Hideaway At Royalton Blue Waters

Hideaway At Royalton Blue Waters
3.753.753.753.753.75
3.75 based on 81 reviews
#7 of 37 hotels The Monarc.ca popularity scale (#1/15) classifies all the hotels of a single destination according to the number of grades received on 5 and the total number of reviews. in Montego Bay
Rated 5 stars
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Great service

, Ingonishb0c1k0, NS
2024-03-13
We had a great vacation
The room was small and although I didn't spend much time in it I found it too small for us. Beach was great but lacking in shade.Kimberly a server on the beach was wonderful she went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. [Details]
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The strong points
Food was great Staff very nice and helpful
The weak points
Lack of shade on the beach and afternoon activities.
Sanitary measures
Very clean
Certified

Fantastic Hotel

, Scarborough, ON
2024-03-09
Beautiful Hotel. Rooms are smaller than before. My sister went 10yrs ago. Everything is convenient and within a comfortable walking distance. Staff at front desk are a little slow with check in. On the whole a very pleasant stay. [Details]
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Certified

Vacation in paradise

, Burlington, ON
2024-02-26
I found this hotel and service to be well worth the price. Going as a Diamond club member gave extras but you really lack nothing without it. The food was excellent as well as all members of their staff. They like to make you comfortable and help you enjoy your stay there. [Details]
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The strong points
Cleanliness, hospitality, room service, house keeping, pools, beach, bars
The weak points
Line ups at restaurants, too many people selling stuff on the beach, you can't relax, night entertainment, geared for really young crowd when most people are mid 30s and up.
Certified

Beautiful location - Some Menus need to step up.

, Newmarket, ON
2024-01-20
The Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters is a beautiful location with wonderful accommodations and hospitality. We had access to at least ten restaurants on site and visited all except two. We took advantage of a customized dinner on the beach experience for an additional fee and it was excellent. Of the eight restaurants that we visited the best ones, in our opinion, were Marche buffet, Grazie Italian Restaurant and Hunter Steakhouse. The Texas Grill was good, but El Dorado, the seafood restaurant, and Zen, the new Japanese/Teppanyaki restaurant did not live up to the hype at all. Having enjoyed great seafood fare as well as Japanese cuisine in Toronto the last two restaurants did not meet our expectations at all. At 'El Dorado' the local catch of the day was good but the so called lobster bisque did not have a shred of lobster in it and the Tuna Tartare tasted like canned tuna - nothing close to the tuna we enjoyed on other holidays. 'Zen' was not 'zen' at all. It was noisy and each chef seemed to feel the need to go beyond their cooking skills to include additional forms of entertainment that failed more often than succeeded. We witnessed chefs trying to pitch rice into the mouths of their customers without success despite various attempts. The meat and seafood portions suffered from over salting, poor quality cuts and disappointing portions. [Details]
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Certified

7 Days

, Cambridge, ON
2023-12-31
All good no issues food was great people was there to help if need it thank you [Details]
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The strong points
All good
The weak points
There was any
Sanitary measures
Very clean
Certified

A quiet and elegant birthday gettaway

, Oakville, ON
2023-12-27
My sister and I went to this resort to celebrate her 50th. She had never been to jamaica and I wanted an upscale location fitting her special occasion. The grounds were beautiful and we took full advantage of our lovely presidential swim up suite. May have been the slow time of year or the often overcast or rainy weather but we did find our side of the resort rather quiet. We did not mind it and surely we could have joined the other side of the resort for more excitement and interactions if we wanted to. The food was overall amazing and our buttlers Ardley and Carla ensured we had delicious a la carte reservations every night. There were some singers and performers on the hideaway side followed by shows on the main stage. With the exception of the aquatic show we did find the productions lacking a bit on that stage. The one thing we wish was that some bar areas that werent in the sports lou ge stayed open longer. We found ourselves back in our rooms at 11 if we didnt feel like mingling in the sportsbar/club. The loungers and pool were great and ovrerall we greatly enjoyed our stay [Details]
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The strong points
Buttler service was amazing. Pools were great and view from beach is lovely
The weak points
Shows on the mainstage could have been better.
Certified

