Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

I enjoyed my brief stay at this quiet, amenity-rich resort on a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach in Nassau.

You might not guess by looking at this beach resort's compact design that it consists of over 700 guest rooms, most with at least a partial ocean view. I checked in to a spacious junior suite with a roomy balcony, a separate sitting area and a table with bench-like chairs. A single flat-screen TV rotated to face the bed or living area. The bathroom had a combo tub/shower and a single vanity.

The resort's beauty, complete with waterfalls and green lawns, makes it a popular setting for weddings. The swimming pool, with its tropical landscaping, is steps away from the beach. Next to the pool is a petite structure housing the kids' program.

Across the water you can see the mega-resort Atlantis Paradise Island. The resort can arrange a half-price day pass if you're interested in spending time there, then returning to the relative peace and quiet of the Sheraton.

Dolphin Grill is an outdoor pool bar and grill. Bimini Market serves a breakfast buffet and a la carte casual lunch and dinner. I really enjoyed dinner at Amici Trattoria, which specializes in Italian specialties like cioppino with sea bass and San Daniele prosciutto with asiago cheese and olives. You can get a coffee or sandwich at Caribe Cafe, right across from Link, an open lounge area with complimentary-access PCs, printers and a large-screen TV. Edgewater Bar, just off the lobby, offers live music.

A corridor connecting the Sheraton with the Wyndham Nassau offers a day spa, liquor store, cigar store, perfumery and gift shop. The Crystal Palace casino has electronic versions of popular table games like roulette and blackjack, plus slot machines, high-limit table games, a lounge and a Starbucks.