If you’re planning a vacation to the Bahamas, the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island is likely on your radar. With its impressive collection of accommodations, it can be overwhelming to decide which hotel to book.
Do you want a luxurious suite with ocean views or a budget-friendly option with access to all the resort’s amenities? Maybe you’re traveling with kids and want a room close to the Aquaventure water park.
I’ve broken down all your options here, including the pros and cons of each of the five towers at Atlantis Resort, so you can make an informed decision on where to stay during your tropical getaway.
Quick Comparison of Atlantis Hotels
Ready to book? I recommend checking the prices for your preferred Atlantis hotel directly with the resort as well as on Booking.com (my preferred hotel booking platform thanks to their generous cancellation policies), and then choosing whichever has the better offer for your dates!
Map of Atlantis Resort
First it’s important to understand the layout of this massive resort! The property consists of five hotel towers, each with unique style of accommodations. The Coral and Royal towers are near the main entrance to the property. The Reef and Cove towers are on the far end of the property. And in the middle is the expansive 140 acre waterpark, Aquaventure. Here’s a map of the property.
The Coral Tower
Best For: Budget Travelers and Conference Attendees
The Coral Tower is the most affordable option at Atlantis, making it a popular choice for more budget-conscious travelers. This tower was built in the 1960s… and does indeed feel like it was built in the 60s. While the rooms are not as luxurious as some of the other hotel towers on the property, they are still clean and comfortable, but they will definitely feel more dated.
Pros: The Coral Towers are close to the resort’s casino, convention center, and the charming Marina Village area, which offers some good dining and shopping options. It’s also home to an ice cream shop, Starbucks, Chopstix (my fave Atlantis restaurant), the teen club, and has a great pool area. It also has convenient direct access to Atlantis Beach.
Cons: The Coral is a bit of a walk to the water park and the Paradise and Cove beaches on the other side of the property. The hotel lobby and rooms feel dated compared to the rest of the resort. And this is also the drop off point for day trippers coming in from the cruise ships and other hotels, so the common areas can feel congested at times.
Overall, The Coral is a good choice if you are looking for the most affordable way to stay on site at Atlantis. And if you’re visiting to attend a conference, it’s the most convenient hotel to the meeting areas.
Check Rates and Availability for Coral Tower: Atlantis Resort Website | Booking.com
The Royal Towers
Best for: Anyone wanting to be in the center of the action!
The Royal Towers (consisting of the East and West towers) are the big pink towers that serve as the iconic centerpiece of the Atlantis resort. The towers were opened in 1994 and have been undergoing renovations in 2022-2023, so feel much more modern than The Coral, and serve as the main hub for the resort, housing the casino, many bars and restaurants, and the entrance to The Dig aquarium. The Royal is the largest and most popular hotel tower on the property, with over 1,200 guest rooms.
Pros: The Royal is where most of the action takes place, so it’s a great choice if you want a more updated room with easy access to the water park, entrance to The Dig aquarium, and restaurants and bars for the evening time. This is also where you’ll find the kid’s club!
Cons: The downside of the central location is that The Royal is the busiest and most hectic of the hotel towers, with a constant stream of hotel guests and day trippers passing through the common areas. So it’s not a great choice if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
Fun Fact: That bridge connecting the two towers is actually the Bridge Suite, a fancy 5,000 square foot room that is frequented by celebrities!
Overall, The Royal is a great option for both families and couples that want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll get a pretty typical hotel room in a beautiful property, with easy access to the family-friendly amenities like the water park and pools, and the adult-oriented activities like the casino and nightlife. If this is your first visit to Atlantis and you’re torn on where to stay, The Royal is probably your best choice.
Check Rates and Availability for Royal Towers: Atlantis Website | Booking.com
The Reef
Best for: Higher End Option for Families, Amazing Beach Access
The Reef is an all-suite hotel that offers a more residential feel than some of the other hotels on the property. The suites range from studio style units with a small kitchenette to two-bedroom suites with a full kitchen. We recently stayed at The Reef and really enjoyed it – you can check out our full Reef Atlantis review here.