Our experience

, Saint John, NB
2023-12-12
Our stay was lovely but like any other resort there are hiccups along the way. Upon arrival we were supposed to get a bottle of wine and champagne in our room, that didn't happen until day 3. We were also supposed to get a bottle of our choice upon arrival in our room and that wasn't given to us until the night before we left. Maid service was at your door before 9am, if you weren't ready for it yet it wasn't done until late afternoon. [Details]
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The weak points
Food wasn't the best, we tried Zen restaurant and our chef was new therefore we didn't have the “experience “ it's known for, we were happy with the food served, wasn't our taste. The buffet was the best because if the variety.
Certified

Not a luxury resort

, Nepean, ON
2023-03-28
I was quite disappointed that this hotel is advertised as a five star luxury hotel. It is not. It is old and dated and very badly in need of remodelling which I found out is being done in may. Had I known that in advance I would not have booked here. I wanted a luxury experience and this is not what I got. The room was old and musty smelling. The furniture scratched and damaged. Patches on the walls and ceilings. Mildew/mould on the sinks (at the caulking). Patio door would not lock properly. Door on the wood furniture to the hidden fridge falling off the hinges. The shower had no place to put soap or shampoo. It was missing lamps and wall art. Just left patches and holes. The only positive thing I can say about the room was the bed was comfortable and the shower head worked well.

The grounds were well maintained in terms of cleanliness and nice gardens. There was lots of signs of needed repairs throughout with broken tiles, lights that did not work etc.

The beach and the pool were great. The only complaint I have is that the adult pool (being the infinity pool) was the most beautiful but closed off to kids. It is also where all the entertainment took place. I didn't buy into an adult only resort and we did travel with our 9 year old son. We had to choose to either participate in the activities (although they were lacking) or give up the view of the beach or swim in another pool. The activities were strongly lacking as well. Not very well organized. Kind of boring for the most part. Again not what would be expected for a five star hotel. The pool furniture as well was mis matched, broken and often not enough to go around. The pool towels were horrible. Old. Stained and generally not enough. At 830 in the am often towels were nowhere to be found. This includes nightly entertainment. It was severely lacking. I did not find that the animation team engaged much with guests. Nor was the caliber of the shoes very good.

Food at the buffet was good although there could have been a few more people working the busy stations ie the omelette station in the am and the pasta station in the pm. There were very long waits. The seating arrangements as well was a bit disorganized. Not sure why our room number was needed every time we visited. The tables were often not ready and missing things ie utensils or cups. It took long periods of time to get water and coffee/drinks. Often meals would be eaten or half eaten and still we would be waiting. Never were there spoons places at the table and long waits to get one.

The people/service overall was good. Staff were pleasant and polite just not enough of them.

Overall I would rate this hotel a 3.5 star stay. I was very disappointed especially given that this was a first time stay with Royalton (whom I was led to believe only had stellar hotels). This hotel was not at all what we expected. Not at all what we paid for and we were left very disappointed. Not sure I would book a ROYALTON HOTEL again. [Details]
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The strong points
Great beach. Great pools. Good food.
The weak points
Outdated. Major repairs needed. Not luxury.
Certified

Amazing!!!

, Montreal Quest, QC
2023-03-13
Pure luxury! The staff were so polite, attentive and personable! [Details]
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The strong points
Beach pools food
Certified

Hotel

, Halifax, NS
2023-02-20
Hotel was old in need of maintenance and cleaning
The food was great
Service was good [Details]
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The strong points
Food
The weak points
Maintenance and cleanliness
Certified

Do NOT BOOK THIS HOTEL

, Ajax, ON
2022-11-19
The hotel is garbage it smells and management will laugh at you when you complain and DO NOTHING. THE PICTURES ON WEBSITE IS FOR BLUE WATER. The bed was broken we move 3 room and it still smells. We COCKROACHES WALKING IN THE ROOMS BATHROOMS AND THE CLEANING MANAGER WAS LIKE YEA WE KNOW. THIS HOTEL SHOULD BE CLOSE [Details]
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The strong points
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY YOU WILL REGRET IT. I PAID $5000 CANADIAN FOR MY BIRTHDAY AND SPENT IT CRYING
The weak points
This is a ONE STAR HOTEL
Sanitary measures
Roaches will be on bed, bathroom and floor it Stinks PLEASE DONT BOOK THIS HOTEL

Fantastic! Would definitely return.

