Sandals Inn: Feels like our home away from home!

Sandals Carlyle or Sandals Inn as it seems they are calling it now is a hoe away from home. It is staffed by a talented group of employees who know how to connect with their guests. This was our second visit to the Carlyle and the first time we have ever returned to a resort in our 25 years of traveling. This location is on a public beach and requires shuttling to the other two large resorts, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean. With this said the minor inconvenience should be reflec [... read more]ted in the overall cost of the trip. The Carlyle Review: Staff: Very good to Excellent Rooms: Good to Very good - some do not have balcony's and are quite dated WIFI: Excellent Food: Very good to Excellent Bar: Very Good to Excellent - staff are engaging, beer is red stripe only (which is pretty good) alcohol is premium. The bar is as quiet as the resort which only has 50+ rooms. Internal Staff Provided/hosted Entertainment: Poor to very poor - I don't know what to say, it's really bad, staff are not well versed, competing music from the restaurant and the pool. Just bad! External Entertainment: Good - Show's that were brought to the site to perform, musical mainly very good. Night Life - Quiet - but you can hang out at the big resorts until late in the evening and partake in the loud fun filled environment. There are so many staff to thank but one that really stood out this time around was Dominique at the restaurant went over and above to make us feel very special and appreciated and we hope we made him feel the same way. He is very good at his job and his smile brightens even the sunniest of days. We believe that the Carlyle is the best kept secret in Jamaica and will definitely return one day. We would recommend it to anyone who can rationalize value for the dollar and appreciate it for what it is. A well priced Caribbean get away! Note: the questions below are inappropriate! Trip central should not concern themselves with my age or gender nor should recommending a hotel to a friend prompt mandatory information! I would recommend both Trip Central's services and this hotel but do not appreciate this attempt to gather personal information about my age, gender and friends email and home location. Not cool!

Sandals Halcyon Beach: What an experience of luxery

Our trip to Sandals Halcyon, Feb 16-23 2017, was an incredible experience. From the moment we turned off the busy, hectic street in St Lucia life seemed to stand still. Our butlers, Davina and Claudia, absolutely took care of us. Whether it was preparing our intinerary to letting us back in our room after a late night tranquility pool dip or nursing my hangover on the beach, they were exceptional examples of high service staffing. The food was great and we highly recommend Mark at the sushi stat [... read more]ion. Shari, Shani (sic) were great ladies to spend time with at the pool bar. As much as we loved Chewy we did find it imposing that on the first day he was hitting us up to rebook at this resort or others. I experienced this at the Bahia Principale resorts and found it off putting. Once I reviewed his quotes to us I was able to see some flaws in the pricing. The next time he approached us, once again as we drank and socialized, my husband discussed the pricing with him. Chewy agreed that his quotes did not include air flight, prices were in CDN but would convert to US funds and the stay was only 5 days not the 7 we always book for. Unfortunately, everybody sitting with us heard this conversation also and realized maybe early booking is not cost effective for Canadians. As much as the advertising implies that ALL is exclusive at Sandals I found that not to be the case. On day 2 we had the spa ladies approach us, as we were enjoying our time, and talk about some personal therapy. I was not interested but between the girls and my husband I agreed to a manicure. I hate that stuff but ok. When I got the $ 50.00 bill I was pissed!! When I questioned it nobody ever explained. And I bet it's in USD funds too! I enjoy local vendors on sight but was once again disturbed at the prices and the labels on the clothing were not local. The dresses I saw on sale poolside were 7 times more expensive than what I have purchased at other high end resorts. As Canadian funds do not seem to get respect as real currency I was disappointed that no funds conversion was done at front desk. Never seen this before and it did effect our tipping out for staff unfortunately. BUT these issues did not effect our enjoyment level at all!! I think the grounds were incredible, the room choices, no matter where they were, offered a unique view. Kane, who stopped by regularily, was a great source of information, whether it was daily maintenance updates or lugging our baggage about. Very nice young man. So thank you to Sandals Halcyon and staff for a great time!

