The Coral at Atlantis

Formerly the Brittania Beach Hotel, this retro-style building shows its age, starting with the fact that it is the color of its name (coral). It lacks the wow factor of the iconic Royal Towers entrance and lobby, but guests will find that they are closer to the center of action than those staying at the quieter Beach Tower next door.The lobby is bustling here with lots of action from not only the overnight guests, but also daytime cruise ship guests who get dropped off here. Daytime visitors from other hotels who are visiting Marina Village may also be wandering through to use the facilities, as well as people from the nearby convention center. And because the main lobby and check-in area is pretty small, it can sometimes feel overwhelmed with people. Many of them are walking to and from restaurants and shops in the Royal and Beach Towers, or heading downstairs for Starbucks, which typically has a long line of customers.Beyond the front desk is a bigger area with a skylight, bar, and lounge serving specialty cocktails. Guests can take a hallway to get to the Atlantis Library, or head outside for restaurants, the Blu Pool, and the Predator and Paradise Lagoons. Guests with little ones can easily reach the Lazy River Ride next to the Beach Tower, but those looking for quick access to the Aquaventure may want to consider staying at the Royal Towers.

The Coral Towers is in between Royal Towers and the Beach Tower in both location and price. It can be accessed from the airport by shuttle or taxi service, and it takes about a half-hour depending on time of day (traffic can get bad through downtown Nassau). It's located on Paradise Island, which has earned its name for a reason; guests will understand the name change from Hog Island back in 1961 as soon as they get their first glimpse of the turquoise water and white-sand beach. Atlantis itself is sometimes referred to as "Vegas by the Sea."Some drivers will make passengers pay the $1 cash-only fee to get across the bridge, so it helps to have a little cash on arrival. Once checked in, guests at the Coral Tower can use a free shuttle service between tower entrances (as well as to the One&Only Ocean Club and golf course). The Coral Tower does enjoy close proximity to the casino, Marina Village, Paradise Lagoon (for non-motorized water sports), the Lazy River Ride, Blu and River pools, Atlantis Library and Theatre, Gamer’s Reef Game Room, and a number of shops and restaurants. Guests can order food from www.foodstore2go.com before arrival for bottled water and essentials, or go to the grocery store by Paradise Shopping Village about a block from Coral Towers to save money.

There are six separate sections of the Atlantis, and over 600 rooms make up the Coral Towers alone. Decor is contemporary, but definitely mid-range -- wall-to-wall patterned teal or green carpeting, white bedding with teal bed runners, and basic wood furniture is the norm. Rooms start at around 300 square feet, and each has an indoor sitting area with sliding glass doors that lead out to a small balcony. Since the building is older, minor maintenance issues might occur. Bathrooms have tub/shower combos, spacious countertops, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and safes. Coffeemakers come with free Starbucks and Tazo tea, but bottles of water are incredibly overpriced -- beware! It helps to hit up the grocery store just outside the resort for essentials.Rooms have several different view types: Terrace, Water, or Harbor views. If lucky, guests will have a balcony that looks out onto the Royal Towers, pools, lagoon and sea. That being said, because the structure is set back further than the Beach Tower, front-facing room views are not as good, though rear rooms are better, and more likely to have glimpses of Marina Village and yachts. The higher the room, the better the view, so it does not hurt to ask for this upon check-in.Coral Towers offers a range of suite types, including the Regal Suite, which has two full bathrooms, a Bose sound system, additional flat-screen TV, and bathrobes. There are four other suite types for families and groups, and the Sun and Penthouse Suites have much more upscale decor, as well as free use of the Cain at the Cove adults-only pool.

The Atlantis would not be what it is without its incredible array of features. The most notable include its extensive marine habitat (the world's largest outdoor aquarium); and Aquaventure, a 141-acre, 200-million gallon water park that combines a series of slides (Mayan Temple and Power Tower), a lazy river, and the Current, a mile-long water ride with waves and tidal changes. Access to both of these is free for guests, as is admission to the casino and nightclubs (and of course the beach), but that's pretty much where the free ends. There is also a 14-acre Dolphin Cay for swimming with dolphins, playing with sea lions, and snorkeling with manta rays.Guests arriving to the Atlantis will receive cards upon arrival, which are not just used for room access -- they're also used to charge payments to the room for amenities, restaurants and bars around the resort. Guests pay this balance upon check-out, and the resort puts a hefty hold on guest credit cards during the stay. Some Atlantis spots do accept cash for payment, but many are considered "cashless", so it's best just to pay with plastic. Guests who are using a regular credit card may have to show ID.The Atlantis has an endless supply of food and beverage options both inside and out. Breakfast is offered at Seagrapes buffet next door at Beach Tower and at casual outposts such as Starbucks (under the lobby and at Marina Village) and Dunkin' Donuts. For lunch, most eat at one of the many pool bars and grills located around the resort, which sell the usual sandwiches and snacks. Coral Towers has quick access to Virgil's BBQ, Paradise Bar & Grill and the Blu Pool Cart. Look for the value meals for a single price, and remember that a cup of soda can be refilled several times at the soda fountains to help keep costs down.For dinner, there are some casual options such as pizza and subs, mid-range options such as Chopstix and the Lagoon, and some gourmet options such as Nobu, Mesa Grill, and (at the One&Only Ocean Club) Dune Restaurant. For those on a budget, there are three dining plans offered to guests for breakfast and dinner, but they have to booked online three days in advance. They are not available for purchase in-person.A regular and free shuttle service is offered between towers, as well as to the sister property, One&Only Ocean Club, and the golf course. These simply pick up and drop off at each entrance. Walking to key points in the Aquaventure and to various pools can take more time, but there are clean bathrooms around the resort. If children and parents get separated, there is a lost and found area. Other on-site amenities at the Coral Towers includes quick access to the Convention Center, as well as the business center that's open Monday through Friday. The Atlantis Library and Theatre are here, as are a number of shops. Other features of note include a high-end spa, fitness center, and non-motorized water sports (all for a fee). There's also a daily fee for Wi-Fi, which includes unlimited devices.