Did I get a good deal with Sandals?
 

Hi Everyone!<BR><BR>Just doing a sanity check here. I am about to book my 10 night honeymoon for July. I am getting airfare from LAX to MBJ, then 6 nights at Sandals Ocho Rios in the Honeymoon Penthouse MountainView suite, followed by 4 nights at the Beaches Royal Plantation resort in their Deluxe level room. This package includes an extra $275 in spa credits that we can use at the resort. It sounds like fun, and I'm looking at paying $5732 out the door for everything including travel insurance. Yay, or Nay?

This is just my opinion, and I am sure you will have a wonderful time where ever you end up going, but July is low, low, low season, and you can stay at many of the top resorts in the Caribbean for what you are looking at spending to stay at Sandals.<BR>You have plenty of time to plan, and I would look around some more if I were you.<BR>Just a thought.

Diana,<BR><BR>thanks so much for your opinion! I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I agree that with it being low season, it should be fun wherever we end up going. I thought that those two Sandals locations WERE some of the top destinations in the Caribbean? I liked the fact that it was all-inclusive with the good food and drinks, and the other fun activities so I wouldn't have to worry about anything. But with the help of your suggestion I'll go looking for some back-up plans to be sure. Any helpful hints would be appreciated as for alternative locations. I did a bit of research on the Sandals website before making this decision, but I didn't really look at all my options because there's just so many!

Thats a great deal!

If this is your first trip to the Caribbean and you would like to stick close to the resort for the most part, Sandals may work great for you.<BR>I would just look around a little more before you commit as you can ALWAYS get great deals in July anywhere you choose to go.<BR>What kinds of things are important to you?<BR>Do you want a very active honeymoon or do you want to spend most of your time relaxing on the beach or by the pool?<BR>Have you been snorkeling or diving and would you like to do that?<BR>Do you want a very exotic island where you can rent a car or jeep and safely go exploring all over and taste the island food and hear true island music -just the two of you?<BR>Would you rather do any tours as part of a group?<BR>What do you think you would like to do while you're visiting the destination you select?<BR>Is a spa important to you?<BR>Give us some ideas of what you would like to see/do as there are so many choices, and I know you want your honeymoon to be perfect!<BR><BR>

I wouldn't consider any Sandals a top Carribean resort or a top Jamaican resort for that matter. When I think of top resorts in Jamaica, I think of Round Hill, Jamaica Inn, or even the funkier Island Outpost resorts like The Caves or Goldeneye. In my opinion each of these is more unique, intimate, and service-oriented with lots of atmosphere and not a cookie cutter design. But I guess it depends on the individual traveler's tastes and what he/she is looking for since Sandals does seem to have a following. Also, I'm not sure why you would want to stay at both Sandals Ocho Rios and Beaches Royal Plantation since they are next door to each other. If you decide to go the Sandals route, the Royal Planation (which used to be the Plantation Inn) looked much nicer, at least from the outside. I don't know how your package price breaks down, but using $100 per person for insurance, $450 per person for air (this is what we paid last year), you're left with approx. $4600 which divided by 10 nights equals $460 per night. I think that amount of money can buy you some nicer places. Try the auctions at luxurylink.com - I've had good experiences with that site.

Some like Sandals, some here think its a low class joke. That doesn't really answer your question.<BR><BR>As far as a good price for Sandals, you got it! Went to Sandals Negril for 7 nights/8days in honeymoon concierge suite with room service. Shopped around for best price from Atlanta and paid $4900 after all was said and done. Of course this was high season (early Dec.) but still we only stayed 7 nights.<BR><BR>Your trip is what you make of it. I personally like the high end relaxing resorts sometimes but they are very quiet and lack the busyness and convenience of an all-inclusive like Sandals which is great too.

Sunlover:<BR><BR>I believe right now is high season. December rates are usually somewhat lower.

kingkong, I honeymooned at Sandals Antigua for 7 nights/8days and paid $5,000. So you are getting a good deal. We were a little worried about Sandals before we went after reading some reviews, but we really enjoyed it. That's not to say that I would pay full price to stay there though. Congrats and enjoy!

why would anyone worry about a high end resort like sandels? people on here expect too much from resorts. how much more ritzy can it get damn..

