If you’re looking at a map of the massive Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas, your eyes probably dart straight to the Royal—those iconic, bridge-connected towers that look like something out of a high-fantasy novel. But tucked away, closer to the marina and arguably more relaxed, is The Coral at Atlantis.
It's different. Honestly, it’s often misunderstood.
People usually lump all the Atlantis towers together into one giant bucket of "expensive waterpark hotels," but The Coral occupies a specific niche. It was redesigned a few years back to cater specifically to families who want a mid-tier price point without feeling like they’re staying in a budget motel. It’s the "Goldilocks" of the property for many. Not as pricey as The Cove, not as dated as some sections of The Beach used to be, and way less chaotic than the lobby of The Royal at check-in time.
Is The Coral at Atlantis actually "renovated"?
This is the big question. You’ll see "newly renovated" in the marketing copy, and while that was a major push around 2017 and 2018, time moves fast in a salty, humid Caribbean environment. The rooms were overhauled with a clean, coastal palette—think blues, whites, and light woods. It feels bright.
But here’s the thing.
The Coral at Atlantis is built on the bones of the original Britannia Beach Hotel. Because of that history, some of the layouts feel a bit more traditional than the sprawling suites you’ll find in the newer towers. You’ve got three wings: the Ocean Wing, the Coral Wing, and the Lagoon Wing. If you want a view of the water, you have to be specific when you book, or you might end up staring at the parking lot or the roof of the conference center.
The pool here is a major selling point. The Coral Pool was redesigned with a swim-up bar that serves popsicles and drinks in pineapples, and it has this dedicated space for kids that isn't quite as terrifyingly busy as the Mayan Temple slides. It’s a vibe. It’s where you go when you want your kids to splash around while you actually read a chapter of a book, rather than standing in a 40-minute line for a tube slide.
The location factor
Location is everything at a resort that is basically its own city. The Coral sits right next to Marina Village. This is a huge plus. If you don't want to spend $45 on a burger inside the waterpark every single night, you can stroll over to the village for more variety. You’ve got Murray’s Deli, Ben & Jerry’s, and some higher-end spots like Carmine’s.
It’s also the closest tower to the casino and the main shopping areas.
However, if your primary goal is to spend every waking second at Aquaventure (the waterpark), prepare for a walk. It’s not a five-mile hike, but with kids in tow, carrying towels and sunscreen, that ten-minute trek across the property can feel long in 90-degree heat.
The room reality check
Let’s talk about the beds. They’re comfortable. Usually, you’re looking at two queens or a king. One thing that surprises people about The Coral at Atlantis is that the rooms actually have balconies. This isn't a given at every tower. Having a spot to hang up wet swimsuits so they don't smell like a swamp by day three is a game-changer.
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The bathrooms are fine. They aren't the marble-clad cathedrals of The Cove, but they’re functional and clean.
What's the downside?
Soundproofing. Sometimes it’s a bit thin. If you have a neighbor with a screaming toddler or someone who thinks 11:00 PM is the perfect time to reorganize their luggage, you’re going to hear it. It’s a family resort. Peace and quiet are relative terms here.
Why the lobby matters
The lobby of The Coral is actually one of the nicest spots on the property. It’s home to Sun & Ice, a lobby lounge and ice cream parlor that uses local Bahamian flavors like soursop and allspice. It’s high-ceilinged, airy, and feels much more "vacation" than the dark, cavernous feel of the main casino entrance.
It also houses the CRUSH teen club nearby. If you are traveling with teenagers who think you are incredibly uncool, this is their sanctuary. It has gaming consoles, a DJ booth, and a floor-to-ceiling LED tower. Having this near The Coral makes it a strategic home base for families with older kids.
Budgeting for the "Hidden" Costs
Atlantis is famous—or maybe infamous—for its pricing structure. When you stay at The Coral, the room rate you see on Expedia or Marriott’s site is just the beginning.
- The Resort Fee: It’s steep. We’re talking over $60 per night. This covers your waterpark access, Wi-Fi (which can be spotty), and two bottles of water per day.
- Gratuities and VAT: The Bahamas has a Value Added Tax, and the resort adds mandatory housekeeping and utility grats.
- Food: Unless you’re on a meal plan, expect to pay "theme park prices." A Starbucks coffee at The Coral will cost you significantly more than it does at home.
Is it worth it?
If you use the waterpark every day, yes. The daily pass for a non-guest can cost upwards of $200 per person. If you have a family of four staying at The Coral at Atlantis, you’re technically "saving" $800 a day in entrance fees alone. That’s the math most people use to justify the room cost.
Dining near The Coral
You aren't stuck with just the buffet. While Poseidon’s Table is the big buffet nearby (and it’s actually decent, especially the breakfast spread), you should look at the smaller spots.
Chop Stix is right there for Chinese food.
Virgil’s Real BBQ is a short walk away.
Actually, the best advice for someone staying at The Coral is to walk to the Marina. There’s a pizza place called Marina Pizza where you can grab a whole pie. It is one of the only ways to feed a family for under $50 at Atlantis. Honestly, the pepperoni pizza there is a survival staple for veteran Atlantis visitors.
The Marine Life at your doorstep
One of the coolest things about this specific tower is the proximity to the lagoons. You’ve got the Predator Lagoon nearby with the clear tunnel. You can see sharks and sawfish just by walking out of the lobby.
The Coral is also near the sea turtle enclosure. Watching the green sea turtles during feeding time is a lot more therapeutic than fighting the crowds at the Leap of Faith slide.
The Verdict: Who is it for?
The Coral at Atlantis isn't for the luxury traveler who wants a private butler and a secluded beach. That person belongs at The Cove.
It’s also not for the person who wants the absolute cheapest entry point—that used to be The Beach, though the resort's configurations are always shifting.
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The Coral is for the family that wants to be in the heart of the action but wants a slightly calmer place to retreat to. It’s for the traveler who appreciates a lobby that smells like hibiscus instead of slot machine smoke.
It’s a solid, mid-range choice in a high-range destination.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Request the Ocean Wing: If you want any chance of a decent view without a massive upgrade fee, the Ocean Wing is your best bet.
- Avoid the Meal Plan (Usually): Unless your kids eat like professional athletes, paying out of pocket and hitting the Marina Village for dinner is often cheaper and offers more variety.
- Bring a Reusable Bottle: There are water filtration stations around. Buying plastic bottles at $7 a pop is a rookie mistake.
- Check the Cruise Schedule: If there are five ships in port at Nassau, Aquaventure will be packed. Use those days to hang out at the Coral Pool or the beach, which stay slightly quieter.
- Walk to the Straw Market: If you need souvenirs, don't buy them in the hotel gift shop. Walk five minutes toward the Marina or take a quick taxi into downtown Nassau for better prices and more authentic stuff.
Staying at The Coral at Atlantis is about managing expectations. It’s a massive, busy, bustling resort. But if you know where to find the quiet corners—like the library or the lagoon-side paths—you can find a balance between the adrenaline of the slides and the actual relaxation of a Caribbean vacation.