Beaches Sandy Bay

Jamaica

This property can be booked by these companies.
hotels.com:	(800) 439-4013 or Online

Know Before You Go!

Have you visited Beaches Sandy Bay? We'd love to know what you think...
Please write a review with as much detail as possible. Tell us about the amenities, facilities and staff.

Click Here to post your review for Beaches Sandy Bay.

*There are better hotels.* Visited: July 2007
Posted by ajcalifornia
	I stayed at the Beaches Sandy Bay hotel as part of a wedding group. The wedding was beautiful, but the hotel was not at all what I expected - especially considering how much we paid. Most members of the wedding group felt the same. This was an older hotel. The rooms were in serious need of remolding. The bathrooms were old with bathtubs that were rusty and chipped. Also, the toilets clogged twice (took over six hours for someone to fix the first time). There were also ants throughout room, stained lampshades, and a creaking and noisy air conditioner and ceiling fan. The bed and linens were worn also. After the first day, we asked to change rooms. However, the new room was no better. The food was okay. However, I was very unimpressed at the significant use of chipped and broken dishes. Flies were a constant nuisance. The chairs on the pool deck were damaged, and I unknowingly sat in one that ripped my brand new dress. Two other members of the wedding party also had garments that were torn by two other broken chairs. In general, the staff was considerate and nice. However, I got the feeling they would rather be someplace else. The entertainment staff tried hard, but the quality of the shows were high school productions at best. The pool was extremely small, and the swim-up bar was located at Beaches Negril. When you compare this hotel to the nearby Sandals and Beaches Negril, you can't help but feel cheated. Those two hotels were what were represented on the web sites - and what I expected. Even more impressive was the Riu Resort down the street. The beach was beautiful, and the sand was some of the softest I have ever experienced. However, there were nicer hotels along this same stretch of beach for the same price or less. I do not recommend this hotel.
5 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Beaches is great for families with young children.* Visited: May 2007
Posted by kellyprangley
	My boyfriend and I stayed at Sandy bay for nine nights with our 20-month-old son. We had a great time! All the staff were so friendly and couldn't do enough for us. On arrival, we were checked in very quickly and taken to our room which had a fantastic view! We were so close to the beach. Our room was okay. It was big enough for the three of us as our son was in a cot. However, I would recommend that you upgrade to a bigger room if you have older kids. The room was in need of renovation, but it was clean. The maids came every day to tidy up. Yes, there where a few ants, but just take some antibacterial wipes with you to clean up after the kids. You can also bring some resealable bags to put their snacks in. The food was good. There was always a choice in the Bayside buffet restaurant, and Caribbean restaurant was very tasty. My little one seemed to enjoy most of the food, but I would say to pack some snacks for young kids. The beach was fantastic. It was lovely and clear with shallow waters. There were plenty of sunloungers and shade. There were two small pools, again great for small kids. We used the nursery for our son, and it was brilliant. The staff was outstanding, and so great with the babies. This facility made a great difference in our holiday, knowing there was somewhere cool and safe for our son to go. He had a great time in there! In all, this was a great resort - especially if you are traveling with young children. It was a small and friendly place with great kids facilities. The Seseme Street characters and shows had all the kids involved - and they all loved it! We went to Beaches Negril one day, and it was so much bigger and hectic. It would probably be better if you had older kids. I prefered the peace aned quiet of Sandy Bay, though! Don't expect the Ritz, and you'll have a great time at this relaxed resort.
5 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*The rooms were not clean, but the beach was nice.* Visited: March 2007
Posted by sunnytraveler
	I stayed here with my hubby and two kids (9,11). We liked the beach, but the hotel needed badly to be remodeled. The rooms were unclean with bugs. The food was just so-so. As for the entertainment - the kids liked it, and kids club was for kids under age of five. There was no one ever in the club, so my kids would not go. I suggest you stay at Beaches Negril instead. We visited and liked that one better.
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Their ads are fooling you!* Visited: October 2006
Posted by mht