It can get a WHOLE lot &quot;ritzier&quot; than Sandals.<BR>You will find that very few of the people on this board who have traveled the Caribbean extensively would choose to stay at a Sandals.<BR>Sandals works perfectly for people who may be first time travelers to the Caribbean or those who want the convenience of their food, drink and activities all readily-available and included in the one price they pay.<BR>(And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.)<BR>I went AI the first 2 times I traveled to St. Lucia and Antigua because we were not comfortable getting a rental car and exploring.<BR>Now I would never stay at an AI because I want to eat local food, sample the gourmet-level food available on almost every island, and explore all of the island where I am staying. <BR>The AI's are perfect for many people, but anyone who has stayed at some of the upper level Caribbean resorts will tell you no Sandals is among them.<BR>

I couldn't agree more with Diana's last post. The first couple trips to the caribbean, we also did AI's as well, probably because we didn't know how much better it can be. Let's face it, the websites &amp; brocheres for Sandals look amazing, and the colors alone suck you in. Keep in mind the photographs in most brocheres are enhanced BIGTIME. But like Diana said in her post, most experienced caribbean travelers would not consider Sandals a top resort. Sandals makes many people happy, and will continue to do so. The bottom line is all the islands &amp; resorts are simply a matter of opinion. Yes, there are many different classes of resorts, but my point is that we are all different, and enjoy certain islands &amp; resorts for whatever reason, none of which are wrong....just different. My best advice is to do a very comprehensive search on any island or resort BEFORE booking anything. With the info available online today, shame on you if you didn't do (enough) research, and pick a place you hate. With the amount of $$ you spent on booking Sandals, you have many options that may be a whole lot better.

I wish I had read more &quot;travel talk&quot; before going on my honeymoon at Sandals Negril. It was beautiful, but the resort was not all that I had hoped. First of all, we were expecting the food to be wonderful and it really wasn't. How many times can you visit a buffet line? And, the activities were really more for a young crowd. This might be the place to go if you're in your early twenties. You got a good price, but you could do so much better with your $$.

July is low season so rates are at their best. Curious as to why both Sandals Ocho and Beaches Royal as they are literally right down the road from each other. <BR><BR>We have been to many Sandals and Ocho is one of our favoraites - very lush and tropical and romantic - the grounds are just amaxing. But in all honesty, I would save the money and pss on the honeymoon suite - we had the beachfront room and then bumped up to the oceanfront suite and to be frank, there was literally no difference between the rooms except floor level and the suite had a bar - that's it! At other Sandals, the suites are wonderful and far superior then regualr rooms but at Ocho you can save a bundle and book low - go for a cottage (but gt second floor) as they are just as nice or get beachfront.<BR><BR>Beaches Royal is considered one of the top resors in the Caribbean and it the top for Sandals/Beaches so you might want to move up in room there. Atmosphere there is very quiet, luxurious, nothing to do at night. Neither Royal or Ocho has a great beach with Royal being the smaller of the two. Nice however in that you can use Dunn's and Beaches Grande Sport which is also right next door to Ocho.<BR><BR>The price is Ok for 10 days. Did you look on the web? I have some good sites we have used in the past - if interested, just email me at [email protected] You can really save a bundle if you search the web. I would also consider hopping over to Negril if youwant to split resort - you can fly there from Ocho Rios. In Negril, Grand Lido is excellent and Ifeel a far better value then Royal Plantation.<BR><BR>Penney

Considering you are coming from the west coast, I think you got a great deal!

Kingkong:<BR><BR>Yes, you got a good rate on your Sandals package when you compare it to the rackrates they advertise. No doubt about it. And since you're traveling inthe off season, they may even further upgrade you since it's your honeymoon, making it an even better &quot;deal&quot;, but I use the word loosely. It's only a deal compared to what the Sandals prices are, not compared to what you could get at any of a dozen other superior resorts throughout the Caribbean.<BR><BR>By now you've read the comments about AI. They can be a great deal, especially for first time travelers, people who don't have a lot of discretionary money, and those who are, well, perhaps a bit timid when it comes to travel experiences. But compared to what you could get with the money you're prepared to spend, you could get a truly unforgettable, once in a lifetime vacation elsewhere.<BR><BR>You've already decided on the Caribbean, which is a great thing. There are numerous one-of-a-kind places there, which Sandals is not one of. Since they operate under the same management, it's the same as going to any chain restaurant in the States. Sure, an Outback Steakhouse can give you a decent meal, but it won't be spectacular, nor will it be different from one location to the next. And since at Sandals, mnost visitors never step outside their grounds of the hotel, they never know what they're missing on whatever island they're on. <BR><BR>Try the website www.luxurylink.com It offers many packages (some with airfare) to truly elegant and/or luxurious resorts all over the Caribbean. May I suggest that you look at the following for unduplicated experience:<BR><BR>--CuisinArt or Cap Juluca on Anguilla<BR>--Strawberry Hill, Round Hill or Half Moon on Jamaica<BR>--Jumby Bay or Curtain Bluff on Antigua<BR>--Guana or Peter Island in the British Virgins<BR>--Palm Island in the Grenadines<BR>--Cotton House in Mustique<BR>--Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines<BR>--La Samanna in French St. Martin<BR>--Guanahani or Eden Rock on St. Barth's<BR>--Point Grace in Turks and Caicos<BR>--Pink Sands in Bahamas (or any other Island Outpost resort)<BR><BR>GOod luck. And feel free to email me with any questions. [email protected]

