SLS Baha Mar

I took my mom on vacation and opted for a package that included breakfast, but beware of hidden fees! We were charged service fees for breakfast, and at checkout, an additional $27 was added daily to the resort fee and VAT, labeled as a “service charge.” When I contacted them, they claimed it was VAT, even though I had already paid VAT on the resort fee. Make sure to carefully review all your receipts. At Marcus restaurant, we ordered cocktails and appetizers—one cocktail was listed as $20 and the appetizer as $24, but the receipt showed $29 for the cocktail and $31 for the appetizer. We also opted for early check-in, but when we arrived, there were no lotions, robes, or some basic bathroom essentials in the room. For the price I paid, I didn’t expect this kind of experience. The rooms are simple and nothing special, but the resort itself is stunning. However, I expected much more for the price I paid. Read less

The SLS Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, promises luxury and island vibes, but our experience fell far short of expectations. From the moment we checked in, it became clear that the hotel prioritizes its casino over providing an authentic Bahamian retreat. Walking through the property felt more like being in Las Vegas than the Bahamas, with its flashy atmosphere and relentless focus on extracting money at every turn. One of the first unwelcome surprises was the “resort fee” upon check-in, a common tactic used to inflate the actual cost of a stay. A resort fee, for those unfamiliar, is an additional charge that’s mandatory but not included in the advertised room price. While this fee is supposed to cover amenities like Wi-Fi (which was slow and inconsistent) and access to common areas, it often feels like a thinly veiled way to pad the bill. Our initial disappointment only deepened when we got to our room. The space reeked of fries, and despite requesting a room change, the staff was unhelpful and dismissive. The view was another letdown—concrete walls instead of the pools or ocean vistas we’d imagined. The attitude of the check-in staff set the tone, making us feel like a nuisance rather than valued guests. Dining options were equally disappointing. While the hotel boasts several restaurants under well-known franchise names, the overpriced meals failed to live up to their reputations. Adding to the frustration, there were no dining options available past 10 p.m.—even on weekends. For a supposed vacation destination, this lack of late-night choices was baffling. The Jazz Bar, one of the few evening venues, was dimly lit, excessively loud, and interrogated guests every time they left the restaurant to find a restroom (as there weren’t any inside!). The excursions arranged through the hotel were another source of frustration. One tour sent us out in rainy weather in an open vehicle, only to be canceled midway. The refund process was a nightmare—weeks of waiting, incomplete reimbursements across different credit cards, and no proactive communication. Another tour to Exuma on a speedboat was a rough ride that left us unbalanced and rushed, with barely any time to explore the advertised stops. One highlight, the submerged Pablo Escobar plane, was merely pointed out from a distance while other groups enjoyed snorkeling nearby. Even the pools were disappointing. Despite some being labeled “adults-only,” children were everywhere, and staff made no effort to enforce the rules. While we have nothing against kids, we sought serenity on our island getaway and didn’t find it here. The most redeeming part of our trip wasn’t within the hotel but beyond its gates. We were fortunate to meet ShayShay, a vibrant and knowledgeable taxi driver who transformed our experience. She took us on a personalized tour of Nassau, visiting museums, tasting authentic local dishes like conch fritters, and exploring hidden gems—all at a fraction of the cost of the hotel’s excursions. Her warm and animated storytelling gave us a deeper understanding of Nassau’s culture and history. ShayShay even ensured a smooth ride to the airport, making her the highlight of an otherwise underwhelming trip. While SLS Baha Mar has many pools and flashy amenities, it fails to deliver the island charm and hospitality that travelers seek in the Bahamas. With overpriced services, unhelpful staff, and an overall vibe that feels more Vegas than Nassau, we cannot recommend this hotel. Ironically, our best moments came when we left the property and discovered the true beauty of the Bahamas on our own. Save your time and money—look elsewhere for a more authentic and fulfilling island experience. Read less

If you are going to the Baha Mar I highly recommend going to the SLS 25 Degrees North pool area! All of the staff were simply amazing! They made us feel so welcomed that we spent 3 days there!! They were helpful and kind, provided quick service and engaged in multiple conversations with myself, and our friends. Some of my favorites were the hostesses with the mostest…Kriza (K) & Kydeena (D), Nikell was a top notch server! Tré made sure we always had what we needed even if it wasn’t his area, he was always looking in on us! Janiqua’s energy and sweet smile encouraged everyone else to smile and have a good time. This crew will take care of you! Read less

SLS Bahamar is my go-to place for holidays. I’ve been coming here since it opened in 2017 and it has always been the most amazing vacation. Everything from the amazing food (Cleo, f’ilia, katsuya are my favorites) to the beautiful SLS pool, gorgeous sandy beach and the fabulous beach club - I just keep coming back. The service everywhere is perfection! Special shout out to Rudeena at the beach club who always greets me with a huge smile and helps me with whatever my family needs. She is a true gem! See you soon! Read less