Hilton At Resorts World Bimini

Backed by a lazy river and fringed with palms, this contemporary five-story Hilton overlooking Bimini Bay is sleek inside and out. Take the lobby, which, being home to the sushi bar, the raw bar, and Tides restaurant, serves as the hotel’s hub; floor-to-ceiling windows maximize the view, while the overall chic and modern style sets an upscale tone. Rooms are spread out, either sitting next to the lazy river by the marina or facing the ocean. As the hotel shares most of its facilities with the adjacent Resorts World Bimini, some spots require a long walk from rooms. Shuttle service helps shorten beach journeys. Overall, this is a gorgeous property with lots of offer for couples, families, and groups of friends, though expect pricey dining and occasional service and maintenance issues.Also be aware that many day visitors can crowd the resort.

Located on the thin tail of Bimini’s north island, some 50 miles due east (a two-hour ferry ride) of Miami, this property feels like a self-contained universe. The 750-acre resort the hotel sits on contains assorted restaurants and bars, multiple pools, a casino, spa, and more, though dining in town is generally cheaper. Free hop-on tram service allows guests to negotiate the sprawling spot. Golf carts and bikes can be rented for those wishing to go farther afield. Arriving and departing guests travel via plane to South Bimini Airport or take the two-hour ferry connecting the Port of Miami with the South Bimini Port, and then hop a shuttle boat for the five-minute trip onward; the most privileged among them come by private yacht taking advantage of the resort’s own marinas, which can accommodate vessels up to 200-feet long.  

Like the resort as a whole, the hotel rooms here highlight the natural setting by providing a wall of windows and glass doors that open to a private balcony or terrace, thereby bringing the outside in. The neutral-toned decor with dark-wood accents and a smattering of beach-y elements -- a fan of coral here, a piece of driftwood there -- is upscale contemporary. Same goes for the in-room amenities, which include adjustable air-conditioning, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, digital safes, 46-inch LCD TVs, and Wi-Fi (which is covered by the mandatory daily resort fee). All units have desks, while King rooms add sofas and small tables with chairs. Marble-clad bathrooms boast walk-in rainfall showers, double vessel sinks, and separate toilet cabinets, as well as magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and fluffy robes are welcome extras. All suites add dedicated living and dining rooms, as well as upgraded bathrooms with dressing areas. Some have terraces that lead directly to the hotel’s lazy-river pool. 

The Hilton’s in-house features include a rooftop infinity pool for adults only and a lazy river pool. The former has chic cushioned loungers and gorgeous ocean views, while the latter has simpler sunbeds and marina vistas. Also on-site is a soothing water-view spa and salon, which offers a variety of treatments, plus a big and bright fitness center outfitted with up-to-date strength-training and cardio equipment. Dozens of meeting rooms and a well-equipped business center are available. Once you factor in the facilities this hotel shares with Resorts World Bimini’s complex, there is even more in store. Guests have access to a gorgeous white-sand beach with a private beach club, a 10,000-square-foot casino, two marinas, and an impressive range of indoor and outdoor event spaces for corporate functions and destination weddings. The property boasts multiple dining and drinking options, from a raw bar and sushi bar to an Italian eatery and pizzeria. While food generally receives high marks, past guests have complained of high prices and restaurants being closed at various times. A daily resort fee is charged, covering Wi-Fi, parking, beach towel and lounger usage, and shuttle service. Pets are allowed for a fee.