A Resort Review: Hotel Riu Paradise Island in the Bahamas

Call me crazy, but my husband and I went to the Bahamas for two days and one night. We couldn't help it! The airline tickets on Spirit were a total of $250 for both of us. When I found a terrific deal at Riu Paradise Island, we just had to go-- especially since neither one of us had ever been to the Bahamas before. We flew in on Tuesday morning, ready to completely relax for a full 24 hours.

DISTANCE
From the airport, Hotel Riu Paradise Island is about a 30 minute cab ride. It will cost $28 for two people. Be prepared to hand over $1 for the bridge toll. It's a nice ride, especially if you get a good cabbie. You are able to see the sites of Nassau and Paradise Island as you make your way to the hotel. There's a bit of traffic throughout the day, but nothing that compares to rush hour on the Long Island Expressway. They also drive on the left side of the road there, but most cars are Americanized.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As our taxi made it over the bridge, Craig and I couldn't help but gawk at the monstrosity known as Atlantis. The place is absolutely enormous, taking up a good deal of Paradise Island. Hotel Riu Paradise Island is literally located right next door to Atlantis. Truth be told, the Riu is practically dwarfed by Atlantis. The hotel looks a bit small in comparison to the complex next door.

That is, it looks small until you enter the white building.

The sprawling lobby really surprised me. All of the front desk clerks had smiles on their faces and were dressed impeccably well. The entire lobby sparkled with cleanliness. The high ceilings had neat fans and gorgeous chandeliers. It was as though we stepped through some portal that brought us into a luxury hotel.

CHECK-IN
Checking in was a breeze. Since I am a travel agent, I made the reservations for us. (The rate for that night was actually less expensive than the travel agent rate-- just $236 total!) The woman that checked us in was incredibly helpful and pleasant. She answered all of our questions, and even gave us a free upgrade to the 11th floor with an oceanview balcony.