I've stayed at Sandals Ocho Rios and just got back last week from Royal Plantation. The price you are getting is outstanding... particularly for Royal Plantation, which is pretty expensive. Royal Plantation is very upscale and the food and service are outstanding. I paid about what you're paying in total for 5 nights at Royal Plantation (though for 2 rooms) -- and right now is high season. This did not include my airfare.<BR><BR>You will really enjoy Royal Plantation and it will be spectacular for a honeymoon. I also liked Sandals Ocho Rios, although it is not as upscale as Royal Plantation. One thing you might want to consider if you haven't booked is whether you could stay at Sandals Negril and then at Royal Plantation. That way you could see different parts of the island. Sandals Ocho Rios and Beaches Royal Plantation are next door to each other. On the other hand, you may not want to hassle with the travel.<BR><BR>One thing that we did get when we stayed at Beaches Royal Plantation was free airfare from MBJ to Ocho Rios. You might want to ask about that.<BR><BR>Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. You'll have a great time at these resorts and I think the price you're getting is very good.

For EJ-----I loved your recommendations to Kingkong, of the resorts you suggested, which ones are free of 'kidlets'?????? Thanks.

EJ - Just so you know, those who are timid about traveling and first time travelers are not the only ones who like AIs. sometimesI just like the pure convenience of them! Many vacations I enjoy renting a car and touring around but some vacations, I really jsut plain don't want to have to leave the resort either to go to dinner or sightsee. Thsi isn't because I am timid but because sometimes I just want o be lazy!!!! My hubby and I both have high pressure jobs and neither of us works less than 50 hours a week not including our long daily commutes. Sometimes we jsut want to fly down to caribbean and do nothing but lounge onteh beach or hang out at the swim up bar for a few days. Sandals definitely fits the bill for that. We don;t have to carry around money, think about where to go for dineer or ever go anywhere for that matter which is just great sometimes. I think honeymoons are lot like that for most people, they jsut want to &quot;be&quot; not sight see and go out and look around the islands and soak up local culture, that is one reason Sandals is attractive for many, not because people are timid.

For HaveVisa:<BR><BR>Among those resorts I mentioned, Peter Island in the BVIs is probably the most kid friendly. (But even so it's not marketed as a family destination.) Besides, the resort is an entire island, so I can't imagine it would ever feel overrun by either adults or kids. <BR><BR>Half Moon on Jamaica has a childrens\'s program, and is actually a very large resort.<BR><BR>But realistically, these are all places that most children would find tiresome, so you'd be safe from the little tykes. A few don't allow children during the Christmas-New Year week, or at all during high season. Some only allow kids who are 10-12 and up. <BR><BR>For Sunlover:<BR><BR>You're right, of course. Not just inexperienced or timid travelers stay at all-inclusives. And there are plenty of folks who use the AIs who do venture out to the rest of the island during their stay. My first experience in the Caribbean, at the Jalousie HIlton in St. Lucia, might as well have been an AI for the amount of time I stayed on site. And I loved it--so much that I became obsessed with the region. If I gave offense to you, I apologize.<BR><BR>For everyone:<BR><BR>I sometimes let my soapbox get the better of me because I am, quite simply, opposed to chain-AI like Sandals, Beaches, Grand Lido, etc. For one thing, the trickle down effect of the money tourists spend at these places into the local economy is much smaller compared to smaller or individually owned hotels. Major corporations seldom support the local economy by buying local. And the service charge that is added to an AI package (around 10%) is often less than what the American tourist would pay on his or her own at any any other service establishment (15-20%), so the money directly into the islanders' pockets is less, too.<BR><BR>But then again, I feel the same way about shopping at Barnes &amp; Noble, Office Depot, and Wal-Mart in my own hometown. The more chains that take over anywhere, be it at home or in the Caribbean, the less indigenous flavor a place has. I hope that the &quot;Malling of America&quot; stops at the mainland and doesn't homogenize the Caribbean in the same way that it happened to Florida or the Keys, for example. <BR><BR>For even though most of us aren't rich,let's face it: if we are traveling to the Caribbean on a regular basis, we have the means to travel there responsibly. If as tourists we don't do what we can to support the local merchants on each of the islands we treasure, sooner or later we'll find that there's not much to draw us back. <BR><BR>End of soapbox.

