Description: Inspired by the splendor of ancient Atlantis, this striking beachfront Paradise Island resort allows travelers to dip into a fantasy world overflowing with opportunities for adventure, entertainment and relaxation.
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KarenCNewJersey >
1 contribution(s) United States of America
Apr, 2008 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
2 people found this review helpful
My husband, 14-year old son and I recently returned from a one-week trip to the Atlantis. We were very excited about this trip, having extensively gone through their website. Unfortunately, the main feeling we returned with was "rip-off".
The ground are indeed spectacular, and I have never seen anything to compare with them. The walk-through aquariums are fascinating, as are the various lagoons with sharks, mantas and other large sea creatures. The pools are beautiful, and there are so many from which to choose. Each chaise lounge is equipped with a movable awning, so you can choose whether to sunbathe or stay in the shade. However, the beach is mediocre - it's relatively small, and there is neither shade nor any pretty palapas, etc., as you find in Punta Cana. The water was rough (the red flags were up most of the days we were there).
Arrival
My husband, 14-year old son and I recently returned from a one-week trip to the Atlantis. We were very excited about this trip, having extensively gone through their website. Unfortunately, the main feeling we returned with was "rip-off".
The ground are indeed spectacular, and I have never seen anything to compare with them. The walk-through aquariums are fascinating, as are the various lagoons with sharks, mantas and other large sea creatures. The pools are beautiful, and there are so many from which to choose. Each chaise lounge is equipped with a movable awning, so you can choose whether to sunbathe or stay in the shade. However, the beach is mediocre - it's relatively small, and there is neither shade nor any pretty palapas, etc., as you find in Punta Cana. The water was rough (the red flags were up most of the days we were there).
The resort has several different buildings, which are all connected. We stayed in the Coral Towers, which is a step down from the Royal Towers, but an upgrade from the Beach Tower, which is pretty far from everything. There's also the Cove, which is the highest level, very, very expensive.
Check in was pretty efficient, although our room wasn't available when we got there around 3 PM. So, we went to Murray's Deli for some lunch. Our first glimpse of the high prices was here, where a modest lunch for the three of us ran about $75.
Room
OK. So, we get to our room. Our room was $670/night (no kidding; it may have been higher than usual because it was Easter week). The room was not large, and it had two double beds (not queen size), 2 chairs, a small round table, an armoire/TV/room minibar frig and a nightstand. I have been in Holiday Inns that provided larger, more comfortable rooms. There was a small balcony with 2 chairs, and the view was beautiful in one direction. The closet did have a lot of nice wooden hangars. The bathroom was pretty standard; it had a blow dryer, but did not have a magnifying mirror. Overall, the room was disappointing.
Casino
My husband gambled a lot, but he didn't get comped - you have to bet $50/hand on average to get comped. The casino was very clean, and though they allowed smoking, it didn't get smoky. One odd thing was that the high-bet tables ($500/hand) were out in the open (not that we were playing them!).
Food
The food was, in general, astronomically priced, and I heard many, many people complaining/ commenting on it. I understand food prices are up and they have to import everything, but this was ridiculous. For example, the breakfast buffets cost $86 for the three of us. We often went to some little shops across the street for breakfast, and a few dinners too. (Anthony's and Gio something both had good food at more reasonable prices). We did have one fantastic meal at Carmines; we go to one of the New York City Carmines, and the one at the Atlantis was very similar to the original. A major disappointment was the Seafire Steakhouse. We have been in Ruths Chris, Mortons and Ben Benson's steakhouses, so we have a basis of comparison. The Seafire not only cost about $70 more, but the steak quality was comparable to Outback. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were made from instant powdered potatoes. (The ambience at least was beautiful).
Water Park
The water park was good. They do have the Current, which is a mile-long lazy river, except it's not lazy. Picture a lazy river combined with a Roaring Rapids ride and a wave pool, and that's what you get - it was the best part of the whole hotel, and just so much fun! Although the place was mobbed, we never had a problem getting a tube, and the staff was wonderful and helpful. The slides are great if you don't mind waiting; it took about an hour to get on one of the slides at Power Tower. It really was a great slide, but not worth the wait.
