Which Day Pass???

[beachbuddy]

Hi, hope someone can help me decide.

 

I found information on line about the Hilton day pass........$40 gets you access plus gives you $30 food/drink voucher.

 

Also found information about the all inclusive Paradise Island Resort which is $50/person but it's all inclusive - food and drinks.

 

I've read on the boards about the Sheraton Cable Beach and the Wyndam but can't find anything on line about either of these day passes to confirm how much and what you get for the cost. How would you even book a day pass with these 2 places? Does anyone have a web site that explains their day passes?

 

Can someone please tell me the difference between these 4 resorts and which one is the nicest in your honest opinion. Now I'm getting very confused.

 

Thanks for any information you can give me. Originally we were going to go over to see the Atlantis but now we're thinking of just spending the day on a beach. I am not buying a pass to the Atlantis because I think they're way overpriced and we won't use their pools or slides anyway. We just wanted to walk thru and see it. In the event we that we have time to go see it, would we be allowed to just walk thru and see it?

 

Patty

[scubagirrl]

Hi, hope someone can help me decide.

 

I found information on line about the Hilton day pass........$40 gets you access plus gives you $30 food/drink voucher.

 

Correct, the Hilton is a traditional business hotel located near the port with a small private beach and pool. It's NOT a big resort. It's a quiet oasis with hammocks to relax in, palapas on the beach and a breathtaking view of the ships in the harbour. A great place to relax with a good book.

 

Also found information about the all inclusive Paradise Island Resort which is $50/person but it's all inclusive - food and drinks.

 

Paradise Island harbour Resort is a dump. It's located on the harbour and the manmade beach is surrounded by chain link fence that catches all the debris from the harbour. Liquor is not name brand, the pool if dirty, chairs are slimey and the hot tub discusting. Please read the reviews on Trip advisor dot com.

 

I've read on the boards about the Sheraton Cable Beach and the Wyndam but can't find anything on line about either of these day passes to confirm how much and what you get for the cost. How would you even book a day pass with these 2 places? Does anyone have a web site that explains their day passes?

 

Both Sheraton and Wydham are located on Cable Beach and are sister properties. The Wyndham's day pass is $40 pp and includes a buffet lunch at the Seaside Cafe near the Casino. It does not include alcohol.

The Sheraton has a day pass for $25pp, or a day room for $99 for 2 ppl.

Day passes can only be purchased same day, at the check in desk at each of the hotels. I'm told day rooms can be booked in advance thru the hotel, when they are available (mainly off season). I have not seen any of this information posted on thier websites. It's word of mouth only.

 

Can someone please tell me the difference between these 4 resorts and which one is the nicest in your honest opinion. Now I'm getting very confused.

 

This would depend on what you are looking for.

British Colonial Hilton - nearby the port, very small, quiet and serene, no resort activities. Kayaks and tubes/mats available. Children are expected to be well behaved . This is on the harbour.

Paradise island Harbour Resort - Run down facility on Paradise Island, used to be a holiday inn but lost it's ranking. Dirty and not worth the effort.

Sheraton - large resort property with several pools, swim up bar, waterfall, etc. Free snorkeling gear, great beach. Food and Drink available.

Wyndham - large resort property with 1 pool with slide, swim up bar, small lagoon beach.

Sheraton and wyndham guests have priveleges at each others property.. They are connected.

If i had a group that needed to be entertained, then the sheraton is a great pic. If you just want to relax and read a book or sleep in a hammock - the hilton would be great.

My personal preference is the Hilton. I like the quiet, relaxed vibe with no kids squealing and splashing about.

 

Thanks for any information you can give me. Originally we were going to go over to see the Atlantis but now we're thinking of just spending the day on a beach. I am not buying a pass to the Atlantis because I think they're way overpriced and we won't use their pools or slides anyway. We just wanted to walk thru and see it. In the event we that we have time to go see it, would we be allowed to just walk thru and see it?

 

You can walk thru the lobbies and casinos without a pass.. and shop of course, but to view any of the lagoons or outside property, you'll need a pass. There IS a small section of the aquarium viewable from the Great Hall of waters for free.

 

 

Patty

 

See above

[beachbuddy]

See above

 

Scubagirrl,

 

Thank you so much for the information. We definitly won't do Paradise Island!!! Glad I asked about it!!!

