Thinking about Sandals Ocho Rios Jamaica
Nov 22nd, 2009, 01:00 AM
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Thinking about Sandals Ocho Rios Jamaica
I would be interested in anyone’s thoughts/feedback regarding a trip my wife and I are planning this February. We are looking at booking a week at Sandals Ocho Rios.
We are typically your “run and gun” type tourists as we generally go from sight to sight in a frenzy trying to see it all. This is how we saw Costa Rica, Peru, Virgin Islands, and the Canadian Rockies. This trip we thought we’d slow it down, relax, and play a lot of golf instead. Thus the decision to go All Inclusive and SOR for the Golf.
We are not high maintenance or pretentious. We don’t expect the world, however we are looking at spending $4K for the week and don’t want to be disappointed.
We expect a clean comfortable room, attentive service, good food (has to be good / doesn’t have to be great), and a nice atmosphere.
We are OK with SOR being a bigger property as I’d rather be able to get away from the noise if I choose as opposed to having a room 20 ft from the beach and being right in the middle of the party all of the time.
We are not concerned about the safety of JA either. We are both confident/conscientious travelers and have never had any problems on any of our trips.
Again any thoughts on this trip or suggestions for other Caribbean/Mexican destinations would be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind that we are leaving Minneapolis in February and golfing is critical :0)
Iammagu
We are typically your “run and gun” type tourists as we generally go from sight to sight in a frenzy trying to see it all. This is how we saw Costa Rica, Peru, Virgin Islands, and the Canadian Rockies. This trip we thought we’d slow it down, relax, and play a lot of golf instead. Thus the decision to go All Inclusive and SOR for the Golf.
We are not high maintenance or pretentious. We don’t expect the world, however we are looking at spending $4K for the week and don’t want to be disappointed.
We expect a clean comfortable room, attentive service, good food (has to be good / doesn’t have to be great), and a nice atmosphere.
We are OK with SOR being a bigger property as I’d rather be able to get away from the noise if I choose as opposed to having a room 20 ft from the beach and being right in the middle of the party all of the time.
We are not concerned about the safety of JA either. We are both confident/conscientious travelers and have never had any problems on any of our trips.
Again any thoughts on this trip or suggestions for other Caribbean/Mexican destinations would be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind that we are leaving Minneapolis in February and golfing is critical :0)
Iammagu
Nov 22nd, 2009, 01:28 AM
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IMO, as a well traveled couple in our 40's, STAY AWAY from SANDALS!
They are more hype them anything. If you are looking for romance, golfing, a beautiful romantic getaway with top notch service. Then you want to look into one of the Couples resorts.
So much more of an experience then a cookie cutter experience then a Sandals any day of the week! Plenty of activities to keep you busy IF you want OR plenty of US time if you choose a swaying hammock strung between two trees nestled amongst a grove of Palms.
As you say you are spending $4K for a week. You want an experience to remember....for all the RIGHT reasons...
IMO going to Sandals is like going to a "cattle call" for Romantics....Hated it....
They are more hype them anything. If you are looking for romance, golfing, a beautiful romantic getaway with top notch service. Then you want to look into one of the Couples resorts.
So much more of an experience then a cookie cutter experience then a Sandals any day of the week! Plenty of activities to keep you busy IF you want OR plenty of US time if you choose a swaying hammock strung between two trees nestled amongst a grove of Palms.
As you say you are spending $4K for a week. You want an experience to remember....for all the RIGHT reasons...
IMO going to Sandals is like going to a "cattle call" for Romantics....Hated it....
Nov 22nd, 2009, 01:35 AM
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http://couplesjamaica.biz/mb/forumdisplay.php?f=2
here is a forum just for Couples Resorts there are 5 different resorts in Jamaica to choose from...you can check it out...ask questions...etc...I have not been on it since we went 2 years ago. As this is a top end vacation spot 2 weeks was over $7K...thus it is a once every few year treat.
Our group tries to keep our 2 week vacation under $4K each year.
here is a forum just for Couples Resorts there are 5 different resorts in Jamaica to choose from...you can check it out...ask questions...etc...I have not been on it since we went 2 years ago. As this is a top end vacation spot 2 weeks was over $7K...thus it is a once every few year treat.
