Sandals Grande Riviera Beach Resort, Ocho Rios

While staying at Sandals Ochos Rios in March 2007 our room was robbed and we lost cash, credit cards and other valuables. We felt very violated and angry. To this date, January 2008, we have not received the refund they promised us for this trauma. This was not the only problem. We booked a different Sandals in Jamaica but on arrival were told that we had to go to Ochos Rios due to the other resort being sold out and that we would have a suite.....two and a half hours later after a crowded bus ride we had no suite and no apology. The service was poor. The food was below average and stray cats roamed the outdoor restaurants even jumping on the chairs beside us---nice touch. It is not safe and not as represented.

We have been to this resort twice. If you want a bigger Sandals resort, with both a beach and garden side, this resort is for you. There is a lot of different activities, excursions, and restaurants. I highly recommend this resort to my family and friends.

By Herb Rubinstein This fabulous and famous resort known as a top wedding spot now has a new feature: a unique Butler Service that is being offered in their Concierge Suites. I recently had an opportunity to experience first hand this new service. Arriving at Sandals, Ocho Rios one is immediately taken by the lush vegetation and the manicured grounds�this fine property goes from white sand ocean front to hills overlooking the coastline, a rise of over 600�. Upon checking in, my butler, Franklyn, met me at reception, streamlined the checking in process, and had my bags delivered to my rooms. Upon my arrival I discovered that all my clothes had been expertly put away. Franklyn then sat down with me and explained the many options I had for my stay. Then I was handed a cell phone with a direct connection to him, so I could call whenever he was needed �I will make your dinner reservations for you and escort you to dinner to make sure all is in order, I will take your drink or wine order and get you settled in, if you ever need me, just call on the cell�. This Butler program has been in effect for a year now and it is very successful. Each candidate is trained by The Guild of Professional English Butlers of London, England. David Roper, General Manager, told me �The success of our program is proven by how many butlers get hired away by guests, it shows how well we train them�. So successful that Sandals is now implementing this service in other properties. Since weddings are one of the main attractions at Sandals Ocho Rios, the butler service has become very much in demand. Anyone who has been thru planning a wedding knows that there are a multitude of last minute things to do and decide. Having someone right by your side that knows everything and everyone at the resort can greatly help all go smoothly. Having someone to arrange all your activities, making sure you get to them on time, press your clothes, serve you coffee or meals in your room and then the absolute best, having Franklyn pack my bags. I am the world�s worst packer, so I just let Franklyn do it all and guess what? I had space left over in the same suitcase that I brought in stuffed. Have to learn to fold like that. I felt as if I had been transported to a magical realm of luxury and opulence, where kind and courteous service had been developed into an art. Ahhhhh, thank you, Franklyn, for providing for me a taste of the good life.

Food OK When restaurants are actually Open Rooms Dirty/Moldy/Broken AC Bus Ride Long no A/C Staff inattentive no management around ever Ceiling had cracks Hair in Bathroom Entertainment was horrible Layout not accurate road through property Extra charges for everything fun DO Not DIVE here it is an atrocity Staff just plain lazy Beggars by beach ask for money, drinks, rides Etc. etc. Contact me for pictures and proof, we received a full refund minus airline tickets.

We recently visited Sandals in Ocho Rios and had a great time. Aside from the lowsey water conditions when we went snorkeling, which isn't the hotel's fault and the rain, we had a wonderful time. Breakfast was great and it's nice to leave all of your belongings (i.e. money, wallets, and keys) behind and head to dinner. There is no one heckling you for tips either. This was the best value overall b/c unlike Club Med's, everthing is including (food, drinks, activities, shuttles to other resorts, etc.) We also got a $250 credit that we could use to buy souveniers and pictures. We would go back, although I think that Dunn's River has nicer rooms.