Overall
Overall, I would never go back to the Atlantis. You just don't get your money's worth. The best way to see it is to get a day pass from a cruise ship. I would much rather go back to the Sol Melina in Punta Cana, which has spacious rooms, good food, gorgeous beach and is all inclusive - a far better value for the money.
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What a great trip!
Atlantis Royal Towers
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PatPennsylvania >
1 contribution(s) United States of America
Dec, 2007 | Leisure | With Group
2 people found this review helpful
We just returned from 4 nights/5 days in the Royal Towers of Atlantis Resort. What a great trip! We had a family of four including a 19 yr old girl and 21 yr old boy. Lots of things to do for adults- I had been concerned that it was just a childrens waterpark- no way!
We did 2 excursions off site- The Powerboat Adventure and the Dolphin swim. A bit expenive, but worht it! The Powerboat Adventure was just that- an adventure! A one hour 40 mph boat ride, first visiting an island of all iguanas- then off to 'their island'. Open bar,snacks and an island lunch are all included. We did group snorkeling, hand feeding the sting rays and laying in the water with googles on while they dray the sharks in close! Amazaing!
Atlantis resort food is expensive, but I had read reviews and packed half a suitcase with water & snacks. We also ventured just off the property to the shopping center near the Marina walk and ate at the News Cafe & Anthonys.
Rooms - Our room was in the west end of the Royal Tower. We were upgraded to an oceanview and it was breathtaking! The ocean on one side, the harbour on the other and the dolphin lagoon and lazy river in between! Probably more of a walk than you would want with small children, though.
Restaurants - The only restaurants on Atlantis that we ate at were the pizzaria- (at $30 a pie) and Bimini Road on the Harbour walk. It was good food, drinks, music at a moderate price.
Beach and Pools - For a more quite area- we would lounge on the west side between the Royal and the Cove. You could catch the lazy river over to the 'more active' area if you didn't want to walk.
Conclusion - A really nice family vacation for us all.
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The sculptures and landscaping will take your breath away.
Atlantis Royal Towers
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PetraNew JerseyUSA >
1 contribution(s) United States of America
Jul, 2007 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
2 people found this review helpful
The airport in Nassau is getting better. I was there when they still used steps down to the tarmac.The shuttles to the hotels vary, some are rickety, some quite nice. Our room has never been ready when we get to the atlantis so I have taken to packing a bathing suit in my carry on. They have a place you can change so you may as well enjoy the pool or beach while waiting. Friendly staff is hit or miss. Some are some aren't. Slow, yes, things run on Bahamas time. Not good for someone from the Northeast.
Arrival
The airport in Nassau is getting better. I was there when they still used steps down to the tarmac.The shuttles to the hotels vary, some are rickety, some quite nice. Our room has never been ready when we get to the atlantis so I have taken to packing a bathing suit in my carry on. They have a place you can change so you may as well enjoy the pool or beach while waiting. Friendly staff is hit or miss. Some are some aren't. Slow, yes, things run on Bahamas time. Not good for someone from the Northeast.
Rooms
Our rooms have always been comfortable. We don't really care about the view because our rationale is that all we do in the room is shower and sleep. I am also a person who does not get bored easily so I can enjoy a view across the harbor toward Nassau, I don't need to see the ocean.
Restaurants and Bars
Food is very expensive so we always went to the buffets, they give you the best bang for the buck. I have no complaints about the quality of the food and, at the buffet, if something is not to your liking you can try something else. I might mention that I am also not a picky eater. The buffet staff is friendle and since we have been there several times there are even some who remember us from one year to the next. My son was young when we first went there and he is now 17 and they remark how much taller he is. I would not attempt any of the restaurants requiring reservations. Getting all dressed up on vacation is not something I want to do either, to each his own. I'm not a drinker so I don't do the bars, I do have a few island type drinks occasionally and there was no problem with any of the lobby bars.
