NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Radisson Cable Beach Resort is one of five
members of the Great Resorts of Nassau. The other four are Nassau
Beach Hotel, the Nassau Marriott, Sandals Royal Bahamian and
SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas.
The five resorts joined forces to promote Nassau, its events and
attractions as well as each hotel. With the resorts, the group
focuses on brand-name recognition (the Nassau Beach is not part of
a chain but is an island institution), the type of vacation they
offer and their location. Each resort is situated along Cable Beach
and is about 10 to 15 minutes from the airport.
A rundown of the members follows:
The Nassau Beach Hotel is completing the final stages of an $8
million refit that was initially launched in 1998. The 403-room was
built in 1959, and the property is looking to add 84 rooms in 2000,
according to sales coordinator Nikita Curry.The renovation included upgrades to guest rooms, public areas,
the restaurants and lounges. A second swimming pool also was
added.
The hotel is one of the more low-key members of the group, with
the majority of guests being families from North America.
All of the rooms have a balcony or patio, cable televisions,
hair dryers, irons and ironing boards and in-room safes. Rooms are
comfortable and tastefully appointed with some antique pieces and
lighting fixtures, and on-site is an ice cream parlor.
In the off-season, rates start at $135 per night for a standard
room.
The Nassau Beach is the sister property to the Nassau Marriott,
which is located next door.The 867-room Nassau Marriott is a swirl of activity day and
night. The resort has a casino (that attracts throngs of tourists),
a swimming pool with a water slide and swim-up bar, a large health
club, Rainforest Adventure Golf (an 18-hole miniature golf course)
and plenty of shops.
Sol Mare, the Nassau Marriott's Italian restaurant, offers great
service and cuisine. Highlights include Caesar salad prepared
tableside, a wandering magician who entertains guests and a
substantial wine list and a staff that is quite knowledgeable about
the vintages.
The last major refurbishment for the high-rise resort was in
1996. This year a juice bar and logo shop will open.
The Sandals Royal Bahamian made its debut in 1996 and is the
newest and largest property in the Sandals family. Hand-holding and
snuggling are the norm at this couples-only inclusive.The 405-room resort has an impressive spa facility; a variety of
restaurants, including French and Italian venues; an inviting pool
(guests looked quite content slowly floating by on rafts), and a
billiards room.
Two fun places to eat are the English-style pub, Cricketers with
its traditional pub fare, and Kimono's, where the meals are as good
as the presentation.
At press time, Cafe Goombay, which is located on a private
island, was scheduled to reopen. The restaurant has been closed
because of damage sustained from Hurricane Floyd.
In 1998, the resort underwent a $65 million expansion. This
fall, the Fred Kassner Conference Center opened.
SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas also opened in 1996. The 400-room
inclusive property attracts singles, couples and even families with
kids ages 16 and older.The piano bar, the disco, the pool and the beach are the centers
of activity.
Another popular spot is on the resort's trapeze, which assistant
manager Paul Roberts said "is safer than Ping-Pong." Guests looking
to get a tough work out will find it when taking trapeze
classes.
Hammocks scattered throughout the property are a nice touch.
Plans for 2000 include the addition of 160 rooms, another
swimming pool, two restaurants and a rock-climbing wall. Another
restaurant will be expanded.
FACT SHEET: 5 members
Association: Great Resorts of Nassau.
Members: Nassau Beach Hotel, Nassau Marriott
Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Radisson Cable Beach Resort,
Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa and SuperClubs Breezes
Bahamas.
Number of rooms: Nassau Beach Hotel, 403;
Nassau Marriott Resort, 867; Radisson Cable Beach, 700; Sandals,
406, and SuperClubs, 400.
Restaurants: Five at Nassau Beach Hotel; seven
at Nassau Marriott Resort; six at Radisson Cable Beach; eight at
Sandals, and three at SuperClubs.
Reservations: Nassau Beach Hotel, (800)
331-6358; Nassau Marriott Resort, (800) 222-7466; Radisson Cable
Beach (800) 777-7800; Sandals (800) 726-3257, and SuperClubs (800)
467-8737.