All Inclusive Jamaica Resort, boasting the Largest Water Park in the Caribbean. Great for Families!
Luxury Villas directly on Negril Beach. Any closer to the water & you'd be swimming!
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 I thought it was overrated and over priced. Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by flatrap |
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I thought the food was gross. Also, the drink and liquor selection was poor.
I found it to be a tourist trap that was not worth the price. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 7 found this review unhelpful. |
A Ocho Rios Area travel review
 We had a nice family reunion at Hibiscus. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by sandramckoy |
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We had our reunion at Hibiscus. I stayed here with my children, and it was a very enjoyable time.
I have no bad comments to make. The rooms were nice, and the staff was very welcoming and pleasant.
I would definitely stop here again.
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
 I loved everything but the beach. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by cinz1234 |
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The only thing that I was disappointed with was the beach area. The ocean was not warm, and the sand was not white. Also, it was a very small beach with not enough palapas or beach chairs.
The rest of the hotel was beautiful, and the food was awesome - especially room service. |
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
 We had a fantastic honeymoon. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by stephanie_007 |
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My husband and I chose this place as our honeymoon destination, and we had a wonderful time.
The rooms were adorable, and pretty much what we had expected. We had a fantastic view over the ocean, and loved the little day trips offered for a little extra fee.
One down side was that only the house wine and house beer were free. If you want a different wine or beer, you have to pay for it. However, mixed drinks were also free - and they were delicious.
The food was great, but we tended to find the same flavors used in all the restaurants whether we were eating Italian or Oriental.
The amenities were tons of fun, and we enjoyed everything from kayaking and snorkeling to the day spa.
Overall, we had a time-to-remember and plan on visiting other Sandal resorts in the future. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Sans Souci was the best resort we have ever visited. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by tamara |
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Sans Souci felt like home with all the beautiful trees and terrific views.
They had a marvelous beach, and the food was fabulous.
The band needed more energy, and should perform more reggae songs. Trevor was extremely great on the piano, though. He was very energetic and entertaining. That guy sells the hotel big time, and he deserves a reward! We will be telling other visiters to come and see him perform.
Moreover, we will be back. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| You don't always get what you pay for. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by amassed |
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We shouldn’t have ignored the negative reviews. It’s true “The rooms are in much need of upgrades and repairs.” This used to be a great location for the money, but with the new ownership and management, the place seems to be falling apart.
We initially negotiated a two-bedroom suite with an ocean view. However, upon our arrival, we were informed that the staff needed a few more hours to prepare our suite. Three hours later, management informed us that the suite was actually under construction.
So, the staff then escorted us to a substitute suite that was dark, damp and secluded with no view. After a review of our booking information and itinerary, the staff apologized and moved us to a third suite with a semi-ocean view.
We didn't want to be the ‘complaining couple’, so we decided to work with what we had. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out as well as we had hoped. Repairmen visited our suite so many times we lost count.
Problem #1: Three of the four electric stove tops did not work, and the one range top that did work was temperamental.
Problem #2: The Jacuzzi leaked into the bathroom downstairs (even though the Jacuzzi was empty).
Problem #3: Ants were all over the kitchenette.
Problem #4: Management claimed to have called us to apologize for the inconveniences, but we never received those calls because the phones in our suite weren’t working.
Problem #5: Service was unusually slow, and not one of these issues was ever repaired or resolved.
This all happened within four days! They then offered to move us to a fourth suite, but we decided to check out early and eat the bill as management made no realistic effort to compensate us, other than redundant apologies.
There were a few good things, however. If you plan to walk into the market and interact with the real people of Ocho Rios, attend reggae concerts, visit Dolphin Cove, hang at Margaritaville and climb Dunn’s River Falls, you will find the location ideal. But you could probably find better accommodations nearby.
If you should stay here, try not to take your frustrations out on the staff as most of them are good people with lively spirits and great attitudes. They had a decent continental breakfast, too. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Couples is a beautiful place with great staff. Visited: April 2007 |
| Posted by chuckryan |
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It's truly a wonderful place within the gates of the resort - outside not so much. The resort offered beautiful views and a comfortable bed.
The negative aspects I encountered included:
1. Construction that spoiled the tranquil setting.
They need better glassware. All our drinks were served in elementary school type small plastic (well used!) cups.
3. Trying to find bottled water as we walked the grounds was very hard. The staff did not seem concerned that we needed water stating "the bar is not open yet". Bottled water should not be so hard to get.
4. The towels were also a hard to acquire commodity. I know the place is trying to be "green", but we are on vacation! If I needed another towel, it should not be like pulling teeth. |
| 11 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
 It's a bummer, it was once a great place. Visited: October 2007 |
| Posted by ilovejamaicawhathapp |
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My wife and I recently returned to a hotel that was called Eden - before taken over by Sandals. I will make this brief.
After it rained, the faucet water turned muddy. The resort management thought this a non-issue since they provided bottled water in the room.
After advertising four restaurants, they admitted they keep one open per night, even though they frequently run out of food by 9:00 PM!
