BEACHES beware
 

I researched this resort in Turks and Caicos for a long time. First by getting their impressive brochure. Then by purchasing travel books and even interviewing travel agencies. Looked like a great place to go with a high price tag. The travel dates were June 8th 2003 for 8 nights.
Soon after checking in we were given what was supposed to be oceanview room. This room was very dark and dirty. The air-conditioning did not work and there was mold and mildew eveywhere.As for the view we could barely see the ocean. We requested another room and the staff was very nice and gave us another. This time in the French Village a little better but still dark and run down. The grounds of this resort (should not even be in that catagory)were not kept up anywhere. Lots of weeds and ants everywhere. However the actual beach is absolutely beautiful. The ocean and sand are breathtaking, but ruined by the terrible dirty pathway to get there. Now lets talk about food. Everything was watered down from the eggs to the drinks even the sour cream. I must tell you hashbrowns at breakfast at over 500 dollars a night should not be the frozen toaster ones. My daughter was so hungry I had to buy chips and real pop in a vending machine so her stomach would stop hurting. This is no lie. I did not eat for two days I was afraid. The restraints were not air-conditioned and were not very clean. Everything you touched was sticky and dirty. As far as the pools the ones that were opened were not very clean either. The kids always spilled their drinks in it because of the swim up bar. The last straw was the huge rat yes huge. The wild barking dogs at night added a nice touch. We paid for 8 nights and only stayed 3 I am glad we left and enjoyed the rest of our vacation in Florida. This resort does not have half the things its supposed to. Their is no miniature golf for the kids and no casino or night club. I hope I can save people from a disappointing vacation. PLEASE DO NOT GO. Beaches in Turks and Caicos should not be in business.

Did you book thru a TA..if so i would give them a call and soon followed by a letter to the TA and to a higher up at Beaches. Unfortunately, travel agents push these types of vacations due to a higher commission percentage - which is peanuts to begin with. I do not understand this practice pushing someone towards a crappy destination - TA's know these places suck. Rep's from All Inculsives come in and spew their schpeel and give incentives to TA's. I am so sorry about your vacation, at that price tag it's even more upsetting. Please write a letter to someone at Beaches, I'm sure that there is a contact name somewhere on the webpage or the brochure. Try giving them a call and ask to whom you would write to regarding this matter. There is always someone - please try. If you don't get anywhere at least you warned others (many others) about Beaches.

I had really wanted to take my mom and son to this resort. I recently got their brochure and it struck me as really strange. Every page seems so touched up and glossy and phony that it just didn't even seem real at all. It would have taken every penny I had saved for quite a while to get us there so I decided against. However, I will say this, there have been plenty of positive reviews on this board and others about this resort. Has there been a recent downslide at this resort?

Can't say we're AI fans. It is pretty well known that the Sandals chain(parent chain of Beaches) spends an enormous amount of $ on advertising.

We're subscribers to Conde Nast and Caribbean Travel & Life magazines and the multi-page ads from this company are just screaming with airbrushed enancements and exaggerated colors that are found nowhere in the natural world.

To me, it just looks as fake as can be and a clue as to what you can expect.

BTW, we stayed on Provo last year and saw Beaches from the road as well as from the beach, and I wasn't at all impressed. And $500/night for that is absolutely insane. Let the Traveler Beware.

Well, I know people who have stayed at this resort and they loved it! The one family in particular has a lot of money and has been to every island there is and hawaii, europe etc. They thought it was great. I think if you haven't been to the caribbean, you may not know what to expect. Many times the restaurants don't have AC, the rooms can have a musty smell from all the humidity and heat. The food at an AI will never be as good as other restaurants. I agree the brochures by Sandals/Beaches are very glossy, but my husband and I went to Sandals Golf and Spa in St Lucia for a week for our honeymoon and loved it. Our room was clean and nice, the food was good, the grounds were clean, the pools were nice, etc. So unless you've actually been to a Sandals or Beaches, I wouldn't make negative comments just because of the 'fake' looking brochures. I have been to mexico several times, bahamas, st. lucia so I have done these caribbean vacations before. We are going to Beaches for a week in December, will post a trip report when we get back. I pay no attention to the negative comments, every vacation is what you make of it, and we don't have super high, unrealistic expectations.

