I am thinking of surprising my husband with a trip to Jamaica. With what I want to do and what I want to be available for him, it will be very expensive (I am sure). Is it worth the money and which is the better hotel of the Sandals group? Are there coffee makers in the rooms? TVs? Air? Thanks in advance for your input!!

No, Sandals is NOT worth it! As a frequent traveler, I can tell you that Sandals is sub-par in terms of service, food, and facilities. My impression of the Sandlals clientele is that they are very young and not well traveled and do not know what to expect for their money.

Try Swept Away in Negril instead.

I am not as against Sandals as the last responder. For convenience, least hassle, at an affordable price, they aren't a bad deal. As a frequent traveler too, I prefer completely preplanned trips so that I have no money worries once I get there. Swept Away is wonderful, but will be more expensive and Sandals Negril is just next door on the same beach. Sandals Negril is probably the most laid back of the Jamaican Sandals. The Royal Jamaican is the most luxurious (it is just outside Montego Bay). I would avoid Sandals Montego Bay as it sits right at the end of the Mo Bay airport runway, and every jet takes off right overhead. I would expect most of the Sandals to be $1200-1500 per person for 7 days, including airfare, ground transportation, meals, drinks, watersports, etc with NO TIPPING. Most meals are buffet style and I certainly found the food and drinks more than acceptable. You certainly could do worse than Sandals, believe me.

Clarification: Swept Away costs slightly less than Sandals Negril (usually about $200 per person).

I just returned from Jamaica, and the locals all say that the best and most luxurious resort is Couples outside of Ocho Rios. We drove by there and it sure did look nice. You might want to check them out--they have their own private island and they are somewhat isolated from the "strip".

I honeymooned at Sandals Montego Bay and have also spent a week at Couples in Ocho Rios. I loved them both. Mo Bay is convenient in that you have only a short ride by car to the resort. Ocho Rios is very isolated and is a long nerve wracking ride by car or van. Jamaicans are notorious for being hell on wheels. Couples has a private nude beach (participation optional!) It is near Dunn's River Falls, which is a lot of fun to climb up with a group. I love Jamaica and would go back any time. E-mail me if I can be of help.

Have you been to Swept Away in Negril Bay? We are tentatively booked in for 2 weeks. Any thought? Have you been there, and is there anywhere that you prefer? In particular we're looking forward to the golf, water sports, and tennis.
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