I ADMIRE Sandals, but its still a bad VALUE.
Jan 24th, 2005, 05:40 AM
#81
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my wife and i just got back from a mount tremblent ski trip. 2 nights,1 day of skiing and some fine dining. cost 1000.00 cdn. payig 1600.00cdn each for 7 nights at sandals taxes in. seems like simple math to me.
Jan 24th, 2005, 06:02 AM
#82
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You know I have noticed the same things being said in trip reports that you have mentioned here and I "Admire" YOUR honesty. I don't know about anyone else but I work TOO HARD for my money to not get the most value while on vacation. To be honest it was these such reports that caused us to make a decision to NOT go to an AI and choose our own Hotel (Idle Awhile in Negril Jamaica) and research travel boards to find out where the best restaurants and entertainment are and which side trips to take. I will write a complete report when we come back on our decision and how it compares. I am sure we will be much happier. I am sure after all is said and done these people once they are home remember the good times they had together and tend to forget the other things but we are very persnickedy about food and like variety and freshness and we are really not into games and dirty sheets so ... If we buy our own drinks we can buy what we like and want etc, etc but to each his own I guess.
Jan 31st, 2005, 08:17 AM
#84
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I wouldn't go to a Sandals again if it was given to me, and my airfare was paid. My fiance' and I both got incredibly sick for 3 out of 7 days on the food. When I went to the infirmary, the nurse told me to buy pepto (which was incredibly overpriced)at the souvenir shop. I was sicker than Pepto could deal with. While the activities staff was friendly, the cleaning and meal staff were rude, inefficient and hard to find if we needed anything. There was a stain on one of our pillows and our TV did not work for the 1st 2 days, but no one returned our calls. Upon having my travel agent write a letter of complaint, Sandals denied that I had visited the nurse (despite the fact that I had signed in on the infirmary sheet) and said they had absolutely no record of any calls regarding our room. Absolute lies. Couples massage was ok at best, and I go regularly for massages. And for anyone who thinks that what they serve as drinks is truly alcohol, I say that I feel sorry for you...the drinks were awful and the flies around the sticky bar prevented us from just enjoying a cool one out of the sun. We agree that the Barefoot by the Sea is the way to go for dinner and the Italian restaurant serves great breakfasts. Other than that, I'm not sure what the grade of meat was, but it wasn't good. My advice: look elsewhere.
Feb 20th, 2005, 07:49 AM
#85
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Well now I know why we can't solve the Middle East Crisis.
First, I think everyone's perception is real and valid for them. We must provide resorts for all tpyes of people and various incomes. However, I think the argument is simply about value in the market place. Sandals was better priced in the past than it is now. The new Sandals Whitehouse is $375 per person per night or around $5000 per week plus airfare for a couple. More expensive rooms go as high as$11,000 for the week. For the opening months they are giving people vouchers for free accomodation for next year. So if you are able and willing to travel next year and will accept a booking at any Sandals then this is not such a bad deal. But Sandal's marketing people are smart. About one half of those vouchers will not be used becasue people will not be able to get away or will not like the resorts with "voucher vacancies" at the time of their travel next year.
Sandals I beleive is not a good value based on cost to facility ratio. I think what other travellers are trying to get Sandals buffs to do is try something different..and see what is out there for less money. I have been to many many hotels in Jamaica and other islands but since I live here I know the inside track. Many of the managers and staff are my friends..people I socialize with..They work very hard..but it isn't easy to make a first world hotel work in a third world situation.
I know I don't care for their food and other sanitry situations are not up to Ritz levels. Can't stand sharing the beach with 600 other people ..I
also know that I can have a private villa ( Bluefields villas)down the road with two maids a butler, chef . beach beautiful views, swimming pool , own kayaks for the same price.Not to mention wonderful old heritage antiques with the oportunity get out to meet Jamaicas if I please under the safest conditions.
So if you want a holiday to visit Jamaica...don't do Sandals. If you prefer your Americans friends to have fun and party with, then Sandals is a great option but check out the prices of other resorts such as Swept Away, Idle Awhile,Cayhoba, Half Moon. Jamaica Inn, Jakes and especially deals in Port Antionio area, which is my favorite place on this island.
But visit Jamaica because it is a special place. I wish you all could come and experience food like " stamp n'go" "ackee and saltfish" fried fish and "bammy"..which is made by pounding out cassava root until a starchy. Drink cold Ting and Red Stripe.Sidle up to a bar and listen to some Jamaican "sous sous" gossip, Listen to Bo
Marley) from speakers that rock your sternum. Take a nature walk through the hills , see indiginous flora and fauna...or stay at a lovely cottage ( Horizon Cottages) for only $110 per night and sleep practically on the seaside .
But please come to Jamaica. whether it is Sandals...or NOT!!!!
First, I think everyone's perception is real and valid for them. We must provide resorts for all tpyes of people and various incomes. However, I think the argument is simply about value in the market place. Sandals was better priced in the past than it is now. The new Sandals Whitehouse is $375 per person per night or around $5000 per week plus airfare for a couple. More expensive rooms go as high as$11,000 for the week. For the opening months they are giving people vouchers for free accomodation for next year. So if you are able and willing to travel next year and will accept a booking at any Sandals then this is not such a bad deal. But Sandal's marketing people are smart. About one half of those vouchers will not be used becasue people will not be able to get away or will not like the resorts with "voucher vacancies" at the time of their travel next year.
Sandals I beleive is not a good value based on cost to facility ratio. I think what other travellers are trying to get Sandals buffs to do is try something different..and see what is out there for less money. I have been to many many hotels in Jamaica and other islands but since I live here I know the inside track. Many of the managers and staff are my friends..people I socialize with..They work very hard..but it isn't easy to make a first world hotel work in a third world situation.
I know I don't care for their food and other sanitry situations are not up to Ritz levels. Can't stand sharing the beach with 600 other people ..I
also know that I can have a private villa ( Bluefields villas)down the road with two maids a butler, chef . beach beautiful views, swimming pool , own kayaks for the same price.Not to mention wonderful old heritage antiques with the oportunity get out to meet Jamaicas if I please under the safest conditions.
So if you want a holiday to visit Jamaica...don't do Sandals. If you prefer your Americans friends to have fun and party with, then Sandals is a great option but check out the prices of other resorts such as Swept Away, Idle Awhile,Cayhoba, Half Moon. Jamaica Inn, Jakes and especially deals in Port Antionio area, which is my favorite place on this island.
But visit Jamaica because it is a special place. I wish you all could come and experience food like " stamp n'go" "ackee and saltfish" fried fish and "bammy"..which is made by pounding out cassava root until a starchy. Drink cold Ting and Red Stripe.Sidle up to a bar and listen to some Jamaican "sous sous" gossip, Listen to Bo
Marley) from speakers that rock your sternum. Take a nature walk through the hills , see indiginous flora and fauna...or stay at a lovely cottage ( Horizon Cottages) for only $110 per night and sleep practically on the seaside . But please come to Jamaica. whether it is Sandals...or NOT!!!!
