Advantages: Good all inclusive package and right on beach - literally! Disadvantages: Rooms bit small for families if in standard room type
...was this one - the Beaches Sandy Bay - we had a good look around and also had some lunch whilst there so I will advise my opinion on the hotel from my point of view.
What is Beaches:
First of all I will explain what the Beaches properties are. You may or may not have heard of the Sandals name which is an Ultra all inclusive chain of hotels in the Caribbean. By ultra all inclusive it means everything is thrown in including all service charges, food, ... ...the lowest end of the Beaches properties called Beaches Sandy Bay and is located in Negril in Jamaica.
First impressions:
As you pull up to the hotel you cannot miss the rather large sign outside that is the 'Beaches' logo - the main entrance looks quite nice with a large spacious area and high ceilings that the breeze can blow through from the pool and beach area. However you certainly cannot mistake the very flowery print of the chairs which ...
Advantages: All-Inclusive, Food, Drinks, Ammenities Disadvantages: Bus Ride From Airpot.
AWESOME! This was my first trip to Jamaica, and all I can say is that is was great.
The staff was awesome, and are all VERY nice and will help you with ANYTHING you need.
The All-Inclusive part of the stay was also a first for me, and I have nothing bad to say about it. The food was great no matter where we ate, and the premium drinks were well done.
If you are going to Jamaica and have kids, this is the place to go, with 3 pools, slides, Xbox ... ...wrong.
The people who work there are not only very helpful, but are very efficient as well.
MUST go at least once!
OK now some info:
The rooms were spacious, and clean. 2 double beds that were pretty comfortable and we slept well. The couch had a pull out bed so one of us could sleep on it. We als had a mini fridge that was stocked every day, and all items in it were included, no extra fees. We had a patio right off our room, and we were supplied ...
Advantages: everything is perfect! Disadvantages: A bit far out to Ocho Rios town centre
Last year myself and husband travelled to this hotel, which had only recently been opened and had the most amazing honeymoon!
On arrival to the hotel reception area is massive but still welcoming, and check in to the hotel was quick and easy which is what we needed after the long flight from the UK.
Once we got up to the room, we were really happy, lovely seaview huge balcony ( double the size of soe of the others) and a king size bed which could ... ...you also have a restocked fridge everyday and 4 spirits on Optics which are replaced when empty, Vodka, Gin and appleton rum i think.
The restaurants and food are out of this world, the breakfasts were huge with everything from full english cooked breakfast, to freshly made omlettes, pancakes, cereals and large selection of cold meats cheeses and fruits. They also make Fresh Juices every morning with fresh fruit - gorgeous. Lunch is again huge selection ...
Advantages: Lots of facilities and good choice of restaurants Disadvantages: Rooms are more basic than you'd probably expected
...The hotel:
The Sunset Jamaica Grande is a hotel in the 'Sunset' group of hotels. The hotel is the largest of the three in the group and is rated as a 4 star standard. The hotel is made up of one main building and two tower blocks which are very easy to spot from a distance due to their bright yellow colour! Location:
The hotel sits on the edge of the bay and in a prime position directly on the beach which is also private to hotel guests. The hotel ... ...Bay airport. Across from the hotel in the opposite bay is where all the cruise ships dock - far enough away for there to be any noise disruption but, close enough to watch them go by.
First impressions:
I knew what it looked like from looking at it on the internet and from pictures in brochures so I knew what to expect in terms of the building exterior but, it really does hit you how big the hotel is as you pull up. The lobby is very large with ...
Advantages: beautiful beach, fantastic buffet Disadvantages: other resturants very poor
...this is where i felt Sandals really let us down. Dont get me wrong the buffet was FANTASTIC- the choice was out of this world but the italian and "gourmet silver service" was useless. the pizza and spag bol we ordered could have been from the freezer section in Tescos and the gourmet silver service was laughable. The pork medallions i ordered were pork chops! The oriental restaruant which you had to book for was ok but this really was only because ... ...beach holiday where you dont have to tip, food and alcohol is in plentiful supply and the beach is beautiful then go for it! we dont regret it as we did want to do the sandals experience but i think it perhaps didnt quite live up to our expectations ...
it has good capacity (*)