While I agree that a vacation is what you make of it, when you pay $500 a night, I think you are entitled to have high expectations of your resort. (I also agree that regardless of what you pay, if you are not prepared for what the ISLAND itself will be like, you may have issues, but that's a separate issue from the quality of the resort). Mold and mildew (not just a musty smell), weeds, sticky and dirty surfaces, dirty pool water, etc. are simply not the marks of a high-priced resort.

I disagree about the high expectations....for $500.00 a day your expectations should be high, considering that $500.00 get you some pretty wonderful accommodations in the caribbean. Even though meals may be included in that 500.00, great food can be had in the caribbean very affordably. So the money you think you save by going AI isn't really saved at all if you are not enjoying the accommodations/food/drinks being that terrible. Just think of how hard you have to work for $500.00, then multiply that by the number of days you are staying at a miserable resort. There are many resorts in the caribbean where 500.00 and less gets you plenty! So yes I think for your hard earned money your expectations should be high, who goes on vacation looking to be disappointed anyway!?!

You can always budget by getting the least expensive accommodations in a fabulous resort and pay for some meals (getting a "special" ususlly covers some meals in the price) for 500.00 a day! Considering most upscale resorts include breakfast of some kind, lunch and dinner can easily be done on that budget.

I am not sure how TA's work in the States, but in Canada we book all hotels through a tour operator say like Air Canada Vacations (that would be who we would sell Beaches T&C) We get the same commision percentage whether it is Beaches or Quality Inn. And besides, I would never sell a hotel to someone to make more money. That would make me a crappy TA. I sell vacations based on the clients needs. I have actually talked people out of going to Sandals in Jamaica to go to a nicer hotel somewhere else that is cheaper for the clients. Acutally in Jamaica, I tend to sell Couples instead because it was a lot nicer. But please stop saying we all sell Sandals or whatever because of commisions or insentives or what ever, because I know a lot of people who care more the customer service and satisfaction, than higher bottom lines.

After reading comments about my experience at Beaches Turks and Caicos
I am just trying to tell my experince at this resort. I have been to the caribbean many times before. I have also been to Mexico, Hawaii and many other places.Mistake price came to 625 a night without air.Go somewhere else.

Hi LissaJ.
I used to work in a large travel agency. Before I became a TA I used to call the same agent. I have already done my research and knew all the when, where and hows. she always tried to talk me into a cruise or an all inclusive. When I wnet to book Cap Juluca, Anguilla she tried to talk me into Cove Castles. She was relentless in where SHE wanted to send me by mailing me all kinds of brochures and literature, etc. I never took her advice and always went where we wanted to go. One day she told me how excellent I was and would I like to come into and "learn" the business. What an eye opener. I found the reason why she tried to book me on a cruise and All Inculsives (Sandals, Beaches etc.) - higher commission on the trip and money incentives in the form of contests. I also found out why she tried to talk me into Cove Castles, as she owns a time share into it, and therefore makes a much higher commission than booking me at Cap. I would not mind but the difference in her commission is quite small but the price in my vacation is quite significant. Also when she booked me on caribbean vacations she would go thru a wholesaler that paid her more money - costing ME much more. I no longer work there as I could not do that to anyone. I did however open my own travel agency, I have no employees and I book friends and referrals only. I do not do it for the money and I give my clients the best price possible and do not steer them in a direction based on commission. I love being a travel agent for the travel benefits for myself, as my husband and I travel often. It gives me a great feeling of satisfaction that I have the ability to go above and beyond for my clients and not care about $$, as I do this out of an office in my home. I book vacations for my clients as I would for myself and do not care about the commission. It's more of a hobby and a travel discount for me, so anything above and beyond that is a gift. I always send my clients a gift which is waiting for them in their hotel room too. Whenever I can I try to give useful information here to anyone, as there have been fo many lovely people here who have answered my "stupid" questions. Just waanted to give you an idea of my experience in a travel agency was. I'm sure there are plenty of the good, the bad and the ugly to go around, but this is what I experienced.