Sandals Inn: Super Holiday

This is the sixth time we have visited this resort and it still maintains the charm it had the first time. Quiet and intimate yet allows you to visit the other 2 resorts via a shuttle. Due to the high repeat of visitors we were able to connect with people who have been coming over the years. While it is not the normal 5 star rating that the other Sandals location have it still provides the typical Sandals philosophies and amenities.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort: Disapointment

There is not enough room here to list all of the problems we had with Sandals Ochi. 1. Concierge Check-in, took about an hour and a half. 2. Reserving dinners, took 2 days to get this done, with lots of arguing with concierge. 3. Room was in the "babbling brooks" section, water not running, disgusting smell, trees being cut down all week, brooks empty of water. 4. Dislocated my finger while there, nurse had no water, ice, bandages or interest in helping. 5. Almost no drink service, and whe [... read more]n we went to the bar, mostly ignored by bar staff. 6. No seating at pools unless you get up at 6am to claim your spot. 7. Dinner service very slow, waited 3 hours one night for dinner. 8. Twice ordered Crown Royal, whatever came out of the Crown Royal bottle was not Crown Royal, some sort of scotch. 9. In room bar was the cheapest alcohol I have ever seen. 10. By far the tiniest resort room I have ever seen. Overall, our group will not be going to Sandals again.

Sandals Emerald Bay: Really grows on you!

Beautiful grounds and buildings still showing signs of hurricane recovery. Loved the beach walks and golf course...also for walking. The quiet pool with cabanas was appreciated. A resort for older adults as well as younger...very accessible.

Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa: Underwhelmed

While the beach was wonderful, the setting gorgeous and the room lovely, the service was less then stellar and food just okay. Really disappointed in the service, it was slow, often our drinks were forgotten or came after our meal was complete, room service took almost an hour each time for breakfast and we rarely saw our butlers, some days we never even saw them at all. Way overpriced for the level of service.

Sandals Negril: Amazing...as usual!!

So this is our 4th stay at this resort and once again it did not disappoint,the staff is phenomenal...they go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable and relaxed as possible,always with a smile and/or singing as they go,they are such a wonderful bunch!!!Now as for the food that too is 5 star,from the seafood to the steak and even the desserts everything was excellent.So our one and only complaint was the room which was very Caribbean(which I liked)but dated and run down,we were told th [... read more]at renovations will be done to them this year as the rest of the resort has already been done and it was quite noisy as the building next to us was for,I believe room service.This is the only resort we've ever been to so we have nothing to compare it to but I believe why mess with something so great so we booked for next year and I'm looking forward to it already.Thanks tripcentral and Kim Hartlan our travel agent.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort: Sandals Ochi Beach Resort

