Beach Hotel at Atlantis great option for families
So I traveled to Atlantis with just me and my two kiddos - age 7 and 11 - for our third time. It was this past February before the world changed, and I can't tell you how quickly we will be back there again when times hopefully turn back. That being said, I thought it important to write my review as I saw some negative reviews of the Beach Hotel, and I can't disagree more. I have stayed in the Coral Towers before, and to save some money and look for ocean view room (I typically don't, as we're not in the room, but at Atlantis, it is WELL worth it), I tried the Beach for the first time. It was just as enjoyable, and a great more affordable option for families in particular. Is it walking maybe 5 more minutes to the park and some options on the resort, sure? But as anybody knows who stays at the Atlantis, you're walking anywhere, so that's not an issue. I like the quieter side of the resort, as the harbor side marina has great options for food in particular, and the Coral Pool is my favorite on property outside of the water slides. The rooms were clean, large, and great views. If you want to do Atlantis but are worried about saving some money, stay at the Beach, no better way to put it. It is about the resort and the water park, and the whole property is great.
The true lazy river is on that side and close by, plus the only true hot tub (hidden near the lazy river, but you can find it if you ask around and a nice "hidden gem"). That lazy river, not the current, but true lazy river, is a 20 minute great ride for kids, often more empty, plus safe enough to get out of the tube if you trust the company you are with swimming-ability wise. My kiddos are great swimmers and I had no concerns with them hopping off the tube at times.
My one largest issue with all pools at the resort is hands down the hours. I understand they want you to go to the restaurants that are more expensive, versus the beach and pool side options, but to close the pools at 5pm seems ridiculous to me, and has always been a frustration. Communication about that isn't great, and I know disappointing to many. For me and my kiddos, we had fun at night, but would typically be in pools until midnight if open. No casino or bars for them, so Atlantis needs to work on this as I think it is a big opportunity missed. I have heard it is 7pm later in season, as we went in February, but still...
I will review the park separately, as there is enough in there to write about no doubt, but again, the hotel is great, don't feel bad about not going to an upgrade, unless you plan to be in the room, then I guess you can consider it. Ocean view worth it, shockingly, as I said I never do it, but to see the lagoons and such below is amazing. And remember, when you are just walking to the park itself, you will see displays of aquarium-level that you would pay for elsewhere. That is how amazing it is. I highly recommend a drink at the coral pool, virgin Pina coladas for kiddos (we had many), but that pool at night with beds laid out (tried to feel very Miami, which was cool I guess - not my style, but the kiddos loved at night going bed to bed), and the cabana-type set up over the water was very neat.
I can't recommend it enough IF you are going to Atlantis with kiddos, staying at beach or coral is fine. I had done royal too, which is great in itself and a little more central, but save your money for restaurants (which ARE a lot) and the trip itself - even extend a night with the savings - over staying in the fancier ones. Have fun!