we are leaving for the Grande in a couple of weeks. Would like to know what room catogory is the best and what side of the resort? Facing the north or facing the beach? Please only those of you that have been there. Thanks

Here is a recent trip report on the Grande. Good luck!<BR><BR>http://www.tropictravelonline.com/ub...;f=10;t=000154

That does not look so good. Ugh

There shouldn't be a problem at all with the weather in Antigua in Nov/Dec. It is one of the islands that gets very little rain.<BR><BR>We were married at Sandals Antigua and it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better weddingmoon. I am not one of those &quot;Sandals Lovers&quot; but this resort really has a great laid back and romantic charm to it. It has incredible landscaping, an amazing beach...and it's so peaceful and relaxing you can hear yourself breathe!! We have never enjoyed ourselves (or each other) more than on this vacation. There is plenty to do as far as land/water sports and at night they have entertainment (usually a steel drum band). They also have a beach party once a week. But what is so great is you can join in or do nothing at all! And the resort is like having your own Caribbean village to hang out in. We loved it!<BR><BR>And as far as the wedding, it couldn't have been more perfect. We had no stress what-so-ever. They took care of everything and it was SO beautiful. I can't really put the experience or the place into words to describe it well enough! We truly enjoyed it!<BR><BR>Congrats and enjoy where ever you choose to go! And if you have any other questions, or would like me to e-mail you pics, just let me know!

Island Girl - HELLO! Not Antigua - St. Lucia!!!!

Hi Diane<BR>I think you made a great choice. Having been to all the Sandals except Antigua I have to say this was the best. They did nothing to ruin the resort from whenit was the Hyatt. We had a Penthouse Oceanview Concierge room overlookin gthe North which was fine - it was combination ocean/garden. I would have preferred the beachfront side but the rooms are exactly the same. We enjoyed the resort so much and hung out with a a group of 8 new friends that we didn't mind the view - it wasnt' like we were looking at a parking lot.<BR>You will have a great vacation - I am so jealous I wish I was going back!!!<BR>Have fun!!!!

So if I have the basic room where should I request? Also, did you notice the musty smell?

Stephanie, I was told that some rooms have a sitting area.We were at the Golf&amp;spa last new years and had Honeymoon Grandelux Beach Front. It had more space with a couch, table large single bed chair. Are these rooms anything like that? I'm thinking builging 8 might be a good spot with beachfront. Any info on this would be appreciated. Thanks Di

Diane, I just came back from Grande. ALL room categories, except for the Lagoon swim up rooms have great views. The only way you can choose your view or get an upgrade if you're a returning guest. We were not, and got the lowest category room, and it was great, we could see the ocean, the bay and the lagoon swim up rooms. If this is your real email, I'll send the the url with my pictures.<BR>Marti

Marti - We are leaving soon for the Grande. Did you post a trip report anywhere? We'd love to know what you thought.

I post a trip report, but it's gone, I think those Sandals bashers got on there and made the post inappropriate. <BR> Some quick thoughts;<BR>-The mountain bike tour is great, the day sails are wonderful, skip the shopping tour and go on your own to the market, great spices, baskets, clothing.<BR>-Street parties happen everywhere, some close by, if you're brave, go for it! Great fun with about 99% locals.<BR>-Be sure and go to Kimono's Japanese and Mario's Italian, make reservations early, they're at the other resorts. The Italian at Grande is good, but not as intimate as Mario's. Fun to go to the English pub after dinner.<BR>-We had a blast using the free Catamarans. We did not scuba, but friends did and said it was great.<BR>-All rooms are the same size, just different views. We went with the lowest category and had amazing views of the lagoon pool, as well as Rodney Bay, and a partial ocean view. <BR>Have fun, my only regret is I did not spend 5 more days there.

Our former President Clinton was at the Grande yesterday. I haven't heard any bad reviews about that. I thought it could be a problem with all the Secret Service, but so far, no complaints.

Does our former President have good taste? Questionable.

You are right <BR>Emma! VERY questionable.

We wouldn't go back to the Grande before because they had an ant problem in the rooms. And now I wouldn't want to go back for fear of ending up in the bed Clinton slept in. The ants don't sound as bad now.