We went to this resort with 3 other couples and stayed in the honeymoon hideaway rooms on the beach/sea side of the resort. The airport shuttle bus was a full size travel bus that we waited to be fully loaded before leaving the airport, then travelled a few hours to the resort. (The bus made a 30 min stop, encouraged people to get off and have a 'look around'). We were met on arrival and told to wait to be taken to the concierge. After some time we were herded with several other couples into  [... read more]a small waiting room and checked in after about an hour or so. Sa-J however, was incredibly helpful and tried to improve our experience and get us food and drink while we waited. We were led to our rooms which were not much more than a basic hotel room. The advertised 'babbling brooks' were not babbling, the only thing in them was a bad smelling sludge until the last day of our vacation. There was a small balcony, but we were on the ground floor near a walkway. When we opened our balcony door passer by's were able to see directly into our room and we heard the very loud sound of service carts clankering by our room at all hours. We attempted to make reservations through the concierge at a few of the restaurants where this was required. We were met with resistance and a lot of 'no, that's not possible' comments stating that they were unable to accomodate group reservations. This did get done after several hours of persistence and speaking with manager after manager. The food (other than room service) was quite good and other than it took 3 hours or so to have a sit down meal, I thought it was really good. Drinks were good, again-other than the fact that it took quite some time to get a drink and some staff seemed quite inconvenienced by the request. We did meet a few service people that stood out and were really fantastic (Reginald at the Polo lounge, Milton who seemed to be a manager of the restaurants on the hillside and Natoya that we seemed to run into at every restaurant sea side). Unfortunately most of the other employees we met were evasive, avoided eye contact and not friendly. The pool at the hillside was large, clean and well maintained (along with the grounds), the pools on the beach side were not nearly as large or maintained. If you choose to go, I would highly recommend staying hillside. We thought we would want to be closer to the action (restaurants, night life, etc), but we ended up taking the hop hillside almost everyday-it is just generally nicer. The playmakers did an amazing job at entertaining. They were inclusive, funny, engaging and made our experience better-this particularly goes out to Chad who was incredible. Also...there are random cats (some pretty mangy) all over the resort. It's a bit bizarre and kind of put us off. I do recommend the snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding...well worth doing and the self proclaimed 'Fat Albert' that water shuttled us to the snorkelling site just off shore was great. We witnessed one of their swing benches by the manor pool hillside break with 2 people on it. They fell to the ground hitting their heads off the concrete. We ran over them to see if they were ok, the lifeguard was more concerned about getting them up from the pool deck before anyone else seeing the incident than ensuring the people were ok before moving them. We are Paramedics in Ontario and had huge concern with this incident (probably more than any other concern we had), both of them had pretty large bumps on their head and the man seemed quite dazed. Overall, we were able to find places in this resort that we enjoyed and had a great week. We are really not that hard to please as a group (despite this rambling review) and can have fun anywhere, but after quite a bit of travelling I consider the price point for this resort quite high and the value lower than what you would expect from a 5 star resort. It's more like a 4 or solid 3 1/2 star kind of place. Based on this travel experience, I would never travel to a Sandals again and would be hard pressed to vacation to Jamaica again.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort: Fabulous Vacation - First Time at Sandals

My husband and I travelled to Ochi Beach Sandals resort for a fabulous vacation. You do have to take the hop to get from the hillside to the beach but it runs every 5 minutes and is only a 2 minute ride. The beach is not long but they do have multiple sections of beach front with floating docks. The pools are everywhere and always lots of activities happening.

Sandals Emerald Bay: A wonderful spot!

A short ride from the airport, this is in a quiet location with handy golf course. We paid for Butler service in order to have the reduced golf rates as my husband wanted to play every day. The accommodation was among the nicest we've enjoyed after visiting over 28 five star all inclusive's. Having our breakfast brought to our balcony each morning by one of our two butlers was a treat. Garth or Jackson then saved a cabana by the Quiet Pool (there is another larger pool which is more active with  [... read more]swim up bar), left a cooler stashed with my preferred beverages and checked on me late morning, sometimes bringing snacks and more refreshments. The cabanas, offering good shade, were always nabbed first so that was one less thing to do or worry about. There aren't a lot of places for dinner like some all inclusive's but our favourite was the Barefoot on the Beach (go for the rum soaked cake for dessert) and the Parisienne where it was possible to nab one of the few tables set up outside if you time it right. Why eat indoors when you can eat under the stars in such beautiful weather? One night they offered a special Martini Bar near the Parisienne which was fun.The golf course was good (be prepared to lose a lot of balls) and there are really nice tennis courts. We'd definitely return.

Sandals South Coast: SNOOZEFEST never ever again!!!!!!

