Best Budget, Mid-Priced & Luxury Hotels in Grand Bahama
There are many hotels in Grand Bahama and they span across different categories like Budget, Mid-Priced and Luxury. Grand Bahama is not as glamorous as Nassau and doesn’t have that many ultra-luxurious hotels that are teeming over with entertainment options.
Rather what Grand Bahama offers is a healthy mix of touristy hotels, boutique hotels in quieter locations, condos which offer a holiday home experience and budget hotels which are styled like inns.
As a tourist/ traveler in Grand Bahama, it’s important to first think about what you want from your Bahamian holiday and then choose the hotel and its location. For example, if you want a bustling environment, choose a hotel in Freeport, Port Lucaya etc., while those who want a quieter time can look for a property near the Gold Rock Beach, Coral Beach or the West End of the Island.
If shopping is your priority then look for a property near the Port Lucaya Marketplace and if fishing is what you are looking for then West End is your go-to place. The hotels reviewed below are divided according to their price range and ranked according to their popularity.
Use the search box below (from booking.com) to find the top hotels in Grand Bahama both in budget and luxury categories. Check out the user reviews & ratings, rates, and book online.
Most budget and mid-range hotels in Grand Bahama accept only cash (or their card machines are frequently out of order) while all the luxury hotels accept cards.
Below you will find reviews of the best hotels by category.
There are many budget hotels in Grand Bahama that offer a nice holiday experience at a relatively cheap price. Most of these are non-glamorous, struggling with maintenance issues and run on island time (read service is slow). Some of them are near the tourist strips while others are in quieter and more relaxed locations…so you can choose a place according to your preferences. These hotels are all priced at or below 115 USD per night and fall in the budget category.
Bell Channel Inn
Bell Channel inn is just what the name claims… an inn… so don’t come with sophisticated resort expectations. That being said the place is located in a quiet spot that’s at the end of the channel, it is decently maintained and offers air conditioned rooms with TV, separate seating area, alarm clocks and the bathrooms have bath tubs. There is free shuttle service to limited locations from the property.
True to its name "inn" there are not many rooms… only 42 of them and their décor is old world Bahamian with large windows and tiled floors.
The in-house restaurant is called Upstairs on the Bay and it is open all days from 7.30 a.m. till 11 p.m. American, Bahamian and seafood dishes are served here with a special menu section for vegetarians.
There are quite a few advantages of staying here like you can get to learn scuba diving for free and snorkeling lessons are provided by experienced Caribbean divers. There is free parking, decent WI fi all throughout the resort (this isn’t common in the affordable hotels in GB). The restaurant on site is on the waterfront and it has really nice views.
Happy hours are generous (every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.). There is an active tour desk on site who will arrange local tours, biking expeditions, fishing trips, water sports and sightseeing trips… and this desk is open at all hours….the pretty Taino beach and the Reef golf course are both near (within 3 km) of the resort. The resort doesn’t have its own gym but there is cross fit activity center with a decent equipment selection right next door.
On the flip side, not many events and activities happen here so if you are looking for parties every night you will be disappointed. This place is basically meant for tourists who are looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday. There isn’t much shade near the pool and it can get uncomfortable in the summer. If you are okay with walking then you will enjoy this place more as the beach, supermarket and town are all 15 to 20 minutes of walk away.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: Kings Road, Lucaya, King's Rd, Lucaya 43817, Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-373-1053
Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina
This hotel is less than 200 meters away from the pretty Taino beach and the proximity to the sea and the position of the hotel ensures good sea views. The nearby Taino Beach Resorts is run by the same management and so guests of Flamingo have free unlimited access to facilities of Taino.
Another distinguishing feature is the nearby Bell Channel with the marina that’s nicely equipped for yachts and boats up to 100 feet…. 25 slips are currently available. You can easily call and reserve a slip on 800-824-6623.
All the rooms are mid-sized and have Caribbean décor scheme and mahogany furniture and fittings. The hotel is 3 storied and the newly done up rooms can be reached through the external corridors. You get a choice between 1 king sized bed or 2 queen sized ones.
