Sunset Jamaica Grande - Jamaica

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This is a raggedy resort that provides rude service. Visited: July 2009 Posted by kenlynwil We stayed here for seven days - including wedding reservations. The elevators (only three for 15 floors) were hot with no ventilation. They frequently got stuck. The lights totally shut off three times while we were here. Children were screaming their heads off in the pitch black dark. Stray cats roamed the dining area in search for food. The only resolve was that they asked you to feed them. Also, the female cashier who sits to the left when you walk in was rude and acted as if she was loaning us money instead of giving change or conversions. We had to call Crystal (operator) every day and ask for towels. We were told by housekeeping that they did not have any more that were clean. Hmmm. Crystal and I were on a first name basis by the time I left. The games in the gameroom were broken. Housekeeping came in and spot cleaned. For the entire week, the sheets were not changed on our beds. They passed a mop over sand and dirt, which made mud and back to dirt when it dried. The final straw was on our last night, the AC went out! I called housekeeping and they sent the maintenance guy. I watched him rig a styrophone cup to hold some bar up inside of the vent. The air finally came back on for about three more hours, then went off again. We left the next day. The wedding coordinator, Esther Bandoo, was awesome. The wedding was very well organized and nice. The fruit punch they served when you got here was also great. That was about all for the good stuff. Spend a little more, and stay somewhere else. 2 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a great place to stay. Visited: January 2008 Posted by patricia We had a great room, the staff was nice, and we enjoyed the food. I would stay here again. Our room had three decks and two baths. It was huge, and the room was kept clean. Also, the food was good, and there was lots to do. My only complaint was that they ran out of rum cream at each bar. 7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Run for your life - do not stay at this shabby hotel! Visited: November 2007 Posted by helene_curran@yahoo_ I could go on and on about all of the negatives, but I will spare you and tell you about our main gripes. When we arrived, our room wasn't ready for three hours. They were obviously over booked and unorganized. The staff was beyond rude to us, which was surprising because I thought the motto was "no problem." Everything seemed like an effort to them, and there were barely any smiles. It rained almost the entire time we were here, so we had to remain inside of the leaky hotel for the majority of the time - even the gym floor was soaked! There was caution tape and buckets everywhere! The floors were covered in water everywhere we went in this hotel. When we did have a day of sunshine, we went on the poor excuse for a beach. It was just a narrow and small beach. We had about 50 feet from our resort steps to the ocean, and it was very narrow. The hot tubs were cold also, so we couldn't enjoy those either. For the kicker - this was an all inclusive resort-, and we paid ahead of time to eat here. We had to eat buffet (poor quality food) all week, and could not go to the two places they offered as "fine dining" because my husband didn' t have pants on! It seemed to be no loss anyhow, because our friends who did go said it was terrible food. We had to spend extra money to go out of the resort and eat (we recommend the Spring Garden.) The management was non-responsive, and didn't resolve any problems. In fact, they made us feel like we were a problem for reporting all of our inconveniences! This was a waste of time and money in our opinion. It was just one thing after another. 17 users found this review helpful. 39 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? What a fantastic hotel! Visited: August 2007 Posted by marcia,chingford We are just back from a wonderful stay at the Sunset Grande. Our flight was delayed by five hours, so we didn't arrive at the hotel until 4:00. We were greeted by a cheery front desk person, and we were offered refreshments as our luggage was taken to our room. The food was fabulous. The only restaurant not worth visiting was Ginger Lily. I thought the Chinese food was rather ghastly. I had heard other diners complain about it, but wanted to try it for myself. I'm afraid they were right. The other restaurants, especially South Beach, were fantastic, though. The pools were clean, and it was good to hear reggae music all day long. Cocktails - especially the Hummingbird and Rum punch - were delicious. There was a good atmosphere at the hotel. The staff was courteous and helpful, also. We loved it so much we got engaged here. We hope to marry at the Grande, too. 34 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Well done, Sunset Jamaica Grande! Visited: August 2007 Posted by roberts We checked into the Sunset Jamaica Grande on the 14th of August, 2007, and were greeted by a bar person serving us a chilled fruit punch. The service from the staff in the reception and lobby bar was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff who work here. I hope that this testimonial is passed onto the staff, as I felt they needed a morale boost. I felt that they were not recognized by the management for excellent manners and hard work. During the hurricane, we were kept safe, well informed and fed with food one only imagine in such difficult circumstances. I would recommend this wonderful resort to anyone who wants to rest and enjoy wonderful people, food and surroundings. 