Our group tries to keep our 2 week vacation under $4K each year.
Nov 22nd, 2009, 05:19 AM
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We've been to 2 Sandals resorts and didn't feel we got what we payed for. The resorts are overpriced, the food quality and service not up to their advertisements.
OK, with that said, we booked Sandals Dunn River for our 10th wedding anniversary next July. Why, you ask? We are return guests so we got to use our SSG points for a discount and we booked the lowest catagory room. By doing that we got a great deal. Also, we know what we are getting into and willing to take the chance again. I do like the pools at Sandals. Nice and big and doesn't feel like they are crowded. We did consider Couples, especially the renovated Tower Island, and didn't like the set-up. However, I do agree that the Couples Resorts are a better bargain especially when they include off property tours, which Sandals does not.
If your not set on Ocho Rios, I would suggest Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms in Negril instead. We had already been to Negril and DH was bent on Ocho Rios this time. I don't feel Ocho Rios has good resort selections as other areas, so we actually chose SDR by default.
My persoanl preference is the Riviera Maya of Mexico. We've been many times and love that area. We are like you and "blow and go" on vacation. That area has tons of things to see and do off property. The resorts in that area are nicer, the food quaility is better, the service is better, most amenties other resorts charge extra for are included in their base price like in room bar, in room jacuzzi, room service, etc. And, the overall price is cheaper. If we hadn't been to that area so many times, we would have returned there, but again DH was bent on Ocho Rios. He loves the topography of Jamaica.
Look at Secrets Maroma, Iberostar Grand Pariso, El Dorado Maroma, The Royal Playa del Carmen, Secrets Capri and Valentin Imperial Maya.
I have no qualms in suggesting a Sandals vacation, but encourgage that you do some thorough research before making a decision. They are no where near what their brochures advertise and you need to have reasonable expectations going in or you will be very disappointed.
OK, with that said, we booked Sandals Dunn River for our 10th wedding anniversary next July. Why, you ask? We are return guests so we got to use our SSG points for a discount and we booked the lowest catagory room. By doing that we got a great deal. Also, we know what we are getting into and willing to take the chance again. I do like the pools at Sandals. Nice and big and doesn't feel like they are crowded. We did consider Couples, especially the renovated Tower Island, and didn't like the set-up. However, I do agree that the Couples Resorts are a better bargain especially when they include off property tours, which Sandals does not.
If your not set on Ocho Rios, I would suggest Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms in Negril instead. We had already been to Negril and DH was bent on Ocho Rios this time. I don't feel Ocho Rios has good resort selections as other areas, so we actually chose SDR by default.
My persoanl preference is the Riviera Maya of Mexico. We've been many times and love that area. We are like you and "blow and go" on vacation. That area has tons of things to see and do off property. The resorts in that area are nicer, the food quaility is better, the service is better, most amenties other resorts charge extra for are included in their base price like in room bar, in room jacuzzi, room service, etc. And, the overall price is cheaper. If we hadn't been to that area so many times, we would have returned there, but again DH was bent on Ocho Rios. He loves the topography of Jamaica.
Look at Secrets Maroma, Iberostar Grand Pariso, El Dorado Maroma, The Royal Playa del Carmen, Secrets Capri and Valentin Imperial Maya.
I have no qualms in suggesting a Sandals vacation, but encourgage that you do some thorough research before making a decision. They are no where near what their brochures advertise and you need to have reasonable expectations going in or you will be very disappointed.
Nov 22nd, 2009, 04:32 PM
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Ok I guess I got what I expected. I have read the TA reviews and can't believe that these people are all vacationing at the same resort. I allow for the fact that some people are impossible to please and also feel like I'm pretty good at rooting out the real reason for some peoples displeasure, but there is just too much of the same thing regarding service, and condition of ammentities/accomodations.