Thought we would treat ourselves to the "BEST" Sandals ever.....wasted alot of money, since it was Geriatrics, many wheelchairs, scooters and people that may want the slowest Sandals going. Nothing against the elderly, but when BINGO is the highlight of the afternoon at the most exciting pool there, I wanted to run, but no where to go. Lobby has ZERO wine, coffee, water, drinks, let alone a cup to be seen! Room mediocre, without room service or bar. ONE indoor bar "Martini Bar" where four  [... read more]people are falling asleep due to the lack of music or excitement in bar tender. Food ok, but don't go to jerk shack. The jerk shack "soup nazi" will mess it up and demand you sit and wait for your medallion-sized piece of white meat. Dinners closed by 9 pm (everyone's in bed), and common denominator was slow-mode. The good? Grounds beautiful, staff nice, but in Jamaican time to serve you. Spa nice, ladies amazing, tv outtage for two days though. Adrian, the manager, tried to accommodate us, but his hands were tied, as this is a place for my mother. Been to other Sandals, much more exciting. If it wasn't for the high cost, I couldn't complain. We were not alone in our thoughts, after meeting another couple that spent $12000 for ten days and couldn't get out fast enough. Sadly disappointed and yes, it's great for couples who want to snooze, but not for us. And we're not that old!

Sandals Royal Bahamian: 5th Anniversary Celebration

The hotel is very beautiful. Most of the staff are new. The quality of the service is not at the Sandals standard yet but I believe they will get there. The upper management and staff that have years under their belt are well trained. The food, rooms and everything else are all amazing. The pools was cold because the weather is cool there now. If you have any concerns please use the internal website sabdals.blazeloop.com and management will rectify your problem right away. It really works.

Sandals South Coast: Wonderful visit - but?

We have just returned from a week at Sandals South Coat (Whitehouse). We had a fabulous week - unfortunately with a couple of reservations. The good - the weather, the setting, the grounds, the sand, cleanliness and wonderful staff (mostly). We were in the French village with a walkout room which was some distance from everything except Schooners. The room wasn't updated but was clean and had a very very large comfortable bed. We ate in all restaurants except two and food was great except for a [... read more] couple of hiccups. Our best memories - Cobb salad and Jamaican pattie for lunch at Schooners, drinks before and after dinner at bar outside Neptunes, wonderful pastries at about 4 pm at Café Paris, breakfast at Bayside with baked beans, sailing catamaran in the bay. There were many other fabulous memories. Unfortunately the bad The trip to and from airport was taxing- even though we had a limo on the way. Every morning we were awoken by lifeguard turning on music very very loud at pool and he would make these silly bird sounds. Same lifeguard would hassle us to fold umbrella while we were still using it late afternoon. One afternoon a group put on ACDC at the pool so loud you couldn't think - but nobody did anything and we all packed up and left the area. Clean towels would arrive at various times and butlers would reserve all the best lounger locations in spite of that not being allowed. Eleanors - service was disgusting. Waitresses on night we went there were outside dancing to Country singer. Next morning for breakfast the same women were waitressing. Three times we asked for coffee and mamosas with no result so we left and went to Bayside buffet. I felt that paying for Sandals meant I could enjoy a breakfast away from a usual buffet - not so. We went to buffet for rest of stay and it was great. Twice we had to wait for a table in restaurants even though some tables were empty because they were reserved by butlers with flowers. This made us feel like second class interlopers and upset our experience at each instance. Pasta in Italian restaurant was dreadful as was Tuna steak in Neptunes. Lastly - for 2 days in Italian village jack hammers were breaking concrete - if I had paid extra to stay there I would not have been happy - and for 4 days at French village beach there was concrete mixer and tractor running back and fore along beach. This was being done to improve "my experience" apparently. They are building "over the water bungalows" which will ruin the beach view for those in cattle class like us. I don't think I may visit again. Incidentally we took a trip to Sandals Negril which left me feeling happy to be at South Coast and I will not visit. Below it asks would I recommend - not sure - but not worth the extra $1000 each we have paid above other places we have been.

Sandals Royal Bahamian: Beautiful resort!

The rooms were modern, large and very clean. The gardens were well kept. There was a variety of options for places to relax and ample space any time of day to find your preferred spot. The food is always excellent as is the hospitality.