, Toronto, ON
2020-06-08
We loved our stay at the Royalton White Sands. The staff were fun and engaging. The restaurants were awesome with lots of different options every night. Entertainment was fun too. We would definitely return!! [Details]
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The strong points
The staff were amazing and the food was fabulous. Great service, great workout facilities as well.
The weak points
Some of the rooms could use an upgrade, but we barely spent much time in there anyway.
Certified

First Vacation Ever

, Oakville, ON
2019-04-24
This was our first time going on an all-inclusive vacation. The food was by far the best part. The pools were very clean. I enjoyed going for night swims in the pool. The beach was always clean. My boyfriend used the gym several times during our stay and most of the time he was the only one there. There were a few minor things wrong with the room including a few lights that were out, one of them was due to the fact that the plug was not all the way in the outlet under the desk and the door to the balcony was very difficult to open and close. Our room was on the 7th floor which had a beautiful view. The side we were on meant that we had sun in the morning but not in the afternoon. We were very thankful for the blackout blinds because they blocked the extremely bright sun from waking us from our slumber. The 24hr room service was amazing I definitely enjoyed cheesecake at 1am. The java was exceptional, with endless ice cream at my fingertips. [Details]
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The strong points
The food was amazing from the buffet to the a-la-carte, don't forget about the 24hr room service. There was always a chair available both on the beach and by the adult pool and we did not have to wait long for a drink or to get seated for food.
The weak points
Our room was not ready when we got there at 4:30pm and we had to wait about an hour or so before we could get into our room. However, we did end up getting a room the the top floor(7th floor), with an amazing view. So I think it was worth the wait.
Certified

We had a great time!

, Toronto, ON
2019-03-13
We had a great week at this resort and would not hesitate to go back. We could use the beach and pools at the neighbouring resort, Royalton Blue Waters. There were quieter pools and more lively pools. All restaurants are shared between the two resorts, but we rarely had to wait to get in. We were always able to find chairs at the pool and/or beach although sometimes it was difficult to find shade. The staff (Ivan, Kemar, Devon & Joyce) at the Martini Bar (White Sands) were a great bunch and kept us laughing and well entertained! [Details]
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The strong points
Beds & Pillows were so comfortable The Martini Bar No shortage of towels or hot water Al la cartes were awesome, the Steakhouse was my favourite
The weak points
Little bit of seaweed at the beach Not alot of shade at the pools & beach
Certified

Royalton White Sands

, Harriston, ON
2019-02-13
This was our first trip to Jamaica & certainly won't be the last. Will definitely return to White Sands. From the first & last we really treated "Royally". Loved the fact that check in was done relaxing in the lounge with a drink.
The buffet had an excellent variety of food which was displayed & marked well. All wait was very friendly & went out of their way to make our stay memorable. It was hard to remember everyone but special mention to Joyce in the hotel Martini bar & Amands in the outside Martini Bar. The girls that cleaned our rooms did an excellent job as did the grounds keepers to keep resort in excellent condition. The bathrooms could be freshened up a little tiling needed touch up.
Hunter Steak ,Armadillo were excellent.
Highly recommend this resort. Loved the catamaran to Dunn's Falls.
Keep up the great work. [Details]
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The weak points
Nothing major but room bathrooms could get a freshening grout work.
Certified

Great Time in Paradise

, Rosedale, BC
2018-12-06
We were in the older resort but right next door is the newer Royalton Blue Waters and you can use their pools as well. All around great hotel with great friendly staff! [Details]
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The strong points
Friendly staff, Kadeen from the conceirge service and Sauna from Nexus tours to name a couple. Nice and relaxing. Free WIFI throughout the resort.
The weak points
Went on a VIP dinner at Marguerites restaurant in Montego Bay but forgot to leave our email address for the photos taken during dinner and were not able to get them before leaving or at all. But this is my only real complaint, otherwise great time.
Certified