 

I have two more questions.......I understand you can take a short taxi ride or walk about 15 minutes to the BCH but what about the Sheraton/Wyndam? How far is that - taxi cost??

 

My 2nd question is........is there snorkeling at any of these resorts? Just want to know whether we should pack our masks or not.

 

Still debating whether to do a snorkeling trip too.

 

Patty

[CruisinCrow]

Scubagirrl has covered things wonderfully, as always. I just wanted to add a couple of things.

 

We tried to book a day room at the Sheraton earlier this month and were told we could not book it in advance. I was surprised because it is on their website but maybe it was because it was Spring Break. Here is a link to the day room information:

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Sheraton_Cable_Beach/so.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_SI_3067&iATANumber

 

Atlantis has several different passes - the Dig's Tour which lets you see the aquarium and lagoons, the Beach Day pass which lets you use the beaches, and the Aquaventure pass which lets you use the pools and water park. We did the Beach Day pass. It was $60 a person and included a limited lunch at one of the grills (things like hamburger, fried chicken plus fries and a drink).

 

I'm not sure about the taxi cost to get to the Sheraton but another option is the #10 bus which costs $1.25 a person each way. It will drop you off and pick you up at the hotel. The buses come by very frequently so it's no problem catching one.

 

As far as I know, none of the hotels have good snorkeling. I think you have to book a boat tour for that.

[scubagirrl]

Scubagirrl,

 

Thank you so much for the information. We definitly won't do Paradise Island!!! Glad I asked about it!!!

 

I have two more questions.......I understand you can take a short taxi ride or walk about 15 minutes to the BCH but what about the Sheraton/Wyndam? How far is that - taxi cost??

 

Sheraton/ Wyndham can be accessed by the #10 jitney bus, located downtown on George Street, across from the straw market entrance. It cost only $1.25 pp and leaves every few minutes from that location. Tell the driver your destination and pay as you leave. (exact change only).

Of course, you can also cab it for about $6 pp.

Return the same way. you can hail a jitney from the bottom of the driveway. Very easy. It's about a 10 -15 minute drive depending on traffic.

 

My 2nd question is........is there snorkeling at any of these resorts? Just want to know whether we should pack our masks or not.

 

Sheraton has a minor snorkeling spot near the rock wall. It's nothing to write home about.. but it's there. It's in about 5-7 feet of water, depending on the tide. They have free snorkeling gear.

 

 

 

Still debating whether to do a snorkeling trip too.

 

If you are looking at a snorkeling trip, there are three that I recommend.

www.flyingcloud.info

www.seahorsesailingadventures.com

www.stuartcove.com

(stuart cove is a shark adventure as well, if you're looking for something adventurous.)

 

Patty

 

See above

[hawaiibound24]

See above

 

 

What about Breezes? We heard it is $60 all inclusive including drinks.

[scubagirrl]

What about Breezes? We heard it is $60 all inclusive including drinks.

 

 

Breezes is a good option also, if you like to drink, and don't have kids.

the property itself is pretty run down, but the beach/bar/grill is quite nice.

 

There's no beach service, (wyndham and BCH have beach/poolsde service), but it's not a bad option.

 

The pool itself can get grimey.. so if that's what your looking for, I'd stay away.

 

The #10 jitney will stop at breezes as well.

[beachbuddy]

Scubagirrl,

 

Out of the Sheraton and the BCH, which one has the nicest beach? Best water to swim in? Are there outdoor places to eat at both of these places?

 

I looked at a 360 degree photo of the BCH and it looked like the cruise ships were pretty close so I was thinking that maybe the water would be churned up a bit in that area.

 

It's definitely between the Sheraton or BCH but can't decide which one.

 

Patty

[scubagirrl]

Scubagirrl,

 

Out of the Sheraton and the BCH, which one has the nicest beach? Best water to swim in?

 

Sheraton has a nice stretch of beach. Something you think of when you think of the bahamas. The water is generally calm, with a small wake.

BCH has a private beach, lovely, but it's only about 200 meters, if that. Calm, crystal clear water. Personally, I love the Hilton, because it IS small, quiet and relaxing. Sheaton is a resort hotel, more people, more going on, less, relaxing. It depends on what you are looking for.

