Bahamas Hotel Association President Jeremy MacVean told the Bahama Journal Monday that many hotels prefer families staying in the same rooms with teenagers during this time of the year.
“We don’t want that market,” Mr. MacVean said. “It’s a lot serener and you get a lot less damage that way.”
Mr. MacVean, who is also the manger at Comfort Suites on Paradise Island, said that his hotel is among those that do not accept spring breakers.
When a hotel accepts large numbers of college students on their week-long trips, “things could get a little bit out of hand,” he added.
But not all hotels are turning away spring breakers.
Manager of the Holiday Inn Junkanoo Beach Larry Williams said because of past experiences, his hotel has implemented several new security measures for the large amount of spring breakers who stay at the hotel.
“We have created a letter welcoming all of the spring breakers and also asking them to respect the rules that we have provided for them, if not they would face serious penalties,” Mr. Williams said.
He said that his hotel requires spring breakers to pay an additional security deposit and has implemented a curfew programme for them.
“The spring breakers are not allowed to come into the hotel at a certain time and are not allowed to disturb the other guests,” he said.
General Manager of the Nassau Wyndham Resort Robert Sands added that his hotel expects a large number of spring breakers this year and is prepared to handle any problems that may arise.
Speaking to the Bahama Journal Monday, Bob Kerr, public officer in the United States Embassy, reminded spring breakers that they must abide by this country’s laws.
“They are a guest here,” he said. “The positive message to them is to enjoy themselves and their time and just be careful and cognizant and respectable to the Bahamian law.”
The United States Department has ranked the Bahamas and Cancun Mexico as two of the hottest spring break destinations.
In its ‘Fact Sheet’ for the Bahamas, the State Department warns, “Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes and deaths suffered by students. Violent crime such as rape often happens at night or in the early morning hours, and frequently involve alcohol and the club environment.”
The fact sheet further advised spring breakers to exercise caution and good judgment to help ensure that their safety in the Bahamas is pleasant and safe.
Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
