Stayed here three times through a timeshare of a family member. Shouldn't complain because it was free but the place needs some updates. Kitchen needs a facelift and bathrooms are lackluster in today's world. People are friendly but you have to make sure they follow through with your requests. Pool was not heated this year. They were waiting for a part for months and the time share regulars were not happy. But then again, everything and everyone is slow in the Bahamas. There is a dinner poolside every Thursday nite. Make a reservation. When the weather is good and friends are around.....this is really fun. Tables are decorated with Christmas tablecloths. Even with the bad stuff, there is nothing like the color of the blue water in the Bahamas. It keeps me coming back!

This resort is off the beaten track, but very convenient to the buses. The bus drivers will stop almost anywhere on their route to pick you up when you are not in the city. There, they only stop at the bus stops because it's so crowded. We were glad to be away from the center of town. A supermarket is within walking distance that has great prices. Do not spend the time and extra fare to go to the market further away. They have comparable prices, although it is quite expensive, but better than eating out every night. Our 3 bedroom townhouse was very comfortable with a great patio and the pool right outside the door. The "beach" opens in the morning and disappears overnight. At midday, you can walk the beach up to the bigger hotel and layout on a real beach, but this one fun on its’ own. Guanahani is not a party hotel, but it's close to good restaurants such as Johnny Canoe (excellent food). Johnny's is great for seafood and happy hour drinks. As everything in the Bahamas, it can get pricey. Be sure to take the bus to "Twin Brothers" restaurant in the fishing district (halfway between the city and Guanahani)-GREAT fish. The staff is great and a hospitality suite is available for use when leaving. The staff will watch the luggage in the office area. They sell 5 gallon bottles of water (very convenient instead of lugging it from the supermarket) and the price is the same. If we ever go back, we’d stay here again. Across the street from Guanahani is great Pastry shop-WONDERFUL sweets an bread and a liquor store with great rum prices. Don’t bother going to a bigger store since the prices are the same and you’ll have to carry it further. They have a great deal-purchase 5 bottles and get 20% off-exceptional deal!!!!

We stayed here in May 2005. The Guanahani Village is a timeshare and has its pros and cons.
Pros – The place is very large. We had a garden view which has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths spread across 3 floors. It has a full size kitchen with everything you need, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, and even a washer and dryer. The time share comes with 2 TV’s. There is a privet patio where you can sit out and bar-b-que.
Cons – It is a little far off the beaten path. We went with a young child and did not rent a car. If you want to walk to the market or the casino, it’s about a 10 min walk or you can take the bus for 1 dollar and they run often. The beach is very small and could use a little cleaning. The pool was a little chilly, but very nice, Maybe because we went in May and the water did not have a chance to warm up yet. The timeshare itself could use some fixing up. Some new paint and carpets would help.

Overall the Guanahani Village was a good place to stay. Even though it could use some updating, the place is clean and large with a kitchen and that was the reason we stayed here. They have a nice tennis court and the pool area is also adequate. They offer a 5 gallon bottle of water for 5 dollars and a bag of ice for 4 dollars, take them up on it. The staff was very friendly and helpful, they get an A++.

I love this place. It's true that it's age is starting to show, but I still love it. I have been here about ten times and have some hints to a better vacation.

1) Upgrade to an oceanfront condo. It's worth it. The units are much bigger and the two HUGE terraces overlook the ocean. There isn't even a comparison in my book. (I've stayed in both). I would pay double just to upgrade. The units on the ends are the best not only for the view but they have a little extra outdoor space.
2) If you like tennis, bring your own rackets and balls. There is a tennis court, but a lot of times there aren't any rackets and/or balls in the office.
3) RENT A CAR. The kitchens are great. But the grocery store is about 1/4 -1/2 mile or more down the road. Not fun schlepping groceries down the street in the heat, when you could be relaxing. Also, you will want the car to go to Altantis because the casino on cable beach is boring and nearly empty. (Although you can walk to the casino on cable beach via the road/sidewalk, it's not entirely safe late at night for females.) Also, the taxi cost to/from the airport is expensive ($27 for atlantis for one person, but slightly less to cable beach, but add surcharges for additional people.) And you can usually get a better rate by booking while still in the states. Go for the stick shift, it's a lot cheaper. The economy cars are much smaller than the economy class in the states. The cars are usually in less than perfect shape, a door handle or window control may be broken so don't expect an '05 altima or anything. But still VERY worth it from a practical point of view.
4) If you have room in your suitcase, bring some food. The prices in the grocery store (and everywhere on the island) are very expensive.
5) Bring patience. Bahamians are notorious for poor service and bad attitudes. It's amazing how anything gets done here. If you need the locals to be super friendly go to BVI.
6) Bring a snorkel and mask. There is a small man-made reef right off the beach.
7) Expect a small beach. The beach is TINY. Difficult, if not impossible to lay out on the beach. But the pool area is nice and right next to the beach. I'm a beach person, and I don't mind it.
8) Rooms: The bedroom upstairs on the third floor (oceanfront) is open to the stairway. It's on it's own floor, but there is no door. Not a big deal. The big, private terrace for that bedroom make that room my favorite. It has two twin beds. The master bedroom on the 2nd floor with a king size bed is large with lots of closet space and a huge window with a view of the ocean. The third bedroom is the runt of the litter. Whoever gets that one should pay less as it is not nearly as nice as the others.
9) Bring hangers. Sometimes there is enough, sometimes there isn't.
10) Make use of the grill. It's great.
11) Bring beach towels, your favorite soap and shampoo. I bring my own pillowcase too.
12) There is a washer and dryer in each unit.