Pros: The rooms are very spacious and a big step up from those at the Royal, and you have direct access to the nicest beach at Atlantis. The Reef and Cove Towers also share access to a private pool area (although I never saw anyone monitoring entry). Having a fridge and kitchen or kitchenette in the room is wonderful, especially for families with kids. There is also a Starbucks and a small sundry shop in the lobby.
Cons: The Reef is on the furthest end of the property, so can be a long walk to the water park, marina, casino, and restaurants at the Royal and Coral towers. The Reef is also one of the most expensive hotel options on the property.
Overall, The Reef is a great option for families that don’t mind paying a bit more for more space and amenities, while staying on the main property. It’s also a great option if your top priority is spending time on the beautiful beaches.
Check Rates and Availability for The Reef: Atlantis Website | Booking.com
The Cove
Best for: Couples that want a higher end experience.
Like the Reef, the Cove is a high-end hotel that offers a more upscale experience. The design modern and sleek, and everything just feels more luxurious. You’ll find a bit higher service level here also, with some added amenities like upgraded toiletries in the rooms.
Pros: The big feature here is access to a private adults-only pool area, which is a great escape from the crowds in the rest of the resort. It also has easy access to the beautiful Paradise and Cove beaches, and shares a private family-friendly pool with The Reef.
Cons: Well the price tag is the biggest con here, as this is one of the most expensive options. And you won’t find the convenient kitchenettes in these suites, which makes it a bit less appealing than The Reef for families. And similar to the Reef, it can be a bit of a hike to the action on the other side of the resort.
Overall, the Cove is the best option for a truly upscale experience at the Atlantis. But while the hotel is family friendly, the main selling point is access to an adults only pool area, so I really recommend The Cove for adult couples or groups that will be able to enjoy that amenity!
Check Rates and Availability for The Cove: Atlantis Website | Booking.com
Harborside Resort
Best for: Larger Families and Groups that want a bit more peace and quiet.
Harborside Resort is the only apartment-style accommodation at Atlantis, making it a popular choice for families and groups. The villas are spacious and offer all the comforts of home, including a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living area. The resort is located across the harbor from the main Atlantis property, but there is a complimentary shuttle that runs between the two.
Pros: Harborside Resort offers a more laid-back atmosphere than some of the other hotels at Atlantis, making it a great option for those who want a quieter, more relaxing vacation. It gives you separate bedrooms and a full kitchen, so preparing your own meals is also an option here. It’s also typically a bit less expensive than staying at The Royal.
Cons: Being offsite is a bit inconvenient, as you’ll need to catch a shuttle each time you want to enjoy the beaches or head into the action at the main property. And having been built in 2005 and not yet renovated in any significant way, the rooms are starting to show their age.
Overall, Harborside is a great choice for larger groups and families that need more space, value having a full kitchen to cook their own meal, and want a quieter experience than the main resort offers.
Check Rates and Availability for Harborside Resort on the Atlantis Website.
What happened to the Beach Tower at the Atlantis?
If you stayed at the Atlantis Resort before, you may be wondering what happened to the old Beach Tower? It’s currently closed, as that area of the resort is being redeveloped in partnership with Groot Hospitality and Pharrell (the singer). It is tentatively scheduled to open in 2024 under the name “Somewhere Else”. I can’t wait to see what they create over there! Note that this also means the old lazy river ride is currently closed, and it’s unclear whether it will remain when the hotel reopens. (The rapid river ride at Aquaventure is still open!)
The Comfort Suites Atlantis Hack
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to visit Atlantis, consider staying at the Comfort Suites instead. The hotel has a reciprocal agreement with Atlantis, that allows Comfort Suites guests access to the amenities at Atlantis, including the water parks and beaches. While it’s a little less convenient and a lot less luxurious, it is a much more affordable option to consider, especially for large families!
Check Rates and Availability for Comfort Suites Paradise Island on Booking.com.
Get the best rates! I recommend checking the prices for your preferred Atlantis hotel directly with the resort as well as on Booking.com (my preferred hotel booking platform thanks to their generous cancellation policies), and then choosing whichever has the better offer for your dates!