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Sandals Royal Caribbean 03/20/02
Reviewers Rating:  Good
We just returned from Sandals Royal Carib - Montego Bay. We returned tanned and rested and disappointed. This all-inclusive resort is very spread-out and the grounds and beach areas are very beautiful. Our Fun-jet arrived at 11:30 and we didnít get into our room until 3:00 pm. That made for a long day considering we were up at 3:00 am to make it to the airport by 5:00 for a 7:00 flight. The first day was exhausting. They did give us lunch and let us change clothes from Sweaters to Bathing Suits. ROOM: Adequate. Fairly large and attractive overlooking one of the pools, but the resort had jets flying over all day, very noisy. Usually subsided by evening. Lots of slamming doors during the day. Shower went from hot to cold constantly, mostly cold. On our last day, no hot water at all. Maid service was good but no turn-down service. Not what Iíd call deluxe. More like a good Ramada Inn. FOOD: The best thing here. Most of the resturants are outdoors. A little disturbing to have cats and black birds around, but you get used to it. The absence of insects is still amazing. The food was wonderful, gourmet fare, served in small portions but lots of courses and choices. We usually didn't eat desserts, too full, but lord they looked wonderful. Service is slow and leisurely and when a Jamaican says "No problem Mon" it means you'll see him again in 45 mins or so. There were 2 nights with huge outdoor buffets, one at the pool and one on the beach that were really wonderful, very special evenings. Also loved the Thai resturant at Sandals Cay and Tokyo Joes Sandals Montego. BARS: The bar service was the worst. The resort is all-inclusive, and it's nearly impossible to get "over-served" at this one. They were always out of glasses or whatever booze is needed to make the tropical drink you were hoping for. This was compounded by the fact that anyone there more that a day or two, double ordered or just got bottles of wine or champagne. Speaking of wine, there were two choices, White Sauvignon or Red Sauvignon. WATER SPORTS: Most of the activity here is water oriented. Went sailing and snorkling. There were never chairs avail at the beach or pool. I think these were claimed at daybreak by closer rooms. I was able to use a chair once in 7 days. There is a glass bottom boat that was nearly sunk our last day. Everyone had to bail while they desparately tried to get it back to shore. There was no radio to call for help and 6 life jackets for 20 people. Be responsible for your own safety!! ENTERTAINMENT: A house band played each day around the time we were eating, we usually caught the last song as we finished. There was a local singer each day, not bad, some pretty good. The disco/bar is too small to do any dancing and the piano bar had a not-to-good pianist that was friendly and if it was in her sheet music, we sang along. We had hoped for romantic spots for dancing, drinking. Not much night life, we were in bed much earlier than we expected, 10:30 or so. The Playmakers are Jamaican kids that tried to get people to mingle and have a good time. Points are awards on participation and you could win a leather necklace. (I did) WEDDINGS: A beautiful spot for weddings, several each day. I saw beautiful brides escorted by a Jamaican in native dress to the spot the couple chose. Many beautiful romantic tropical venues. Photographer and cake included. Very sweet. TOURS: I thought expensive, more so than cruise tours. $45.00 and up per person for a bus ride from hell to the more popular spots. Taxi rides were quoted at $25.00 per person for a 15 min trip. A taxi driver is any crazed native with a car. Many are uninsured. Be careful We stayed pretty much on the resort except for the Catamaran Booze Cruise which was great fun. And do see Margaritaville. JAMAICAN LOCALS: Yes, they try and sell you junk. They're just trying to pay the bills. Just say no. The locals that we met were very nice and informative. A little hard to understand sometimes, takes patience. Bottom Line: Just not worth the money. At over $300.00 per day, expected much better.
Bob and Mary Ann Cleaves
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