We chose Small Hope to avoid the hassle of a big hotel, rental car, busy streets, high food prices and generally overly-commercial tourist centers. Small Hope ended up being the perfect blend of getting away, yet offering enough to keep two adults relaxed and two kids entertained. We generally avoid anything that's all inclusive, but this was more like staying with an extended family that cooked three meals a day, took us on tours, and then served us drinks and music at night.
We are used to B&B's and small, cheap hotels so the Small Hope price initially made us decide it was for someone looking to pay a premium for getting away. Then, I calculated that the price was equivalent to a regular near-the-beach Nassau hotel once you add in rental car, gas, restaraunt food, off-site tours, etc. At Small Hope, we had a private cabin (kids in half, adults in half) literally right on the beach and we walked to our meals and tours. Zero hassle, same cost.
Their baby sitting service was unique and a great selling point. Our 2.5 year old looked forward to this each night and his dinner with other kids. We enjoyed some adult conversation without chasing down kids. Unlike other hotels, each meal is a time to socialize with other guests so we got to know everybody (staff and guests). Dinner includes more than you can eat, great desserts, open bar and...We chose Small Hope to avoid the hassle of a big hotel, rental car, busy streets, high food prices and generally overly-commercial tourist centers. Small Hope ended up being the perfect blend of getting away, yet offering enough to keep two adults relaxed and two kids entertained. We generally avoid anything that's all inclusive, but this was more like staying with an extended family that cooked three meals a day, took us on tours, and then served us drinks and music at night.
We are used to B&B's and small, cheap hotels so the Small Hope price initially made us decide it was for someone looking to pay a premium for getting away. Then, I calculated that the price was equivalent to a regular near-the-beach Nassau hotel once you add in rental car, gas, restaraunt food, off-site tours, etc. At Small Hope, we had a private cabin (kids in half, adults in half) literally right on the beach and we walked to our meals and tours. Zero hassle, same cost.
Their baby sitting service was unique and a great selling point. Our 2.5 year old looked forward to this each night and his dinner with other kids. We enjoyed some adult conversation without chasing down kids. Unlike other hotels, each meal is a time to socialize with other guests so we got to know everybody (staff and guests). Dinner includes more than you can eat, great desserts, open bar and occasionally casual entertainment. We took advantage of extra babysitting a few times (we also had a 6 month old) so we could go snorkeling and just take time alone. The staff and owner all went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of.
This hotel isn't for something looking for modern extras like TVs and wireless Internet in their room. I'm a hardened road warrier, but even I knew that it was nice to do without these. We had a consise room with the basics plus hammocks a few feet away.
We visited for a week in mid-December 2008. The weather was warm, although it was windy enough most days to keep you from laying on the beach. Hammock-laying, walking on the beach, snorkeling/diving (with wet suits), etc. were all a good fit for the weather. We are not divers, but enjoyed snorkeling with the divers and on our own. The fish were plentiful and the coral/rock formations come right to the surface in some places, so don't feel you have to dive to enjoy the underwater views.
Overall, we clearly enjoyed it, felt we were special, and look forward to visiting again.More
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