THE BAHAMAS

Lying some 60 miles off the coast of South Florida and stretching as far south as Cuba, the Bahamas covers an area of more than 5,000 square miles and comprises more than 700 islands, most of which are totally uninhabited. Set in beautiful, crystal clear azure waters, these semi-tropical islands share a rich history and culture and were originally known by the Spanish name “Baja Mar”, meaning shallow waters or sea. It was in the Bahamas that Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World in 1492. English settlers arrived 150 years later and the Bahamas became a British colony in 1718. In 1973, the country gained full independence but it remains a member of the British Commonwealth and English is the official language.

Paradise Island, connected by bridge to the central Bahamian island of New Providence (where the capital Nassau is located), is home to one of the most exciting and glamorous resort hotels in the world. The Atlantis boasts the Caribbean's largest casino, a $15 million marina, lagoons, water park, restaurants, shops and bars.

GETTING TO THE BAHAMAS

There are direct flights to Nassau International Airport from several US cities, as well as London, Toronto and Montreal. Indirect flights change at Miami or Newark. Nassau International Airport (NAS) is around 15 miles from the Atlantis Resort & Casino. The journey takes some 30 minutes by car/taxi and costs around $30.

GETTING AROUND THE BAHAMAS

Getting around Nassau / Paradise Island is very easy. Metered taxis are located outside the hotels and may also be hired by the hour. Water taxis operate frequently between Nassau and Paradise Island. Buses run from the hotels to downtown Nassau several times a day. Cars and mopeds are available for rental. Please note that, as in the UK, Bahamians drive on the left side of the road.

ACCOMMODATION

Players who have won full prize packages on PokerStars will be notified of their hotel details by email. You do not need to make a hotel reservation. If you have any queries, please email pca@pokerstars.com.

For all other poker players, media and anyone else planning to attend the PCA, please see list of hotels below.

Atlantis Resort & Casino - to make a reservation at the Atlantis resort please
e-mail pca@pokerstars.com
Paradise Island
The Bahamas

Best Western Bay View Suites
Bayview Drive
Paradise Island
The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 363 2555
Email: bayview@batelnet.bs

Comfort Suites
Paradise Island Drive
Paradise Island
The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 363 3680
Email: hotelhelp@choicehotels.com

One & Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island
The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 321 3000
Email: reservations@oneandonlyresorts.com

Paradise Island Beach Club
Paradise Island
Nassau
The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 363 2523
Email: pibcreservations@vip-bahamas.com

Paradise Harbour Club & Marina
Paradise Island
The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 363 2992
Email: phc@coralwave.com

Hotel Riu
6307 Paradise Island
The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 363 3500
Email: hotel.paradiseisland@riu.com

USEFUL INFORMATION

Official language: English.

Currency:  the Bahamian Dollar (equivalent to US $).

Banks: Banking hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 to 15:00. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Automatic Bank Machines (ATMs) are located at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos, Rawson Square and major banks.

Visas:  EU and American citizens do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas but all travelers, including U.S. citizens need to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. Citizens from other countries should consult their travel agent.

International dialling code: + 1 242

Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST). All tournament times are local.

Tourist information: www.bahamas.com