Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Review 2023 – It’s Fine
Note: For more detailed info on Baha Mar check out our guide to saving on food, saving on drinks and our suite tours.
We spent our spring break this year at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar resort in Nassau. There was plenty we liked, but also plenty where things fell flat. Granted, we were traveling with our 4 year old and aren’t in our prime partying age anymore, so my experience and taste may differ heavily to yours.
My wife is a teacher, so we have the luxury of knowing our dates a full year in advance. We usually book as soon as the dates open. Being a Hyatt Globalist this year, I was able to book 5 nights in advance without having the points in my account, at a cost of 23K points per night. Considering cash rates were north of $1500 a night I think this was a decent deal. Also, points availability was gone a few months ago when I wanted to possibly amend the dates. Despite trying multiple times, I wasn’t able to apply a suite night upgrade to the stay, nor could I switch one of my nights to my category 1-7 free night.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Review – Arrival & Check-In
We booked our transportation from the airport through Sandra’s Transportation. Communication was good, especially when we had a flight delay and had to wait a while for our luggage. They were right there and ready for us when we came out of customs. You can also add a car seat, and stop at either a liquor or grocery store (if they are open) for an additional fee. Highly recommended.
Baha Mar is a massive resort with multiple hotels on property, located about 15 minutes from the airport. My initial reaction was that I felt like I was in Las Vegas, particularly the Wynn casino. In fact, they use they same font and color scheme on all the property signage. It was like they took the Wynn and just splashed some blue color around on top of it. Being from Las Vegas, I was a little bummed about that since I was hoping to get as far away from Vegas as possible on this trip!
We arrived at 10pm, and checked in at the main lobby at the casino entrance. There was also a desk in our Grand Hyatt West tower, which was open in the daytime for the peak hours.
Our Room
Our room at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar had an upgraded oceanview with a slight view of the employee parking lot as well. The room contained a king bed, with a big shower and spacious sitting area. The floor was not carpeted, so I was a little worried about my son slipping and smacking his head, but thankfully that didn’t happen.
Unlike many hotels these days our room had a very expensive mini bar. Unfortunately I was erroneously charged for something, which I caught mid-trip. They had to send someone up to verify it, and then I still had to follow up at checkout to get it removed. Seemed excessive, and quite annoying. Heading outside, the balcony was just big enough for us all the sit and enjoy the views of Baha Mar’s sprawling property.
What Are the World of Hyatt Globalist Benefits at Baha Mar?
At check-in, we were given wristbands to use for keys/room charges along with an envelope containing drink vouchers and a welcome letter due to my World of Hyatt Globalist status. Each voucher was good for 2 drinks at a few different locations, one voucher per room per day. We used ours at the pool bar each day and got a fancy drink.
Unfortunately the club lounge still isn’t open, and probably won’t ever reopen. Instead, we were able to use the breakfast buffet for free every day. This buffet was mediocre at best, in my opinion. There was no charge for our 4 year old, which is good, because he hardly ate anything. However, there’s no way I would ever pay $38 per person for the quality of what was offered. Definitely a massive step down from the lounge, from what I’ve heard. Easily the worst food part of the trip. You get what you pay for, I guess.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Review – The Food
Unfortunately my breakfast experience sort of mimics my other food experiences at Baha Mar. In my opinion everything was just “ok”. While the quality wasn’t the best, Baha Mar has a ton of food options. With food trucks, bars, coffee shops, and a wide range of traditional restaurants, you certainly will find something to your taste. But, nothing I ate was really that spectacular. I enjoyed eating at the Marina Village at Atlantis at the end of our trip much more. Also, you will definitely want to make reservations for dinner in advance, as everything at any decent time will fill up quickly.
As for the prices, this is the Bahamas and everything is expensive. I’d say it is comparable to what you would pay on the Las Vegas Strip. Keep in mind that tax and tip are automatically included on everything as well. A plus side is that portion sizes on average were fairly large, so at least we were full after our meals.
Since we had the buffet breakfast in the morning, we’d normally pick up a small snack or some ice cream during the day, and then eat an early dinner. During our stay we ate dinner at Styx Noodle Bar (kid ate free), Pizza Lab, Sugar Factory, and The Swimming Pig. The Swimming Pig was our favorite of those. Nothing was bad, but again, nothing was amazing either. I felt like we were just eating because we needed to most of the trip. I also felt like nothing was better than I could make myself, and I’m an average cook at best.
