.

Keep in mind that II exchanges don't always get their requests...especially considering that SVN exchanges don't, either. Phase I is undergoing remodeling now, so if you're going to be there next year the Phase I units may be a bit nicer. I was in Phase II last year (Premium 1 bed) and was very pleased.

They supply tubes for the lazy river. In fact, I'm not sure they permit your own to be used there. I certainly did not see any that were not provided.

I'm not sure about the pools.

Thanks thus far for the advice with clothing. I think I will not take any clothing so I can leave room for food, and snorkeling equipment. :hysterical:

Anyway can I just get this thread back on track. To Ken555 or anyone that can help me figure this out. I don't quite understand your explanation above. But I did look at Page 3 of my Confirmation Certificate.

Sleeping Accomomdations
Living Area
1 Pull Out Sofa(s) Full
1 Pull Out Sofa(s) Queen

Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed

Bedroom 2
1 Queen Size Bed

Can someone help me figure out if this is a deluxe for Premium unit.

Also is Harborside a non smoking resort. I did see a review here in TUG where someone was offended by the tobacco odor in the unit. The review was a few years old. I will be really upset if it smells like stale tobacco. Should I request a non-smoking unit?


Thank You.

 

[clsmit]

Thanks thus far for the advice with clothing. I think I will not take any clothing so I can leave room for food, and snorkeling equipment. :hysterical:

That's fine with us. We won't be there to see you. But it might be hard to go swimming in whatever you wear on the plane.

Sleeping Accomomdations
Living Area
1 Pull Out Sofa(s) Full
1 Pull Out Sofa(s) Queen
Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Size Bed

Can someone help me figure out if this is a deluxe for Premium unit.

Also is Harborside a non smoking resort. I did see a review here in TUG where someone was offended by the tobacco odor in the unit. The review was a few years old. I will be really upset if it smells like stale tobacco. Should I request a non-smoking unit?
Thank You.

I think they are all now nonsmoking but I can't find it on mystarcentral.

This is a 2bedroom lockoff. So you'll have 2 villas with a connecting door in between and 2 front doors. Does this help?

 

[DeniseM]

Here are the floor plans and descriptions: http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/harborside_resort_at_atlantis/villas.jsp

This link is listed under Resort Information in the Owner Resources sticky, for future reference.

 

[catwgirl]

Bill,

Except for the unit number, your confirmation looks identical to mine. I could be wrong, but I think we both have a two bedroom lock-off unit in Phase II. Those units are a one bedroom premium and a one bedroom deluxe with a connecting door. 1367 square feet.

I am checking in on Sept 20. How about you?

Can someone tell me how much is a taxi from the airport to the resort? There are two of us, if that makes a difference. And is City Market on the way to the resort?

 

[Ken555]

I think you do have the lock-out, since it mentions two pull out sofas. I believe there is only one sofa in the 2-bed (non lockout).

 

[tomandrobin]

The unit described is a 2 bedroom l/o. Harborside has a no smoking policy and they will charge for cleaning the room if you smoked in it (something like $300-$500). Not everyone follows the rules. Our friends had to call down to the front desk three times because the people in the room next to them kept smoking in the room.

Taxi cost is about $25, plus $4 per person. If you stop at the grocery store add another $10. Don't forget the tip.

 

[billymach4]

Bill,

Except for the unit number, your confirmation looks identical to mine. I could be wrong, but I think we both have a two bedroom lock-off unit in Phase II. Those units are a one bedroom premium and a one bedroom deluxe with a connecting door. 1367 square feet.

I am checking in on Sept 20. How about you?

Can someone tell me how much is a taxi from the airport to the resort? There are two of us, if that makes a difference. And is City Market on the way to the resort?

Sorry I did forget to mention I am checking in on Oct 18.

 

[mariawolf]

Taxi is $28 for first two in taxi plus $1 for bridge--taxis are plentiful right out the door but tell them you don't want to share a taxi--you don't have to--and if you don't tell them you might be stuck with a "local" taxi stopping at many places along the way!

 

[billymach4]

Taxi is $28 for first two in taxi plus $1 for bridge--taxis are plentiful right out the door but tell them you don't want to share a taxi--you don't have to--and if you don't tell them you might be stuck with a "local" taxi stopping at many places along the way!

Thank You so much for reminding me about the sharing. We used to go to Freeport, on Grand Bahama years ago. They would literally stuff untold number of people, and luggage piled high out the trunk. Very unsettling.

What is the deal with the porters at the airport? I have read that some people recommend tipping to get you straight out thru customs, and into a cab? Can someone elaborate please?

 

[Ken555]

What is the deal with the porters at the airport? I have read that some people recommend tipping to get you straight out thru customs, and into a cab? Can someone elaborate please?

You got it. Just get one to help you with the luggage and they'll get you thru customs very quickly. Normal tipping - this isn't a "special" service by any means.

 

[clsmit]

You got it. Just get one to help you with the luggage and they'll get you thru customs very quickly. Normal tipping - this isn't a "special" service by any means.

We only had carryons so we didn't need any porters. No one seemed to be checking anything when we went by baggage claim and out the door, though. I was expecting someone to at least ask what I had in my bag.

CalgaryGary, did you have anyone check your stuff when you came thru?

 

[calgarygary]

We only had carryons so we didn't need any porters. No one seemed to be checking anything when we went by baggage claim and out the door, though. I was expecting someone to at least ask what I had in my bag.

CalgaryGary, did you have anyone check your stuff when you came thru?

We arrived by cruiseship (Carnival) and had a ship's porter take our luggage out to a cab at the dock - so I can't help you with arrival procedures at the airport.

 

[jerseygirl]

CalgaryGary --

How did that work? Did Carnival allow you to split your cruise into two different voyages (i.e. roundtrip)? I've often wondered if this is possible.

-- Jerseygirl

 

[calgarygary]

jerseygirl - we did not approach Carnival about splitting the trip or reducing the cost. I doubt that Carnival would split the trip as most ships sail full or very close to it. We obtained an Aug. 29th check in for Harborside and then found that Carnival's Imagination was scheduled to dock in Nassau on the
29th after leaving Miami on the 25th. We figured the cost of the cruise was actually cheaper than flights, accomodations, meals and activities for us for the four days so enquired if we could disembark early. However, this is something I would never do again during hurricane season. I turned blue many times over holding my breath about whether the ship would actually dock in Nassau.