Common amenities are TV, Alarm clock, wardrobe with mirror, writing desk, ironing board etc. you can ask for cribs, babysitting services and beauty services at an added charge. Go up to the second floor and you can find a row of ice makers that are free for use.
The best thing about the rooms here are the kitchen facilities that include mini fridge, microwave, toaster and dishwasher. If you are the type who would like to cut down on unnecessary expenses on your holiday then stocking up the fridge with some groceries and rustling up a few meals can help maintain your budget. The rooms are all pleasantly decorated.
There is an onsite restaurant at Taino’s and so is the swim up bar and water slide. Guests of both flamingoes and Taino’s can access a lot of beach volleyball and watersports. In fact there is a separate Lucaya watersports center that arranges fishing expeditions, scuba diving sessions, wave runners, snorkeling, scooters, wave runners, jet skis and banana rides.
There is a business and conferencing center and a grill that’s used by all guests of both resorts. Water taxis will ferry guests for free to the port Lucaya market for a spot of shopping and some fun at the Treasure bay casino.
On the flip side service is quite slow and it can be annoying to check in specially if you have arrived in the morning. There are lots of hidden fees which you should directly enquire about. The onsite grocery shop sells stuff at elevated prices, so it’s advisable to do your grocery shopping from Solomon’s enroute from the airport.
If you compare the standards at Taino’s and Flamingo’s then the former is a more expensive and a more luxurious option. You can consider staying at Flamingoes to save money and yet enjoy all the facilities at Taino’s.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: Jolly Rodger Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: 1-800-824-6623 (toll free)
Royal Islander
Located near the Ruby Golf Course, Royal Islander is about 8kms away from the Grand Bahama International airport. The International Bazaar of Freeport and the Casino are both nearby.
There are 100 rooms in the pleasant looking 2 storied low rise building. You can choose between smoking and non smoking double bedded / king bedded rooms, all rooms have cable TV and direct phone lines and some have a refrigerator. Internet access isn’t free… guests have to pay a small fee. Rooms have either the pool view or the garden view. Bathrooms have facilities for a hot tub.
The amenities are not very extensive… there is a freshwater pool with seating area, an in house Jacuzzi, barbecue facility and a ping pong table for the entertainment of guests. However all of these have been kept in good shape. There is an in house restaurant called Crown which serves all 3 meals at affordable prices. However food quality is inconsistent and you can go to Sire’s... a local place that’s just 200 meters away from the Islanders.
There is also the Westar convenience store nearby that can fulfil your basic grocery needs. Also Burger King and Daddy Brown’s is nearby so basically you won’t lack inexpensive delicious meal options.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: The Mall Drive, Freeport F 42549, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-351-6000
Freeport Resort & Club
This resort offers tranquility and a peaceful time and is essentially the opposite of a touristy party place. The resort is right next to the well-known Ruby golf course in the quitter suburbs of Freeport.
Photo: Freeport Resort & Club
There are 4 kinds of suites here; efficiency, one bedroom suite, enhanced one bedroom suite and two bedroom suites. The suites all have cable TV, decent furniture and a kitchen area with dining table, fridge, microwave, stove and a selection of utensils. This is one of those places where you can cook yourself some homely meals and save money.
The choice of inviting friends and guests to stay in suites at no extra charge is pleasantly surprising. You will also see free WI fi through the resort and a computer in the resort office that can be used free of charge by guests… even this is a pleasant surprise in Grand Bahama.
Efficiency Unit
Photo: Freeport Resort & Club
As far as activities are concerned, you will have a decent choice of golfing, biking, tennis, birding, basketball, shuffle boarding and trampolines. BBQ evenings and club musical nights are arranged sometimes. Guests can enjoy use of the hot tub and swimming pool on the premises.
Besides all this there is a tour desk which can arrange booze cruises, kayaking, dolphin swims, casino sessions, scuba diving, nature trips, exploration of national parks, gardens, nature centers and glass bottomed boat tours too. The staff are usually very helpful with travel and tour tips and are quick to tend to complaints.
