Best Beach Hotels in the Bahamas

Bringing tranquility to otherwise-crowded Paradise Island, the 105-room Ocean Club's personal butlers, beautiful pools (one for adults, one for families), private, well-attended beach with gorgeous turquoise water, restaurant from Jean-Georges, and access to Atlantis' water park, casino, and other attractions make it one of the Caribbean's best resorts. But its small standard rooms, and, at times, less fawning service can be disappointing for the price.

Grand Lucayan's long picturesque beachfront is chock full of activities and has arguably the best beach of any hotel on Grand Bahama. The hotel also offers immaculate grounds; great beds; and a convenient, scenic location. It has a wide range of rooms, features, and dining options, but it can feel a bit impersonal.

A small, isolated, time-share-style hotel with big, beautiful suites, a marina, a friendly staff that zips around on golf carts, and managers that greet returning guests like family -- Old Bahama Bay feels more yacht club than resort. But activities are limited -- just boating or lounging by the isolated beach or pool -- and to some travelers, it's boring.

Stunning architecture, an exceptional water park, a famous casino, three beaches, 11 otherworldly pools, and 21 superb restaurants make the 4,000-room Atlantis a study in conspicuous consumption. No other resort, anywhere in the Caribbean, can compete with its dining or attractions. But we warned: this is not a tranquil place.

After renovating in 2009, the Riu is now a solid all-inclusive option -- just be sure to compare its rates to the far more stunning Atlantis next door. In both cases, you get a spectacular beach, up-to-date rooms, and proximity to upscale restaurants and attractions. At the Riu, you also get unlimited food and booze.

The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort has great rooms, a gorgeous beachfront, three great pools, a top-notch gym, and a friendly and cheerful staff. But it's a massive property -- 694 rooms -- with little to eat nearby. This means that guests are stuck with the Sheraton's own overpriced, mediocre fare. Still, it's a great value.