Many Jamaicans came up to us on the beach or rode up to the beach on wave riders shouting "hey you", in an effort to sell drugs and other contraband - not to mention T shirts, and other items. Sandals found this not to be a problem, since the beaches in Jamaica are all public.
The locals - including Sandals' own security team - asked the vacationers to get them food from the beach restaurant, which was always open.
Also, the cuisine was forgettable. However, if you like to drink, this is your place!
I received a response from them via the mail and they are not to be held accountable for the following. And in addition, hope that these "problems" will not influence a stay at Sandals again. Give me a break! It is interesting to note that Sandals' main office referred this back to the place we stayed!
Please bring back "Eden II"! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Run for your life - do not stay at this shabby hotel! Visited: November 2007 |
| Posted by helene_curran@yahoo_ |
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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. |
| 7 users found this review helpful. 21 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was wonderful, mon! Visited: November 2007 |
| Posted by chiefhqh |
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Everyone went above and beyond to make us feel special the whole time we were here, and we were a group of nine!
Special kudos to Francine, the assistant food and beverage manager; and Nadia, bartender at the swim-up bar. Thank you both for all you did to make this a very special vacation.
We are already planning our second trip for next year. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Riu Ocho Rios , Ocho Rios Area traveler review
| I suggest you stay somewhere else! Visited: October 2007 |
| Posted by pkubacki |
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Upon arrival at the hotel (no rum punch greeting), we were given Junior Suite #1275. The room smelled like mold or mildew. A maid said that the whole side of the hotel smelled bad because the rooms didn’t get much sun.
Our refrigerator was empty - except for a jug of water. Also, two lightbulbs, a lampshade, and a balcony chair were missing. The safe didn’t work, and the TV was broken.
The front desk told us to wait in our room, and they’d send a maintentance person up. After half an hour, my husband called the front desk, and was told the maintenance man would be there in a few minutes.
Over the course of 2-1/2 hours, during which time we were trapped in our room, my husband called the front desk six times. Finally, I called. I was not quite as nice as my husband had been, and we had a maintenance man there within ten minutes.
He got the safe open, but could not fix it. He did find lightbulbs, and a chair. Because of the broken safe, we were told we could have another room at 12 the next day. We checked the next day from 12 until 4:30 pm, when a room was finally available.
I did notice several people in the lobby still waiting for their rooms.(Check-in time was supposed to be at 3 pm).
The new room was a big improvement-1131. There was no smell, and the only thing broken was the hairdryer. Once again, the refrigerator was empty - except for water.
The housekeeping supervisor called about the refridgerator for us, but it was still not restocked by 1:00 pm the next day. So, we went to the front desk, and carried the soda, and other items up to the room ourselves.
We left a tip for the maid, and the result was that we got fewer towels and no toiletries (which were in the room when we got there, so I would assume these were supposed to be replaced).
The sheets were never changed during the five nights we spent in this room. I know this because there was a stain on the sheet when we checked in, and it was still there when we checked out.
As for the food: My husband eats almost anything. Breakfast wasn’t too bad. However, lunch and dinner were abysmal. Even my husband had trouble finding something that was appealing to eat.
The food in the specialty restaurants was better than in St. Ann’s buffet (or the so-called Italian Restaurant). However, it still left much to be desired. This was a complaint we heard from all of the people we met at the resort.
Don't expect Jamaica’s famous coffee –they served Nescafe! The drinks were tasty; but there wasn’t much alcohol in them. A joke among the people we met was that you could drink all day and still be totally straight by nightfall.
On the positive side-the beach was beautiful. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 5 found this review unhelpful. |
| What a fantastic hotel! Visited: August 2007 |
| Posted by marcia,chingford |
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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. |
| 19 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| Well done, Sunset Jamaica Grande! Visited: August 2007 |
| Posted by roberts |
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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. |
| 20 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| Returning here is like coming home. Visited: November 2006 |
| Posted by lsuth |
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This was our eighth visit to Couples Ocho Rios. We first spent three nights at Couples Sans Souci, then seven nights here.
We had mostly rain which did put a damper on our stay. However, the staff worked hard to keep everyone happy.
The food was great, and the drinks free flowing.
We will be returning again this coming February. |
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Butler service comes to Sandals Ocho Rios! Visited: May 2007 |
| Posted by jamaicabusiness |
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This fabulous and famous resort known as a top wedding spot now has a new feature: a unique Butler Service that is being offered in their Concierge Suites.
I recently had an opportunity to experience first hand this new service. Arriving at Sandals, Ocho Rios one is immediately taken by the lush vegetation and the manicured grounds…this fine property goes from white sand ocean front to hills overlooking the coastline, a rise of over 600’.
Upon checking in, my butler, Franklyn, met me at reception. It streamlined the checking in process, and my bags were delivered to my rooms.
Upon my arrival, I discovered that all my clothes had been expertly put away. Franklyn then sat down with me and explained the many options I had for my stay. I was handed a cell phone with a direct connection to him, so I could call whenever he was needed. “I will make your dinner reservations for you and escort you to dinner to make sure all is in order, I will take your drink or wine order and get you settled in, if you ever need me, just call on the cell”.