Beach/Pools/Grounds
The grounds are amazing. The sculptures and landscaping will take your breath away. When we first started going to the Atlantis we stayed in the Royal Towers-just because. We a had watched the Atlantis being built from the balcony of a hotel we were staying in and many of the construction workers were staying in our hotel. One night, in the hot tub, I struck up a conversation with one of them and he explained what they were building. I filled my husband in and we said that as soon as it was finished we would stay there. And we did. When we go now we stay in the beach tower. Best price and closest to the beach. Royal Towers are nice but they are the farthest from the beach. The end of the hotel at the Royal Towers is also noisy, Beach towers has less traffic and is much more calm. I was in the Bahamas years ago when the Coral Towers was the Paradise Island Casino and I think the Beach Towers may have belonged to Merv Griffin. They linked these hotels so you have really loooooooong hallways connecting them hence you get alot of exercise going from one place to another in the hotel. The pools are beautiful but usually very crowded and it is difficult to find a seat. Because there are so many people there it pays to be careful. I had a watch stolen off of my beach chair and my son had his sunglasses stolen. Our things didn't amount to a large amount of money yet it was surprising that this happened. When I reported it the staff didn't seem too concerned. I filled out a report but they never got back to me.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel
There is always something to do here. There are counless slides , pools, and activities. There are plenty of day trips off of the resort. We have been swimming with the dolphins and the stingrays. Both were great experiences. We have also been on the "Booze Cruise" not to drink but, it was the cheapest cruise at the time. If you go on that one beware of the trip home as some cannot hold their liquor. Be sure to take a tour of the island. If you don't want to go on an organized one you might be able to hire a cab driver for the night for a good price.
Other Comments
I first went to the Bahamas 25 years ago. It was beautiful then and it is beautiful now. The problem I am beginning to have with Paradise Island is that it is being overdeveloped. A lot of the character has been taken away and it's beginning to resemble Dineyworld. I have been to Puerto Rico and Mexico and they seem to retain more of their culture. I plan on goung to Costa Rica next. I won't stop coming here but it will soon be just another resort, not a resort with Bahamian flavor. I'm afraid if their government doesn't start to preserve their islands it will soon be USA South or Europe west. That would be a shame.
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We purchased the American Food plan
Atlantis Royal Towers
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DexterNancyArkansasUSA >
1 contribution(s) United States of America
May, 2007 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
2 people found this review helpful
We recently returned from a stay at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. We stayed 4 nights the first week of June at the Corral Tower section. We were offered at check in an option to upgrade to the Royal section. We turned this down, preferring an Ocean view at the Corral section to a Garden view at the Royal section. Believe me, we found out, at least judging from outside appearances, there is a vast difference between the Corral Tower building and the Royal Tower Building. I would advise you to take the Royal building if offered, it is amazing, awesome. The Corral Tower section is downright tacky in comparison.
Arrival
We recently returned from a stay at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. We stayed 4 nights the first week of June at the Corral Tower section. We were offered at check in an option to upgrade to the Royal section. We turned this down, preferring an Ocean view at the Corral section to a Garden view at the Royal section. Believe me, we found out, at least judging from outside appearances, there is a vast difference between the Corral Tower building and the Royal Tower Building. I would advise you to take the Royal building if offered, it is amazing, awesome. The Corral Tower section is downright tacky in comparison.
Room
Our first room in the Corral Towers was awful, the “water view” required tunnel vision and a good imagination. We complained and Peggy at Guest services came thru like a champ and the next day we were offered a beautiful sixth floor room with a great view of the Ocean and the entire facility. On the second night, they has a totally awesome fireworks display at the new Cove section. This was indeed impressive and if we had taken the Royal room we would not have had the great view. I guess our bad judgment worked out OK in this instance. The room itself was fairly plain, but clean and pleasant. Nothing like the rooms at some 5 star resorts we have been to in Costa Rico or the Dominican Republic, but still overall there was no complaint. Service was good and the Hotel employees were friendly. This is unlike what I had read in some other reviews.
