Disappointed
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 7/12/11
My husband and I, along with my sister and brother-in-law and another couple just returned from a week-long stay at Sandals Royal Caribbean. What a disappointment. The photographer for the website must be taking photographs through magic lenses because this resort is nothing like what is portrayed on the website. We chose this resort based on the "luxury included" trademark. Luxury was included if you wanted to pay a hefty up-charge. Our room was number 50 in the main lobby building and was very standard; not at all what I expected from a resort like this and for the money we paid. It was a basic hotel room. The problem we had was that the room was first of all in desperate need of updating and there was no balcony. We had requested a Deluxe room with a garden view. The only view we had was out of the only window in the room. All we could see were the tops of the trees and vines over the French Restaurant. So in order to have any natural light in our room, or a view we had to have the curtains open making it open for everyone who walked by able to see into our room. We complained and we were told we could upgrade at a cost, but there was nothing available. Also, we asked to have beer brought to the room, we could have that if we wanted to upgrade to a concierge suite or buy a case of beer for $41. So much for all-inclusive and “luxury included”. Last year we vacationed in Punta Cana at Excellence Resorts EVERYTHING and then some was included for a cost that was less than we paid at Sandals. The resort itself was okay but the “Sandals Difference” is way over-rated. For as luxurious as this resort is suppose to be, it should have been maintained and run much better.
Here is a breakdown of what we saw.
STAFF- Seemed very sad – most everyone, except those who were obviously management, was friendly but the atmosphere was not what we expected. There were a very small handful of the staff that were actually jolly. Those who were in management positions were downright rude at times. The nurse, however, was an absolute pumpkin. The staff are not allowed to take tips, but we managed to sneak tips to most of our wait staff, who were very appreciative. Even if we couldn’t, they knew we were trying and thanked us. They work very hard for what I am sure is very little pay, so be nice to them. They all seemed to be on edge with the management staff constantly around like vultures. Based on how the management staff were toward us that were guests, I am sure they treat the help worse.
POOLS – Seemed nice, but small. We stayed mostly on the main beach chunk and didn’t swim in the pool.
GROUNDS – Seemed fairly well maintained. Noticed garbage on the water’s edge in the morning. People clean up after yourselves.
FITNESS ROOM- Is not air conditioned, so be prepared to sweat…A LOT….
ROOMS – Our friend’s rooms were nice, but ours was a dump.
BUGS – DO NOT forget to bring bug spray.
CATS- There are quite a few cats around the resort. Poor things no one seems to feed them. We fed them every chance we got. Our last day we got in trouble for feeding them. Bring cat food and don’t listen to the animal haters.
BEACH - The beach areas are small. Work was being done on the main beach chunk while we were there. We made friends with the men doing the work. Hi Kermit. We miss you. They were very nice and did their best not to disturb the guest. They were very proud to be making the beach “fluffy” for us.
BARS - Typical all-inclusive.
FOOD- Food was good. The best is the beach grill. Everything on the menu is delicious. Service was impeccable. Cricketers is also good. Look for Deon. He is a hoot. XXOO to him.
SUMMARY – The trip wasn’t a total disaster. It is what it is and we made the best of it and had fun. We won’t be back and we will never stay at another Sandals again, anywhere. My heart breaks for the kitties and the sad employees.