Just returned from Sans Souci. I stayed at the resort March 14-22, 2005. I actually was a repeat client -last time at the resort was 8 years ago--& would NOT return based on maintenance & service issues.

Ocean--For newcomers to Sans Souci--there is no way to sugar coat the fact that the two beaches on property are for "looking at" not "swimming in"-this is not the resort for you if you are an avid snorkeler--trust me-you will be disappointed.

Room--The room we were put in was in the "B" block & was called "an ocean view jacuzzi suite" The rooms are spacious-but run down-(peeling paint-cracks in ceiling/floor, clothing rod in closet falling down, broken safe, broken ceiling fan.) The "ocean view" consisted of a view of the beach bar --if you want privacy--DO NOT stay in building A or B. We requested a room change & even though the resort was only 50% full-we were shown the "only" room available which was in identical condition to the first--so we stayed--could be worse--at least there were clean sheets & towels. We met other couples with similar room complaints-one couple was originally in the "d" building-& were upgraded to a penthouse suite after calling their travel agent.....do not settle on the room--we should have fought it--but were too tired after the 2 hour drive from the airport--

Airport drive--unlike some of the other travelers--we were aware of the drive--seems as though some travel agents are omitting this small detail--it is a long ride--scenic--bumpy--took dramamine & had no problems--Upon arrival in Montego Bay we did have to wait over an hour for other passengers to arrive & lost the entire first beach day.

Spa services--were just ok--not the quality of a 5* resort--this was based on my experience w/ 2 massages, a pedicure & manicure--the rooms that the services are in are amazing-directly overlooking the water--but the rooms were not clean --there were dirty sheets & towels on the floor from prior clients-also the bathroom by the spa smelt of urine & was not kept up to the standards of a quality hotel--

Yoga classes-aqua aerobics classes--
Had a phenomenal yoga instructor from England (Janice French) but had a HORRIBLE aqua class with a visiting aerobics instructor--basically found out that the resort invites aerobics instructors for a free vacation in exchange for classes--this instructor had the nerve to tell guests that there are no "benefits" to aqua aerobics & we should just tread water--turns out she had no training in aqua classes at all--not sure how this is helping Sans Souci's marketing to "spa" clientele--who come to the resort seeking quality treatments & classes--the resort is way below target in this area--

Property maintenance overall---every morning we heard hammering & construction noises--our last morning-we awoke to a chainsaw at 7:30am cutting down a tree---
Did not seem too considerate to sleeping guests..

Jacuzzi's--there are several beautifully located ones--too bad they all were not maintained & at the wrong temps--safe temp is 101-105---they were at either 90 (by the main beach pool) or 115 (by sunset beach)--another maint. issue--that is not acceptable for A 5* resort

Service---really was not consistent--inside the 2 restaurants the service was 100% outstanding---finally we felt as though we were at a 5* resort--the front desk reception was cold & not the warm Jamaican welcome that we had anticipated--the bartenders--varied bar to bar--some were friendly & quick & some you had to remind 5x for your drink order--Overall--seems like management needs to do a little more supervising of employees & of the property

Food--the resort has won awards for its food & rightly so--most dishes were delicious--only weak area were the soups--french onion tasted like water as did broccoli soup--jamaican bean soup & pumpkin soup were great--everyone raves about the pastries too...After 4 days we ran out of menu options & wished there were more restaurants to try---no way could we eat at this resort for 2 weeks

Day trip-we took a trip to Kingston which was interesting--wanted to go to Dunns River but overheard other guests complaining of how crowded it is

Finally--I am still in amazement that this took place-there is a huge gala on Tuesdays--& there was a raffle for a diamond pendant---three winners were called up to stage handed a receipt for their prize & IT WAS ALL A SCAM!! When the guests went to the jewlery show to claim their "diamond" prize-they were given cheap perfume & told that there was no diamond----is was a hoax at the guests expense---In all of our travels--we have never experience something as tasteless as this ----

In summary---the food is good..& it was sunny.......room, service, grounds not at all a 5* resort