You are right, the advertising is misleading. If you pore over Sandals brochures in anticipation of your trip you might be disappointed. They use tricks to make things appear different in the photos than they actually are in person. We were at Sandals Grande during a recent photo shoot. It was a real eye opening experience.<BR><BR>My main gripe is they aren't worth the money they charge. They sell the places as luxury and they just aren't. They're nice, yes, but overpriced.<BR><BR>I've been twice and won't return.

also... due to the economy and the tough time travel agencies are having making ends meet there is some incentive for travel agents to push Sandals and overlook some complaints and inadequacies for a couple of reasons. <BR><BR>One, the travel agents get a percentage of the vacation package which in the case of All Inclusives includes food &amp; beverage so they're getting a lot more commission than a traditional vacation/airfare package. <BR><BR>And two, Sandals rewards travel agents well with commissions and incentives. <BR><BR>I'm not blaming the travel agents, times are definitely very tough for them right now. Especially with the airlines changing their commissions etc. <BR><BR>But keep in mind, though a good travel agent will not intentionally send you somewhere bad they may be influenced by things other than just wanting you to have the best trip possible and may steer you toward All Inclusive even if that's not the best option for you. Remember, the more you pay, the more their commission is.<BR><BR>Something to think about...

Exactly! And that commission is paid by charging the consumer inflated prices. All Inclusives aren't bad but you are paying extra for the convenience of not carrying cash and the all you can eat/drink environment. Very few people eat/drink their money's worth at a Sandals.

I been to Sandals quite a number of times and I feel the pictures in the brochures are really close to the exact reality of the resorts. We have never been disapointed. For the $2800-$3500 we pay w/air from Chicago for 7 nights is very good. We are yearly returnees and will be recieving our gold Sandals and our free trip this year for our 10th stay.

maybe it depends on which sandals. we went to sandals inn jamaica and the brochure didn't show what the beach looked like. the brochure looked like it was on the beach when really it was across a street from the beach. and the brochure showed watersports but there weren't any there you had to go to other sandals for watersports. and where they had the sailboat in the brochure is actually a wooden shack for vendors who try to convince you to buy things when you are trying to relax on beach. I guess they airbrushed the shack out of the brochure to make it look better.

Sorry, Curious. I've never been to the Atlantis so I'll pass on commenting about my thoughts about that resort. My AI experiences are limited to Radisson Cable Beach and Beaches Turks and Caicos. As I stated earlier, AIs are great if you have two hungry, thirsty teenagers!

It is totally unreasonable to choose a resort based on brochure pictures. You do need to speak with a Travel Agent who has experience with the resorts you're interested in. A good travel agent will not sell you on a resort just to earn a commission. That is completely ridiculous. I am sure that since they earn their living by planning trips, they do want happy clients who will return to them and make referrals. Travel Agents who are also Sandals Specialists travel to the resorts to experience them first hand and see what the property looks like and has to offer.

Gee, &quot;xxx&quot; you don't sound AT ALL like a travel agent.<BR>(Yeah, right).

Busted, you sound like a Sandals hater. To each their own.