Food
We purchased the American Food plan and probably did not come out on it. A dinner at one of the Buffet restaurants would have averaged over $100 for two adults and a 5 year old. The food was plentiful, which was mandatory, as finding something edible was a problem. I’m not sure if it was our spoiled American appetites or if the food was really bland and tasteless. The Breakfast buffets averaged about $60 and the Omelets were pretty good. Service at the restaurants was typical of the Caribbean resorts, slow and slower. You just have to adjust to a lower scale of service and you’ll do fine.
Beach
The beach was great, beautiful sand and water. The beach was somewhat crowded and had a few beach vendors pedaling various items but not bad at all. The pools and water parks were very entertaining and our 5 year old pretty well lived in the water for 4 days. The 48” height required for some of the water parks was a bummer for baby as she was about 4 inches short of that height and they would not budge on letting her in. The lazy river she could do and we enjoyed this. When the lazy river ride got crowded, it wasn’t much fun, but with few people it was a favorite. The Lagoon and Snorkel beach was also a favorite place. We probably spend as much time there as anywhere. It’s not a real place to snorkel with not much to see but baby didn’t mind. Overall, this resort offered the most varied water entertainment of anyplace we have visited.
Tours
We went on one tour, the Dolphin experience. We took a boat ride to an island and baby and momma got to touch and kiss a Dolphin. The Tour cost about $80 each to participate with $25 to observe. It was a fun trip and worth the money. The same basic Dolphin Experience at the Atlantis was about twice as expensive.
Resumé
After years of going each year to Mexico or the Caribbean, we went last year to an island off the coast of Greece. I have to say I was no more impressed by last year’s trip than I was by the Atlantis resort. We spend hardly anytime exploring the Bahamas and probably going to the Atlantis is more like going to Disney World than to a foreign country. Regardless, It is simply a great feast for the eyes and a genuine place to do nothing but what you want to do. I always say that I never go to the same vacation place twice as life is to short and there are way too many places to see. But, if I ever change my mind, I will be back at the Atlantis and, next time when they offer the upgrade to the Royal Tower I will say yes and Thank you!
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The grounds and pools look great at first glance.
Atlantis Royal Towers
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ScottDiannaCanada >
1 contribution(s) Canada
Oct, 2005 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
2 people found this review helpful
First I would like say that I booked this trip at very reduced price of $479.
The flight from Toronto with Canjet was fine going down but 11/2 hours late on the return. These planes are putting more and more seats in their planes every year, and they don't offer first class seating.
Upon arriving at Atlantis we found that our rooms would be about 1 hour till ready(3:30pm). Once we got our room key we waited 1 hour for our luggage to get to our room.
Positives: The grounds and pools look great at first glance.
The buffets were a good price and value. We went on the Island World Adventure and it was the best trip we have ever been on, worth every penny and then some. Beds were good and the rooms clean.
Negatives: The staff at the hotel are fall short of a 5 star rating. I think this is because there is a 15% gratuity included on all food and drinks (they don't have to work for their money) The staff do the bare minimum and smiles are rare. The grounds while nice were dirty and to large with a 20 minute walk from one side to the other. The pools only open from 9am to 7pm. as does the beach. This was a pain as we really enjoy morning and evening swims. The water slide closed at 7 pm as well. We arrived at 6:45pm one night and were told that we couldn't go on. When we questioned the life guard he said he needed tome to clean up. The beach was closed each day because the life guard said it was to rough to swim, but the next hotel was open to swim as was the public beach next door. After 3 days of this myself and a couple of other angry people just went swimming anyway. The lifeguard said he was going to call the authorities but when the manager came down to the beach we told him how we felt and he told the guards to let us go.( they don't own the beach). Over 1/2 of the restaurants were closed for the week, this was a problem as the ones that they close are the lowest priced ones.
