Freeport

My daughter and I just got back from a week's stay at Viva Fortuna Beach. It was our first time in the Bahamas and we loved it. The Hotel is rated overall a 3.5 star and I think that is a fair rating but it also exceeds that rating in several ways. The location is absolutely stunning. While the rooms are dated, they are spacious and kept very, very clean. To me, I'd much rather have an outdated room that is clean than a modern room that is not kept up. We enjoyed the food and felt there was enough selection at all times. The 3 a la cartes are good; especially the Mexican. The staff really do make this resort memorable and make you want to return. The animation team truly is the hub of this place. There are a few minor details that would really step things up a notch but some are out of the resorts control. One item to mention is the Saturday check-ins. Typically there are two flights (Ontario & Montreal), coming in on this day and check-in can get chaotic to say the least. The travel providers (air carrier companies) should arrange it so they both are not coming in on the same day. Perhaps have the Toronto flight come in on Saturday and Montreal on a Sunday and this would alleviate so, so much of this problem. Another thing would be to have more staff picking up garbage/cups etc. around the pool area. The pool area is very busy and there are places to set your cups after using them but they don't get collected as much as they could be (attracts bees etc). Some guests can be absolute slobs unfortunately which makes the process harder on the staff as well. Overall we had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend if you keep your expectations to the rating/price you are paying for.

From the room, to the grounds, to the staff everything was incredible at Pelican Bay! It's perfectly located just a short walk from the marketplace and a short, scenic, ferry ride to Taino Beach (where you have access to the beach, pools, etc.). The grounds are beautifully landscaped with stunning water views. We were treated to breathtaking sunsets over the marina from our balcony. The lighting at night creates a magical ambiance throughout the grounds. We were in one of the more updated rooms. It was spacious and modern. I know it's a small thing but I loved the nice touches like hooks on the balcony to hang your beach towels. Housekeeping is every 2nd day..which suited us just fine. There are 3 beautiful pools but they were a bit too cold for us during our visit in February. There isn't a beach on site but in addition to the free ferry to the Taino Beach resort you can also pay $25 for a day pass at the Lighthouse Pointe resort right next door. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet .... lots to choose from and a bit of variety every day. You'd have to be extremely fussy not to find something to enjoy. We also really enjoyed our meal at Sabor Restaurant....wonderful service and delicious food! Bones Bar was also a popular hang out on the water's edge...cold drinks, reasonable prices and stunning views. There are numerous other bars and restaurants within walking distance (we enjoyed the Flying Fish right next door). We had nothing but positive experiences with the staff. Everyone we dealt with was warm, friendly and attentive. We highly recommend Pelican Bay if you are planning a trip to Freeport!!

Our week at the Lighthouse Pointe was Amazing. Great facilities and staff, the best food we have had at a Caribbean all-inclusive! Beach and pools were breathtaking. A dream come true.