31 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Sunset Jamaica Grande has something for everyone. Visited: February 2007 Posted by mmc I loved the layout of this resort. Whether you desire a quiet rest on the beach, a party atmosphere by the pool, or even a quiet afternoon by the pool, you can find it. The food was amazing and included Jamaican dishes (very yummy). There was live music everywhere you turned - the quality of which was second to none. The staff was super friendly and helpful. But I certianly sensed some disatisfaction. One small matter - the front desk was overloaded. They seemed to refer all inquiries to the front desk - and more often than not, there was a long line. Overall, however, I would highly recommend this resort. It was a 4.5 star at three -tar prices. 33 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I felt like it should be 4.5-star hotel - not a 3.5-star! Visited: April 2006 Posted by jacksonj We thoroughly enjoyed our six-night stay at the Grande. I am 13. The buffet had a lot of food to choose from. They had many facilities - inculding a kids' club for children up to the age of 12, which my cousin enjoyed! We had no complaints about the resort, apart from the Chinese restaurant where our food was lukewarm. The beach party barbecue was a fantastic effort by the catering staff. But my mother thought it was unecessary because of all the 'hassle' involved, she would have thought nonetheless of them for not doing it. The queues were very long for meats. Jamaic'n Me Crazy (Disco) could have had better music on some nights, as they played only bashment music. I thought the entertainment in the night was really good (like the talent show), but again my mother thought it could have been better. I thought it was a brilliant hotel and I advise people to stay here if you want to have a good time! 14 users found this review helpful. 9 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We had a good time at this resort. Visited: February 2006 Posted by schnooks156 The biggest complaint is the three-hour bus ride from The Montego Bay Airport. This made the three-hour plane trip into a full day of traveling when we expected to be at the pool by mid afternoon. Otherwise, the hotel was very nice and clean. The pool water was extremely cold. There were only four umbrellas, so it was hard to find shade. The food was good, especially in the specialty restaurants. You need reservations, and they get booked very quickly. They don't rush you, so dinner in these restaurants take some time. The buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner were quite plentiful. There were lines to wait for the made-to-order eggs, pasta, etc. Besides the awful bus ride, this hotel was very nice and we enjoyed our time here. 17 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Sunset Jamaica Grande was excellent. Visited: January 2006 Posted by sugarandspice_100 I just got back from a one-week stay here and it was fabulous. When we arrived, we were given a room with two double beds and we wanted a king. The hotel went out of their way to find us a room. They gave us a room on the top floor with an oceanview which, was an upgrade. They waived the upgrade fee in order to please us. I call that great service. We thought this was a resort that tried to satisfy their customers in every way. The food was by far of five-star quality. The Italian restaurant had the best lasagna I have ever tasted anywhere in the world (including Europe). The presentation in all the a la carte restaurants was definitely five-star - as was the service. The buffet restaurant was also very good, and the service there was great as well. The pools, waterfalls, and swinging bridges made for a very nice and tropical feeling. It was fun to watch the big cruise ships come in. The beaches were very nice, and there were always enough lounge chairs - even in the afternoon. You can't seem to please everybody, and those who had negative comments might never have a good time anywhere. At least the Jamaica Grande costs a bit less than other big resorts for the same weather, the same ocean, the same island attractions. At the beach party on Tuesday night, the hotel brought out tables and chairs. There were white, red and black tablecloths which added to the ambiance. Also, the food and the presentation was first class for a beach party. 31 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was an excellent value. Visited: January 2006 Posted by potsiegb We stayed at the Sunset Jamaica Grande, and had a great time. The resort was beautiful, and the pools were the best I have seen. There was plenty of food and drink. The resort was so big, even at full capacity, it didn't seem crowded. The location was the best, the town of Ocho Rios was right out the gates. We would definitely stay at this resort again. 19 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I found this place to be excellent - as always. Visited: December 2005 Posted by paddy I have to disagree with other reviewers' comments posted here. The food that was complained about was top rate. The bay was the same as that which the ships come into. Also, there was a marvelous beach here. I advise people to ignore the negative comments. I have stayed here numerous times - both when it was the "Renaissance Jamaica Grande" and now. 19 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Don't stay here if you want to have fun. Visited: December 2005 Posted by tourangnaz I just got back from this resort and I thought the food was awful, and there was no real beach! The hotel faced the harbor/bay, and guests swam in the same waters that the huge cruise ships docked at. If you must go, make sure you don't stay in the North tower facing the bay! 8 users found this review helpful. 