We went to Sandals G.O.R. for our honeymoon in March 2007 and had a blast! The 100 minute ride from the airport may be kind of long, but the buses are air conditioned and the roads are paved for probably 80% of the way, so it's very bearable. Once you're on the resort, the service is unbelievable at times. Twice I was walking back to my table from the buffet and a server grabbed the plate out of my hand to carry it for me. And if you're lying on the beach and need a refill, just ask, there's no need to even get up. It's the little things like that that set Sandals apart. And you won't hear any of the complaints that you usually hear about island resorts. There are always plenty of clean dry beach towels available, and mosquitoes are no problem [mon]. The food is very good. We ate pretty early every night and didn't have a problem getting a table once. There's a pretty good variety between the 8 restaurants, but I think the most reliably delicious meal I had (multiple times) was the jerk chicken sandwich off the grill - now that's something you can't get back home! We wanted to go to Kimono's at the Dunn's River resort one night, but I waited until Wednesday to try to get a reservation there and they were booked until Sunday. So if you want to go there you should try calling the first day you're there. Definitely take advantage of the water sports. We went snorkeling twice. The first time they took us to the "outside", which is past the reef, and we got to see hundreds of different fish. The second time the water was too choppy so we stayed inside the reef and it wasn't as good. Snorkeling, sailing, water trikes - it's all included. And obviously, the Dunn's River Falls tour is an absolute must. A lot of fun and worth the $35/person. I should say that the beach isn't the greatest. It's not very wide, but the various pools are very nice. Look for Andrew around the Grove Pool if you're looking to join an impromptu water volleyball game.

We have stayed on this property 20 times and will be there for reunion week Apr.07. We have also stayed at five other Sandals in the Carribean and lots of other name resorts. We really like the island of Jamaica, and have been visiting there since 1987(33 trips). We love the whole resort. There is a quieter Riveria (beach) side and the large active pool on the Manor side (mountian). You can find anything you want to do or a quiet place to relax. The staff(from housekeeping,grounds keeper to management)is always friendly and eager to assist you. We always meet new friendly guests and enjoy seeing others from previous stays. The food is excellent, rooms clean, spa wonderful, grounds well manicured. The ride isn't that bad from the airport. The new highway is nearly finished....Guys,you should have seen the roads before. Get a beer at the airport and enjoy. The ocean is great, sunsets beautiful and you are at a very romantic place. Will go again, & again.....

My husband and I just returnded from Sandals O.R., where we spent our 25th anniversary. It was wonderful!!! The grounds are just beautiful, and the staff were all we could hope for and more. We stayed on the St. Anne side, which is wonderful for couples who want a little more privacy than the standard "resort." (We had a "shared pool" but no one else used it.) It's a bit of a distance from the beach, but there's always a shuttle bus to take you there within 5 minutes, and if the beach isn't your thing, you can stay at the "Manor Pool" for a week without getting bored. We didn't like that some of the beach was boxed in by the "boardwalk," but makes a perfect swim area for anyone worried about sharks and other "ocean terrors." We found the food wonderful, though you have to show up early for Valentino's or Orchid's and put your name in or you'll never get in. (The "private dinner on the beach" is well worth the extra cost if you want a little extra romance!!) The road to the resort is narrow in spots and not paved in others, but not as horrible as we were led to believe. Don't let it stop you from coming here!

I was a bit shakey with a few reviews i read but once i arrived, i give Sandals Ocho Rios TWO THUMBS up! It was one of the most relaxing, peacefull,and romantic experience i've had and I've been to most islands already! We spent 6 nights in their Honey moon villa suites w/ private pool and it was very secluded and quiet! Everyone minus less then a hand full were absolutely wonderful! Party Boat to Dunns River that Sandals offered was a perfect 10 and their water sports were enough to keep busy! Water was always clean! Room spotless, and everyone was pleasant! Room was great! Air Conditioned well and extrememly clean! I must say the food was OK but with all the free liquor, Champagne, and food you can get!!!! i have NOOOO complaints!!!! Locals outside the hotel were great! Day of shopping in the local shopping district was amazing and their history was too much to retain!!! Do recomment the Chukka ATVing and the HorseBack riding!!! Their RedLIne SPA was a great experience! Their PHOTOSHOP was professional and most importantly, they caught our amazing actions pics!!! Definately aPLUS!!!! So if you're thinking about going to any other Sandals on the island....try this one!!!! You'll love it!

My husband and I visited the resort last summer to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. We had the time of our lives. We were very relaxed the entire time, our room was wonderful and clean, the service was impeccable, and the food in every restaurant was fantastic. We would go back to Grande Ocho Rios in a heartbeat. We highly recommend this resort to everyone. We would like to go to another Sandals Resort someday, hopefully we can. We are still talking about our vacation at Grande Ocho Rios. In our hearts forever...