I have been to T&C many times but I would not stay at Beaches:
1. I think it is over-priced - there are a number of nice resorts on Provo for much less.
2. I think it is over-crowded. The beach in front of Beaches is the ONLY crowded stretch of beach on Grace Bay.
Many years ago before this resort became a Beaches resort I stayed there - then it was nice and cheaper. I really do not know the quality of it now but it still costs more than I would pay.
Just my personal opinion.

Very intersting Sandyfeet.
I am not surprised at your expose as I know this is common among TA's, but it's always nice to have an objective source bring this info to light on forums like this.

BTW, I am also not surprised at np's report about Beaches. Just a well-practiced racket IMO.

We went to Beaches three years ago and had a similar disappointing experience. Sorry to hear the place has not improved. However, when we were there the grounds were impeccible. But, the pools were filthy, the so-called "plunge pools" near the spa were a filthy, slimy, mess. They are also tiny- not the large pool shown in the brochure! Food was mediocre at best, the Italian restaurant was supposed to be sit down but was buffet the entire week we were there, no air conditioning in the restaurants (yes, at these prices I expect a/c), bottled water is not considered a beverage under the AI plan, surly service, long lines for the "free scuba" which books out quickly (only 9 to 18 slots daily for a resort that holds 1,000+), broken and dirty snorkeling gear. I have also traveled extensively in the Caribbean (as well as Eurpoe and the good old USA) and am accostomed to the different ways of the islands. This place, however, is the pits- be it anywhere on this planet! I have never spent so much money so foolishly in my life! By the way, I did complain to both my travel agent (who still swears Beaches is the best- I have since changed agents) and to Beaches management in Florida. Beaches offered me a small "discount" on my next stay there. Like I would ever go back. So, I too will post my displeasure about the Beaches resort. I sure wish I had listened to the posts (check out the Rants and Raves section on this site)and booked elsewhere. People, LISTEN to these posters. They are telling you the truth. When it comes to Beaches- BUYER BEWARE!!!!!

Thanks to all who posted here. Beaches certainly looks like the ideal family vacation spot. I'm so appreciative of these honest, first-hand descriptions. People often hesitate to describe their mistakes!
Sandy Feet, I think what you did is so cool! You have a job you love, and do a great service to others!

If one had a choice between staying at Beaches or saving money and staying at Allegro (provided they truly wanted an AI) which would you choose and why?

Thanks.

Allegro.

I can recommend the Allegro whole-heartedly. We stayed there a year ago and as long as you go not expecting a 5* resort, you should have a wonderful time.

You obviously didn't do your research or you would have known a lot more about this resort. First of all, the only casino on the island is in the Allegro resort (which is a nice basic hotel with great beachfront and good pool. The services of the hotel itself are pretty mediocre). If you had done research, you would have known that no rooms except on the very top floor of the older section has real ocean view rooms. No where in the literature does beaches indicate that they have miniature golf and last but not least, if you are traveling to the caribbean in June, you should expect that resorts won't be at their peak. This is the time of year when most resorts use their low season to begin sprucing up for the next season. I'm also sure that you could have made a more nutritious meal for your daughter with fruit that is so plentiful in the islands, than with chips and "pop" from the vending machines. I guess Florida is more appropriate for you.

If you look on the Frommer's website for Beaches Turks and Caicos you will find they do say that there is a casino on the property. In fact, when we booked a few years back we were told the casino was being built and might even be open while we where there. So much for that HYPE. My kids (teenagers who were 16 and 18 at the time) were also hungry because the food was so terrible. Even the "fresh" fruit was limp and tired.