Also it seems that a majority of the complaints are from people I percieve to have high expectations (and not unduly so) and the kudos are coming from a younger crowd that probably spent way more than they should have on the vacation (ie weddings/anniversary). This tells me that if you expect what they advertise you are in for a surprise and if you are in way over your head/first AI experience that you are going to be happy with the change of pace (blinded by the experience.
I have shifted my search to Mexico and some of the other options in JA (Negril / Couples / Iberostar) with the focus on golf still. I think the golf is really what is gong to make this more difficult. Maybe I need to forget the golf until the vacation is planned and then add it as an afterthought.
Thanks much for all of your feedback and I'll keep posting to let you know what I'm thinking. Again any further thougths will be appreciated as we continue this process.
Also it seems that a majority of the complaints are from people I percieve to have high expectations (and not unduly so) and the kudos are coming from a younger crowd that probably spent way more than they should have on the vacation (ie weddings/anniversary). This tells me that if you expect what they advertise you are in for a surprise and if you are in way over your head/first AI experience that you are going to be happy with the change of pace (blinded by the experience.
I have shifted my search to Mexico and some of the other options in JA (Negril / Couples / Iberostar) with the focus on golf still. I think the golf is really what is gong to make this more difficult. Maybe I need to forget the golf until the vacation is planned and then add it as an afterthought.
Thanks much for all of your feedback and I'll keep posting to let you know what I'm thinking. Again any further thougths will be appreciated as we continue this process.
Nov 23rd, 2009, 10:07 AM
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I don't know if you would be interested, but I came across this hotel in Cozumel that offers free golf;
http://www.playa-azul.com/default.asp
We love Cozumel, been there 3 times and going back next month. The Playa Azul is a non AI, but they do offer comp breakfast and one comp dinner on a 7 night stay. I don't really think you need an AI in Cozumel unless you drink like we do.
We are staying at the El Cozumeleno, which is a low budget AI property just down the way.
http://www.playa-azul.com/default.asp
We love Cozumel, been there 3 times and going back next month. The Playa Azul is a non AI, but they do offer comp breakfast and one comp dinner on a 7 night stay. I don't really think you need an AI in Cozumel unless you drink like we do.
We are staying at the El Cozumeleno, which is a low budget AI property just down the way.
Nov 24th, 2009, 05:41 AM
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First off, people on this forum do not like Sandals resorts, so keep that in mind. After saying that, I will say Sandals has much more to offer than many AI's. If you like water sports or if you dive, it's included. You will get decent food and the drinks aren't bad. You will definitely have a clean room. We are going to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica in Feb (leaving from Mpls).
We are a well- traveled couple, and although I prefer something a little more unique, my husband loves Sandals - especially the huge pools. They are running some great deals right now. They do have friendly staff. In fact the only place that comes to mind that had better staff was at the FS Nevis. Like everyone else, if you smile and engage in a little conversation, it goes a long way.
We are a well- traveled couple, and although I prefer something a little more unique, my husband loves Sandals - especially the huge pools. They are running some great deals right now. They do have friendly staff. In fact the only place that comes to mind that had better staff was at the FS Nevis. Like everyone else, if you smile and engage in a little conversation, it goes a long way.
Nov 25th, 2009, 10:13 PM
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Let me take a second to thank everyone for their feedback. Please know that it is greatly appreciated. And also know that I have researched every tip you given me.
So this is what I think I have learned....
With respect to golf...nothing is all inclusive and unless I'm nuts the real sticker is a golf cart (I've seen as high as $65 US per person) unless my 4th grade math teacher was wrong thats $130 per cart? Here in Minnesota we can rent carts for $30 max total.
Maybe I'm not the AI type. I figure if you hitch your wagon to AI and things go bad you have a decent flight to hell and back. Don't go AI and you find a bad restuarant you don't go back.
I found a pretty good deal in Punta Cana DR that is inexpensive as AI deals go, Non-stop flights from Minneapolis,
Unlimited golf (cart not included). Has a casino (big thumbs up from the wife).
I'm about to throw my hands up and give this dream up....shhhh don't tell my wife.
I'm trying to pull this off for less than $4k for the week.
Am I crazy? Honest replies appreciated LOL.