I'd share the soapbox with you ejcrowe, I agree 100%. One town I have visited for years has been changing due to the number of large chain AIs that are locating there, and not for the better. The small businesses are hurting, they lose a lot when someone chooses to spend every single dollar with one large company instead of spreading it around to the smaller businesses in the community.<BR><BR>Some areas are waking up to this reality and resisting that kind of development and teaming up...I'm looking forward to a stay in such an area next month.<BR><BR>I totally understand the desire to not carry $$ around but alas, there are things our family wants that we have to pay for no matter where we stay...leaving the property to go out to eat/play, taking a tour or trip, etc. So we have to bring money anyway :)

Liza: I'd be curious to know the places you were referring to: one that you've been going to for years but has now been overdeveloped, and the other that you're about to go to for the first time...<BR><BR>Kingking5: Don't let our ranting and raving make you secondguess your honeymoon choice if you've already booked Sandals. After all, your vacation will be what you make of it. And barring any natural disasters, you're sure to have a wonderful time no matter where you go. After all, Sandals doesn't have a loyal following for nothing. <BR><BR>Let us know what you decided to do. And above all, enjoy yourselves!

Congratulations on getting married!!<BR><BR>It's a great deal for 10 days...i too would recommend the Grand Lido in Negril...16 and over only and it was top notch all the way around, food, service, spa and the resort in general, and i found it to be very romantic.<BR><BR>A lot of folks here don't like all inclusives and that's ok but for many of us, it's just what we are looking for!<BR><BR>Don't sweat it!!<BR><BR>Congratulations!

&quot;I'd be curious to know the places you were referring to: one that you've been going to for years but has now been overdeveloped, and the other that you're about to go to for the first time...&quot;<BR><BR>In the first case, Negril. It used to be an alternative to the big resort towns of MoBay and Ocho Rios. Visitors stayed at little cottages or guesthouses or small hotels or with local families. Since the 80's it has seen a huge increase in development, mainly from a handful of big AIs: Beaches (2), Sandals (2), Couples, Grand Lido, Hedonism, Riu and now another Riu on the way. The new Riu has even inpsired Butch Stewart, the owner of the Sandals chain and Air Jamaica, to complain about how that hotel is hurting the &quot;small hotels of Negril&quot; (odd how he doesn't see his own hotels the same way). The opinion piece was in the Jamaica Gleaner last week, it's online.<BR><BR>The place we are looking forward to staying in this time is Treasure Beach. Places to stay in TB still consist of villas, guesthouses and small hotels and the people in that area have taken the bull by the horns and are making an effort to devlop tourism there that is community friendly - that doesn't destroy the environment or put small businesses out of business.<BR><BR>We are also going to Port Antonio and the Blue Mountains this trip....the first WAS a big tourist area until the cruise ships got too big for the harbor and the airport in MoBay was built...the Blues are, I hope, pretty much tourist free :)

I find myself in agreement with both those for and against AI, specifically those in the Sandals family. I think the key to a good experience is where you choose to stay.<BR><BR>I was lucky enough to stay at the Royal Plantation a little over a year and a half ago and can only say good things about the experience. As soon as you get to the hotel the tone is set...you are greeted and your bags are wisked away, you are given a cool towel to place on your eyes after the ride from the airport, you are brought champagne and fresh fruit, and checked in. The resort is small (only about 80 couples in total) and the staff is attentive and a pleasure. The food is exceptional and they have a large variety of options on the menu at the main dining room. After eating every meal for over a week there, I can safely say that I could have spent another week there and not have had the opportuntiy to try all the menu items (nor gotten tired of the fare for that matter). The beaches were small, but I do not recall one day that there were more that 6 couples on either side. The water was crystal blue and the staff would rake the sand at least twice a day to make sure it was picture perfect at all time. My room was beautiful and the view was breathtaking.<BR>Watersports are never a problem to take part in since there are so few couples. The spa is as good as those in New York City and there offerings are quite good for such a small resort. The night life is not too exciting, but on your honeymoon I am sure that you can come up with your own entertainment in your romm. If you do need outside excitement, you can go to the noisy neighboring Sandals resorts or there is a quaint piano bar with a fun drink menu and a talented pianist. I am a very picky traveler who is used to deluxe accomidations and I can not wait to return to this property.<BR><BR>That being said...while in Ocho Rios I mistakingly made dinner reservations at the other Sandals properties. I can say without a doubt that I would not be posting such a glowing review if I had booked any of the other resorts I visited. They were outdated, amusement park quality, dirty, spring break-like hotels. I (and seveeral other couple from Royal Plantation) made reservations against the suggestion of our driver and wish I had listened to him. Unlike the intimate, beautiful resort I had been staying at I found myself in a sad excuse for a &quot;luxury&quot; property. I can see why Sandals has the policy that while Royal Plantation guests can go to other Sandals resorts, those staying elsewhere cannot visit RP...they would never leave.<BR><BR>So my advice, as someone who has been there is book Royal Plantation for your honeymoon and cut the days elsewhere! Even if you have to cut your trip a little short due to the higher price of Royal Plantation you'll be glad you did.