I just thought everyone should know that just today at the book store I saw a new publication called something like "connoisseurs guide to the worlds best" and it had the top resorts and hotels in the world for 2003. It was a thick publication in the magazine section for 15 bucks. It included the caribbean islands, the US, europe,etc. For Turks and Caicos it listed Beaches. It also listed The Sands at Grace bay and that was it. So for all the posters who have negative things to say about Beaches, and who try to get people to not book their trips there, I say there are alot of people out there who feel differently! I look forward to my trip in December!

**Please note**

These books/magazines are simply paid advetisements. The hotel pays or they're not listed.

Notice how often you'll find a world class Four Seasons listed? (Almost never). Think FS needs to pay those people to attract business?

There is no voting or ranking or selection process, except that in order to maintain a certain minimum standard, they aren't going to accept an application from the Albuquerque Motel 6.

They offer no measure of quality assurance above what you'll find in a travel magazine's ad section.

I've stayed at more than 150 of the places typically listed in those books and I can tell you from experience that an appearance on their pages guarantees nothing in the way of quality.

The oringal poster mentioned that they were disappointed that there was no miniature golf at this resort. Everything I've read about Beaches T&C makes it perfectly clear that the mini golf is in Jamaica...not TC. Also, they mentioned buying soda and chips from vending machines....seems tacky that a AI would have vending machines...but who know...Was wondering if anyone else who has been to Beaches knows where these machines are located.

Last thought...I just read on another message board that many local vendors on any given island aren't that thrilled with AIs, because there goes a source of revenue out the window...I wonder if many of the negative posts on these boards aren't from local vendors who feel snubbed. Not trying to start a war or anything, but the thought did occur to me.

davsaz,
Funny, but I can appreciate your thoughts! It took me two years to figure out that all the RAVE reviews of the Sandals/Beaches resorts weren't coming from TA's. I thought for sure they were! I found it very hard to believe the lack of expectations that some would have to have to find these resorts acceptable for their hefty price to some.(I do realize that some get great prices for these resorts then I say, go for it) Note: I have discovered not all, but a whole lot of the reviews are from TA's, not that this is a bad thing, I'm sure they do reports on other resorts also, it is just something to beware of. One guy on one message board openly posts as a TA, then on other boards posts as a very happy satisfied Sandals guest that can suggest a great TA that is was very helpful to him and his wife and found them a great price. It's to funny and fascinating to see what goes on sometimes.

As for the vending machines, at beaches T&C I can't answer that for you, but for sounding tacky get ready for the best of the best in tackiness.
We paid $700 a night for the Sandals Halcyon for the two of us. That price is with our air taken off, low season. I couldn't give our room value at not a dime more then $100 and I only give it that because the room was in St.Lucia.
If you want something like chips, nuts, a bottle of water, or can of pop not a fountain style drink, you will buy it at a vending machine or the gift shop unless you have concierge, I know you can at least get a can of pop, not sure if chips or snacks would be available at all resorts for concierge guests.
No bottled water is included, unless you have concierge service, this is true for most of their resorts. In all my life I didn't think if I asked to have a bottle of water, I would be told I'd have to wait till morn. and buy one at the gift shop! I just wanted to have a bottle to take to the beach or on the dive boat, just to have one bottle. Didn't have a problem with drinking the water in St.Lucia. We also had no mini fridge in our room for that price. Not even an ice bucket. There was one of those old thermal gold plastic water pitchers, from the 60's in the room, yeepee, it was fun trying to get ice into that opening. Tacky?

Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, a bar of soap if you use one (not even a mini bar of soap in room), as for the complimentary GIFT to you of there pack with liquid soap, aloe, shampoo, conditioner is a one time deal, if you run out you will be back in the gift shop to buy another pack for $18. Tacky? Bring your own. Goodness I was wondering just what the $700 a day was going for?