	Trust us, we've traveled a lot. All-inclusives are our "specialty". Beaches is the worst and most expensive resort club. I hate to make generalizations, but we've never met a single customer-oriented person in Jamaica. It is a beautiful island, but service is the worst in the world. You'll feel sorry if you ask for anything. Everybody seems to be doing you a big favor for your $4,000 a week. The resort is quite different from what you see in their brochure - looks like it has not been renovated for years. This was the most miserable vacation in our life. Hidden charges were everywhere, the attitude seemed like "you give me money, and I'll think about doing something for you". These people don't even seem to realize they were being rude, this appeared to be the normal way they talked. Beaches only seems to spend money on advertising and paying commissions to travel agents, so they convince guests to buy this fraud.
5 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*We had a wonderful getaway at Beaches Sandy Bay.* Visited: January 2006
Posted by brandialou
	Our seven nights here were a fantastic getaway from work and the cold Wisconsin weather. The staff was friendly, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and the food was good (maybe not great, but definitely good). Also, the kids camp was a great service, and then there was the beach...the best part of it all! The turquiose and blue waters; hot, hot sun; and soft sand between my toes - it was heavenly. The rooms were good and clean, but not five-star. We had a honeymoon suite and loved it (room 4101). We had a view of the ocean and a wrap-around veranda. We were mere steps from the beach. In addition, the mini-fridge was restocked daily with sodas and juice boxes. The bathroom was large (compared to other rooms). We had a king sized bed in the bedroom, and two full pull-out sofas in the living space. The TV had satellite, so we could watch the news from back home (or the Disney Channel for my two-year-old). We usually ate at the buffet. It always offered plenty of choices, usually at least five different entrees at dinner time. My two-year-old loved the scrambled eggs every morning. She went to the nursery a couple of times. The ladies were always so friendly to her. She really enjoyed a chance to play with normal toys (I think the beach toys got old after awhile). I would definitely recommend this resort, especially to families with young kids. You will feel safe, always find something for the kids to eat, and may get a little vacation for yourselves too!
2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*a reasonable resort but full of americans.* Visited: April 2005
Posted by see_this_space
	Although the resort looks good it doesnt show the music that is played through out the day, from breakfast till about 10:30-11:00 pm at night. THe entertainment is like butlins but in jamaica. The sesamea street parade was not really apropriate for a the meal time entertainment. The music that was played out the speakers lasted almost the entire day, the music was at best bad. it appealed to the white trailer trash americans to be blunt. the rooms were at best 3 star. However its not all bad, there was enough water sports and excursions to keep everyone busy, there was also beach volley ball, beach football or soccor as they call it. they also have pool tournemants and 9 ball turnemants. the beach is amazing whith a warm sea and chrystal clear waters with tropical fish from starfish to other random tropical fish which are amazing. i hope this is a fair review.
3 users found this review helpful. 9 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Our stay at Beaches was absolutely fantastic.* Visited: May 2004
Posted by maybejema1990
	When I stayed here, it was the best two weeks of my life. The weather was amazing. And although most days we had about an hour of rain, the temperature never ever dropped. The rain was warm. The staff was brilliant - very friendly and welcoming. Anything we wanted, they got it for us without any hassle. I would definitely recommend a holiday here to others. It was very pricy - but well worth it.
1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*help* Visited: April 2003
Posted by cherylmccraw
	can any one help me i get married in april 2004 u can contact me direct on cherylmccraw@hotmail.com i really need to know what the wedding venue is like can any one please please help thank you xx
0 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*were getting married there in april2004* Visited: April 2003
Posted by cherylmccraw
	hi can anyone help ur reviews have been very helpfull to me but a few questions for u all what like is the wedding venue ? and is it nicley done is it on the beach or near it iv gone for the full monty with the full gown and veil will this be ok for over ther ? please help if us can cheers cheryl xx
0 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Beaches Sandy Bay is a great choice for families.* Visited: April 2003
Posted by kam5476