On the flip side, the property is a little far away from the usual tourist strip of Freeport. It’s somewhat like a hideaway (a pretty dated one too) and to many guests that can be incredibly charming or boring depending upon their preferences.
The security people are scant in number and that may make you a little unsure. The nearby beach and area are both quiet and not really suitable for small kids who would want lots of activities. Stay here only if you are looking for some peaceful time and have non glamorous expectations.
Address: Freeport Resort & Club
Rum Cay Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
TOLL FREE 1-877-699-9474
Phone: (242) 352-8425 Fax: (242) 352-8425
Castaways Resort & Suites
This is a full service resort that’s right in the center of Freeport so if you are looking for convenience and accessibility, this will work for you. There are 118 rooms…all typically Caribbean style decorated and private balconies offering island views or pool views.
Fridge, ironing facilities, coffee maker, radio, phone lines, cable TV, Dryer are some common amenities and guests get a choice between 1 king sized and 2 queen sized beds.
Photo: Castaways Resort & Suites
Some facilities worth noting are free transport to the beach and back and easy access to water sports like scuba and kayaking besides fishing. There are reasonably priced offers like drive and stay packages where guests get rental cars and suites at a discounted price while the bed and breakfast packages offer breakfast and accommodation at an affordable rate.
There is an in-house gym (free for use) that’s open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and 2 private boardrooms (accommodating 50 people and 25 people). The boardrooms have modern conferencing facilities and are theater style… they have to be pre booked. The onsite restaurant and bar (both named Flamingo) serve American and Bahamian food and are decent both in terms of menu and cost.
Photo: Castaways Resort & Suites
The Castaways seemed inspired by its name… lack of maintenance and an air of abandonment lies everywhere. The pool chairs are unkempt, A.C units are noisy and soundproofing is bad. Internet connection is not okay. The staff try to make up for everything by being extra polite. The business facilities and gym are however well maintained. This is a decent choice for a short halt or a business trip.
Address: P.O. Box F-42629, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone 242-352-6682
Reservations toll free number: 1-866-410-9676
Grand Bahama has many mid-range hotels with a good range of amenities and facilities. Some of these hotels are boutique style while some others offer a private holiday home experience while still others are typical touristy hotels in the busier areas of Grand Bahama.
Price range of these hotels are roughly in the range of 115 USD to 250 USD per night. Most of these hotels claim to accept cards but you still carry enough cash especially if the selected hotel is in a quiet location that doesn’t have too many ATM machines.
Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort
The ocean reef is a small intimate resort that’s about 20 minutes from the beach. There are 2 outdoor pools (one of them has a swim up bar) and most rooms have nice sea views.
Rooms are all air conditioned and have flat screen TV’s with a decent cable channel selection and coffee machines. The bathrooms either have a spa bath or a bath tub and most rooms have a separate sitting area. Other amenities include free shuttles, free guest vehicle parking and free use of gym.
You can avail concierge service and babysitting service at a nominal cost. Guests can shop from the gift shop inside the resort and marina rentals are provided on prior notice.
The rooms are rather differently named. The smallest accommodation options (meant for couples) are named efficiency. The 1 bedroom apartments and the suites can accommodate up to 4 people while the 2 bedroom suites and the townhouses can accommodate up to 6 people. There is also a 3 bedroom townhouse that’s good for large groups of 7 to 8 people.
The Ocean’s Blue Restaurant (in house) is open till 10 p.m. everyday… food is decent and consistent in quality. There is an on-site dive shop where guests can actually rent equipment and then learn the art of diving and snorkeling. Car, bicycle and boat rentals are available at a subsidized rate from the resort office. Golfing lessons along with bingo, tennis and volleyball sessions can be arranged... Tuesdays nights are meant for karaoke at the resort restaurant.
On the flip side, staff at the resort will try to hard sell membership schemes to guests. The shuttle service is at a subsidized rate but it only runs on specific times to specific areas… also the shuttle interiors need better maintenance... the staff smile a lot and are polite but are slow to take action on complaints. On the whole a fair deal if you can get past some of the obvious issues and are looking for a good location and beach activities.