Our first and LAST night there, since we had nothing for in the room I ran, to the bar that would be closing at Midnight. I have a very good watch that is right on time and yes, I made it in the nick of time, it was 5 minutes till. Can I have a couple beers please I said? The bartender points to his watch and says its midnight and we close at midnight. Can I just get a couple of pops then please? NO, we close at midnight. You will have to wait until the snack bar opens. Should I have argued that I had 5 minutes to midnight on my watch! Tacky? Rules? They must be very necessary at these resorts. I don't think I have been anywhere in my life before that I have been told that I could not get anything that I wanted at any time of day or night. To bad the gift shop wasn't open. They'd have had a good customer on our first night(last)

The three total mini umbrella huts on the whole beach with no other shade on the actually beach. Most people have to sit above the wall in the grass if you want shade. Three total umbrellas for around the whole main pool also. So generous they are with their amenities, I was tickled pink. Tacky?

One of my favorite amenities where the two plastic stackable green resin chairs and table on the balcony for our $700 a day vacation. Don't forget the luxury they offer!

Just a bit of our less then 24 hr. experince at the Sandals Halcyon.
At $2,500 with air for two, bravo Sandals great place. Paying any more? Know just what your getting into.

Anyway as you said that the mini golf is located only in Jamaica, this is true, but for most people when they book these resorts, they do get confused after looking at the various brochures, etc., and really don't know exactly what they are getting until they get there. I had looked at the pictures over and over again and still you sometimes see what you want to see and combine the different resorts room/look, etc., into your own imagination.

Remember, this is not an all-inclusive issue with me as I think an all-inclusive vacation can and do fit the bill for many of us at different times in our life, etc. No problem with that.

Just thought maybe this chain had something going, above the budget all-inclusive, thought, maybe they were offering a real 4/5 star resort packaged into the all-inclusive?

No wrist bands, they do have that going for them!

Great resorts for the right price, for the right people!

Donna
Wife, mother, business owner here in the US, not affiliated with any vending businesses in the Caribbean. LOL

Local vendors aren't thrilled with AIs, that's true - unless they're one of the handful of lucky ones invited onto the property to sell their wares (which, I believe, costs them $ anyway).

But your typical vendor of goods on a Caribbean beach on an island with lots of AIs (such as Jamaica) is not going home to even electricity most times and if they had it, would not have a computer and if they somehow had access to one, would be unlikely to pay for an internet account (or rent time from a cybercafe) just to post negative things about AIs on the fodors bulletin board.

I think most people who post that they didn't enjoy the AI experience are tourists that just didn't enjoy it.

Hi Sailor!
Just read your post -
As you know I am a TA, but I do not like the entire Sandals/Beaches because of VALUE. I know there are so many other places to visit, for the same or less money. Many times this can be achieved thru a TA, but you, as a consumer must first educate yourself. I know TA's are a dying breed as many people can research and book their own vacations. The first thing to do is your research. Pick a destination, use this board, ask questions, and believe what you read. Second - price the trip on your own, call the resort yourself, use expedia, orbitz etc to price them out. Get your best price based on VALUE (is breakfast included, better room, added meals or specials ie: free night) Third call a TA, give him/her your best price and see what they can find for you. I have said it before but wholesalers can beat many prices, they can only be booked thru a TA. Think of it as buying a car. It's your hard earned money, just don't throw it away on schlock and inedible food. When on vacation the word "no" should never be spoken by staff to a guest, espically when its for soda or water!

Just to give you one example of what deals are out there now, to compare AI's with AI's: Jumby Bay is having a Summer Special $650.00 per night in a rondaval, pay for 6 nights and get the 7th free. That's $50.00 per day less than what you paid. As you know Jumby is an All inclusive offering 3 gourmet meals, top shelf liquor and wine, superb service and all sports for 80 guests at a time. So do your homework, there are great deals at top notch resorts to be had. Even if sometimes it comes out to be a little more than Sandals, you are guranteed better VALUE for your money.

Excellent points, SandyFeet.
Especially the Jumby Bay comparison.

I don't think anyone is necessarily critical of AI's like Beaches just because they're AI's.
Criticism is because of the poor VALUE factor. They simply aren't a good buy when you look around at the high quality alternatives which exist for similar $$.

I agree with the original post!!!! The Beaches and Sandals Resorts are over-rated. They have a huge advertising budget and as a guest you pay for it. Stayed at the St. Lucia property and had similar expericnces to this poster. Had freinds stay at one of the Jamaica properties for their hineymoon and they came home 4 days early because they were so disappointed and discusted with the services. The only good part of their trip was that Sandals refunded them for the time they did not stay.