I wouldn't let the fact that the cruiseships are nearby deter you. The water is still crystal clear and not churned up. Some pics are a bit deceiveing,

Here's a link to some of my BCH photos.. you can see how clear that water is.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/562550411yrMPDs

 

Are there outdoor places to eat at both of these places?

 

Both have bar/grill. BCH has poolside/beachside service as well.

 

 

I looked at a 360 degree photo of the BCH and it looked like the cruise ships were pretty close so I was thinking that maybe the water would be churned up a bit in that area.

 

Not really, Check out the photos in my webshots link. Water is not churned up..

 

It's definitely between the Sheraton or BCH but can't decide which one.

 

Do you want a resort, with all the amenities, music by the pools, lots of people, lots of options, or just to relax under a palapa and sip a cool drink. Really depends on what you need and what your expectations are.

The View from the Sheraton is mostly open seas with a small clump of cay's about a mile out. The view from the Hilton is Paradise Island, the lighthouse, and to the side, the cruiseships and downtown wharf.

 

Patty

 

I llike them both, but prefer the hilton for my needs. I like the staff, I like the quiet relaxing atmosphere, and it's closeby to everything.

If I had active kids, I'd go to the Sheraton.

[STARFISH*4]

SCUBAGIRRL~thought we had settled on BCH but then BREEZEs with all you can eat and drink sounded better...between these two which has the BETTER beach?

i saw the BCH property when we were there in January on the way back from JUNKANOO beach:(so ANYTHING was BETTER than that but out of the two if you had to recommend for BEACH which would it be....BREEZES

or BCH

THANKS:)

[GrammyJill]

I can't find out how you see the day rates for any of these places except Sheraton.

 

Breezes looks nice but no kids under 14 & our gd will be going.

 

Thanks for all the info!

[scubagirrl]

SCUBAGIRRL~thought we had settled on BCH but then BREEZEs with all you can eat and drink sounded better...between these two which has the BETTER beach?

i saw the BCH property when we were there in January on the way back from JUNKANOO beach:(so ANYTHING was BETTER than that but out of the two if you had to recommend for BEACH which would it be....BREEZES

or BCH

THANKS:)

 

The Beach at Breezes is incredible. It's part of Cable beach, one of the best.

If it's the beach your looking for.. Breezes would be a better pic. But it's open to hawkers, hair braiders, jet ski vendors etc. So it's NOT quiet and peaceful.

[scubagirrl]

I can't find out how you see the day rates for any of these places except Sheraton.

 

Breezes looks nice but no kids under 14 & our gd will be going.

 

Thanks for all the info!

 

There is no website that I know of that posts these day rates.

Here's what they are in a nutshell

 

Sheraton at Cable Beach - $25.pp. Pools, beach, snorkeling gear, bar/grill, resort location. $99 for a day room for 2 adults. $10 ea add'l person to a maximum of 4per room.

Passes available same day at the front desk. Occasionally found in other vendors or thru the cruiseship.

 

Wyndham at Cable beach (sister to sheraton and located next door). $40 pp which includes a Buffet lunch at the seaside cafe. Pool, slide, lagoon beach, access to the sheraton beach, bar/grill, resort location.

Passes available same day at the front desk. Occasionally found in other vendors or thru the cruiseship

 

British Colonial Hilton, Small private beach, quiet gardens and hammocks, small quiet pool. this is for those who like to relax with a book. NOT a resort atmosphere. Bar/Grill/ Poolside and beachside service. $40pp includes a $30 voucher for lunch.

Passes available same day at the front desk. Occasionally found in other vendors or thru the cruiseship. Island Marketing also carries this tour.

 

Breezes - Cable Beach - Adults only $60. All inclusive. Buffet food is so-so, but the outdoor grill has good burgers etc. If you drink, this can be a good thing. Great beach. dirty Pool.

Passes available same day at the front desk. Occasionally found in other vendors or thru the cruiseship

 

RIU - Paradise Island - All inclusive - $90. Small pool, great beach. Small property.

Passes available same day at the front desk.

 

Atlantis - Paradise Island.

Beach Pass - $60

Aquarium only package $35

Water park $110 pp

Does not include transportation or lunch.

 

All day passes are available based on occupancy, and can be "sold out" during the high season.