It is 5 miles from the Grand Bahama International airport to the resort. Once at the resort you can take the local buses to explore downtown. Port lucaya, pinders point etc. while the shuttles will take you to the grocery store and beach.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort
PO Box F-42695, Freeport Lucaya, Bahamas.
Phone: (242) 373-4661/2 ext. #151 or (242)373-1151 or (954)727-5770
Running Mon Sunrise Resort & Marina
This resort is just a few minutes away from the beach in a pretty corner of the Grand Bahama Island. Guests staying here get good access to a large freshwater pool and the lovely beach. The emerald gold course is less than 3 km away from the resort and the airport is less than 9 km away.
There are basically two kinds of accommodation options here; standard rooms and the admiral suite. The standard rooms have either a king sized bed or two double beds along with fridge, ironing facilities, coffee maker, radio, phone lines, cable TV, dryer and safe.
You have the option of calling beforehand and getting your fridge restocked or you can choose to bring in your own supply of groceries and beverages.
There is only 1 admiral suite which is large with a separate living room and marina views from all corners. There is also a powder room, walk in closet and a spacious bathroom along with a kitchen.
WI fi is provided throughout the resort and is free for guests. You can choose to rent cars and use shuttles for airports and harbors for a small fee. Kayaks and bikes are supplied on rent by the resort and the 24 hour front desk handles this.
There are two onsite restaurants; a seafood one called Mahi Mahi and the Coral Reef Sports Bar. Surprisingly both of these close without notice for unplanned amounts of time and then the management compensates by giving guests discount vouchers for the local restaurants.
Mahi Mahi serves Bahamian and international cuisine and it has a nice deck seating area apart from the usual blue and white themed indoor dining room. The sports bar has facilities for ping pong, pool, darts etc. and has many flat screen TV’s which stream live matches from across the globe.
The staff is great and prompt in service and they will quickly tend to requests and complaints. However soundproofing is bad so you are in trouble if you get noisy people next door. Due to its location, you will need transport to travel to all the main touristy places and nearest supermarket, popular restaurant etc. All in all this is a good option for folks on the lookout for a quiet time within a budget.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: #208 Kelly Court and Knotts Blvd. Freeport, Grand Bahama
Phone: (800) 932-4959 ext. 4010; (242) 352-6834
Island Seas Resort
This resort will give you a nice first impression… it is beautifully designed around a largish courtyard that’s right next to the blue sea waters. There are one and two bedroom suites here and all of them have balconies with pretty views. The resort has a private stretch of beach, an in house spa, 2 restaurants, a coffee shop, a mini gym and a bar.
The one bedroom suites here are 700 sq. feet large while the 2 bedroom suites are 850 sq. feet. Kid’s playground and free child care facilities (for limited periods of time) are available.
The restaurants here serve mostly buffet style meals and you might find the menus very simple… sometimes dinner is just pasta selection with salads. The breakfast menu is extensive with bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit, cereals etc. but it’s the same on all days.
Some of the advantages of staying here is that there is a kitchenette where you can easily make up some meals and minimize food expenses. Some of the kitchens are upgraded with new countertops and stoves and all of them have microwave and fridge.
The hotel bar tends to close down early but if you walk just outside the gate there is a popular local bar that’s buzzing till 2 a.m. There are also small eateries around (both to the right and left of the beach) where you can avail delicious local cuisine. The views from the rooms are another plus point… most of the rooms offer very nice ocean views.
On the flip side the resort looks as if it has a lot of potential but the maintenance is questionable. There are a lot of amenities which have lost their luster because of low maintenance…. and the service standards are less than desirable. What’s disappointing is that the staff continues to use the past Hurricanes as a justification for not refurbishing and maintaining the place.