Stay away from Sandals & Beaches and don't get sucked into the advertising glitz. Therre are hundreds of resorts in the Caribbean with much nicer properties, food and services and at ALOT cheaper prices that what you pay for a Sandals vacation. Do a little research and you will find that your money will be well spent somewhere else.

We just booked 5 nights at Jumby Bay during December, oceanview Courtyard Suite (3 upgrades from basic room) for $595 per night for 2 people, all food/drink/activities included.
I'm guessing most Beaches/Sandals etc would cost a lot more and provide a lot less.

Sandyfeet,

OK, really rub it in! I lost my mind for a moment OK! LOL

Seriously though, I've been booking trips for 27 years for my husband, self and kids. Most often then not my research is the most obnoxiously intense. Until recently discovering the wide world of the Internet, all was done by foot, TA's, books, etc., the good old fashion way. I still use and will continue to use my TA for many of our trips.
But one thing over the years I was used to, whether I booked myself or my TA booked for us. We always, always, always, felt that we received goods, and services for the price we paid!!! There were very many times the deals we received were more then great. But there have been many times that we booked places at close to rack rate, just because we wanted, what we wanted (exact room, category, etc.) the time of year, last minute, etc., etc. Never in 28 years, ever did we feel we were taken advantage of by any Resort or Hotel. Yes, we have been frivolous in some of are stays places, but in those cases if you want to play, you pay. I truly feel that most first class 4/5 star resorts are fairly price traded, give or take for the great deal, but with most resort when you get a deal, you are really getting a deal. When you get a great deal with a Sandals/Beaches say at 40% off that's all probably even more then you should have to pay ever! It's not a deal.

OK, then for our 25th anniversary decide St.Lucia was where we wanted to go for romantic, lush, and diving. We most always get a cottage at a resort or a villa on the beach on most islands that we visit. And as you probably know, there aren't a whole lot of options for cottages ON the beach in St.Lucia. Sandals Halcyon was the closest, I could come up with, that LOL, was in the higher price range, higher priced? better? LOL. Oh my, what was I thinking? Had never ever thought of staying at a Sandals before, had always been bugged by their adds, thinking why would a resort put their name all over everything, everything? LOL. Cheesy, tacky it all came to mind. But, thought for the prices they where charging that just maybe they'd be putting on the Ritz in their own cheesy way. Kinda liked the idea of couples only, thought it might be fun to experience one of these resorts for a change. Well, as you know, we booked, and we weren't even able to get the beach front room, they were booked full. Actually we booked 6 months ahead and every TA, web site, broker I called only had the second best room category available the Grande luxe beach/ocean view left in the whole resort. Everyone came in at the same price. This was before the Hyatt opened as the Sandals Grande and the two Sandals resorts in St.Lucia were so over booked they were bumping people all over the place. The only deal anyone was offering at the time was air for $299 p/p with the package low season rates.

Well, you know it, every emotion imaginable came to mind when we walked into the less then motel 6 room? How any company, could charge anybody, anybody, those kind of rates, whether they are totally off the wall naive as I was about them, and pays full price, is as close to criminal as I have ever seen in my life. I really can't believe they were able to get away with this. Seems like the Halcyon has been running at 40% off now that the Sandals Grande has opened. And for the couples that we met at the Jalousie Hilton (an outstanding resort we moved to) that had been bumped there from the other Sandals on the island all where talking prices for their week of upwards of $8 to $10 thousand dollars. Hello??? I think they may have gotten, bottled water and a mini fridge in their rooms for those prices LOL I shouldn't laugh, as I do find it sad.

So... I really think that travel planning could never be more difficult then when planning a Sandals/Beaches vacation. You must really, really know what your in for.

Donna

Donna,
I hope you did not get the wrong impresion, as I was not trying to make you feel bad. If I hurt your feelings I'm sorry.

