Freeport Bahamas at Ocean Reef

Best Things Nearby:
Port Lucaya, Island Seas Resort.

Best Things About the Resort:
Large rooms.

Resort Experience:
We arrived at Ocean Reef at about noon and check-in wasn't until 4pm. There was no lobby to sit in nor a safe place to leave our luggage. We either had to sit in a room that accommodated about 10 people, or out by Esther's pool bar which, by the way, had the worst steak I've ever eaten. The air-conditioning in my unit didn't reach under 80 degrees for 2 days, although no one else seemed to have trouble.

Not only did they take close to an hour to make a cheeseburger and a steak, my jaw was sore before I even finished it because instead of medium it came out shoe leather. The office opened at 9am and closed at 5pm -- so if you had a question or emergency and if the resident manager isn't home, too bad for you. Each guest is also assigned a tour-guide to help you plan activities or assist you with anything that you needed (as long as it was before 5pm). They all went on vacation between Wed and Friday.

They offered a shuttle to the beach only twice a week at 9am and pick up at 2pm. There is absolutely nothing to do on the resort grounds except go in the pool or play ping-pong. The grounds have no appeal, and there is no restaurant on-site, except for Esther's pool bar and a cafe-type eatery. Then at check-out, they had nerve to charge a $40.00 for an electric surcharge and $18.00 for some other tax.

The only good thing about the resort is very close to the Island Seas Resort, where the grounds are beautiful, there is a beach on-site, and there are several outdoor showers for when you come out of the ocean or one of several beautiful pools. There are also outdoor activities like ping-pong and shuffleboard. Also, you can sign up for all types of water sports right in the lobby, like para-sailing, snorkeling, diving, etc. Although I loved the Bahamas, I would never stay at Ocean Reef Yacht Club again.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Poor
• Amenities: Poor
• Unit Satisfaction: Poor
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Fair

I had a wonderful time in Freeport, and the Dolphin Experience was one of my favorite experiences while I was there. For $69, they take you on a 20 minute boat ride from Port Lucaya to another part of the ocean where they keep the dolphins. It's a very personal experience where they bring two people at a time to pet, play with, and get a close look at the dolphin. The trainer/speaker made the experience even better--a real jokester. Finally, everybody gets their picture taken as the dophin gives you a smooch. You'll also be pleasantly surprised at how the dolphins are treated. It was a great time, even though I went in the rain!