The 519-room Grand Lucayan is a sprawling, beachfront resort for travelers craving features galore in one spot. This four-pearl establishment is a 15-minute drive from the airport, and across the road from Port Lucaya Marketplace. On-site dining and drinking include a dozen restaurants, cafes, and bars. There’s a state-of the-art spa and fitness center, a huge (albeit unheated) serpentine pool, golf course, tennis courts, water sports, and large-scale event spaces. Modern, island-inspired guest rooms and suites come in a choice of decor options -- all with balconies or patios, and water or garden views. But hefty add-on fees and long service waits are a drawback, as are “all-inclusive” rooms that aren’t all-inclusive. Those seeking a smaller-scale luxury stay could check out the nearby Pelican Bay at Lucaya.
The 519-room Grand Lucayan is a sprawling, beachfront resort for travelers craving features galore in one spot. This four-pearl establishment is a 15-minute drive from the airport, and across the road from Port Lucaya Marketplace. On-site dining and drinking include a dozen restaurants, cafes, and bars. There’s a state-of the-art spa and fitness center, a huge (albeit unheated) serpentine pool, golf course, tennis courts, water sports, and large-scale event spaces. Modern, island-inspired guest rooms and suites come in a choice of decor options -- all with balconies or patios, and water or garden views. But hefty add-on fees and long service waits are a drawback, as are “all-inclusive” rooms that aren’t all-inclusive. Those seeking a smaller-scale luxury stay could check out the nearby Pelican Bay at Lucaya.
The intimate James Place Inn offers seven rooms on a quiet street near central Freeport and local shopping. The polished rooms are named for the color on the walls, and some come with fireplaces or soaking tubs. One of the most outstanding features is the free, extensive breakfast made up of homemade items. This family-run inn might be in a historic Victorian home, but it also offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. While nice extras include a peaceful outdoor deck and appealing hammock, some rooms have very small bathrooms and are susceptible to noise.
The intimate James Place Inn offers seven rooms on a quiet street near central Freeport and local shopping. The polished rooms are named for the color on the walls, and some come with fireplaces or soaking tubs. One of the most outstanding features is the free, extensive breakfast made up of homemade items. This family-run inn might be in a historic Victorian home, but it also offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. While nice extras include a peaceful outdoor deck and appealing hammock, some rooms have very small bathrooms and are susceptible to noise.
On the southeast shore of Grand Bahama near Freeport is one of the few all-inclusive resorts on the entire island with 274 rooms spread out over 26 acres. This Wyndham offers low prices for families on a budget. Rooms are divided into two types: the Vista rooms, which have a white modern color scheme and ocean views, and the Flora rooms, with fewer amenities and shockingly bright Caribbean decor. All rooms in the two-story bungalows have balconies, coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi, and are an easy walk to get to the three restaurants, the main lounge and bar, as well as the theater for nightly entertainment. A snack bar, pizza joint, trapeze, and water sports keep kids busy, but parents may want to invest in a good pair of headphones if looking for peace and quiet from the vendors and animation activities.
On the southeast shore of Grand Bahama near Freeport is one of the few all-inclusive resorts on the entire island with 274 rooms spread out over 26 acres. This Wyndham offers low prices for families on a budget. Rooms are divided into two types: the Vista rooms, which have a white modern color scheme and ocean views, and the Flora rooms, with fewer amenities and shockingly bright Caribbean decor. All rooms in the two-story bungalows have balconies, coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi, and are an easy walk to get to the three restaurants, the main lounge and bar, as well as the theater for nightly entertainment. A snack bar, pizza joint, trapeze, and water sports keep kids busy, but parents may want to invest in a good pair of headphones if looking for peace and quiet from the vendors and animation activities.
This 189-unit condo complex is located on a quiet stretch of beach called Silver Point, on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island. Despite its aging exterior, most of the spacious one- and two-bedroom units have been spruced up with new appliances, mattresses, and fresh decor. Service is spotty and time-share pitches are the norm, but past that, the relaxed vibe gives those who want a simple vacation (think turquoise waves, an outdoor pool, and fully equipped kitchens) a chance for real peace and quiet, save for the occasional vendor. Two restaurants, an outdoor bar, excursions, and a shuttle to Port Lucaya are useful features, but a car is still recommended.
