Accommodations

Hotels on the two main islands, New Providence and Grand Bahama, range in quality from Tourist Class through Superior Deluxe. Remember, however, that you are not dealing with the same standards you have grown used to in the United States, Canada or England. Even the top-rated hotels are almost always busy, and geared to accommodate the vacationing public, rather than business people. In general, this means that, unless you book the best room your particular hotel has to offer, your accommodations will probably be no better than average. Clean and comfortable, yes; luxurious, number

Hotel Classification Guide

SUPERIOR DELUXE: Exclusive, elegant, luxury hotels offering the highest standards of accommodations, service and facilities.

DELUXE: Outstanding hotels with many of the features and amenities offered by those classed as Superior Deluxe, but less expensive.

SUPERIOR FIRST CLASS: Above-average hotels, often older, but well-maintained. Accommodations are comfortable and tastefully furnished.

FIRST CLASS: Facilities are not as extensive as those at hotels in the more expensive categories, but these hotels are dependable and comfortable.

SUPERIOR TOURIST CLASS: Budget properties, mostly well-kept and maintained. Facilities are few, but the rooms are generally clean and comfortable, if sometimes spartan.

TOURIST CLASS: Low budget, with few or no facilities. Not for the discriminating traveler.

Out Islands

On the Out Islands - the Abacos, Eleuthera, the Exumas, Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, etc. - accommodations can be basic; many are not air-conditioned. There are very few hotels rated better than First Class. Also, most Out Island hotels do not have TVs or telephones in the rooms, although they all have them in the main buildings. If you want to get away from the stresses of everyday living, it can be nice to leave the television and telephone back on the mainland.

Package Deals

If your vacation is a package provided by a major operator, you can generally expect your hotel to be clean and comfortable. Package operators inspect their client hotels regularly and require certain minimum standards. This doesn't mean you get better service or accommodations, just that you can be assured of certain standards.

Hotels are listed in order by rate, the least expensive first. Actual rates, when not quoted within the text, are shown at the back of the book in the At a Glance section.

Meal Plans