11 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Our stay here was awesome. Visited: December 2005 Posted by poodledee2 I recently celebrated my 30th birthday with my twin sister in Jamaica. It was the best time I ever had. The resort was absolutely beautiful, the people were very courteous and went out of their way to make sure we were treated like royalty. Some members of the entertainment group also asked to dine with us on a couple of occasions. The beach and pools were fabulous. I don't have one negative comment about my visit to Sunset Jamaica Grande. I am actually trying to make arrangements to return in the next couple of months. It was a trip very much worth the time and money. 11 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Don't come here - you will die of pleasure! Visited: December 2005 Posted by jackiemannall This place was great! After reading some bad reviews, I was a little worried. But my fears were so unfounded. The staff was friendly, the room was cleaned daily, no matter what time I got up. Also, all the toilets were emmaculate. In addition, the food was great - I tried it all. The beaches were clean and safe, and the pools were wonderful. Finally, the trips were well organized. I can't praise it enough. Oh, and Limal, in entertainment, was lovely. Everyone was lovely. 12 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Our wedding reception was well organized and carried out. Visited: August 2005 Posted by cfrancis August 20th, our wedding reception was held at this hotel. A huge thank-you to Patricia Hay, the co-ordinator who worked with us (via long distance phone calls) to organize a memorable afternoon. High compliments to Trudy Morrison who was an excellent and personable professional photographer. She made full use of the hotel's beautiful outside venues. In addition, the cake baked by Judith Watkins was delicious. One friend said its taste reminded her of her childhood days in Jamaica. Food service at the reception was very friendly, prompt,and professional. One note: submit a wedding guest list for security at the front gate to ensure guests have a smooth entrance. We did this, and things were fine. 11 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I was very disappointed. Visited: August 2005 Posted by patricia13 I was very dissappointed after reading all the reviews and hearing friends comments. A lot of the facilities were not available when I was here. It was such an ordeal getting family to come in to pick us up even if we notified security beforehand. My cousin, who had stayed several times in the past, was appalled with the facilities (and lack of them). And - like me will - my cousin not go again. We came here for a family reunion of over 40 people from USA and UK in the hotel (though some chose to stay elsewhere). They could teach Britain a thing or two on security. They must realize that some guests may have relatives in Jamaica who may just want to visit briefly. My mother was just recovering from a brain operation, and could not walk to the visitors shed near to security. She found it all very distressing - like she was a prisoner in the hotel. 6 users found this review helpful. 6 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Sunset Jamaica Grande was amazing. Visited: August 2005 Posted by vix12b I thought the hotel was absolutely fantastic. I was never bored, and there was so much to do. I did go on some excursions, but I could have quite happily spent all of my time in the hotel. The staff was excellent. They were always so polite, smiling and nice, and they made the experience more relaxing. There was one waiter who did a really good job. His name was Derron. He was my favorite waiter because he was always the happiest, and he took time to talk to the people staying here. I really liked him and he is what will make me go back. The other staff was great, too, but he was the nicest. 5 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The food and the activity staff made the trip wonderful. Visited: July 2005 Posted by damali23 The positive energy of the staff members such as Richard, Maxine, the wonderful chefs, waiters, and hostesses made up for the poor appearance of the facility. Unfortunately, it did not appear as if the staff was adequately rewarded for their efforts.The way the staff seems to be treated and the facilities appearance, need major improvement. 1 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Very unprofessional and disorganized front desk staff. Visited: July 2005 Posted by kerr284 The person who was helping us in the coordination of our family reunion led us to believe that the hotel was at 100% (ie.. we would have Internet access, we a would be pre-registered, our rooms would be ready, etc.). It turned out that all that was said to us was false. People in our group were given different rates, and had to basically go through the entire chain of command to get adjustments made. It was really just a big hassle - especially since this was supposed to be a family "vacation". The front desk staff and the manager were very discourteous and very unwilling to help us. They would just defer the question and claim to get back to us, and never would. I was really disgusted with the front desk people, and being that they were my first and last impression of this resort, I don't believe that I would recommend this place to anyone I know. 2 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was the best vacation for this seasoned traveler. Visited: June 2005 Posted by gillisps We have traveled the world, and this was our fourth stay at the Jamaica Grande. Although the resort was still under renovation, it was still a joy and a pleasure to vacation here. Friendly staff, bountiful great food, beautiful accommodations, and the new spa were all fantastic! Dinner on the beach was an experience we will long treasure. This resort has been, and remains, the standard by which we measure all other resorts. Great job Sunset Jamaica Grande! 7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?

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