No Royal in Royalton

, Dartmouth, NS
2018-07-25
This review is being completed in July 2018. Our Buttler service was not worth the money even for free it wold not have been worth it.
At check in we were the first of our group to get the VIP treatment and the last to leave the VIP lounge and be escorted to our room where we were told our Buttler would soon come to great us and give us the introductory information. (Saw the butler for the first time some 36 hrs later). During admission I will call it they brought me the forms with my wife and daughters name and asked me to read and sign my name, no biggie...then she comes back and takes them away they were wrong. Long and poorly executed VIP service. Front desk was much more smooth and faster. (could see them from my location).
Room okay. Staff friendly enough. Resort seems to be very under occupied by guest. They had some safety issue in Montego bay.
Food Okay.
Best service was the person who cleaned our room No disappointments and a few nice surprises.
Buttler was a friendly guy when we saw him but I rarely saw him and got nothing for the expense. he did do a reservation for us at a restaurant that did not take reservations That was very impressive. Not. I was asked how thing were and they tried the time share thing as well I said why would I come back or buy time share when I have yet to get what I paid for on this stay and it still took over 12 hrs for me to see the Buttler. No note form him, no message on my room phone nothing for over 36 hrs and after telling staff.

Weather was nice Kids had fun.

Did fall on the terracotta tiles at a transition point by a cabana, came to find out 3 other did as well. One person a broken arm the other two no details and myself to badly sprained wrist and a possible bone chip in my wrist as it is still given me issues guess trip to Dr. is needed to get it figured out for sure. Told my travel agent about it she did her thing Got a $100.00 voucher whoo hoo. Sarcasm that was.

Tip to Owners at very least give your guest what they pay for as a minimum service period.
App force me to give recomendation. I offer none
By the way I am not a bot. [Details]
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The strong points
Weather. Not crowded
The weak points
Did not honour what was paid for.
Certified

So so won't return

, Montréal, QC
2018-07-14
Not great , long line ups at breakfast , pool not cleaned. Swim up suite nice , but paid a lot for, maybe look at Beaches for more entertainment-and service. Preferred Riu Tropical Bay over. This hotel. [Details]
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The strong points
Weather , the swim up 2 bedroom suite nice
The weak points
Line ups for restaurant not nice , even with diamond service didn't matter
Certified

Excellent Resort

, Sarnia, ON
2017-09-24
Our trip didn't start off so great, but Royalton White Sands went above and beyond to make us feel at home and enjoy our vacation. Peter and Deshawn at the swim up bar are excellent bartenders and great guys. [Details]
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The strong points
Friendly staff, great entertainment crew, very nice bartenders
The weak points
Phone calls in the room at 8am. Room service that took 2 hours to get cold food,
Certified

As expected...

, Mississauga, HA
2017-04-28
This was our second time there. Since our last visit they had built the new side, Blue Waters which is much nicer. People are very accommodating and service is top notch. [Details]
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The strong points
Nice people, clean resort, Blue waters in nicer spot. spent a lot of time on that side.
The weak points
Rained every day. Very disappointed. Bathroom leaked water from sink and shower which was very annoying, phone didn't work in our room.
Certified

Overall a great holiday!

, Toronto, ON
2017-03-15
My family had a great time during our week here. The resort is really nicely laid out, compact but not small. Lots to do for kids. Food was generally good, no complaints there. Beach areas weren't huge but they were beautiful. Staff was friendly but you have to be okay with service being on "island time." Really good drinks at the Diamond Club beach bar, and incredible jerk chicken at the jerk hut. Our lovely butlers Chad and Stacy worked hard to accommodate any service requests we had. We definitely would have liked a bigger bathroom, counter space was scarce. The room itself was not large, they were calling it a "suite" but it was a room - two queen beds, night table between, a dresser and not much room for anything else. But it was kept very clean for us, and it was a swim out room which was FANTASTIC, especially as we have a young child. I would probably come back here, and maybe opt for a larger suite - and definitely with a swim out option! My only real complaint...on the second last day I found a few pieces of glass in the swim-out pool area, on the loungers and in the water. Someone likely broke something in a room above and a few pieces of glass fell down from their balcony. We called maintenance to come do a sweep of the pool, but even after a second call over an hour later, no one ever came. Kind of a big safety issue, so folks need to be aware that they might have to push management for situations like that. But otherwise, great resort, great vacation! [Details]
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The strong points
Location, layout and grounds, kids activities, butlers were great.
The weak points
pace of service at times. Failed to address a safety issue.
Certified