Sandals Emerald Bay: Beautiful romantic getaway

This resort is absolutely beautiful and very clean!! The staff is so sweet and helpful! Very quiet resort, great for romance. Only issue was the sand flees. Make sure to bring after bite as deet will not work 100%.

Sandals Emerald Bay: A Slice of Paradise

Just spent seven nights from Jan 22-29 and I have to say this place is beautiful and spectacular in every way. The grounds were stunning and meticulously maintained. The staff were all so polite. I don't think there was ever an employee that walked past us that didn't make some sort of greeting. It always felt genuine. The food was delicious at every restaurant we tried. I appreciate the vegetarian options and gluten free. I actually prefer The A La cart style service at the restaurants vs  [... read more]buffet offered by other resorts. I find I over do it when the option to over do it is there. The room we stayed in might have been one of the recently updated ones. It was spacious, clean and furnished nicely. Loved the view of the ocean. One of the most amazing parts about this place is the beach! It is so beautiful. All I can say is wow! The water is so clear and the many shades of blue is breathtaking. The sand is raked every day. The sand flies are brutal in the early morning and sundown, but that would be expected, so wear protection. The swimming pool is really nice and huge. We never had a problem finding chairs, but if you want some of the "prime seating" you definitely have to be up early to mark the chairs. The golf course was stunning. I am not a golfer but went with my boyfriend just to admire the views of the last 9 holes. It's worth it just for that. If you're there you have to do the swimming with the pigs excursion. It's worth the money and there's so much more than swimming with pigs. I did the half day tour from 8:30-1:00 and it was just enough adventure. If you're thinking of staying here don't hesitate it's worth it.

Sandals Montego Bay: Great Resort

The grounds were well maintain, the pool area was kept clean as was the beach. The Staff were very Friendly and Helpful with any issues that we encounter. The only complaint that I would have was the variety of food was limited and that depending on your room type no alcohol was in the Bar Fridge in the room.

Sandals Grande Antigua: Above and beyond excellence

The resort was amazing from top to bottom, amazing Staff from the GM, Mr. G to food and beverage manager Gus and all the staff at the Aqua centre, Fern, Alex and Kieran to name but a few. All the employees were very friendly and always had a smile to offer. We will definitely be back sometime in the future.

Sandals Royal Bahamian: Sandals Bahamas

3 night stay. Friday thru Monday. Check in was slow and a bit over the top. At least 30 mins to get thru process where they try to explain everything. Personal escort to the room where baggage arrived later. Grounds are very nice but the beach is realitively small and not really walkable. Food is acceptable but not anything to write home about. Only real complaint would be that after a Friday arrival and a day at the beach Saturday we returned to our room at 5:00 to find it hadn't been cleaned. [... read more] Getting ready for dinner 1 HR later a knock at the door to clean the room was not well received. We simply got a few new towels and sent her in the way. Sunday was no better...again we returned to a room that hadn't been touched. Really! Should also note that a Late nite snack plate sat outside our room for 3 days and was still there when we left in Monday . Must say staff are friendly but that is my experience with all Bahamian residents. It was my first sandals experience would try again but not in Nassau.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort: Not a trip...it's an experience!

Just got back from Sandals Ochi to the freezing cold. Once you get over the 90min bus ride, the pampering starts. Winsome (housekeeping) was an amazing person. Garfield (front entrance) looked out for us everyday. Fruit plates and desserts showed up at our door constantly. The grounds are immaculate and there is always something to do. The beach is never overcrowded and your glass never empty. We never encountered one single unhappy or unfriendly staff member. During your entire stay, if  [... read more]you want/need *anything*, just ask. you won't wait long until your request is fulfilled. If you return home unhappy, it's your fault, no theirs. Can't wait to go back! PS.....if you book through Tripcentral.ca, speak to Jackie. There isn't much she doesm't know about Sandals and her advice can give you a big head start before you get there!! Thanks, Jackie!