I would recommend Romora Bay on Harbour Island as a good choice. It is on the small side and no children. The accomodations are villas overlooking the ocean, nice pool there and GREAT food. <BR><BR>They also offer honeymoon packages and for what you are looking spend you can do better.<BR><BR>Try this website. www.romorabay.com.<BR><BR>You can fly directly into Nassau and take the ferry or fly from there.<BR><BR>You may have to stay overnight on Nassau on your way over, and there are some nice places on Nassau as well, like Compas Point.<BR><BR>Also as someone earlier mentioned Pink Sands is also wonderful, and on the other side of the island from Romora Bay. But I think for the money Romora Bay is a better choice. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful time, and bring tons of sun screen. July is hot in the carribean and you can burn quickly.<BR><BR>Have a GREAT time.

I have been to pretty much all the Sandals Resorts and loved them all. I have found the prices to be cheeper during the hot summer. We usually go in Feb and have paid as much as $5000 for 8 days flying out of Chicago. We just returned a few weeks ago from Negril and paid around $3800 for 10 days in a Honeymoon/beachfront ground level suite upgraded to Conierge level when we got there. The last 3 yrs we have gotten really great deals. Any ?'s feel free to email me.

Thanks pickytraveler! I could have used your advice earlier when I had booked the trip, but now I'm glad that I mixed it up after all. I think that spending time at SOR will be great because we've never been out of the country before. Although I know that Royal Plantation will be a better place to stay, I am looking forward to the look on Andrea's face when we move from SOR (she loves gardens and nature) to the luxury of BRP. <BR>We'll be there starting July 22, so I hope the weather will be nice. Thanks so much for your kind advice, I really appreciate it! Is there anything to do at either SOR or BRP that we should not miss doing?

Included with your stay at either SOR or BRP is a visit to Dunns River Falls. This is a lot of fun, and you should definitely do it. You hike up the falls, and it's pretty fun. Bring a waterproof camera if you have one. The Jamaican guides will take your picture with your camera for you -- and then you can avoid having to pay a fortune for a picture taken by the professional. The only negative of Dunns River Falls is that after you hike up the falls, you have to walk through a market area on your way back tot he bus where people are pretty pushy trying to sell you things.<BR><BR>The other thing that I would recommend is having a couples massage during your stay. However, make sure to do this at BRP and not SOR. The spa at BRP is outstanding (not the case at SOR). BRP has a couples massage that you can get on the beach together during sunset. Romantic!

Having spent probably too much money in the Caribbean at various places I would consider what you will be getting for your money is an excellent value! Alot of people will criticize Sandals ( I have in the past!), but the locations, days, and the fact your on your HONEYMOON will make for a great vacation IMO. Both properties are beautiful and lush. The layouts you can get lost in and find some secluded spots! Sure would be nice if they would upgrade you to the Honeymoon Plantaton Oceanfront Suite @ Royal Plantation! Remember to book all your reservations for activities and restaurants early. Join in all the games and competitions they have. (although you might not have time it being your honeymoon!) At Ocho Rios they have one night a week with dinner right on the beach. Very romantic! If you or your husband plays golf BOTH of you should play a round. Great view from the 10th green I believe. Definitely go to Dunns River Falls. Yes it can be a hassle at the end with the vendors but you have a choice whether to go through the &quot;village&quot; or not. If you have the time go and visit Sandals Dunns River Falls and Beaches Grande Sport. (if anything just to &quot;see&quot; them). In all, yes Sandals/Beaches is critiqued quite a bit but you know what there are ALOT of them and that just stands to reason. Whereever you go, this is your HONEYMOON and NOTHING can stand in the way of love! Good luck to the both of you!