Room security

, Scarborough, ON
2015-10-04
Cash taken from our room and report to the customer service of the diamond club and was very disappointed with the respond. So overall your property is not safe in your own room. Questionable staff going in your room. [Details]
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The strong points
Beach and pool is great.
The weak points
Security and customer service needs more improvement.
Certified

Royalton white sands resort

, Hamilton, ON
2015-06-16
Room overlooked a construction site and
loading dock ( disgusting view )
Sales staff constantly harassing us to
purchase further vacations.
Would not recommend this resort as an
adult vacation more for families. [Details]
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The strong points
resort was nice, staff very good and food was good
The weak points
room overlooked a construction site. constant harassment to book another holiday by staff . we were not informed that this was a family orientated resort. lots of kids . Weddings taking up most of the beach almost every day.
Certified

Beautiful

, Hamilton, ON
2015-04-17
Better then expected experience [Details]
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The strong points
Food, cleanliness, up keep
The weak points
Beach is nice and small but a bit dirty from dead sea weed
Certified

Royalton white sands

, Lawrencetown, NS
2015-03-18
Overall, a great property. Only negative is that the resort beach area is small but you can leave the compound, if you would like, to walk down to the public beach (Burwood Beach) which is spectacular. [Details]
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The strong points
Food was fantastic, staff very friendly and helpful.
The weak points
Resort beach area is very small and rough.
Certified

Great hotel and staff

, Toronto, ON
2015-01-15
Could not have been a better experience other than the beach. [Details]
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The strong points
Great hotel, wonderful staff.
The weak points
The beach was not up to standards
Certified

Great time!

, London, ON
2015-01-11
We really enjoyed our stay at the Royalton. We are a married couple in our early 30's without kids. There were alot of families with kids at this resort. We didn't mind, but we did appreciate the adults only pool. The shows in the evening were pretty good, but there's not much in terms of a night life if you're looking to party.
Over all the resort is really nice, clean and well decorated. Most of the staff is really great, they really want to make sure you have everything you need. Some of the staff not so much. The bartenders at the Martini bar for example usually took quite a while to acknowledge us. They laugh and joke with each other and seemed to be annoyed when we ordered drinks.
We enjoyed the italian restaurant (service and food), but we were a little disappointed with the steak house (service and food) The jerk chicken on the beach was delicious! The room was really nice, we had a King sized bed and an ocean view (The view was beautiful). I suggest getting an ocean view because the terrace view looked really bad. Loved the rain shower.
The beach was wavy and there was quite a bit of sea grass (quite windy some days). We liked that the resort was fairly small. Really easy to get around and we never had any trouble finding a chair at the pool or beach. We would definitely return! [Details]
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The strong points
Food, pool, cleanliness, most staff
The weak points
Beach, some staff
Certified

Almost a 4-star

, Varennes, QC
2015-01-03
Stayed at the RWS from Dec 26-Jan 2. We had a total of 4 rooms for 9 people.
Paid a premium for a week on Dec 26 - definitely not worth the inflated price.

Room 314 had 2 twins and was perfect for 2 teenagers. Room 313 had 1 King and was perfect for 2 adults. Rooms 651 and 351 had a twin and double. Definitely not recommended for 3 people in the same room.
Pros:
STAFF is fantastic at this resort. Carina at the coffee shop, Remon at the pool bar, Terri-Ann and Tamara at the buffet, and the entire cleaning staff and entertainment staff are to be applauded for their never-ending smiles, asking how everything is and answering every need.
Front desk staff is another story. Professional but cold, every front desk employee should take a lesson from the rest of the resort's staff.