	We just returned from a week in paradise. It was a wonderful, friendly, very cozy family all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive was the only was to go - totally stress-free. The grounds were clean and well kept-up daily. Staff was friendly and helpful - all the staff. They were genuinely caring Jamaican people. The food was excellent. Buffet choices were wonderful. We had a choice of two other restaurants by reservation, as well as use of Beaches Negril just down the road, though we were perfectly happy with the warmth of Beaches Sandy Bay. It was great for both of us and our 14-year-old daughter. She quickly met up with kids her age and loved the independence of the resort. Security was great. We were very comfortable with our daughter doing the sports and beach and eating with her new friends. Off the grounds, we found no reason to be afraid, as the Jamaicans were friendly people, just use common sense. We did have a driver take us on a tour one day and enjoyed it. Entertainment was awesome. We were able to participate in many activities with lots of new friends. The grounds were continually being painted, but this was not a disruption. Next time we will get a bigger room, as a cot and a king bed was a bit crowded. However, we were on the first floor overlooking the beach. We can't wait to return. If you want a bigger resort just go down the road to Beaches Negril. But we preferred the cozy, friendly atmosphere of Beaches Sandy Bay. Don't worry about foreign currency before you go, just use American, every one did, it was easier. Travelers checks had to be cashed at the bank in town however, as the hotel only cashed for Jamaican currency. All the local venders gave back change in US dollars when asked. This was the most fun we have ever had on vacation for all three of us, and teenagers are hard to please - but not this time. It was very relaxing. We just hate to be back in the cold now.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*A great place for a family vacation.* Visited: December 2002
Posted by gibkar
	My family sincerely enjoyed this resort overall. The food was marginal, although the fun in the sun compensated for the average buffet dining. My family has traveled to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Cancun. Beaches Sandy Bay far exceeded the three. We stayed at the Ritz in Cancun. As I stated earlier, the food was marginal unless you booked a reservation in the Continental or Italian Restaurant. We enjoyed using the facilities at the neighboring resort. Although when we return, we plan to stay at Sandy Bay for it was more personable. As the visitor from Colorado noted, Damion (in charge of the watersports) will take care of you. My daughter and husband loved him. My 16-year-old, who is always hard to please, can't wait to return. It was not really fancy, but it sure was lots of fun. Daniella, the manager, will bend over backwards to make you happy.
1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Don't expect the Ritz and you'll be happy!* Visited: October 2002
Posted by jaycreeden
	This is a laid back resort for laid back people. It is a small resort that caters well to families. If you're looking for huge pools, think you're a food critic, aren't into activities, or actually believe any resort is like the brochure (do you really think that you and your family will be walking down the beach at sunset wearing all white outfits?), you'll probably hate this resort. I've read some of the negative reviews. As a matter of fact, I've read many reviews from high stressed, east coast attitude types who can't seem to see the glass half full anytime, anywhere. Do you people really need to come to the Caribbean? Wouldn't you be just as happy staying at home abusing a waiter or hotel employee? The Caribbean is all about slowing down, relaxing. The rooms are fair (Holiday Inn-like), they pretty much all have an ocean view. The food is just okay. The staff is nice (if you're nice to them). The beauty of an all-inclusive is the activities, and there is plenty to do here. The water sports alone make the trip worthwhile (ask for Damion at the dive shop if you need to get somemething done). So, grab a cold drink, stroll down to the beach to get a little sun. Or, you may want to hop on a sunfish for a nice sail. Relax, mon. Remember, you're in Jamaica.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*What a wonderful place!* Visited: December 2001
Posted by Can4Cam
	This resort was one we will definitely be returning to! The staff was wonderfully helpful, kind and very pleasant. Although this was not 'cruise food', it wasn't bad at all. We were also pleasantly surprised to find out that everything was included - even scuba diving! I would also like to recommend the Rick's Cafe boat tour - it was a great trip! This is a wonderful place for children, too. If you get the chance to visit - take it!
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*I would definitely stay at Beaches Sandy Bay again!* Visited: December 2001
Posted by beckerre