Baha Mar – Something For Everyone
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar while expensive does have something for everyone. There are pools ranging from quiet to crazy to kid friendly. We particularly liked the one where you can swim up to the side of an aquarium filled with sharks and stingrays. The pools are also heated enough to be comfortable on a slightly chilly day, which we had a couple of. There is plenty of beach space, a large marine sanctuary, and Baha Bay, their water park.
We spent the bulk of our time in the water park during our stay. My son loves all the slides and play areas. Dump water on his head and he’s content for hours! It’s around the same size as Aquaventure at Atlantis, with around the same amount of attractions. We also bought a few marine life experiences for our son- feeding turtles and seeing sharks and stingrays. He really enjoyed that. There is a whole host of marine activities each day. These can be booked in advance as well.
One last thing to mention is the spa. During our stay we decided to take in a spa day, and again, it was just okay. For the price paid, it definitely fell short. My massage was great, but the spa amenities were mediocre at best compared to other resorts I’ve stayed. That is usually my big splurge on the trip, which also gives me a little quiet time when traveling with family, and it fell flat. A little disappointing for sure.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Review 2023 – Bottom Line
If you like to gamble or party, or like the Vegas atmosphere, you will love it at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. I feel like that is the main pull of this property. If you have kids or want a low key experience, you absolutely can still have it as well, but it will cost you. On the plus side there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and be merry, catering to all shapes and sizes. There is definitely something here for everyone, but having been to both Baha Mar and Atlantis, I personally prefer Atlantis. Maybe I’m just not as fancy as I thought I was anymore. Overall, I’d grade it as an acceptable stay but not an exceptional one.
Have you recently stayed at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Went for a long weekend around the beginning of March. Gay couple in our 30s/40s who enjoy the occasional nightlife/party but usually prioritize relaxing at resorts:
Good:
*Our meals at Katsuya and Marcus were both pretty good.
*We rented a cabana at the adult pool right in front of the Grand Hyatt which was very relaxing.
*The SLS hotel had a fun DJ in the lobby on the weekend nights, so that was where we would hang out for a bit after dinner.
*Weather was perfect, as was the water.
*Drinks were good, and it was nice to have the Globalist drink coupons daily.
*Everything was kept very clean, even the outside toilets.
Bad:
*In terms of food/drink, it’s as expensive as anywhere we have been. I equate it to the Hamptons.
*Given the cost, we were shocked at how lowbrow the crowd was. That has nothing to do with the hotel, but still, it colored the whole trip.
*Also shocked at how many kids were there, particularly college students (presumably) on spring break. I sure couldn’t have afforded that in college!
*Globalist benefits are pitiful. The breakfast buffet was average but had dreadful coffee.
*Both Starbucks locations had huge lines, and you couldn’t order ahead on the app.
*Room was small and awkwardly designed. We had a king room in the East tower facing the back. Decent view, but the bed was facing the balcony and left little walking room with all the other furniture and tub.
*Cab drivers are mostly crooks, will claim the posted taxi rates are outdated, junky cars. I’ll pay more for a car service next time.
It did the trick for a quick, easy-to-get to weekend escape from the cold, but I’m in no hurry to go back.
We were island hopping in Bahamas between Christmas and New Year and had a long layover in Nassau. Stopped at Baha Mar to check it out. Hated it with a passion. Gaudy, pretentious (think 1960-1970s crystal chandelier design) lobby, severely over crowded as it seems the footprint is too small for massive towers. You couldn’t find a chair at the pool to save your life in the middle of the day, a sliver of the beach, and just way way too many people. Food is expensive which is to be expected in Bahamas. I am glad we found this out before spending hard earned Hyatt points.
I also have stayed at Atlantis and Bah Mar. To me the only entertainment Baha Mar has to offer in the evening is the casino and if you don’t gamble then it’s an early evening. Also, all the shops close early too. I definitely prefer Atlantis but We tried Bah Mar this time because Atlantis needed some remodeling. Definitely showing it’s age. I tead were Atlantis was doing a lot of remodeling so I would definitely go back. They have a lot more entertainment for adults and kids.
Been the last two years. Once with kids once without. Both times were great. A lot of people complain it’s too expensive, but it’s easy to pull up a menu for the bars or restaurants and get an idea of what costs are. Vegas or Hawaii aren’t any cheaper. Last years on points we had upgraded connecting ocean view rooms which was great. The food we’ve found to be mostly pretty good. I’m not going there expecting a Michelin star meal. Kids loved the water park. Pools are all great and never have had an issue finding chairs or service at the pool bars. The beach is great. No waves or rocks. Overall you just have to have realistic expectations of where you’re staying. Don’t go thinking it’s going to be a budget trip or that it’s the four seasons. I will be returning again in the future.