liz

We are leaving Sat. for the Grande. I am not hearing such good reviews. Someone,please tell me something good. Is the beach nice there? Also, I was told by my travel agent that Jalousie was about 8-10,000 for the week compared to Grande for $5,000. Is this true. I know the Jalousie Hilton is suppose to be wonderful. But is it that expensive?

Hello

You are leaving on Saturday and you are NOW doing your research and comparison shopping??? Boy did your travel agent see you coming....guess she gets a big Sandals commission.

Scubagal

We just returned from the Grande, we had a wonderful trip! I have a trip report and pictures posted at www.tropictravelonline.com.

tomamy1

We just returned from the golf and spa. Took a trip to the grande, it was very nice. The beach was big, a little hard, but lots of activities going on. The only complaint we had with the Grande was the slow service we had at breakfast compared to our resort. The people we talked to all seemed to love the Grande and wished they had stayed there. I guess it is a matter of personal preference.

caribdreamn

Hi I hope you get this before you leave!<BR><BR>The Jalousie is that expensive and in some cases more!!<BR><BR>don't worry - the better beach is at your resort. The best beach I saw on the island is Reduit beach in Rodney bay and if I am correct that is where you are going yes? <BR><BR>Have a blast - I just returned from my honeymoon in St. Lucia and our rooms at our resort sucked but the amenities were great and the bottom line is - I understand being here and worrying - but once you are there just try and relax and enjoy the atmosphere - if you are in Rodney Bay you are in the greatest spot. Do an island tour and get to Marigot Bay (super romantic) and have big fun!! Plus don't worry about the rain it can rain and seem as though it may never stop...it will and you'll be amazed within minutes it is as if the rain and clouds never exsisted....I am so envious - have fun St.Lucia is a wonderful island!!<BR><BR>Great choice!

keepitreal

Well Liz, I think your travel agent is overstating the cost of a weeks stay at the Jalousie. Our bill was only about half of what your travel agent is saying the cost is and we stayed at a top of the line suite. I don't agree with caribdreamn about the comparison between Reduit Beach and the Jalousie Beach. I think the beach at Jalousie is better. Yes, it is smaller than Reduit, but it is more secluded, has a great snorkeling preserve right off the beach, it has the only white sand beach in St. Lucia and the Pitons are on either side of the beach which affords a magnificent scenic view. I'm not sure if caribdreamn is trying to encourage you to go to the Sandals resort or not-- he (or she) says that the rooms really sucked but that you should just enjoy the amenities and everything will be OK. I would hardly call that a ringing endorsement. When I priced Sandals and the Jalousie the costs were pretty close and the rooms at the Jalousie do not suck-- in fact they very luxurious as was the entire resort. Just my two cents.

caribdreamn

Hi keepitreal.<BR><BR>I did not stay at Sandals so my reference was to neither resort. I was trying to encourage Liz to enjoy herself regardless of negative opinions or poor rooms.<BR><BR>I visited Jalousie and thoughts it was breathtaking (positive review - take a breath and relax) I just felt the beach was hard, and made of sea shells but not truly ground up. It wasn't soft as a beach should be. Yes it was the only WHITE sand beach but I felt the Reduit beach was softer and more traditional Caribbean beach.<BR><BR>Please don't misunderstand I thought Jalousie was in a spectacular location and very romantic - but it seemed to have drawbacks as well - you chose your resort well and make the best of the best that is available to you!! I am glad you enjoyed Jalousie. Have you tried Ladera?

keepitreal

caribdreamn-<BR>The Jalousie beach did not strike me as being a hard packed beach, but it might impress others that way if they used to a beach with softer sand. We visited Ladera for dinner while staying at the Jalousie this summer. It was impressive and the views from the rooms and Dasheene Restaurant were great, but I'm glad we picked the Jalousie. It gave us the best combination of scenery, luxury, and privacy. Can't wait to go back!

sailor

keepitreal, I so agree with your posts. We just LOVED that beach at the Jalousie the sand was firm enough to make walking easy, and white enough that you could do it barefoot on the warmest day, even lay directly on it. It was sand not shell sand when we were there? Imported from Barbados if I remember right. At Anse Chastenet(the natural silver/gray/black sand) it was so hot and very, very soft but so difficult to walk on. We did LOVE this beach also, so unique. We also stayed at Ladera and will have to stay at Ladera and the Hilton again. And for the Jalousie being $8-10,000 sounds like a very, very gready TA. Are cost was half that and we also stayed in a Ocean view Suite with the larger plunge pool. There was no way we could compare the $5,500 for 7 nights with air that we almost had to pay at Sandals Halcyon. This would have been a self service vacation in a clean, basic kind of motel 6 like room, no room service, average beach. NO-N0-N0 thank you.<BR>Donna

caribdreamn

Hello,<BR>I am realizing the possible trouble here with pricing - I am Canadian and all amounts are in such currency and to my great heartbreak the Jalousie was veryveryvery expensive - not that it appeared to not be worth it... very romantic and sexy atmosphere - but I like a lively environment...or I told myself that in an effort to console myself as we got in our cab and drove back to Club St. Lucia - ahhh - can you imagine the difference!?!?

sailor

Caribdreamn, just love your post, how sweet. We waited a long time to spend the extra, it was are 25th aniversary. I just think for the same as we paid Sandals, you can have the ultimate vacation at the Jalousie Hilton or Ladera. I would have rather gone to Club St.Lucia for a great price, than feeling we were totally taken advantage of at the Sandals Halcyon for $$$$. You did good by your choise and the time you were able to spend in St.Lucia.<BR>Donna