Planning an all-inclusive vacation at Sandals Nassau? Read my tips on choosing between a West Bay or East Bay Room. Even if you are like us and spend little time in your guest suite, you’ll want to be informed before clicking the BOOK NOW button.
West Bay or East Bay: Which Building Should You Pick?
Lucky for you, I’ve stayed in both locations! Each time was a Club Level room which makes it a perfect side by side comparison.
To help those determining the best time of year to visit Nassau Bahamas, our first trip was mid-November and our second mid-January. Both trips included poor weather. However, statistics show January to March as the best time to book your travel.
Room type: HC – East Bay Honeymoon Oceanview Club Level
Our first stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian, in 2015, we chose an Oceanview Club Level room in the East Bay Building. Formally, a Balmoral Oceanview Grande Luxe with renovations in 2012.
In my Sandals Royal Bahamian Review, the room was a positive part of our experience.
- Bright and quiet.
- Close to the penthouse gym.
- Simple bathroom and shower.
- Additional sink outside the water closet.
- Views of the ocean, sunrise and cruise ships.
- Private balcony.
The East Bay Building is located by the Sandals Resort entrance. It’s close to the quiet pool. Plus, the Balmoral Club, Piano Bar and Billiards Room are housed inside this building.
Our friends stayed in this Club Level room type during our January 2023 trip. The room and view are identical to what they were in 2015. No complaints of noise, musty smells or disruptive views.
Room Type: HG – West Bay Honeymoon Club Level Oversized Junior Suite
During our second stay at Sandals Bahamas, we reserved a Club Level room in the West Bay Village. Formally, the Windsor Building.
- Clean and updated design from the 2022 renovations.
- Walk-in tiled shower.
- Close proximity to the party pool, Aqua Center and Nurses Station.
- Concierge desk in lobby.
- Smelled musty.
- Back of the building views.
West Bay Club Level Room View
The website claimed we had a “Pool, Tropical Garden view”. The photo gallery even showed a view of the West Bay pool, considered to be the “party pool.”
Our room, 1223, faced a busy road where Sandals employees arrived at a parking lot for work. It also included a view of the dumpsters and storage trailers. On any given day, we witnessed wild dogs, tourists on foot, beach vendors and even a little road rage.
The pool view was located beneath us, the first floor. Located there was a 1-foot-deep lagoon and a fence hidden by greenery. If you are in the back of the West Bay Building your view might be similar to ours.
West Bay Club Level Room Water Issues
Unfortunately, this building had hot water problems. For almost two days we lacked hot water for showers. The Sandals Resort representative offered to schedule a time for us to use a bathroom in the East Bay Building. In the end, we accepted the $150 credit on our account and ordered our stinky selves room service.
Sandals Resort Packing Tip: Hair Dryers
When packing for a Sandals Resort, there is no need to pack a travel hair dryer. In the drawer of your bathroom, there is always a hair dryer supplied for you. Unfortunately, not all Sandals Resorts have the same size dryer!
The West Bay room we stayed in had an ancient, mini dryer. My portable curly hair diffuser normally fits the full size hair dryers at Sandals Grenada, but not here in the Bahamas Resort! The mini dryer was useless for my hair and I let it dry naturally while staying at the resort.
Choosing Between Luxury, Club Level or Butler Elite Rooms
Luxury:
For budget-friendly travelers, the luxury category will provide a full vacation without breaking your bank account. With our 65 nights at Sandals Resorts, this is our room preference.
We are the couple spending all our time outside the suite. Alcohol is not included in your room at this level.
Club Level:
A close second to Luxury Level, these rooms are slightly more luxurious. They include free room service from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Private check-in, Club Sandals lounge access, Club Sandals Concierge assistance and a variety of liquor is provided with this level.
Butler Elite:
The most private and luxurious suites at Sandals Resorts! A personal butler is at your service during your entire stay. You will receive a cell phone to reach him/her whenever you need assistance.
Sandals Royal Bahamian newly designed and built the Island Village as part of their $55 million renovation last year. This village includes standalone Butler Villa Suites with private pools and outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs.
Is a Club Level West Bay or East Bay Room Worth the Price Increase?
During our all-inclusive resort travels with Sandals, we have experienced Club Level rooms at Sandals Antigua and Sandals Bahamas. The additional alcohol in the room, concierge and room service are rarely utilized by us.
To summarize, if you spend your time at the pool and restaurant bars, make your dinner reservations at the front desk, and eat all your meals at the restaurants and food trucks, you do not need a Club Level Room. Save your money and take an island tour or adventure.
Sandals Resort Tip: How to Order Room Service
There is a QR code in your room. Scan it with your phone to bring up the custom menu. Call the room service number. They will ask if there are any food allergies. Let them know your food order.
If you have Celiac Disease or are gluten sensitive, stay away from room service at Sandals Royal Bahamian. We informed the Sandals Resort representative that we were gluten free. Our meals arrived with croutons on the salad.
West Bay or East Bay Room Choice Conclusion
Based on my Sandals Resort experience, I would book the East Bay Building Club Level room. Even with the renovations on the building occurring in 2012, they are more up-to-date than the Club Level rooms in the West Bay Building. (2022 renovations seem to have been more focused on Butler Elite rooms in the West Bay Building.)
The East Bay Building has better views and puts you close to evening entertainment and the best restaurants. Plus, that Penthouse Gym is an elevator ride away from a great workout or the perfect bird’s eye view of the sunrise and sunset.
Have You Been to Sandals Royal Bahamian?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Did you stay in the West Bay or East Bay Building? Which room type did you choose? Would you return to this Sandals Resort?
If you are looking for more Sandals Resort reviews, check out my related posts. Here’s a hint…our favorite Sandals Resort is Grenada!
