Currently, it is only the Royal Oasis Golf Resort & Casino that is still temporarily closed due to the effects of Hurricane Frances in 2004.

Separate cottages or villas, with maid service, surrounding a main clubhouse with a bar and dining room – these are ‘Cottage Colonies’. They are not equipped with kitchenette or facilities for the preparation of meals, although some have facilities for preparing beverages and light snacks. They offer the facilities of a hotel, such as a private beach/swimming pool, and are designed to offer maximum privacy.

Hotels vary in size and facilities. There are luxury hotels offering full porter, bell and room service, planned activities, sports, shops and beauty salons, swimming pools and entertainment; some have a private beach, golf course and tennis courts. The best known and most recognisable accommodation is probably the Atlantis on Paradise Island, a family vacation and gaming resort with two massive wings of rooms and suites, which can be seen from Nassau. Double and single rooms are often the same price. The small hotels are more informal and while activities are less extensive, they usually offer a dining room and bar. There are resorts situated on New Providence Island, which has sporting facilities and luxury accommodation. Some hotels include service charge on the bill. Many of the larger resorts offer accommodation on either a Modified American Plan (MAP), which consists of room, breakfast and dinner, or European Plan (EP), which consists of room only. Many hotels belong to The Bahamas Hotel Association.

Often less expensive than hotels and located near downtown Nassau. Many offer European Plan only, but restaurants are plentiful. Rooms may be with or without a bath. The Out Islands' hotels are small with a casual atmosphere.

These consist of apartment units with complete kitchen and maid service. Other hotel facilities (ie swimming pool, sporting activities, restaurant and bar, etc) are normally available on the premises.

These have complete kitchen facilities and some have maid service. Generally, there are no restaurant facilities and tenants are required to prepare their own meals. A few are situated in landscaped estates with their own beach, much like the cottage colonies but without the main clubhouse. Others offer inexpensive accommodation in less spacious but comfortable surroundings. Restaurant and bar facilities are not available.

Camping is not permitted on any of the islands of The Bahamas.

The Bahamas Hotel Association
SG Hambros Building, Goodman’s Bay, PO Box N-3318, Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: 322 8381/2.
Website: www.bhahotels.com