We were also asked to go to a time share information session every time we passed in the lobby, they just won't leave you alone.
All in all it was nice to get away, but we will not go back to Atlantis again for any price!!! We take 2 trips per year all over but this one is off our list. Go to Cuba or Costa Rica and learn what good service is really like, these place truly value you as a customer and are very egger to please.
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And after 2 days, I had had enough
Atlantis Royal Towers
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>
1 contribution(s)
Aug, 2005 | Leisure | With Group
2 people found this review helpful
Well, what can i say - if money is no object and you like thinking that you are one of the rich and famous, this resort is for you - but if like me, you want your moneys worth stay away!!!!! We travelled with our married son and grandchild, so we stayed at the Harborside (time share) part of the resort - which i highly recommend if you are with children - room for them to run around and there is transportation to the main resort. The place is beautiful and there is lots to see - however.... how many pools can you swim in at one time???? My advice - stay at the nearby comfort inn - they give you breakfast and you have priviledges at the atlantis, or stay at an even more reasonable resort and get a day pass for the atlantis. For the price of this vacation, we could have taken 2 at punta cana, or cancun
I agree that the ocean water in the bahamas is the most beautiful - better than bermuda, dominican republic and hawaii BUT the beach itself is not
No matter which pool/beach you went to, unless you were up at 6am and/or "schmoozed" the pool boys, you did not get a chair and of all the chairs, only about 1/4 of them have shaded tops. As for the people being friendly and helpful, PLEASE there is a 15% gratuity tacked on to everything so there is no reason for them to be nice, friendly etc. Not that they were rude - just that no one went out of their way to be helpful. We went for a week, and after 2 days, i had had enough. I know people will say that i could have gone off premises but with an infant and a pregnant daughter in law it wasnt that easy. Unless you are prepared for a lot of walking and shelling out of money - find another place to visit. I for one will never go back here UNLESS, i can get a spectacular deal - they did have one but i found it too late - $99/night in the beach tower - which i personally think is the best place to stay - the pool is right there along with the beach and the buffet restaurant. Hope this helps - feel free to contact me at trtl29@yahoo.com
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This place never ceases to amaze me everytime I go
Atlantis Royal Towers
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DeniseNewYork >
1 contribution(s) United States of America
Aug, 2005 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
2 people found this review helpful
I have been to Atlantis three times in the last three years. We stayed in the villas twice at the Coral Towers and the Hotel once. If you can get a villa (it cannot be requested beforehand) it is absolutely fabulous. The villas are adjacent to the beach and covered with waterfalls, lagoons and tropical plants. Atlantis is by far the most absoutely gorgeous resort I have ever been to. Yes, it is expensive but worth every penny. My husband and I recently purcased a Time Share at Atlantis, guaranteeing us a vacation there every year. The water is the most beautiful I've seen anywhere and is warm and calm in the summer months. It is much better to go early summer than in the off season because the weather is calmer and warmer.
Take in all there is to see at the Royal Towers and the resort grounds. This place never ceases to amaze me everytime I go. You will be in awe from the moment you are dropped off until the time you leave. The staff is extremely courteous and helpful and the place is immaculate. This is the place to go for a vacation of a lifetime.
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The Atlantis resort staff was rude
Atlantis Royal Towers
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BMcCameron >
1 contribution(s)
May, 2004 | Leisure | With Group
2 people found this review helpful
I went to the Atlantis with about 20 people for a wedding last July. This was by far the worst resort I have ever been to. I am not a world traveler but have been to Negril and Ocho Rios Jamaica several times. Upon arriving at the resort, 6 of the people we were with didn't have rooms (they were paid in full prior to us ever arriving). The Atlantis resort staff was rude and unwilling to accommodate the simplest of requests. We lost power in our rooms numerous times (at least 10), for extended periods. When we went I believe it was the off season and ½ of the resort was not accessible to us. If you would ask a staff member a question they looked at you like you were from Mars if they even acknowledged you at all. If I am writing this to give others a honest review of the resort... I would say that the outside structure of the hotel and some of the aquarium setups are very pretty and well designed. However, the total lack of respect for the guests by the staff totally counteracts the experience. We all work way too hard to be able to go on these vacations. Don't waste your vacation or your money on the Atlantis at Paradise Island.