I cannot explain the bustling business at Sandals, as there is no bargain at all! I just went to their website to check prices. I looked at Sandals Antigua, which if I had to pick a "best" Sandals or if someone insisted they go to one that is the one I would choose. They price per person, which I think is another lure because when pricing vacations most other resorts charge per night. For 2 people in the best room - villa is 682.00 (341.25 per person) per night! Wow that's a lot of money and that's with the discount. Considering you can go to Biras Creek for 625 in an Ocean Suite (alcohol is not included at Biras) but that's a big savings per night for a memorable beautiful vacation. You can take the 60 you save and buy a few drinks!

I do however know that some TA's push their clients to a Sandals/Beaches vacation, due to the higher commission they pay. They may not personally like Sandals, but they pay more - which also adds to the rip off rates along with the "glossy" advertising!

As far as the prices at Jalousie at 8-10,000 per week - what!?! The King villa is $580.00 per night and that is for Holiday week 12/27, which is the most expensive time to go! Rates are usually lower before and after that week, but that is primo high price, and it still doesn't add up! Maybe they had too many rum punches or most likely full of it! They also run many specials so I think someone was pulling your leg or maybe they were staying for a month LOL.

Hey live and learn, we all make mistakes when it comes to $$. If it's not vacations, its something else. Just think of all the stuff you have around your house that you bought that did not live up to its promise! I have a "few"! One thing for sure though, there's always someone on the other end willing to take your $$ with a smile!

rwilliams: I loved reading your recent posts about JB and CJ....I guess you really loved JB if you are going back, who wouldn't for that great price:) There is a great article about JB in September's Caribbean Travel & Life you might want to see. Beautiful pics and a rave review!

I can't imagine a room at the Sandals Halycon costing 8-10k a week?! My husband and I honeymooned at The Sandals Golf and Spa and paid about 4k AND we stayed in a 2 story villa with concierge service and a view of the ocean. Also, our room was very nice... definitely NOT motel 6! Halcyon must be nothing like the Golf and Spa. I know we went to Halcyon one day for dinner and did not like it and thought ours was much nicer with more to do, more restaurants etc. Obviously the Sandals/Beaches resorts do well and have repeat business because they keep opening up new ones! I know alot of people who've done the sandals/beaches things in st. lucia, antigua and turks and loved it!

OH NO???!!! NOT the Jalousie Hilton did they they pay $8,000 to $10,000. That is what they paid for there package at the Sandals St.Lucia!

Sandals bumped them to the Jalousie Hilton. We met three of the bumped couples when they came to the Hilton. They were very happy,happy campers at the Hilton! But... they were VERY,VERY distraught and angry that Sandals could charge them that kind of money, collect it months before then and then, just BUMP them somewhere else??? Another great practice by Sandals.

Sandals St.Lucia was the Name of the larger one, they have now changed its name to The Regency at La Toc, something like that.

Donna

Oh, I'm sorry...it ws early in the AM and was not finished with my coffee:)

Thanks for the tip, SandyFeet.
I'll be sure and find a copy of C T&L.

np--

sorry for your lousy trip....

I have been using the same TA for years and NEVER was pushed to buy an ALL INCLUSIVE.....

I am not a super heavy drinker and HATE buffets--as that is what most of the AI offer....Unless you are into that type of partying/eating, NEVER take an AI....

I always go for a 4 star resort, rent a car and explore the island and find out where the locals eat....and can do just as well on my own....


As far as Sandy's post on TA's--yes, a lot do try to push AI because it is an easy sell, easy commission...but a GOOD TA will get you what YOU want and NOT what she/he will make more money selling.

Next time, do a lot of research and get a good TA who will work with you....

All Inclusives are HIGH due to the people wanting tons of unlimited drinks- and lots of medicore food..the accomodations sometimes are good and sometimes terrible..as are the locations..

I personally HATE Sandals,Beaches and SuperClubs....But I am NOT an all-inclusive type person...

As far as someone trying to sell me a cruise-well, YES!! As it is the BEST deal going for a super terrific vacation.....