[CruisinCrow]

RIU - Paradise Island - All inclusive - $90. Small pool, great beach. Small property.

Passes available same day at the front desk.

 

RIU was $100 a person when we were there a few weeks ago. It is a small property but also very nice. We really enjoyed our day there. Drinks and a buffet lunch were included.

[CruisinCrow]

The hotels don't advertise day passes on their websites. But you can call them and get the information and prices.

 

Since we were there during peak Spring Break season, we called the day before we got there to make sure that they were offering day passes.

[beachbuddy]

I llike them both, but prefer the hilton for my needs. I like the staff, I like the quiet relaxing atmosphere, and it's closeby to everything.

If I had active kids, I'd go to the Sheraton.

 

Thanks for the information. The water certainly looks clear in your photos.

 

Were there really sting rays there????

 

Patty

[scubagirrl]

Thanks for the information. The water certainly looks clear in your photos.

 

Were there really sting rays there????

 

Patty

 

Yes, the stingrays just happen to come by that day. They hung out for an hour or two, then moved on.

[beachbuddy]

Yes, the stingrays just happen to come by that day. They hung out for an hour or two, then moved on.

 

Wow........that's cool. We swam with stingrays in Grand Cayman, it was amazing.

[beachbuddy]

How far from the port is the Sheraton? How much by taxi??

 

Patty

[seguincruiser]

Thanks Scubagirl for the pics. Do you know how much jet skis are at the Sheraton? Also do you prefer the food at the Hilton or at Wyndham?

[beachbuddy]

I have another question...........are there waves at any of these beaches??

[scubagirrl]

Thanks Scubagirl for the pics. Do you know how much jet skis are at the Sheraton? Also do you prefer the food at the Hilton or at Wyndham?

 

Jet ski's are run by private vendors, so you can negotiate a price. They ask for $80 for 1/2 hour, but sometimes come down as low as $60.

 

You must be 18 to drive a jetski. They can be dangerous with all the other jet ski's in the water and swimmers as well. Every season we see critical accidents.

 

As for the food, I like them both. I eat at Hilton at least once a week, sometimes more. Grouper fingers, chicken caeser salad, burger, wraps ec.

The $30 voucher includes beer or drinks.

 

But when I'm at the wyndham, I like the outdoor cafe food. Burgers and wrap sandwiches, shrimp po boy etc.

 

If you are doing the buffet at the wyndham, (day pass), I'd have to say, i'm not a fan of buffet dining, but I've heard it was pretty good. This does not include alcohol. This is also located indoors, near the casino.

[scubagirrl]

I have another question...........are there waves at any of these beaches??

 

Depends on the weather.

For the most part, cable beach (Wynhdam, Sheraton and Breezes) is calm with just some rolling ways.

BCH is very calm with very little wave action

RIU or Atlantis can have very harsh waves and an undertow.

[beachbuddy]

Jet ski's are run by private vendors, so you can negotiate a price. They ask for $80 for 1/2 hour, but sometimes come down as low as $60.

 

You must be 18 to drive a jetski. They can be dangerous with all the other jet ski's in the water and swimmers as well. Every season we see critical accidents.

 

As for the food, I like them both. I eat at Hilton at least once a week, sometimes more. Grouper fingers, chicken caeser salad, burger, wraps ec.

The $30 voucher includes beer or drinks.

 

But when I'm at the wyndham, I like the outdoor cafe food. Burgers and wrap sandwiches, shrimp po boy etc.

 

If you are doing the buffet at the wyndham, (day pass), I'd have to say, i'm not a fan of buffet dining, but I've heard it was pretty good. This does not include alcohol. This is also located indoors, near the casino.

 

Does the Sheraton also have an outdoor place to eat at? That type of food and prices? I'm not a fan of buffets either and we wouldn't want to eat indoors when at a beach.

 

patty

[scubagirrl]

Does the Sheraton also have an outdoor place to eat at? That type of food and prices? I'm not a fan of buffets either and we wouldn't want to eat indoors when at a beach.

 

patty

 

Yes, the Dolphin Grill is out by the pools. You can eat at table or pool/beach side. I prefer this option as well. I don't want to go inside to eat on a beautiful day. Dolphin grill has burgers, wraps and salads.

Edited April 25, 2010 by scubagirrl