This 189-unit condo complex is located on a quiet stretch of beach called Silver Point, on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island. Despite its aging exterior, most of the spacious one- and two-bedroom units have been spruced up with new appliances, mattresses, and fresh decor. Service is spotty and time-share pitches are the norm, but past that, the relaxed vibe gives those who want a simple vacation (think turquoise waves, an outdoor pool, and fully equipped kitchens) a chance for real peace and quiet, save for the occasional vendor. Two restaurants, an outdoor bar, excursions, and a shuttle to Port Lucaya are useful features, but a car is still recommended.
The family-run and authentic Paradise Cove is located on the western coast of Grand Bahama, 30 minutes from Freeport and along Deadman’s Reef, one of the best snorkel spots on the island. There are just two comfortable two-bedroom villas: one blue and one yellow. Though the bar and grill can get a cruise ship crowd during the day, guests can easily find their own peace and quiet on the sand and even more so in the evening. This is ideal for couples or small groups who can transform the evening vibe into anything they want it to be: party-hearty, kid-friendly, or just plain romantic. Paddleboards (when the waves are not choppy), kayaks, and other rentals are available. A car is recommended, if only to keep the fridge stocked.
The family-run and authentic Paradise Cove is located on the western coast of Grand Bahama, 30 minutes from Freeport and along Deadman’s Reef, one of the best snorkel spots on the island. There are just two comfortable two-bedroom villas: one blue and one yellow. Though the bar and grill can get a cruise ship crowd during the day, guests can easily find their own peace and quiet on the sand and even more so in the evening. This is ideal for couples or small groups who can transform the evening vibe into anything they want it to be: party-hearty, kid-friendly, or just plain romantic. Paddleboards (when the waves are not choppy), kayaks, and other rentals are available. A car is recommended, if only to keep the fridge stocked.
The family-run Bell Channel Inn is a lower-middle-range hotel with a tranquil waterfront location that’s a bit of a stroll to the bustling Port Lucaya marketplace. Features here add to the hotel's appeal including a dive shop (with on-site dive boat) and a nautical-themed restaurant that’s popular with the locals. But the 32 rooms suffer from dated decor, and bathrooms are in need of a revamp. Still, every unit includes a balcony or patio with water views, and in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. While it's far from stylish, this property provides a peaceful, affordable, less-touristy alternative to the sprawling resort-style hotels in the area. Travelers seeking more amenities, such as a fitness center, larger pool, and beachfront could try the Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina, which has similar rates.
The family-run Bell Channel Inn is a lower-middle-range hotel with a tranquil waterfront location that’s a bit of a stroll to the bustling Port Lucaya marketplace. Features here add to the hotel's appeal including a dive shop (with on-site dive boat) and a nautical-themed restaurant that’s popular with the locals. But the 32 rooms suffer from dated decor, and bathrooms are in need of a revamp. Still, every unit includes a balcony or patio with water views, and in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. While it's far from stylish, this property provides a peaceful, affordable, less-touristy alternative to the sprawling resort-style hotels in the area. Travelers seeking more amenities, such as a fitness center, larger pool, and beachfront could try the Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina, which has similar rates.
The 66-room Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina is a small-scale budget property near the beach and a short ferry ride to Port Lucaya. Rooms have kitchenettes but are otherwise simple, though some have lovely water views. The hotel is basic, but guests get access to the neighboring Taino Beach Resort's amenities and grounds, including a sandy beach, water sports, a fitness center, a beachfront restaurant, and a huge outdoor pool with a grotto swim-up bar and a waterslide. Travelers may want to compare rates at the similarly priced Sunrise Resort & Marina.
The 66-room Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina is a small-scale budget property near the beach and a short ferry ride to Port Lucaya. Rooms have kitchenettes but are otherwise simple, though some have lovely water views. The hotel is basic, but guests get access to the neighboring Taino Beach Resort's amenities and grounds, including a sandy beach, water sports, a fitness center, a beachfront restaurant, and a huge outdoor pool with a grotto swim-up bar and a waterslide. Travelers may want to compare rates at the similarly priced Sunrise Resort & Marina.
