1kenny

What a disappointment. My Wife and I had saved for a while knowing we were going to retire and than take a GREAT trip to the Sandals resort in St Lucia. Using our hard earned savings we went ahead and booked a two week stay. Buyers beware. The resort is on the opposite end of the island. The resort sent a six person van to pick us up for an hour and 20 minute drive back. For us it was the ride from hell. The driver made only one two-minute stop to point out a fishing village about a mile away. We never were asked to exit the van which had a very poor air conditioning system. The driver said if he was quick enough he could go back to the airport and get a second group. In and out of our one lane, fast than slow, stop and go, it was like a never ending roller coaster ride. I can not explain how sick I got half way to the resort. The only concern the driver offered was to allow me to move from the hot back of the van to the front passenger seat. When we finally arrived I simply could not get myself out of that seat. I had to just sit there to gather enough where-with-all to exit the van. I was surprised he approached me for a tip. Well we made the best of it and decided the fun now begins.
Our room was booked for a view of the ocean. Our sliding glass door, which was broken, afforded us a view that was as least sixty percent blocked with over growth. The view from our ground level room where we tried to see the ocean revealed a barren stretch of empty water. And that was beyond the resort fence, highway, and rocky shore line. Well forget that, it's now time to have fun. Forget the light that did not work or the mattress that was hard and stained. You know all those FIVE-STAR restaurants that a guest can expect to enjoy while at the resort well ya better be sure to get in line as soon as you get out of the van because it's reservations only. There are only limited reservations and if you snooze you loose. Funny how there remained many empty tables when we dined. Oh and if you wanted to visit ALL the restaurants you had to book at two other Sandals resorts because that's the only way to see them all. If you would like to enjoy wine from the wine list THAT'S EXTRA!! You get the invoice the next day under your door. The pulled pork meal at the pool side snack bar is chewy one inch cubes of meat. Not sure they understand the phrase "pulled pork".
Off to the beach we would go only to be swarmed be venders who would not take "No!" for an answer. So we had to remain on the resort property where the free liquor flowed like water. Speaking of water I went home with a massive infection across my back from the hot tub I ventured into three days before leaving. Before departing the resort I made a visit to the medical services office. The nurse treated me with something on my back and advised that I see a dermatologist as soon as I get back home. But I'm getting ahead of myself. On the night cherry bombs went off outside out ocean view glass doors. I jumped out of bed to make sure our door was secure. Silly me it was only drunk guest above our room setting them off and dropping them in the grass. It's funny how the law is different in different countries. The clerk at the front desk informed us that in St Lucia all explosives are indeed explosives and that's against the law. We were informed that later on the unruly guest were escorted to the island jail which also serves as the island prison. That night also offered another grand event for guest to talk about the next morning. And I am not kidding. Some guy got shot, yes I mean with a gun, on the beach just outside the resort. Either the guy who got shot was in a high ranking government car or the guy who did the shooting was in a high ranking government boat, I can't remember which. A few days later an all night party at the other side of the resort, where a world class volley-ball event was taking place, the promoters made good use of a VERY large amplifier system. Swimming and wading in the pools was great. It had to be because that's all there was to do. Well that and drinking all the free booze one could get and hold down. One poor girl could not hold it down and alas the main pool had to be closed for twenty four hours. It did occur to us that the pool was full of guest who drank to their hearts content but never seemed to leave for a nature call. I am a little on the heavy side but not as heavy as the poor folks who broke through the two rotted wooden deck recliner seats we encountered. Now for the LIVE entertainment. If one man shows with a guitar amplifier like the one I used in high school is your cup of tea you will be in show time heaven. After a week of laying around the pool we came to realized we were sort of in a prison, nothing to do and nowhere to go. So we called a cab and were off to visit the local community. Enough said there, caught a cab back. Our two week stayed ended with us paying for a private cab ride back to the airport. Five-star resort my @**!
Kenny and Christine

suze

Welcome to Fodor's forums! Always nice to have new members join.

Bassguy66

Sandals claims another victim......

I've read enough of these Sandals nightmare stories to write a book...and yet people are still shelling out close to double what other AIs are charging just to go to a run down Sandals.
I just don't get it....even a small amount of research will expose the plethora of bad reviews for this insanely over-priced pile of average.

suze

I just wish people would take the time to find this forum BEFORE making their plans.

We can't help them after the fact.

WoinParis

And maybe they could get to the point faster.
Did you actually read such a rant ?
I didn't.

I just saw that OP is surprised he has to pay when he drinks wine from the wine list.
Tssss. What a disappointment.

suze

Yes I read the entire post.

Sassafrass

1Kenny,
I am sorry you had such a bad experience. How did you come to choose that resort? Was it a place you had heard a lot about or friends had recommended?

mnag

Kenny - sorry to hear about your experience and thanks for posting. Hopefully your review will help others considering the resort.
I agree with the comments above that Sandals is way overpriced for what it offers. There are so many other resorts that one can enjoy at a much better rate especially if one does not worry about the AI factor. It is always advisable to read prior tripadvisor reviews before booking a resort - gives good insight on what to expect.

suze

Trip Advisor would be a good place to put this review. A lot more people would see it there, in the Reviews section, than here on Fodor's forums.