There are some glaring issues like there is only one cabana and the maids come to clean the room without cleaning supplies. WI fi works only in the lobby and not in the room… however this isn’t mentioned on the website. Overall, a good option for tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful views without paying premium charges and are willing to put up with some glitches.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: PO Box F44735, Freeport Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 373-1271
Dundee Bay Villas
The Dundee villas are less than 5 minutes of walk away from the Xanadu beach. The property is 15 minutes away from the Grand Bahama International Airport. The experience here is more like staying in your own holiday home while relaxing and enjoying island activities.
There are 1/2/3 bedroom suite units meant for families and couples and all of them have well equipped kitchens… most guests do prefer to rustle up some meals on their own. There are pizza places and Chinese food outlets nearby that will deliver to the Dundee.
There are also small studios but they don’t have some of the nicer features like front and back patios, jet tubs etc., all accommodation options have ocean views, central air conditioning, refrigerator, full kitchen facilities, balconies and pleasant modern decor. It’s good to see the bathrooms equipped with handrails and handicap showers.
There is a laundry room where guests can do their own laundry for free. The room rates include daily maid charges. Barbecue area and pool are also free for use. Car rentals are arranged at subsidized rate by management for guests. There are lots of private parties happening here at the Dundee… the proximity to the beach and the Villa like structure makes it great for small weddings. Every Thursday there is an entertainment and games night.
The Xanadu beach is prettier and less crowded than the port lucaya beach so its proximity to the villas is an advantage.
On the flip side the Dundee is a little far from the supermarkets, shopping hubs and tourist attractions so car rentals become compulsory. In the evening it’s a little quiet and lonely…still the peace, good service and amenities make it perfect for guests who are looking for a homely holiday.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: 20 Dundee Bay Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Toll Free: 1-866-771-7778 or local Bahamas line: 1-242-352-8038
Coral Beach Hotel and Condos
For tourists who would like a more private personalized experience on their vacation in the Grand Bahama, renting a condo at the Coral beach may be a good option. There is also a well spread hotel here offering suites and rooms apart from private condominiums having full-fledged furniture, amenities and kitchens. The location is good as most major shopping hubs, restaurants and bars are nearby while the public transport hubs are just across the street.
Photo: Coral Beach Hotel and Condos
The hotel offers rooms with 2 double beds or 1 single bed and all rooms have coffee maker, cable TV, refrigerator and fridge. If you own a Condo at Coral beach then you can get rooms at discounted rates in the hotel for friends and family.
There are two types of floor plans for condos; a studio floor plan and a 1 bedroom floor plan. All condos are nicely furnished with completely functional kitchens. The condos work out to be pretty cost effective in the long run if you rent for 7 days or more… there is a security deposit and a cleaning fee too. The in-house restaurant is named Pool Bar and Restaurant and is just a few meters away from the pristine coral beach. The bar here is rumored to be the largest on the island… it seats 40 people and the décor is tropical fish themed.
Check out the front wall of the white kitchen it has a lovely coral reef scene that’s done by local artist Lou Lihou and the pelican and flamingo paintings on the glass kitchen doors. The best dishes here are all sea food based… lobster, shrimp, grouper, stone crab and a host of island drinks.
Sometimes there are costumed nights with themes and musical programs however the kitchen closes as 8 p.m. every day and that’s an obvious disadvantage.
Photo: Coral Beach Hotel and Condos
You can head out to the nearby popular restaurants like Cappuccino Italian restaurant, Flying Fish, Zorba’s Greek restaurant, Da Conch man and Dolphin clubhouse.
Parking for registered guests is free (till limited number) but they have to rent a transponder via a refundable deposit. Owners of condos have to buy transponders from the front desk.
Overall the Coral Condo and hotel are good for guests who are looking for a wholesome family friendly experience. There is a residential vibe about the place and the ambience is nice and friendly. If you don’t want to spend a bomb and yet want to enjoy a nice family vacation in Grand Bahama then this is a great choice. This is the kind of place where tourists along with residents go together for the Sunday mass and not the kind of place to conduct a booze party every night.
Address: Coral Road at Royal Palm Way
P.O Box: F 42468, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Phone: 242.373.2468 or 242 373 5140
Pelican Bay Hotel
The best thing about Pelican Bay is its location… it’s a short distance away from the gorgeous white beach as well as several shops, convenience stores and restaurants. The property is pretty in an old school colonial way and shows some signs of neglect. However the 3 outdoor pools and the plentiful gardens work in its favor.
