posted 05-09-2005 06:55               

I did not receive the unit I was assigned to at Harborside (1719). I received the horribly located 2727, right next to the freeway tunnel, overlooking the parking lot. It was gently explained to me that since I was not an owner or renter, nothing else was available. If I had known that the building butted up to this NOISY tunnel, I never would have exchanged in. The heavy traffic noise woke us up at 6:30 every morning. I requested to be moved, politely and sweetly, EVERY day. Funny, nowhere on the plans, website, or in reviews, is this tunnel mentioned......

Atlanis was crowded and filthy. The beach was unbelievably crowded and dirty. I walked down to the Ocean Club for peace, cleanliness and service. The food at Atlanits was the worst I've had in the Caribbean. Don't even bother with Water's Edge. I've had better buffets at Big Boy. I knew after reading the reviews, etc. that food was not Atlantis's high point, but honestly I was expecting better. The Friday Seafood Buffet at OC was only open to OC guests when we were there. We ate in for all breakfasts and lunches. The best meal was at the Point - surf and turf for $35, but again, only marginal food.

The pool at Harborside now closes at 7 - like the rest of the Atlanits pools. Cove Beach and Paradise Beach are now closed for the Mega Billion expansion for cruise ship day trippers. This place is going to be a zoo.

I'd go back to the Out Islands - (AND SKIP THE NASSAU AIRPORT _ WHAT A DISASTER), but would never return to Atlantis or Harborside. My kids had a ball - and it was great to get away - but truly, I don't understand what all the hype is about. A couple of days at Atlanits would be more than enough - and I've stayed in equally beautiful timeshare resorts (Hyatts, Marriotts and Westins) that aren't in compromised locales, with much better service and amenities. Many people I spoke with at the airport, who had stayed at Atlantis were disappointed.

posted 05-09-2005 07:49            

My family returned from a week at Harborside two weeks ago. Thankfully we did not have a room by the tunnel but it had occured to me that it would be horribly noisy if we did. Our balcony overlooked the construction which made it too loud to have lunch on but I understand construction must go on.

What surprised me most was the absolute zoo Atlantis was. Harborside folks cannot show up there by 11am and expect to find a pool side lounge chair that has not yet been reserved by towel and sandels. Chairs get reserved by 9am and remain vacant til Noon. Beach was very unappealing and I can only assume its public and beyond the control of the resort.

Harbourside was a nice resort but as poster mentions the locale is not terribly appealing. Short walk to a couple of shops but nothing to get excited about. I thought Harborside itself was short on amenities as it relies on Atlantis to fill that need - you have to be willing to join the crowds over there to get what you're looking for.

Pool was nice albeit half of the pool area is closed off due to the ongoing construction. Found myself thinking I could have gone to Orlando to sit by a pool.

On the brighter side, my 5 yr old enjoyed a half day at Discovery Camp and the Aqua Tots program for my 3 yr old made the best video taping opportunity of the week.

And yes, Nassau airport was a dirty dump - bathrooms were atrocious, that could not process people fast enough so you had families on escalators being dumped into crowded chambers - a true hazard.

oh well. I had heard so much about Harbourside that I was convinced it would be the ultimate destination to trade into. I was wrong about that...

posted 05-09-2005 08:07               

Sorry you had such a bad time....

posted 05-09-2005 14:21               

However, if I was paying $300/nt for a room in one of the Towers (Beach - nothing to write home about; Royal - expensive), otherwise paid a lot of money to stay there (ie. SVO purchase), and/or participated in the meal plan, I could have felt very different. It turned out to be a relatively inexpensive vacation for us (spent only $400 for the week for food (though my wife doesn't eat much)), so with just an exchange fee, no airfare, no car rental, it worked out well.

