The Abacos - Where to Stay

[cfillio]

hola

My wife, 1-year old (by then) and I plan to go to The Abacos, Bahamas for a week in early February (I say "plan" because we booked our flights on US Airways...d'oh!). We are looking for a nice place to stay, not too touristy but not too rural. I think something "family friendly" would be preferable, due to the little one, meaning nearby beach and pool, with a room offering general amenities to help us be somewhat self-sufficient (AC, kitchenette). We fly into Marsh Harbour but are open to nearby cays and towns. Understand that the whole chain is pricey, but we don't need Ritz-Carlton luxury. Any suggestions would be appreciated. So far we have seen a few places in Hope Town that seem attractive, because they are not in the busy Marsh Harbour area but also give us access to amenities, as well as peace of mind in the event of an emergency (re: hospital, etc.)

Also, because of the tenuous nature of our flights on US Air, as well as recent hurricane damage, I was wondering a few other things. Are any places amenable to returning a deposit, in the event our flight is canceled or the resort is further "unavailable"?

thanks!
chris

[sg]

I too am looking for a cottage or villa rental for six adults and a one year old. Would like to be on the beach, or just off, and not too expensive. I am looking to book asap for December 2-11,and would like to hear back asap. I have done alot of research and have many possibilities but would like some local knowldege and options. Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing from someone soon. By the way, we are flying into MH so can go to any of the Cays. Thanks Scott

[coolchik]

Suggest you try the Harbour Lodge in Hopetown. Right on the beach and the pool should be back by February. Land in Marsh Harbour and rent a boat from Troy at Blue Wave. You can't go wrong with the hospitality of Tom and the gang at the Harbour Lodge.

beth (a/k/a part of The Honeymoon Couple)

[Sally]

Try Hopetown Hideaways. They have homes as well as villas. They have always treated me great!!! Hopetown is a very friendly island & there are things to do there as well as being beautiful. I can't wait to come back!!

[ncdd]

http://www.guanaseaside.com/ (http://www.guanaseaside.com/)

Here is a link for Guana Seaside, VERY nice people, tend to cater to every need, they have a dock for your boat rental nice pool and directly on the beach (Sea of Abaco). So the water is generally calm and great for the little one

[DrRalph]

Suggest you work through the "Places to Stay" link at the top of the Board. Make sure you get a copy of Dodge, it has much of the info you will require. Go to http://www.wspress.com/ (http://www.wspress.com/)

[Apoggi]

Shorecrest II on Guana is nice, right on the beach. contact Ernie at 607-569-2661. I know they had some hurricane damage and don't know if it will be repaired by December but it is work a try.

[wonderfulmmemories]

I have had the pleasure of traveling to the Abaco's several times over the last 5 years or so. You could not pick a better place to spend some time off with your family. Hopetown is a great place to stay. There are numerous choices for lodging there. I particularly like the cottages on the water. But, my favorite place has been on Guana Cay. I was there in 2000 and stayed at some cottages that I beleive may now be the site of Guana Seaside. Anyway, the people are great there and there is always fun to be had at Nippers! Have a great time!

[Wooden Nickel]

Meghan and I have spent five or six weeks in the Abaco's every spring for going on seven years now. Usually stay on our own boat, Wooden Nickel. When one of our friends visited a year ago and wanted to stay shoreside, we had him stay at Guana Seaside, which seems to meet the poster's needs.

Hopetown Harbor would also be an excellent choice.
- Tom & Meghan

[winged]

We loved the Clearview house in Hopetown this summer. Its front porch overlooks the harbour and lighthouse and the back deck overlooks the Atlantic. It has an awesome beach just over the sand dune in the back and it's just steps away from Vernon's, the Harbour's Edge and the all important laundromat! The kitchen has everything you need and the house sleeps 6 - with 2 bathrooms.

The pool at the Hopetown Harbour Lodge is a short walk away - and is a perfect place to have a drink and let the kids play.

I talked with Tanny last week and she tells me Clearview did not get damaged during the storms and is ready to go!

(I kind of hate giving up our little "secret" - but I've secured it for two weeks next summer!)

Have fun!

[PJ]

I have been visiting the Abacos for about five years now and have to say Guana is my favorite island. Great poeple, uncrowded, awesome beaches (both sides), Troy from Dive Guana for snorkeling and sight seeing. Plus you can go out with Troy a day or two or rent a boat from him for a day ro two because you don't really need a boat every day. Dolphin Beach Resort is really cool. A bunch of different cottages right on the beach. Decent prices too. Blue Water Grill is a first class restaurant. Nippers is a blast almost any night. Just my opinion.

[Agur's Wish]

Just a heads up Guana Seaside Village said the may be up and running by Thanksgiving but a more realistic expectation was first of December.

[poolfool]

We were booked @ Seaside for Thanksgiving Weekend. Gerry had doubts that the repairs would be finished by then. We've decided to reschedule to Xmas week.
It's worth changing the dates rather than the location. Guana Seaside is top notch when it come to getting "off the beaten path"

Paul

[bellavista]

like most folks we love it all, but like Guana best. can't go wrong at Dolphin Beach or Guana Seaside. Plenty of rental houses on or off beach also available.