This Butler program has been in effect for a year now, and it is very successful. Each candidate is trained by The Guild of Professional English Butlers of London, England.
David Roper, General Manager, told me “The success of our program is proven by how many butlers get hired away by guests, it shows how well we train them”. It is so successful that Sandals is now implementing this service in other properties.
Since weddings are one of the main attractions at Sandals Ocho Rios, the butler service has become very much in demand. Anyone who has been through planning a wedding knows that there are a multitude of last minute things to do and decide. Having someone right by your side that knows everything and everyone at the resort can greatly help all go smoothly.
I came in before sunset from sailing only to discover that the slacks that I had planned on wearing for dinner were wrinkled, now where is that cell phone? Called Franklyn, he came up, took my pants and shirt away and returned 15 minutes later with them pressed to perfection.
It was wonderful having someone to arrange all my activities, making sure I got to them on time, press my clothes, serve me coffee or meals in my room - and then, the absolute best, having Franklyn pack my bags. I am the world’s worst packer, so I just let Franklyn do it all and guess what? I had space left over in the same suitcase that I brought in stuffed! I have to learn to fold like that! |
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| 12 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
| Enjoy a breathtaking view at Hibiscus Lodge Hotel. Visited: September 2007 |
| Posted by robotham |
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The Hibiscus Lodge is the only place to get married in Jamaica.
My wife (who is from Canada) and I (from England) got married here, and so far have sent numerous people here.
We sent them here because all our challenges were met by the staff, with a friendly Jamaican 'no problem man'. Mr Dodswold was an extremely charming host and an excellent cook.
The view was past breathtaking. My only regret is that I don't have sufficient dollars yet to buy the place. I intend to return to celebrate my 15th, 20th and 25th wedding anniversaries.
This is one very happy guest! |
| 12 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was nice, but I suggest you watch your valuables. Visited: March 2007 |
| Posted by tomvill |
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Our stay was nice enough until we went to check out and found our safe had been opened, and my fiances wallet and some of my camera equipment had been stolen.
We contacted the front desk, and the manager and security personel came up to our room to take a written statement. We were promised to have the money returned that was stolen via a Visa credit, but this hasn't happened as of yet.
The breakfast and lunches were great. However, the dinners were very inconsistant rating from poor to great - even at the same restaurant.
The property was in good condition - relatively clean, and we had no problems with bugs, AC, or malfunctioning plumbing. The television did go on the fritz, but it was fixed in short order.
The beach did have a lot of debris, but I guess that's to be expected. It was regularily raked and cleaned up, though.
We did find the staff relatively helpful at times, and some were very friendly. However, having our money and some camera equipment stolen definitely put a huge damper on our considerations of ever visiting a Sandals again - even though we did get back the camera equipment and an empty wallet when the gardener found our stuff in the bushes.
If you do visit Sandals Whitehouse, only take the bare minimum of money, and do not take any decent photographic equipment or electronics. Even though you have an in-room safe, it's just not worth it.
The best thing we enjoyed at this resort was the little French bakery that served up some tasty treats and cold soft ice cream. I can't recommend the pizzas for lunch, but the Bayside's buffet for breakfast and lunch was very, very good.
It was a very expensive visit for us - and a lesson well learned. Also, beware and don't bring any valuables and put them in the safes. We would have given Whitehouse four stars if it wasn't for the theft. |
| 13 users found this review helpful. 7 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is a hidden gem. Visited: August 2006 |
| Posted by alexavian56 |
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We spent a week here, and will come back. We had stayed at another Sandals, and did not like it. This one was great.
We liked that this Sandals had almost two resorts in one. For our laid back days, we loved the pools on the mountainside. Other days, we spent all of our time beach side.
Sure, there were some bumps, and parts were showing their age. However, we felt for our money, this was a good value. |
| 11 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was comfortable. Visited: November 2006 |
| Posted by tricianney |
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The cost of the apartment was very reasonable. It was a huge one-bedroom with air conditioning throughout. It had a huge, clean bathroom; and a cot was in the living room area. All in all, there was enough room for three guests. There was also a balcony which made the space large enough for a small games party or lyme.
They offered cable TV with remote and working channels. the kitchenette was stocked with plates, cutlery, and other items; and the refrigerator worked very well.
The staff was very helpful, and the activities were enjoyable.
We got complimentary drinks when we arrived on property because our room wasn't quite ready. Yet, before we sat to have our drinks at the pool bar, they called to let us know that the rooms were ready. I should say, though, that I have had better drinks!
The lady selling hand crafted jewelry on property was warm and kind; and her pieces very beautiful, and was a good value for money spent. They were heavy authentic pieces that would seem to last a lifetime.
The continental breakfast was tasty. The atmosphere was good, even when it poured. The surroundings were clean and inviting. There was no hassle, really.
It was in a very central location, and was close enough via walking distance and car to everything else (the town, Dunns River Falls, and Island Village Mall and complex). |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Sunset Jamaica Grande has something for everyone. Visited: February 2007 |
| Posted by mmc |
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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. |
| 24 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
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