My point is you could spend less money, and give it to the poor, buy a smaller house, drive an electric car, you choose not to, you work hard for your money and want to dine in style, that's great! Someone else wants to nibble at their plate, and not drink warm drinks, you're both wasting, in different ways. Neither of you should be criticized for it!

Nancy,<BR><BR>I do more research than that, I got better rates than the Sandals website offers. I'm sure if you puruse this site you know how to find better deals too. by the way, don't get me mixed up, I'm not the food waster, I don't support that at all.

No Marti, I know you're not the food waster. (Sorry if it looked like I was lumping you in the same category <BR>I'm sure it is possible to find much "better" deals to Sandals than what I found on their website, but for me, I have no interest in going there no matter what the cost. Seriously, I would not go if it were $100 per night.<BR>By the grace of God, I am fortunate enough to be able to select where I want to go (within reason and we choose to go elsewhere.<BR>If you enjoy it, and feel you are getting your money's worth, then it is a great vacation destination for you -and what you like is really all that matters when it comes down to how you want to spend your money...

hypocrite,<BR><BR>you're incorrect in your argument. your point should be that you think i'm selfish, not wasteful. so i choose not to give all my assets away. i enjoy a little reward for my hard work (by the way, i live in an economical house and drive a gas conscious car). but, i have a clear conscience as to how i spend and what i contribute to as a memeber of the world community. <BR><BR>however, i do not throw away food or easily waste resources without a thought like sandals lover. you have, however, added another layer to the argument - it appears from your statements that you feel that sandals lover is both selfish and wasteful, so why are we debating? <BR><BR>and by the way, why shouldn't someone be criticized for being wasteful? isn't that the way you get others to start thinking about what they're doing so change can be effected?

Hey,Nancy -- Don't keep picking at this scab -- after all, somebody voted you and me some of the more 'considerate and informative' voices here. If you don't know our opinions (and fellow colleague, ramjet's, on Sandals,don't ask. And if you do know, keep quiet,eh?<BR><BR>I'm gonna stop in at Butch's place in Whitehouse this trip down and ask for a special 10k goldwashed tin 'Honorary<BR>Sandals Friend/Runner-Up' trophy for you. lol

Thanks Tiv, for helping me "stop the insanity." (I just can't stop myself sometimes...)<BR>I only wish there was gonna be a private plane waiting at home to whisk me away to somewhere I can hear reggae and feel irie - besides my back porch that is <BR>I guess I'll just get that last bottle of Carib out of the fridge and put on some Beenie Man.<BR>Peace.

We agree on something--I'm looking forward to this post going down at #51.<BR>Whoops, guess I sholdn't have posted this...

I am going to add my two cents for what it is worth - big risk, I know. I have read this thread and could'nt help but notice that alot of the negative comments re Sandals relates to those in Jamaica. Lest you people forget, there are Sandals resorts in St Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas. What about commenting on those? I haven't stayed at any of them personally but visited the both of the Montego Bay locations while I was in JA two years ago and I have to say, I was not impressed - by the sheer layout and maintainance of the buildings - it was all very basic. But I understand that the Sandals in the Bahamas are supposed to be much better. A friend of mine had her honeymoon at one of them last year - trust me, she is NOT easy to please and she loved it!! She raved!! I also saw a wedding video of a couple who got married at a Sandals Bahamas last year and I have to say it looked gorgeous - the property, the scenery etc. I am also told that the St Lucia Sandals are not bad either. So maybe you "Sandals Lovers" and those that aspire to be so, need to give some of the locations other than JA a try.

A pattern has emerged every few weeks on this Sandals issue. It seems the post will become fever pitched for about 75 avg posts and disappear for a while. During the banter some soon to be wed will post about their "concern" for Sandals and she/he will be convinced to not worry, etc. The exchanges can be downright nasty at times. Being that I've never been to a Sandals and I like the sun, ocean, pools, snorkeling, tropical drinks, dancing at night, array of choices of food, quiet time after 1:00 am, 1 time use of a spa, meeting a few other people, the prices seem fairly reasonable now with the 30% discount; why not go to a Sandals resort?

