How do these all inclusive resorts compare to some of the lesser priced options? Was thinking of doing a few nights around NYE and the Sandals resorts are quite a bit more expensive than some other places that seem pretty nice as well. Has anyone been, is the hotel, food and service just that much better?
Sandals Resorts- worth the price?
- Thread starter QuaZ2002
- Start date
I have but it was for my honeymoon over 12 years ago. It was amazing for that and at the price we paid well worth it. We probably would not stay in Ocho Rios again due to it's distance from the airport, but I'd happily visit one again.
That said, I haven't looked at prices in 12 years, so I don't know if it's still worth the price or not.
That said, I haven't looked at prices in 12 years, so I don't know if it's still worth the price or not.
My wife and I stayed at the Sandals in Barbados. We loved the hotel, it's pretty new and had excellent restaurants and nice pools. There isn't much of a night life which was fine for us. It's definitely not cheap, our week long trip cost us $5k all in with flights and excursions. I would do it again.
My wife and I did Sandals Whitehouse for our honeymoon 11 years ago. Everything was very nice and the price was decent considering all the included food and beverages. The staff was awesome almost to the point you felt bad. You could tell they had the best job in Jamaica and didn't want to lose it. Very friendly and accommodating. I would also rather have a cruise just merely for the ports giving variety but if you are looking to relax it is definitely worth it. I haven't checked prices lately either so not sure if they've gotten crazy.
I don't have much of a comparison but I've been to Sandals in St. Lucia and Montego Bay and had a great time both trips.
Sandals is the only all-inclusive resort I've been to and we did the butler suite both times, but it was a honeymoon so we didn't foot the bill other than the check out tip.
Sandals is the only all-inclusive resort I've been to and we did the butler suite both times, but it was a honeymoon so we didn't foot the bill other than the check out tip.
I think they are worth the money if you plan on staying at the resort for the majority of your meals. If you will be exploring the area a lot and not taking advantage of the "all-inclusiveness" then you may want a different resort. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food when we were there but a little disappointed in the drink options.
FYI - there are 4 Couples resorts in Jamaica, two in the Negril area and 2 in the Ocho Rios area. All I can add is we've been to 3 of the 4 and this year will be our 9th stay with them.
Check out the Hard Rock Punta Cana. It's kind of like Vegas except everything is "free."
We did our honeymoon at one of the St Lucia resorts. We had a really great time; I think you end up saving money on food/drink, but depends on how much you like to drink. For me, I didn’t want to end up with a $1,000 tab at the end of my honeymoon. You just need to weigh what’s important to you.
We haven’t done one since, but I wouldn’t totally rule it out for the future.
We haven’t done one since, but I wouldn’t totally rule it out for the future.
Did the same 7 years ago this month.
Weather was great, I think the only excursions we took was to YS falls and the Appleton run factory.
Kion at the pool bar could hook you up with whatever you wanted.
We enjoyed our stay.
Yeah, just looked up the prices for Sandals and still fairly competitive considering all you get (Assuming you just stay on the resort the entire time). I think I gained 7 lbs in 4 or 5 nights (Can't remember how long we stayed) from eating/drinking so much.
Now I want to go again, my wife and I could truly use a chance away like that again. I've been to a lot of amazing places, but my best trip memories still took place on that trip. Granted, it was the honeymoon, so that may have had something to do with it.
Now I want to go again, my wife and I could truly use a chance away like that again. I've been to a lot of amazing places, but my best trip memories still took place on that trip. Granted, it was the honeymoon, so that may have had something to do with it.
One tip someone gave us back then (I don't know if it still holds) is that if you're not that concerned with the room you get and you're booking far enough in advance (We booked almost a year in advance), just book the cheapest rooms they offer. Those tend to sell out and as new people try to book, they'll bump you up to higher rooms that are less likely to sell out. We got bumped up about 4 categories at no extra charge for doing so.
Wow - is that what it costs?
You could fly TPA to tons of European locales for less than that.
EDIT:
Just checked Google Flights for TPA-Punta Cana. Pretty much every rate regardless of the time of year came back at $250-$450/person. Did you mean $800 as in flights for 2?
Don't go to DR if good food is important to you. I've been 4 times, including Hard Rock, and the food sucks.
Concur with getting all inclusive, just way cheaper and it seems like any time you need food or a drink it is right there. It has been a while for us since we did something like this but if I remember when you do the all inclusive you get the typical free food everywhere; but you also get dinner at 1 of the good restaurants on site and if you want can add additional sit down dinners at the restaurants.
It depends on what type of foodie you are. For me, the food at Sandals was good, but not great. I'm not generally a snob over food however so I enjoyed it. same goes for liquor, good but not absolute top shelf stuff. Again, I'm not a snob about that so I was good. If you want to have the absolute best food then you'll be unhappy with with an all inclusive, but if you're generally happy with good food (I only really found their grill to be mediocre when I was there) then I completely concur.
When we did Sandals in Jamaica we did the Royal Caribbean because it was in close proximity to the Montego Bay location which has more night entertainment and more dining options. We only went once but it was nice to have the option. The Royal Caribbean has its own private island that has a nice quiet beach facing the resort, a good thai restaurant, and a nude beach on the north side.
We stayed at Sandals St. Lucia for our honeymoon. It was incredible and I would definitely return. The customer service and food were phenomenal. We did upgrade to a room with a private plunge pool overlooking the ocean. Fully stocked bar was a plus too. Sandals is worth it.
If I was to do it again, I'd do the Montego bay Location simply due to the proximity to the airport. That drive across the country to Ocho Rios is a bit of a beast. I don't know about the Negril location however.
Stayed at the one in the Bahamas. Was very nice. We got a 1 bedroom ocean view for honeymoon. Food is just ok, but because we booked so far in advance to it all very cheap. Loved the butler as well as just telling them what you like to drink and they have it ready in a private bar in your room. Would do it again.
We’ve been to all 3 sandals in st.lucia, negril, and ocho Rios. Last one was probably 8 years ago though. But overall we loved them but don’t go in with expectations that you’re eating at top US restaurants. Food to us was fine but i know some go thinking they are getting the best NYC restaurants. I love st. Lucia but it’s a ways down there. We’ve actually gone off resort in st. Lucia to eat at the coal pot, great restaurant on the water. I love the fact that i don’t have to worry about a bar tab or anything else while we are there. Our rooms have always been nice. I like Sandals grande (think that’s the one ski boat, etc) but my wife loved negril and still talks about it being one of her favorite vacations. We went day after hurricane and the place was empty so we got crazy nice 2 story room on beach. We went to St. Regis In Maldives this summer and think my wife like negril more. But miso soup in maldives was $35 and edamame was $32 so that might have had something to do with it.
Sandals St. Lucia for us and we loved it, but I do think Sandals charges more on name recognition alone. I'm sure there are better deals to be had.
Did not. Would not, but I grew up close to the beach so seems like a waste to do that for a vacation.
Bali and Komodo for us. If you ever want out of this world luxury let me recommend these two places:
https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanwana
https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanjiwo
and 7 days of diving on
https://www.aggressor.com/komodo.php