The 186-room Pelican Bay Hotel is a mid-range property set on Bell Channel Bay in the heart of Port Lucaya. It’s 15 minutes from the airport, and around a 10-minute walk to shops, nightlife venues, casinos, and a beach. Rooms and suites are spacious, with water views, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free toiletries. Suites offer kitchenettes, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free morning pastries. However, some rooms have been renovated, while others remain outdated, and there have been complaints of general maintenance issues. Features include three (smallish) pools, two restaurants (one is just for breakfast), two bars, and corporate events facilities. A free hourly ferry transports guests to nearby timeshare amenities (with beach, fitness center, and water sports). Travelers seeking a property with more on-site activities should compare rates at Memories Grand Bahama.
The 186-room Pelican Bay Hotel is a mid-range property set on Bell Channel Bay in the heart of Port Lucaya. It’s 15 minutes from the airport, and around a 10-minute walk to shops, nightlife venues, casinos, and a beach. Rooms and suites are spacious, with water views, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free toiletries. Suites offer kitchenettes, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free morning pastries. However, some rooms have been renovated, while others remain outdated, and there have been complaints of general maintenance issues. Features include three (smallish) pools, two restaurants (one is just for breakfast), two bars, and corporate events facilities. A free hourly ferry transports guests to nearby timeshare amenities (with beach, fitness center, and water sports). Travelers seeking a property with more on-site activities should compare rates at Memories Grand Bahama.
The Island Resort & Golf Club is a basic two-and-a-half-pearl timeshare with 31 units that feels more like a tired apartment complex than a resort. It’s located eight minutes from the airport in an area that was hit hard by 2004’s hurricane and was never revived. Units are spacious and comfortable, each with two en-suite bedrooms and full kitchens, but maintenance issues are a common guest concern. There’s a heated pool, a bar, outdoor games, and barbecue facilities, but no restaurant. Renting a car makes sense as there’s not much within walking distance, but a free daily beach shuttle is provided. Those seeking a more features-filled timeshare may want to try Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina, which has access to facilities at Taino Beach Resort.
The Island Resort & Golf Club is a basic two-and-a-half-pearl timeshare with 31 units that feels more like a tired apartment complex than a resort. It’s located eight minutes from the airport in an area that was hit hard by 2004’s hurricane and was never revived. Units are spacious and comfortable, each with two en-suite bedrooms and full kitchens, but maintenance issues are a common guest concern. There’s a heated pool, a bar, outdoor games, and barbecue facilities, but no restaurant. Renting a car makes sense as there’s not much within walking distance, but a free daily beach shuttle is provided. Those seeking a more features-filled timeshare may want to try Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina, which has access to facilities at Taino Beach Resort.
The 60-room Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Marina is a mid-range resort offering a mix of self-contained suites, apartments, and townhouses that sleep up to eight guests, attracting families and large groups. Many rooms have been renovated, some have whirlpool tubs, and they’re all spacious with kitchens or kitchenettes, outdoor settings, and harbor views. However, some rooms are dated and have yet to be renovated. There’s not much within walking distance, but there is a free shuttle to the beach and grocery store. The hotel offers two pools, two bars and restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating, a fitness center, dive shop, and on-site car and boat hire. Guests appreciate the quiet atmosphere, but travelers seeking a marina base that’s closer to the beach, shops, and bars might want to consider the Pelican Bay Hotel.
The 60-room Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Marina is a mid-range resort offering a mix of self-contained suites, apartments, and townhouses that sleep up to eight guests, attracting families and large groups. Many rooms have been renovated, some have whirlpool tubs, and they’re all spacious with kitchens or kitchenettes, outdoor settings, and harbor views. However, some rooms are dated and have yet to be renovated. There’s not much within walking distance, but there is a free shuttle to the beach and grocery store. The hotel offers two pools, two bars and restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating, a fitness center, dive shop, and on-site car and boat hire. Guests appreciate the quiet atmosphere, but travelers seeking a marina base that’s closer to the beach, shops, and bars might want to consider the Pelican Bay Hotel.