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I have been to Atlantis 4 times
Atlantis Royal Towers
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JohnNewYork >
1 contribution(s) United States of America
May, 2004 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
2 people found this review helpful
I was on your site looking at reviews posted about Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic. It was an interesting variety, so I thought I would check out the reviews of places I had stayed. I have been to Atlantis 4 times. The first time being before the Royal Towers were even built. The last time being in May 2004. I have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and the USA and always try and stay in the best resorts. Atlantis is without a doubt one of the most beautiful resorts I have ever been to. The positives: the pools are amazing, the grounds (though very large) are spectacular, the slides are fun, the beach is wonderful and the water always warm. Again I must say if you walk the grounds of Atlantis are absolutely amazing. Walking around and looking at the lagoons and all the species of tropical fish and sharks is wonderful. All the restaurants are good, not excellent but good and I have eaten in them all. The negatives: Yes, everytime I arrived our rooms were not ready. I found out right away that this was nothing that a $20.00 bill to the bellboy didn't fix in 20 minutes. Being from New York I knew this right away. Not to knock the Canadians that bashed this place but I think the staff knows where their bread will be buttered. If you don't reach in your pocket, you will wait. Next, book your room in the Royal Towers, it's a little more money but worth every penny. I have stayed at both the Coral and Beach towers, they are older, enough said. There are scammers all over the beach from the jet ski guys to the women braiding hair to the guys selling Cuban cigars and other illegal stuff. Ignore them and they will not bother you. They are only on the beach not on the resort grounds, so if you are a pool person you will never encounter them. I gamble and I was used to some of the comps I would normally receive in Vegas or Atlantic City. Forget it, there isn't even a casino host. They are giving away little to nothing, they don't have to, they know it and its not even worth bartering about when you check out. Keep this in mind if you are a player. I am also a golfer and the Ocean club golf course is breathtaking and I have played Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black. If you are a golfer this course is a must. Atlantis is not cheap. It is a 5 star resort in my book and worth it. Just remember if you go to a 5 star resort its's gonna cost you.
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My father and husband got food poisoning
Atlantis Royal Towers
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JaimeCanada >
1 contribution(s) Canada
Mar, 2004 | Leisure | With Group
2 people found this review helpful
I have been to Atlantis twice before and loved it! Yes, our rooms were never ready and you could never check out late, but we rolled with the punches. Until this time. Time #3. My father and husband got food poisoning from Murry's deli on our last night. We went to the resort Doctor, who diagnosed them with food poisoning and gave them prescriptions. We missed our flight and have a Dr note for insurance purposes. While they were at the DR and I was watching my 9 month old son, i received a phone call telling us they are over-booked and we need to check out. They had found us the last 2 rooms in Nassau at a 2 star hostel down the road. They wouldn't even let us stay in our rooms. We faught. We got our rooms back (after over-hearing they were going to give 4 over-booked villa's to the man beside me who was a high roller in the casino). Nobody called to check if we were well or even comfortable. We had to pay for our rooms FULL PRICE and any other expenses we had. We never recieved a cot we requested on day 1. BOTH our TV's were broken and had to be replaced, our shower didn't work and we were charged for stuff out of the mini bar and we didn't use it. The book said internet was $.05 a minute, we got a 3 minute charge of $6.00. We were told they upped our prices to $.50. They said they would refund us and never did! My baby threw up all over the crib one night, so I asked for an extra sheet...I saw it 2 days later. When we filed our security report for the food posoning, we asked for a copy...we had to go down 2 days later and fight for it. The service SUCKS!! I would much rather go elsewhere. The pools were FREEZING and half of the slot machines didn't work. Sounds fun huh? We are still in the process of fighting for our rooms.
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