That's not entirely true - it depends on what you want to do at Atlantis. If you only want to tour the aquarium and "The Dig", you can buy tickets on the lower level of the main lobby (the entrance out to The Dig) and they will give you a wrist-band. I believe the cost was around $27 or $28 per adult (less per child). You cannot use any of the pools or waterslides without purchasing a room there or at the Quality Inn etc. My family and I just did the tour without purchasing a room or swimming.