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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Out Islands, The Bahamas

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Guesthouses/Motels

    Simple, locally-owned establishments, often without extensive amenities or dining facilities. They offer a taste of local life for budget-conscious travelers seeking a comfortable, no-frills place to sleep. Limited or no hostels exist; budget travelers often use basic guesthouses or Airbnb room rentals.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, charming properties with unique character and personalized service, like Exuma Palms Hotel or Augusta Bay Bahamas. They offer a more intimate experience than larger resorts.

  • Mid-Range Resorts

    These locations present amenities like swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and activity desks. Hideaways at Palm Bay is a well-known example, featuring cottages with kitchenettes, popular for families.

  • Luxury Resorts

    High-end, full-service properties with extensive amenities, fine dining options, spas, golf courses, and private beach access. Sandals Emerald Bay serves as an adults-only, all-inclusive example. Find more options at IHG Hotels.

Unique & Private Stays

  • Private Island Resorts

    Properties like Fowl Cay Resort offer exclusive, ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experiences on private islands within the Exuma Cays. These provide unparalleled seclusion and service.

  • Yacht Charters

    For ultimate flexibility and access to remote cays, chartering a private yacht with crew provides a luxurious "floating accommodation" option. Wake up in a new stunning location each day.

  • Vacation Rentals (Villas, Cottages, Apartments)

    Widely available and popular, especially for families or groups. They present more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities, potentially saving on dining costs. Look on Airbnb, Vrbo, or local property management companies. Range from basic beach cottages to luxurious beachfront villas.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Formal homestay programs are not widely advertised. However, some local guesthouses or smaller rental units might offer a similar experience, allowing for more interaction with local hosts.

Neighborhood Guide

The Exumas consist of distinct areas, each with a different character and proximity to attractions.

Georgetown, Great Exuma

Pros
  • Central location for amenities, local culture, and services.
  • Close to the airport (15-20 minute drive).
  • More local eateries.
  • Good base for accessing local culture, restaurants, the main market, and water taxis to Stocking Island.
Cons
  • Busy during the day.
  • Limited direct beach access from the town center.
  • Street noise, notably around the main road or port.

Moss Town / Emerald Bay area, Great Exuma

Pros
  • Closest to the airport.
  • Higher-end amenities and golf course.
  • Generally quiet.
Cons
  • Less local flavor.
  • Feels secluded, often transport needed to Georgetown.

Little Exuma

Pros
  • Offers secluded beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Ideal for true relaxation.
  • Perfect for visiting Tropic of Cancer Beach.
Cons
  • Limited dining and shopping options.
  • Longer drive from the airport and Georgetown.
  • Requires more planning for dining/activities.

Safety Considerations & Ambiance

Safety:

All areas in the Exumas are generally very safe for tourists. Petty theft remains a concern, especially in busier areas like Georgetown or if valuables are unattended on beaches. Always take precautions against theft.

Noise & Ambiance:

Resort areas typically stay quiet, with noise limited to resort activities. Remote areas and Little Exuma are very peaceful, offering a tranquil escape.

Booking Strategies

Securing your accommodation in advance, specifically during peak times, is wise for a smooth trip.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (December-May): Book 6-12 months ahead, especially for popular resorts and villas during holidays.
  • Shoulder Season (Late May-June, November-Mid-December): Book 3-6 months ahead for more availability and potentially better rates.
  • Low Season (July-October): Booking 1-3 months ahead generally suffices.
  • Flight availability can be unpredictable, so securing flights well ahead is advised across all seasons.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, and Vrbo remain widely used and reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Booking directly with the property sometimes offers better rates or exclusive packages.
  • Local Property Managers: For larger villas, local companies often offer personalized service and expertise.
  • House/Pet Sitting: Explore options on TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Policies and Fluctuations

Negotiation & Deposits
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not common for established hotels. Prices are generally fixed.
  • For smaller, locally-owned guesthouses, especially during low season, a slight possibility for cash negotiation might exist, but it is not an expected practice.
  • Resorts typically have stricter cancellation policies, often requiring cancellations 30-60 days prior for a full refund.
  • Vacation rentals often require a 50% upfront deposit with varying refund schedules.
Seasonal Price Changes
  • Prices for all accommodation types rise significantly during high season and major holidays.
  • Prices drop considerably during the low season (August-October) due to heat and hurricane risk.
  • This price variation presents an opportunity for budget-conscious travelers.

Important Consideration

Travel Insurance

Consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, especially given varying deposit and refund policies.

Read Policies Carefully

Always read the specific policy carefully before confirming your booking.

Flight First

Given unpredictable flight availability, securing your flights before accommodation can be a good strategy.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks in the Exumas, catering to various travel styles and needs.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Options

For value-conscious travelers.

  • Augusta Bay Bahamas (good value, pool, comfortable rooms).
  • Smaller local guesthouses around Georgetown.
  • Basic vacation rental apartments on platforms like Hostelworld for guesthouse finds or Airbnb.
Mid-Range Choices

A balance of comfort and amenities.

  • Hideaways at Palm Bay (cottages with kitchenettes, beach access, pools).
  • Exuma Palms Hotel (a well-established local option).

Luxury & Unique

Luxury Stays

High-end experiences and full service.

  • Sandals Emerald Bay (all-inclusive, adult-only, golf course, spa).
  • Grand Isle Resort & Spa (villas, family-friendly, amenities, service).
  • Fowl Cay Resort (ultra-luxury, private island, all-inclusive, exclusive).
Unique & Cultural

Places with a distinct character or local feel.

  • Private Island Resorts: Fowl Cay offers unparalleled seclusion.
  • Yacht Charters: A luxurious "floating accommodation" for ultimate flexibility.
  • Locally-owned guesthouses in Georgetown: For an authentic cultural experience.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Grand Isle Resort & Spa

    Villas with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. The resort presents pools and activities suitable for all ages.

  • Hideaways at Palm Bay

    Many cottages have kitchenettes, allowing families to prepare meals. The resort includes a pool and beach access.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Numerous villas and homes are perfect for families, featuring space, privacy, cooking facilities, and often private pools.

Solo & Long Stays

  • Solo Traveler

    Augusta Bay Bahamas is good for solo travelers seeking a comfortable base. Smaller guesthouses offer a more personal, quiet experience. Group boat tours and casual eateries around Georgetown can provide a communal vibe.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals are ideal choices for long stays due to their full kitchen facilities, laundry amenities, and often better weekly or monthly rates.

  • Hideaways at Palm Bay

    Some units are well-suited for longer stays, presenting a blend of resort amenities and personal space.

Cultural Significance

Natural Beauty Over Architecture

The Exumas focus on natural beauty more than historical architecture for accommodations.

  • Experience local culture by staying at a locally-owned guesthouse in Georgetown.
  • These options allow for interaction with locals.
  • Your stay supports small businesses directly.
Interaction with Hosts

Choosing smaller, independent properties can sometimes lead to richer cultural exchange.

  • Hosts often share local insights and stories.
  • They provide recommendations for authentic experiences.
  • This way of staying often fosters a connection to the community.

Explore More Accommodation

Extensive Hotel Selection

Find a wide variety of hotels and resorts worldwide for your Exuma trip on Booking.com.

Asian & Global Focus

Explore strong hotel deals and options particularly in Asia and globally via Agoda.

Vacation Homes & Rentals

Discover private vacation rentals, homes, and apartments for a unique stay on Vrbo.