This was my first visit to a beach resort outside the US (go to Key West once a year). Are other places in the Caribbean, Cancun, etc similar to this (tourist-oriented, can be expensive, etc)?

posted 05-09-2005 15:41               

Lisa

posted 05-09-2005 17:56               

Don't worry about it Lisa. You're going to have a great time. Just don't think Atlantis is the end of the world and you'll enjoy yourself. There are tons of better timeshares but I'm just not going to get caught up in that c---. Eat, drink and don't worry "mon". See you there.

posted 05-09-2005 18:04               

We noticed Atlantis was tremendously crowded on the weekend but better on Tue/Wed/Thu. We sought out the uncrowded beach up by the Ocean Club Residences. Never did find any good snorkeling off the beach, though. (Someone on another board suggested the good snorkeling is gone due all the construction). The snorkeling at Paradise Lagoon wasn't worth it.

I noticed all the kids too and wondered why they weren't in school. One great suggestion Dani had in another thread was to go to the thalassotherapy pool at the spa. We had the place to ourselves -- an oasis of quiet at Atlantis! I wish I'd bought the week pass for that instead of just a day pass.

Guess we got lucky with the Nassau airport... our flights were on Fridays and it was very uncrowded. But, I saw that on Sunday, May 1, Atlantis was recommending that people get to the airport FOUR hours early due to the volume of traffic.

There seemed to also be a lot of grumbling with other exchangers at the resort... everyone seemed to say, "I traded here from" [ substitute resort ] and I like my home resort so much better. Guess that means they won't come back and there will be more trade opportunities for others!

posted 05-09-2005 22:55               

I guess I can start answering your question about Cancun, and maybe others can chime in. I love Cancun and I have been there (Cancun, Puerto Aventuras, Playa Del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres) 5 times in the last 3 years. The prices are definitely cheaper. I just like the atmosphere better. Of course, each of the areas that I mentioned have completely different feels to them. Of course, I won't get into all that since this isn't the Mexico board. There is just a different feel to Mexico that I love so much! If you get a chance, you should go there in a heartbeat. That being said, not everyone likes Mexico! I'll be more than happy to tell you more if you would like.

posted 05-10-2005 04:56               

How was Puerto Aventuras? I'd like to rent a villa there sometime - or possibly down in Akumal. I'm looking for great beaches, good snorkeling, a good dive shop, and a non-Atlantis atmosphere.

LMD

posted 05-10-2005 06:17               

Service was below average. They seem to want your money - but they don't really want "you"!

Crowds were ridiculous. The only way we ever got a chair was to remove someone else's belongings after an hour or so.

Of all the places we've been in Mexico and the Carribbean - this is the only place we have on our "Do Not Ever Return" list.

Kids loved the slides (long wait) and the aquarium (very cool). But not worth the downside.

posted 05-10-2005 07:35               

quote:

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Originally posted by MZ:
Blackjack

How was Puerto Aventuras? I'd like to rent a villa there sometime - or possibly down in Akumal. I'm looking for great beaches, good snorkeling, a good dive shop, and a non-Atlantis atmosphere.

LMD

If you pull up the reviews, you will see a map of the property. Avoid any end units at all costs in Building 1 & 2 - they are next to the tunnel. Don't hold your breath about requests - I got the distinct impression that exchangers are given bottom barrell units. You will still have a good time - I just like a quieter atmosphere - take the shuttle down to Ocean Club for quiet and cleaner beach time.

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I have to say one thing with respect to the units. I don't believe it's true at all that they give exchangers bottom barrel units. I've exchanged in twice and both times I received the unit on my confirmation. Both were wonderful units. This time I have the smaller side so I'm actually hoping that they do not give me the unit on my confirmation. BTW...did everyone get the unit that was on their confirmation?

To each his own, that's for sure. For me, the Atlantis is the ONLY timeshare that I've been to that I would return to year after year.

I also will say that I'm just as happy staying at the Comfort Suites across the road and the Harborside timeshare as I am staying at the actual hotel and I've stayed in every tower at the Atlantis. For those who like a little peace and quiet, staying at Harborside or the Comfort Suites can be a great advantage. I try not to go when I think the place will be over-run by children. That is probably NOT good at all. I did it once in August so I can totally understand people not wanting to do that again.