	We stayed here 3 years ago after it had recently been acquired by Sandals, so it was interesting to see the changes since that time. Some were for the better and some for the worse. The resort is older and smaller unlike its massive newer sister resort, Beaches Negril right down the road. For people who require grand architecture and lavish pool design, Beaches Sandy Bay will disappoint you. We always request a 3rd-floor room because all 3rd-floor rooms have vaulted ceilings. If you are traveling with more than just your companion (ie. kids) you will want to upgrade to a suite, as the standard rooms are not very spacious. Bedding/drapes/bathrooms have been redone in bright tropical colors. The watersports department has expanded their activities to include scuba training and dives, water skiing, an ocean trampoline and banana boat rides. Still available are the usual snorkeling trips, glass bottom boat, Hobie cats, kayak, aqua trike, sunfish and windsurfing. The food at Beaches Sandy Bay is not so great. At breakfast you can get your standard buffet breakfast with eggs made-to-order. Lunch was also buffet-style and I was always able to find at least one entr�e that I liked. We also utilized the beach grill for lunches. Dinner was disappointing at both the a la carte restaurants. The two restaurants have been renamed. The Caribbean Grill is now the Sundowner and the Paradise Plum�s new name I cannot recall. We were very disappointed. And the Paradise Plum is supposed to serve Italian cuisine but there was nothing Italian about it. I have nothing good to say about the Paradise Plum; it was just awful. We never even bothered to go to the buffet dinner figuring it couldn�t be much better. Thank goodness for the exchange privileges that Beaches Sandy Bay has with Beaches Negril. We ate most of our dinners at Beaches Negril. I would definitely stay at Beaches Sandy Bay again. We prefer the smaller resorts and we knew that most families with kids stay at Beaches Negril. I think Beaches Negril is set up better to handle large numbers of children since it is much more expansive and new in comparison to Beaches Sandy Bay. We did see families at Beaches Sandy Bay and we saw a few very young children with staff but not many. The staff at Beaches Sandy Bay is very nice and accommodating. The rooms have been updated and have gorgeous ocean views. The beach is superb. The pool is small. The food quality varies and the a la carte restaurants are terrible. If you are on a budget and cannot afford Beaches Negril, stay at Beaches Sandy Bay and eat dinner at Beaches Negril. No problem! (If you are interested in my full-length review, please e-mail me.)
2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Very fun place.* Visited: August 2001
Posted by joshua_g
	My wife and I visited Beaches Inn on our Honeymoon and were pleased with the scenery and service. The beach is outstanding, and the watersport activities they provide are top notch�everything from water skiing to scuba diving. The diving was the highlight of the trip. We took a beginners course and the instructor was great. It also came with the package deal, so we didn't have to pay anything. We also got a great upgrade to a 2-bedroom beachfront suite at no extra charge. The food was the worst part of the trip. The cafeteria food was usually cold and lacked flare. The two "classy" restaurants were mediocre at best. I would recommend eating at Sandals or Beaches. They also had a relatively lively nightlife, but were more family oriented than the other resorts.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*The highlight of this resort was the water sports staff* Visited: July 2001
Posted by Pasha612
	I was for the most part unimpressed with this resort. The 2-bedroom I upgraded to (after complaining about my first room) was far from luxurious. The food at the buffet was lackluster and often had flies on it. Since I had a 6-year-old with me, I was limited to a 5:00 pm dinner seating at The Paradise Plum, which was too early. If you do not make your dinner reservations early in the morning, you will be stuck at the Captains Table. Bar service was good. Beach Grill is iffy. The kids' camp was often empty. The highlight was the guys from water sports! They were the best! They offered assistance and instruction. I didn't love the place but did love the people.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Beaches Inn is my home!* Visited: June 2001
Posted by arazgha
	I've been going to Poinciana (or Beaches Inn as it is now known) since I was 3 years old. I am now 18 and I still look forward to going every February for 15 days. My family has a time share at Beaches Inn and for that reason, we know and are close to almost all of the staff. What people don�t understand about Beaches Inn is that it isn't supposed to be big and bold like Sandals or Beaches. Instead, it is supposed to be a more intimate place to meet people, relax and enjoy the lovely island of Jamaica. I've had opportunities to go other places, but Beaches Inn will always be my second home. To me, this is the best place in the world. The people are absolutely wonderful and I love all of Jamaica. People may complain about the poverty, but it is no different from cities in the U.S. Beaches Inn is the best place in the world and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to visit Jamaica! �One love, come to Jamaica and feel alright!�
