Sandals Grande Ocho Rios: A review We found that the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, named "Grande" is actually made up of two parts: The Manor House has a nicer pool but requires a 5 minute shuttle ride to the beach, while the Riviera Beach Club, where we stayed, is right on the beach.
Here are some of the highlights at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.
Room Size and Comfort: B+ Very clean and recently renovated, the rooms are comfortable, but when compared to more modern resorts, are a little small.
This resort is approx.
25 yrs old, and the small bathroom is evidence of that.
Nonetheless, King sized bed and a nice balcony help.
Bonus: the 46" LCD TV is not just an ornament: it carries approx.
60 channels, including the major US networks, as well as Canadian TV, German stations and two channels of ESPN.
Other niceties include an iron and board, a mini fridge which is stocked with pop and water daily, hairdryer, safe and I-pod base station.
Bars and Liquors: A The Sandals Grande Ocho Rios features a number of bars which are all well stocked, including name-brand liquors such as Crown Royal, Drambuie, Bailey's Cream, Amaretto and several selections of Vodka's and more.
Beer is the local Red Stripe and Red Stripe Beginners (a.
k.
a.
Light).
This being an all-inclusive resort, the 'included' wines are four kinds of Beringers, two white and two reds.
More select wines are available at extra charge.
Restaurants and Food: A Sandals Grande Ocho Rios features nearly a dozen places to eat, including beach-side grills and a great fire-oven pizzaria.
The food selection is outstanding, but best of all, the service a very fast.
Dinners can be accomplished within 40 minutes, from initial greeting to the "come back soon, mon".
Compare this to some of the all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic where a supper can be a 2-hour ordeal, this was a very nice surprise.
No reservation required at any of these, although the most popular, Valentino's, might make you wait a little bit in line, if you come at the wrong time.
Staff Attentiveness and Friendliness: A+ As expected, the staff at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios are exceptional.
When walking through the resort, everyone, from waiters to groundskeepers, smile at you and ask if there is anything you need.
If you stop for a second to look around, expect someone to come up and ask whether they can help you.
Special mention to my main man, Jermaine who scoured the resort for that last bottle of Frangelico, just for me.
Pools & Beach: C When compared to some of the mega-resorts in the D.
R.
, these pools are showing their age.
Especially the main pool in the Riviera Beach Club is small when compared to some of the more modern resorts.
And if 'walking on the beach' is one of your favorite things to do, you might consider Negril or White House resorts of Sandals.
The only way you will get a 2-mile walk on the beach at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, is if you go back and forth about 20 times.
Do's and Don'ts at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Don't bother with the "Shopping Tour" being sold at the resort.
The 10 minute ride, followed by the 90-minute (rushed) shopping is not worth the $20 per person.
Instead, grab another couple and go see Leroy (yes, that's his real name) at the Manor House and for $28 he will drive all four of you to the Island Village Mall, and then pick you up whenever you want.
Do check out the Spa.
The massage is excellent.
Unexpected Bonus: The beef steaks are much better than expected, and the Red Stripe beer is quite good.
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios overall: B+ The staff at the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios have definitely lived up to the Sandals reputation, almost enough to compensate for the poor beach and aging resort itself.
I would definitely recommend a Sandals Resort, perhaps a newer one with a nice beach.