For those going for the first time, don't despair!!! LOL You will love it. Even if you don't, you will be on vacation!!!

posted 05-10-2005 07:36               

quote:

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Originally posted by gswartziii:
How are the other beaches on the island ?

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Why would anyone want to go another beach? The beach at the Atlantis is beautiful!!! Almost always on the Travel Channel's top ten Caribbean Beaches.

posted 05-10-2005 09:28               

I'd like to rent a villa there sometime - or possibly down in Akumal. I'm looking for great beaches, good snorkeling, a good dive shop, and a non-Atlantis atmosphere.

LMD [QUOTE]

If you are looking for a laid back-atmosphere, Akumal will definately fit the bill! It's a place where you can walk with flip-flops through town. You can snorkel right off the beach in and in the lagoon on the north end ($5/person to snorkel in the lagoon). There is a dive shop that rents snorkel gear. Close to the ruins at Tulum and Coba. It is beautiful.
A lot of the condo complexes are smaller and most have plenty of ocean-view units. In many areas they rake the beach every day. The sand is prettier there than in cancun-not as nice as Tulutm/south, but pretty!
If you are not looking for the Royal Resorts, you will be happy! Until it becomes more "discovered" and touristy, we will keep going back every couple years! We love it down there!

posted 05-10-2005 10:11               

quote:

---

Originally posted by MZ:
I beg to differ. The beach was SO crowded Dani, lounge chairs were inches from each other both on Atlantis's beach and next door at the converted Sheraton. There were the remainders of coconut drinks and cigarette butts everywhere - plus the waverunners - EVERYWHERE!!!! You virtually had to walk almost all the way down to the Ocean Club's space to have any room to yourself (or a clean bit of sand). And this was the first week of May, not even Spring Break. I know it's to each their own - but best beach?? I'll take Kee Beach, Pink Sands Beach, Trunk Bay, Grace Bay, Poipu Beach or Akumal Bay over this mayhem any time.

---

LOL!!! I hear ya!! I don't doubt you one bit. I know that it can be like this when it's crowded. I'm just wondering why it was so crowded last week? Like you said, it's the first week of May. I went the second week of May last year and this was not my experience. I hope it's not crowded next week.

posted 05-10-2005 11:01               

Puerto Aventuras is a tiny gated town 15 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen, and Akumal is just South of Aventuras. I have never been to Akumal yet, so I can't comment. I really like Puerto Aventuras because it has a small community feel to it. There are a few hotels there, but lots of condos. You can find out more at www.puertoaventuras.com

I really love Playa Del Carmen though. The crowd is very mixed and there are a lot of restaurants and bars, but it still has a local town feel to it. There are a lot of people though, and depending on cruise schedule, it can get very crowded. I prefer to stay in Puerto Aventuras for the quietness, and if I want to go hang out and grab a drink, I'll head to Playa del Carmen. You can email me if you want more details. And definitely check out Tulum and the beaches there. Gorgeous and no one there. That is a secret paradise that will soon be over developed, so go before that happens. You won't get top notch hotels, but you get these little bed and breakfasts owned by individual owners and it just has that feel to it!!! Hope that helps.

posted 05-10-2005 14:44               

Now I'm starting to feel bad. You were the one who first posted the Atlantis Sighting that resulted in my getting a week this go-round so I want you in particular to have a good time Tell your husband not to worry. Please.

FYI, I didn't think that the Ocean Club allowed Atlantis guests to use their beach, but I could be wrong. Maybe someone can clarify this. If they do...that's where I will be because it is a stunning and secluded beach. In any case, the shuttle bus stops at Harborside and there is a shuttle bus that goes to the Ocean Club.

Perhaps you might try reading some of the good reviews here on TUG and elsewhere to reassure your husband.

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Danielle