FOOD: Overall, better food than in Mexico, Dominican Republic and St Lucia (3 countries we've visited so far with all-inclusive resorts). Nice quality and selection at breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Repetitive, but good. The Italian restaurant was a disappointment. Seafood risotto and pizza were horrible. Lasagne and fish were good. Japanese was tasty, but as to be expected, very loud and lots of smoke from the grills. Steakhouse was great. Tender filets cooked to a perfect medium. Jerk chicken hut at the beach for lunch was outstanding.

ENTERTAINMENT: Lots to do during the day, organized by staff. Water aerobics, volleyball both in the pool and on the beach, beer pong, water slides. Did not attend any of the evening entertainment activities or shows.

PUBLIC BATHROOMS:
Staff work hard to keep floors clean and toilet paper stocked. Bathrooms smell bad, however.

TOWEL HUT:
Always had fresh towels with no limit.

CONS:
1. Trying to make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant is next to impossible. People line up 45 minutes before the reservation desk opens just to have access to a few spaces not already reserved by the Diamond Club guests. They are allowed to reserve ahead of time while the rest of the guests have to wait until the day of. I saw numerous very angry people during the entire week who were unable to get a reservation.
2. Don't expect your room to be ready by 3pm. We arrived at noon and didn't get a room until after 4pm and only after I insisted very harshly that we needed a room NOW.
3. Horrible house wine. I continue to be amazed at what crap is served as wine at resorts.
4. Photos represent rooms closely, but they are very small. Furnishings are "tired" despite having been renovated in the past 2-3 years. Most refreshing was cosmetic. You can tell this is a resort that has been around for a while.

This is a very family oriented resort. If you want to avoid kids, don't come to this resort.
The beach is very, very small. Seaweed accumulates but is cleared off beach. TONS of it in the water though. Walking several hundred feet off property brings you to cleaner water, but you are off the resort.

The marijuana sellers stand at the property edge and if you are on the beach, you will smell it all day long.

We were constantly disturbed at night (1-3am) by people coming back to their rooms, loud voices and doors slamming. Walls are thin so don't expect quiet. [Details]
  • Room
  • Quality - Price
  • Front desk & Reception
  • Beaches
  • Location
  • Bathroom
  • Staff / Crew
  • Cleanliness
  • Food & Restaurants
The strong points
All staff except front desk, resort-wide reliable internet, food, unlimited towels at beach/pool
The weak points
Beach at resort (better off-site if you take a short walk), "no reservations" doesn't apply to Diamond club. This needs to be communicated better. THEY can reserve which cuts down on availability. LOTS of kids, don't expect quiet here.

Dream vacation

2014-11-21
Amazing experience, relaxing yet fun, clean rooms, excellent service and staff, overall perfect week!, [Details]
  • Room
  • Quality - Price
  • Front desk & Reception
  • Beaches
  • Location
  • Bathroom
  • Staff / Crew
  • Cleanliness
  • Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Staff and food
The weak points
Small beach
Certified

Sweet Hotel

, Calgary, AB
2014-09-19
I loved this hotel. It has an excellent modern and clean design, including avant-garde rooms. The food is great - especially the Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant (needs reservations). The staff are unformily friendly and engaging. Jamaica as a whole is a great destination, and a good alternative to the usual Mexico/Cuba thing that Western Canadians often do.

Biggest Complaint: there is an extremely high pressure 'vacation club' that the hotel will try to sell to you at the time, with promise of a free stay etc. We got sucked in by a friendly chat from a representative, but clearly acting on commission and they played a big guilt trip to get us to go to what is essentially a time-share style meeting. They really, seriously need to turn down the pressure on this.

I would highly recommend this hotel - just avoid the "TravelSmart" club and its high pressure tactics. [Details]
  • Room
  • Quality - Price
  • Front desk & Reception
  • Beaches
  • Location
  • Bathroom
  • Staff / Crew
  • Cleanliness
  • Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Staff are No.1. Food (jerk hut on the beach) and drinks are excellent. Pools and rooms good. Jamaica is great.
The weak points
High-pressure Vacation club (TravelSmart). Shoot them down right away. The hotel is a little isolated - no attractions of interest in walking distance.
Certified
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