67 reviews
This rsourt is more of a 3 star hotel.
I chose this resort based on the numerous positive reviews, but my experience was quite different. It seems many five-star ratings come from guests who prioritize drinking over overall vacation quality, as this resort did not meet my expectations.
From what I gathered, this property was formerly a Sandals resort, and it appears that maintenance has significantly declined since the switch to Jewel. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the lack of upkeep; the area felt run-down and uninviting. I hesitated to leave the resort for meals, as the surrounding area seemed unsafe, with non-guests loitering near the gates.
We arrived early and decided to have lunch while we waited. To our dismay, the buffet appeared closed, with minimal lighting and limited food options. Other guests warned us that food quality had been a common complaint during their stay, which we found to be accurate. After an hour, I checked with the front desk, where a staff member informed me that our room was actually ready—there had simply been a miscommunication.
The room itself was not what I had hoped for. While it wasn't terrible, the outdated decor made it feel more like a bed and breakfast than a resort. I quickly realized the shower design was problematic, resulting in water spilling across the bathroom floor.
When we visited the beach, it was surprisingly empty, likely due to the murky water from poor weather during hurricane season. However, the beach was also littered with garbage. The cleaning crew focused on seaweed removal but neglected other debris, making the area less than appealing. I recommend bringing water shoes, as there were rusted chairs and other hazards.
There is only one buffet, which wouldn't be a major issue if it were organized better. Unfortunately, it also doubled as the entertainment venue, leading to overcrowding and limited seating. Many guests, including ourselves, had to eat in our rooms due to the lack of available chairs, compounded by repetitive food options and mislabeling—so be cautious if you have allergies.
On our last day, I encountered an issue when a private event was taking place. I was told that the guests of that event would be served first, which was shocking as a paying customer. Although I later learned this information was incorrect, the management did not seem concerned about my complaint and prioritized keeping it quiet rather than addressing my concerns.
Based on my experience, I will not be returning to this resort. I plan to leave a detailed review on Google, as I've seen others who share similar frustrations.