1kenny

We seen the TV commercials about this great place with a 65% discount and adults only. Sorry it appeared I was ranting, it was the short version. When we booked we were told all drinks were included. Why would I think all drinks included except what had at dinner? All drinks included to me means all drinks included.
Kenny

Odin

AIs usually have a list of drinks that are not included eg champagne, premium wines etc. Are you saying you ordered something and had no idea it was not included ie you didn't sign for it?

suze

<All drinks included to me means all drinks included.>

Well as you found out, it doesn't mean that. Lots of AIs are not going to give you top shelf wines and liquor without an up-charge. Same like you usually don't get steak and lobster included in a meal plan.

blamona

Wow, while I feel terrible for you because it's an extremely expensive AI, it's obvious you didn't do research Before the trip

(I'm so sorry)

90 minutes from airport to resort in St. Lucia is normal

Charging for top shelf alcohol at an AI is normal

We all use hard earned savings

Caribbean is hot and sweaty

Ocean view, can sometimes mean a sliver, there are palms!

the website and checkin explain the reservations restaurants, and encourage you do them immediately

Vendors, it's their island! And typical St. Lucia/many Caribbean islands, not allowed on property but free space, it can happen

A shooting occurs and you don't remember details? Couldn't have been that traumatic (or did you just hear about it, or was it a firework?)

Forgive me, and the sum of all these little complaints (and all are picky) really just tell me you had no idea what Caribbean is like, what Sandals offers, and tell me you expected US standards in Caribbean (They're not) . It really tells me you're picky, (what a laundry list) and maybe glass half empty.

With just a little research before the trip, maybe you could have discovered St. Lucia wasn't for you (vendors, curvy streets, long distances) and that Sandals was a very expensive AI when there are more beautiful resorts for less.

5 stars in Caribbean doesn't mean 5 stars in States, even at the prices.

Maybe you're better suited for a different destination?

Or have expectations that are realistic?

Your complaints won't even get you a room upgrade or refund anywhere.

I'm sorry you didn't research before spending your hard earned money, maybe better luck next time!

suze

That's true, about beach vendors. If they are a deal breaker the list of where you don't want to go is a LONG one!!

Bassguy66

Bottom line.....do some homework before you book anything. I've been to St Lucia, and actually enjoyed the (2 hour) drive through the winding roads of the island....gave me a chance to just look out and see how others live.

Sandals has been known as an overhyped, overpriced resort for a long time. How they stay in business charging those ridiculous prices is beyond me. I guess lots of people are still booking without researching.

I think everyone goes though a little learning curve when it comes to traveling the islands. Hopefully the OP will do a little more research before paying for a vacation such as this again.

Sassafrass

Bassguy66, "I think everyone goes through a little learning curve when it comes to traveling the islands."

I think that is very true. Our first intro to the Caribbean was on a cruise from Puerto Rico, and we took a taxi or van around a number of islands. We got to see the terrain and though beautiful, the poverty and differences in standards of living were obvious. Since I would not like to be confined to an AI resort, I would choose carefully which island and where to stay.

I do think it is right and a good thing that the big hotels can't own the whole beach and that locals are allowed to sell their wares and try to earn a living. It is certainly one way to meet local people and if you say no, they generally accept that. Or, just buy a little something and know you are supporting the local economy.

We have since stayed on St Kitts a few times, and enjoyed it a lot, just accept it is not the US or Europe, and research the hotel first.

Bassguy66

Research is half the fun for me. My first trip to the Caribbean was 30 years ago, and St Kitts was my first island. I went to a cheap AI due to a recommendation from some friends, and found out the hard way what 3 stars really mean in the Caribbean!! LOL

With the internet not being around 30 years ago, it was a lot harder to get good info. Most came from magazines, TV or travel agents.

Now with the internet, shame on anyone who doesn't do their homework. Everything you ever wanted to know is right there, and a couple clicks away.

rogandgee

I am sorry about your experience but every coin has two sides. I have stayed at Sandals several times and my wife and I have had wonderful times there. While your response has been negative and I regret that, I feel compelled to counter in a more positive way.

All the Sandals resorts are in the tourist area of the north. It is the international airport that is located at the other end. You should have known that. St. Lucia is a most beautiful island and the drive gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the terrain and lots more.

I was NEVER swarmed by vendors. These are just poor people who are only trying to make a meager living and in my experience willingly accept a polite "no thank you".

I simply do not want your regrettable but exceptional Sandals experience to be used by others who read your review as indicative of St. Lucia as a destination which would be a total disservice to the country.

suze

Thank you for speaking up.

It's nice to hear from regular long-time Fodor's posters (the positive) instead of the "one hit wonders" who come to only to complain about thing half of which they should have known.

rogandgee

Thank you Suzie. I often read your contributions.