We have just returned from the Grand Pineapple after a 2 week stay. We had a wonderful time. On arrival we were upgraded to an oceanview room (Great start). We had about 50 steps to climb from the swimming pool area, were close to all the facilities and were rarley disturbed by anyone noisy, partly due to the fact that our air conditioning was on all the time (and worked perfectly well) The entertainment provided was very good, apart from one night when the group couldn't play due to technical problems, so we made our own! The rum punches were strong, and we found no problem in getting any of the premium drinks we asked for. None were measured, so you always got a good slug! The food was of a high standard, unusual to find all the restaurants were a la carte at an all-inclusive, but there were occasions when a buffet was served. We enjoyed eating at the Pineapple Grill for a change. The only criticism we had in the Topaz was that the food wasn't always hot, but if you pointed this out, there was no problem, and it would be replaced. We loved Mary's Outhouse, and didn't find the treck up the hill a problem, far from it - you needed to have some excercise!! The views were fantastic, from both Mary's and the beach. what a lovely beach it is too, although for the last couple of days there was a weather trough that caused a bit of a problem, when all the beaches on the West coast were closed and our beach filled up with 4 coach loads of Cruise ship guests. That was a bit of a nightmare, but we just took ourselves off to the swimming pool, safe in the knowledge that the Security staff would keep them at bay. Well done to them! The staff overall were very friendly, helpful and polite, especially Jason (Bar) Jewel (Reception) Maxine (Chef) and of course Mary herself, who was a delight, and never stopped laughing. The accommodation was very clean and spacious, and as you only spend a little time in it what does it really matter if the paintwork needs renewing. We made some good friends - Hello to Ken & Emma, and Julie & Dennis. Hope the snow wasn't too horrific for you!!! We just turned the heating up when we eventually got home (Car wouldn't start!!) All in all we had a fantastic holiday and would have no hesitation in going back there, as long as Sandals keep it the same as it is now and don't go all fancy. It was a very comfortable and relaxing holiday.

As I really appreciate the reviews when choosing my holiday, I feel it only fair to write one upon my return. The beach is beautiful and calm. There is snorkelling right off the end of the hotel beach and there is a constant breeze to keep you comfortable. No body surfing waves the entire two weeks we were there, so I think it is safe to assume they aren't common there. Ample loungers around both pools and the beach, so we didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn for chairs. The resort was quite clean, though it is dated as many reviewers have said. They are taking surveys all the time, so it sounds like Sandals is getting ready to make some changes. We stayed in the oceanview rooms on the hill, which are the newest and apparently the nicer ones. It was large, clean and everything worked, but not fancy by any stretch. I really enjoyed the deck and the garden doors, as we had them open most evenings. No bugs to speak of, though there were birds in the restaurant. They didn't bother me in the least, as I loved the open air, close to the water setting. The evening entertainment in the main bar was usually a band or music, and done by 11:00. Never did make it to the disco. There is a tiny casino beside the disco too. There was quite a mixture of staff, as the first week we found them quite a bit more helpful than the crew at the end. The staff is quite reserved and don't break into conversation easily. They are not the over eager achievers of some resorts.

We have been to several all inclusive places and this is the first one that required reservations for every evening meal, even in the main restaurant. That, coupled with the fact that you could only book one day in advance, was a bit annoying. That having been said, the food was quite good (even though we were there two weeks) and we could always find something good to eat.

The resort is a great place to relax and kick back. You can walk around the grounds, down the beach, or up to the Outhouse. There is a clean gym on site with a couple of treadmills, bike and a few weight machines, as well as a couple of tennis courts.

We rented a car from the desk in the hotel and that was perfect. The traffic on the island (they do drive on the "wrong" side of the road) was easy to manage. A bit busy in St. John's on cruise ship days, but safe and comfortable. Shirley's Heights is a great spot to watch the sunset, but the overrun of people on Sunday nights makes it less so. Nelson's Dockyard was worth the trip, as was Devil's Bridge.

Overall the resort was quiet and has character. Will everyone appreciate that, I doubt it but we had a great holiday.

Sometimes when you book a last minute vacation, you get a great deal on a great hotel. Other times, you get an average deal on a hotel that no one wants to go to. I'd definately say that the Grand Pineapple was the latter- a tired, old hotel with below average food, and a lot of staff that didn't have any interest in serving you. Unfortunately, every good experience was met with 6 or 7 bad ones (from old pillows in the room to attitude from the wait staff). The beach was quite beautiful and the snorkling was great but it was a long 7 days. If you do decide to go, the beans and ribs, omelette's in the morning are good. It is a fairly quite hotel and you can catch up on your R&R in the hot Antigua sun.

Can you imagine?? In 2008 I would not expect to find a dinner "dress code" so strictly enforced. Tailored bermudas were not allowed even in the most "casual" restaurant (Topaz), except for one night. That's absurd. I told them this was 2008 and not middle XIX century, but it was useless.
All the rest was fine, but the dress code is really a nightmare!!