I stayed at Sandals in Montego Bay in January of this year. It was an incredible deal. 2 people 4 nights $800.00(air and all inclusive).<BR>Our room was a free upgrade-it wasn't spectacular but for the amount of time we spent there it was ok.<BR>We had no problems with food or water. I didn't go there to be entertained so that didn't much matter to me. I think every vacationer is looking for something different. Some like Sandals and some don't. I think your best bet would be to find the place that you like.

ttt for all those inquiring about staying at Sandals - an oldie but a goodie...

Diana, this is a good one!

I noticed a new post after you brought this thread back up. I wonder why it disappeared, it was a good post?

Can people that post here delete there own posts on Fodors?

Donna

I believe that Sleezy Sandals does take advantage of people. All you who would even consider going to any of their trampy vacations - please rethink. The Caribbean has other resorts that you need to go to. Boycott this joint.

Once again - bottom line:

ALL INCLUSIVES ARE TERRIBLE!!! They lure you in with &quot;all you can eat&quot; - offer AWFUL food and then have a little *on the menu if you want something edible -- pay extra.

For these prices - try something a little upscale!!! You always will get what you paid for if you pay a little more (upfront) (if you can of course).
Whenever we have traveled to an upscale hotel or resort it has ALWAYS WORKED VERY WELL. These little sleezy joints just exploit all of us with their glossy ads - which are not always accurate.

My friend got deathly ill while at Sandals Dunns River in June 2004--food poisoning. He was in intensive care for a couple days after he got home. Has anyone heard of other food poisoning cases around that time?

The maid who cleans your room, the pool boy who fetches your towels, the laundress who cleans your sheets and the person who buses your table and serves you your food at Sandals, all rarely make more than US$25/A WEEK after taxes and transport at Sandals. Whether you're paying US$300 or US$500 or US$700 day for toute-suite, the question of who's being exploited is rather moot, no?

This reminds me of a trip to the most awful Mount Airy lodge in the Poconos when I was first married (late 80's). It was near our New Jersey home and we were looking for a romantic all inclusive getaway (we were poorer then).It was awful!!! The place was stuck in the early 70's furnishings and the stained carpets, etc... I have never been to a Sandals and will not buy into that kind of a vacation. It might be a great place to go, but in my experience the all included only sounds great on paper and in a few old pictures. Actually I am sorry to the Sandals lovers. I have never been and so I shouldn't comment. I just had these funny visions of our most horrible weekend pop up in my mind reading this very old post that was reincarnated!

ok, hears the other side of the issue. We are &quot;Sandals lovers&quot; and have been for quite a number of years. We love the resorts because of the staff and the resorts are beautiful. We prefer a laid back carefree vacation without the fuss of having to worry where or when we are going to eat and how much $ do we have to bring along. Girlonthego is right she can not make a judgement on someplace she has never been, there are alot od Sandals haters on this board so read between the lines.If you want the real truth about Sandals resort go to www.tropictravelonline.com

You are right Kimberly. I should not have commented on this. I am sure, if they have been in business this long, they must do something right.
Have you ever been to the Beaches resorts?

We are trying a Sandals for the first time in early March 05. One of the main reasons we are going is because of the price. It dropped down over Christmas to a very reasonable price and we booked. We have been to Occidentals, Rius, and Club resorts. We really enjoy the adults only. If the price is right, why not go? You don't have to cook,clean or work. You go and relax, lay on a beach, read a good book and get some sun. We paid less for this Sandals resort vacation than we have for any other winter vacation we have taken to any other &quot;lower&quot; end or 5+ star resort. (All of our vacations have been marvelous)...we've made them that way though.
Again, I am not working, cleaning or cooking - I am going to enjoy myself.