There are 90 waterside rooms with 640 sq. feet area each and 96 waterside state rooms that are largest…i.e. 750 sq. feet each. Almost all rooms here have a balcony that offers nice sea views…some common amenities in rooms are refrigerator, coffee machine, mini bar and cable TV. The state rooms have private library extra sofa beds, floor to ceiling sliders, complimentary robes and special Brazilian artwork inside.
The in house bar and restaurant is called Sabor and its one of the most popular dining spots on the island….this also means that sometimes things can get pretty crowded here. The ambience is good (it’s right next to the big swimming pool) and so is the menu consisting of distinct fusion food, fresh fish preparations and exotic local cocktails.
Their bar is named Browne’s and it faces the marina. The Pelican Bay is quite well known for its wedding packages and they have a special team handling engagements, vow renewals and weddings. Facilities for meetings, conferences and corporate events are also offered.
If you like people watching, you will like the mixed crowd here on the property… usually it’s a healthy mix of tourists of different nationalities and cultures. You can walk down to the Port Lucayan market for a round of duty free shopping …its just 500m away from the hotel. The Unexso is next door so dolphin adventures, shark feeding and underwater excursion arrangements can be easily made.
On the flip side, TV channel selection is inadequate, washrooms are too small, check in times are longish and the staff takes a long time to repair things that are out of order. However convenience and location still make the Pelican Bay a good option in the Grand Bahama.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: Sea Horse Road at Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island
Toll-Free: 1-800-852-3702
Local Phone: (242) 373-9550
Best Lxury Hotels and Resorts
There are not too many expensive high end luxury hotels in Grand Bahama as tourists who want an ultra-luxurious holiday usually choose Nassau and Paradise Island as their destination. The below mentioned hotels represent the most luxurious accommodation options in Grand Bahama and they offer almost all kinds of luxury and comfort.
All of these places take cards and have multiple restaurants, clubs and entertainment options on their premises. All of these hotels are priced upwards of 250 USD per night.
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort
The Viva Wyndham is one of the most luxury accommodation options in Grand Bahama and if you crave glamour and fine living then this is where you should head out to.
There are 274 guest rooms and each has its own terrace or balcony with pretty views. Most rooms have typical Victorian décor and matching old school furniture.
This is an all-inclusive resort… you need to pay a flat fee which includes accommodation, meals, snacks beverages and wines. A range of water and land based sports along with entries to kids clubs, discos and theme nights is also a part of the deal.
The in house restaurant is open air, relaxed and aptly named Junkanoo. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 9.30 pm and serves all 3 meals. Cuisine is international with some Caribbean dishes thrown in. there is also an Asian food place called Bamboo that’s open only for dinner… the beef teppanyaki and rolled sushi there are pretty famous. Viva Café and Viva la Pizza serve Italian food and gourmet beverages and is also only open for dinner. There is a buffet at Junkanoo for lunch and dinner with a different theme every day like Mexican, Caribbean, Asian, continental etc.
The rooms and bathrooms are nicely maintained by the staff though you might find some bugs in the room. The staff behave very courteously and are prompt and they cover up for any minor glitches that you might face at the resort.
Food at the Asian restaurant is inconsistent in quality so stick to dining at Junkanoo and Viva. The pools are nice but the cushions are mildewed. The beach chairs are also not maintained properly. The saving grace is however the staff who will respond courteously to each complaint and try to fix the issue.
In case you are bored of the resort food… you can walk down along the beach for 20 minutes till you reach Banana Bay that’s a casual place serving delicious food. For entertainment there is no dearth of options… theme nights and dance parties happen all the time. You can take free boat rides, snorkel for free and ride bikes (exploring port lucaya is a good option).
There are plenty of opportunities around for golfing and horse riding. You can go fishing, catch your own fish and the staff will cook it for you. The shows organized at the hotel are great…the acrobatics segment is definitely worth checking out.