Mark
So this is what I think I have learned....
With respect to golf...nothing is all inclusive and unless I'm nuts the real sticker is a golf cart (I've seen as high as $65 US per person) unless my 4th grade math teacher was wrong thats $130 per cart? Here in Minnesota we can rent carts for $30 max total.
Maybe I'm not the AI type. I figure if you hitch your wagon to AI and things go bad you have a decent flight to hell and back. Don't go AI and you find a bad restuarant you don't go back.
I found a pretty good deal in Punta Cana DR that is inexpensive as AI deals go, Non-stop flights from Minneapolis,
Unlimited golf (cart not included). Has a casino (big thumbs up from the wife).
I'm about to throw my hands up and give this dream up....shhhh don't tell my wife.
I'm trying to pull this off for less than $4k for the week.
Am I crazy? Honest replies appreciated LOL.
Mark
Nov 26th, 2009, 01:07 AM
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I don't understand why people here don't like Sandals...My husbands and I went to Sandals Dunn's River and rather enjoyed it...The rooms were clean and beds comfortable, the food was good and the staff friendly...My husbands didn't use a cart but walked the course because you must have a caddy...Yes it was a bit more expensive even with a deal but we both really liked this resort and had a great time.
Nov 26th, 2009, 05:27 AM
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Don't know much about golf as it is not our thing, but when an AI resort states that golf is included they only mean the greens fees/membership. Usually, you must pay for clubs if you didn't bring yours and a caddy/cart. So your still looking at around $200.
Try a google search for resorts that offer golf and see what the hidden costs are.
I'm not a big fan of the DR. There has been issues with food at the AI resorts causing sickness and at one time a malaria scare. See the reviews on TA. This has been a while back though. It's really not safe to leave the resort without being on a scheduled tour.
If your really not interested in an AI, I would suggest Aruba. Tons of great restuarants. There is a golf course and some hotels offer golf packages. The Divi offers a golf package. Aruba also has several casinos. It's a very safe destination and easy to get around by bus or taxi.
You might try a travel agent also. They can direct you to hotels that offer golf packages in various destinations and also give you all the hidden costs.
Try a google search for resorts that offer golf and see what the hidden costs are.
I'm not a big fan of the DR. There has been issues with food at the AI resorts causing sickness and at one time a malaria scare. See the reviews on TA. This has been a while back though. It's really not safe to leave the resort without being on a scheduled tour.
If your really not interested in an AI, I would suggest Aruba. Tons of great restuarants. There is a golf course and some hotels offer golf packages. The Divi offers a golf package. Aruba also has several casinos. It's a very safe destination and easy to get around by bus or taxi.
You might try a travel agent also. They can direct you to hotels that offer golf packages in various destinations and also give you all the hidden costs.
Nov 26th, 2009, 09:14 AM
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The DR is PERFECTLY SAFE!! I have been there 4 times and loved it. Breezes Peurto Plata is GREAT with lovely Breaches and Golf. I know our friends did golfing while we were there and had a great time.
Not sure of the cost but there were some additional fees. There are 2 towns Sousa & Calbarete that have wonderful shopping, restaurants & nightlife. We explored both at all hours. All you need to do is use sense like at home.
Go to http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/ there is a wealth of information to be had there about the DR.
Akumal Beach in Mexico is also another wonderful place to vacation. Go to http://locogringos.com/ for more information.
DO not let people scare you away from a destination because they "heard" there was danger in an area. There is danger in NYC. But millions of people live and visit there every day.
Not sure of the cost but there were some additional fees. There are 2 towns Sousa & Calbarete that have wonderful shopping, restaurants & nightlife. We explored both at all hours. All you need to do is use sense like at home.
Go to http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/ there is a wealth of information to be had there about the DR.
Akumal Beach in Mexico is also another wonderful place to vacation. Go to http://locogringos.com/ for more information.
DO not let people scare you away from a destination because they "heard" there was danger in an area. There is danger in NYC. But millions of people live and visit there every day.
Nov 26th, 2009, 09:16 AM
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http://www.locogringo.com/ sorry this is the correct site for Mexico
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