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*I fell in love with Jamaica at Beaches Inn.* Visited: June 2001
Posted by maireada99
	This quiet family resort is a great place to get away from it all and relax on a beautiful calm beach, with food and drinks only a few steps away. The watersports and the surrounding resorts will keep you busy. For a small group of young, single girls looking for a place to just relax and get away, the fun, friendly staff made it hard to leave! There are too many people to name, but Amber, Lankee, Peter, Stacey�all deserve credit for making this a great vacation for us!
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Pay the extra money and stay at Beaches* Visited: June 2001
Posted by terout
	The resort was enjoyable, but not up to the standard that you would expect from a Sandals operation. The facilities were adequate and the service was nothing special. The smaller facilities provided a cozier atmosphere and having the beach a few steps from your room was very nice. A highlight of the resort was the watersports. The scuba instructors and watersport personnel were excellent. The dining experience at the two restaurants was good, but the Captain's Table food and service was disappointing. The resort�s one bar at peak times was not sufficient despite the best efforts of the hard working crew. The childcare facilities were a distant second to what is available at the Beaches resort down the road. If you are expecting a resort at the level of the other Sandals' properties, you will be disappointed.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Fantastic!* Visited: April 2001
Posted by turnbullt
	My husband and I went to Jamaica to get married, which turned out to be the best vacation ever! We did a lot of research on where we should get married and we narrowed it down to Jamaica and Mexico. In Jamaica, the marriage fees were included with the price of package where as in Mexico, it would cost extra and there would blood tests that needed to be taken once you got there (the idea of someone taking blood from me in Mexico was not appealing). Anyway, once we arrived at the airport in Montego Bay, we got on a van right away that started us on our two-hour, uncomfortable drive to Negril. At the resort, we were greeted by staff with a refreshing cocktail and went off to our room for a nap! Yes, we were exhausted, as we came from Nova Scotia, Canada, and it was a very long trip. Basically, our routine for the whole week was to get up around 8:30 AM every morning, head to the Captain's Table for breakfast (which usually included omelettes --mmmmm!), went to the beach and lounged there for awhile, took a walk along the beautiful beach (sometimes to other resorts further up and talked to other tourists). After lunch, which we usually had at the Beach Grill, we would sunbathe again and take a nap before supper. At night we always ate at one of the 2 restaurants at the resort where the service was top notch, and the food was fabulous. (My husband especially liked the jerk pork and chicken.) After supper we would sit around and watch the nightly entertainment, which was all right, but nothing to write home about. We hit the sack early, as the booze and the heat wear you out. We got married on a Tuesday at 2 in the afternoon and the service we received that day was out of this world. Everyone made sure it was a day that we would remember for the rest of our lives. Strangers at the bar gave us a toast afterwards and the bar staff gave us a bottle of wine and wine glasses to take to our room. We went to Jamaica to get married, relax, tan, and have fun. This is not a resort for young single ladies or men, as it is very laid back and relaxing. By the way, I would advise anyone who comes to Negril to go to Rick's Cafe! What a blast! I have been at a Hard Rock Cafe before and it is very similar. They had a band there that played Shaggy's famous song, "It wasn't me" and they put on an excellent show for the famous sunsets. That was a very fun night. Overall, this place was great, but we probably won't go back until our 10th anniversary or something, as it is expensive and once you have seen the Caribbean, you have seen it all.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

Every hotel, resort, b&b, and villa. That is our goal. Did we miss your favorite hotel or villa? Do you own a hotel or villa? Please let us know. Click Here!

Did you find something offensive on our website? Please let us know. Click Here!

Beaches Sandy Bay Overview

Now you can have Beaches quality at a great vacation value on Negril's famous seven-mile beach. Beaches Sandy Bay is warm and friendly. Every room, suite or villa overlooks the beach and the Caribbean's crystal clear waters. A Kid's Kamp provides activities for children three years and older and with...