Rates provided by booking.com
Address: Churchill Dr and Doubloon Road
Freeport 42398, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: 00 1 800-484-2651
Grand Lucayan
You can reach the Grand Lucayan property in 20 minutes from the Grand Bahama International Airport… it’s one of the most well-known hospitality hubs in the Grand Bahama.
This is an all-inclusive resort that offers dining, drinks, entertainment options, golf sessions and limited opportunities of barbecue, water sports etc. along with accommodation. The gratuities, service charge and taxes are also a part of the all-inclusive deal. There are rooms and suites with all modern amenities and luxurious attached bathrooms.
Photo: Grand Lucayan
There are multiple restaurants in the resort including the following… Portbello’s is an Italian restaurant that serves all 3 meals (breakfast and lunch are self service). It has an elegant décor, pastel color scheme and outdoor/ indoor seating arrangements. Waves bar & grill serves Caribbean specialties and Bahamian chicken and conch fritters are the most popular items here.
There is also a pizzeria called Capri which serves take-out by day and dine in for dinner… vegan and gluten free pizza is also offered here. The in house café is called Aroma and it serves coffee, bakery products and sandwiches besides locally made ice cream. There is a lobby bar called Lighthouse Pointe that overlooks the sea and is only open in the evenings. There are other in-house dining places like Churchill’s and Havana cay that are only open on select days of the week.
The hotel has a tie up with UNEXSO (underwater explorer Society) and a range of dolphin encounters and shark feeding sessions are organized for guests here and also an exciting underwater excursion through a maze of submerged caves and tunnels that lie around the Great Grand Bahama island sea bed. Fishing trips are also organized and windsurfing, snorkeling and sailing are some of the sports that are arranged there besides guided tours of the three national parks on the island. Biking trails and birding sessions are also frequently organized for guests.
Other notable facilities include an in house spa, on site ATM, tour desk, Jacuzzi, free WI fi and a large swimming pool. The service is a little slow at times and the staff is rather stingy with restocking supplies. However the property is gorgeous and the amenities are extremely pleasant.
Address: 1 Royal Palm Way, 78062 Freeport, Grand Bahama
Phone: Reservations: 1-855-708-6671
Local Reservations: 242-350-5466
Hotel Main Number: 242-373-1333
Old Bahama Bay Resort
Old Bahama Bay stands on the west end of the Grand Bahama Island and enjoys a good reputation amongst tourists. Some really great things about Old Bahama Bay are its private landing strip that’s 5 minutes away from the resort. There is a very nice restaurant on site along with a Tiki bar, large pool, gym room and the deep water marina. If you stay here you can get complimentary fishing and diving lessons too.
Rooms here have a mini kitchen with stove top burners, fridge, microwave, outdoor grill etc. and are basically well suited for both families and couples who love to rustle up their own meals. The rooms are exotically named like Bird of Paradise, Jasmine etc. and the facilities differ widely so check thoroughly before you actually pay up for the room.
The onsite restaurant is called Dockside Bar and Grill and the food is a mix of Mediterranean and Caribbean (the conch chowder and rum cake are hot favorites here). The Tiki Bar also serves good food and drinks and sometimes the employees also party there during their off hours.
Guest of the Old Bahama Bay get free tennis lessons at the onsite tennis courts and they also get to use the snorkeling equipment on site besides the paddle boards and kayaking equipment. Fishing trips and excursions around the island are organized by the staff.
There is a fuel dock and an immigrations office nearby adding to the value of the location. Many tourists use the hotel as a diving and fishing location. If you are planning to travel to the other out islands then this is a good place to break your journey for a night and get some rest besides clearing customs.
On the flip side…The hotel is very far away from the Freeport International airport which is quite a distance. Apart from the manager Jacky the other staff are not prompt and seem to exist on an extended version of island time. The service standards offered here like housekeeping and amenity refurbishment are not worthy of the price the resort charges the guests especially considering the fact that the service charges etc. are pre added to the bill.
Address: F 42546 Bay Shore Road
West End, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-350-6500
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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