Stayed at Pineapple from 7-21 April 2004 - two adults and one child aged 12. For some unknown reason there was a mix up and the hotel was not expecting our son (we're still trying to find out why) so they gave us a room with only one bed in. The reception staff were terrible. Bad attitude and weren't interested in trying to sort out the problem, in fact they told us not to unpack as we might have to find a different hotel! We had to argue for an hour before the manager was called and gave us a room with two beds (which is what we paid for in the first place). Not a very good start. Lots of people were not happy with the reception staff.
The room we were given was lovely and only seven paces from the beautiful white beach (room 225). Maid service was excellent.
We were there for the cricket and during our first week the hotel was full of English and there was a really good atmosphere. Service in the main Topaz restaurant was superb, always someone there to fill your glass or clear away the plates. Lots of buffets and loads of choice. Breakfast was excellent with everything from cereal to a full English. Lunch was good and the snack bar was open from 12pm to 5pm. The lady behind the snack bar could do with going on a course and learning how to treat people better. Ever heard of a smile or a nice word? All I got was "WHAT?" as if she was doing me a favour. Most of the male staff were brilliant but the female staff could be a bit surly at times but mostly OK. The entertainment was typical Caribbean - steel bands, dancers, reggae bands (some quite good).
Anyway that was the first week. During our second week things changed. There were less staff around and the evening meals were all served to your table - no buffets except the BBQ. The food was always good but there were a couple of nights when we didn't fancy anything on the menu so we had burgers off the children's menu. Would have preferred more buffets, but that's our preference. Service could be very slow at times due to the lack of staff, but they did work hard.
Ate at the Pineapple Grill twice - first time the steak was superb, second time it was burnt.
Went reef fishing with Keith - fantastic time. Watersports guys are great. Good snorkelling on the reef. Even though it's on the Atlantic side the water was calm and lovely and warm.
Take a visit up to the Outhouse for good ribs and chicken, bottled beer - brilliant views and a lovely cool breeze.
We met some brilliant people - Louise, Jamie, Pete and Nina - thanks for a great laugh.
Overall the holiday was excellent and we would definitely go again. Feel free to e-mail me with any queries or if you want any more info.

March 13 through 20, 2004
Great beach! OK Food. Very Weak service! I consult businesses regarding client services and this place needs to incorporate some real training. Most of the staff, with the exception of one bartender, a couple activities people and Mary, simply need to be trained. They are not happy with their jobs nor do they understand how important their positions are to the success of each client's vacation. Smiles are few and greeting are even less. There is no repport or client connection. No enthusiasm or fun. "It's a job and I have to do it." is the attitude. The check in is strange and very slow after travelling 7 hours by plane and car. The bathroom plumbing didn't work at first and the indoor shower didn't drain. A lot of money for weak service and no plumbing. But the beach did help negate the problems. No flare to the food, it was not bad but I will not remember one meal a month from now. Thank-You

Having only just finding this site.. I feel compelled to share my experience with the Occidental Grand Pineapple.!
I was there in November 2003. for about 5 days.. and believe me these 5 days were shear torture. It was my first time in the Carribean.
The hotel rooms were lovely. nice and spacious, lovely decorated and always kept clean.
The only aspect i have a grumble with was the evening food. We had to wait over half hour to be served.. (this being on the first night there was no ideal) The staff who worked in the restaurant seemed as though when you asked them for something.. it was like you were bothering them! To be honest. When your on holiday you dont expect that.
The nightly entertainment seemed ok. Apart from one night when one guest moaned that it was too noisy. And the entertainment then stopped.
Saying that though I would go back to the Grand Pineapple again.. as it seems as though it has improved since i was there.

Just returned from a 10 day breaK at the Grand Pineapple with 5 children aged between 8-17 years. We had 2 Ocean View Rooms which were excellent and immaculately clean. Our friends had a Beach Front Room which was quite a bit smaller and I would guess older. The air conditioning unit was very noisy, but this was sorted out as much as it could be as soon as we mentioned it. Definitely go for the Ocen Views if you can though. The beach and turquoise ocean are just stunning with a lovely breeze most of the time, and sunbeds are aplenty, so no need for an early morning dash! The grounds are lush and beautifully maintained. The restaurants are good, particularly the Italian and Pineapple Grill which need to be booked the day before. The main restaurant, The Topaz, is also good, but a bit of a bunfight at times.
We were pleased that premier brand drinks were used at the bar and the cocktails were very moreish! The staff were almost without exception very pleasant and helpful, even if this didn't immediately seem to be the case. It's a very laid back place, but from our experience this seems to be the Caribbean way. Anyway, what's the hurry, you're on holiday! We took the shopping trip to St. John's and were glad we managed the early morning walk to Devil's Bridge. We chose to see more of the island under our own steam, so hired a minivan and drove to Betty's Hope, Shirley Heights, Nelson's Dockyard and English and Falmouth Harbours, rounding off the day with a swim at the deserted Curtain Bluff bay. All well worth a visit. The roads are a bit pot holey, but it all added to the fun. If you or your children are real party animals, it's probably not the place for you as nightlife is understated. If, however, you're happy to relax on the beach by day, maybe participate in a spot of kayaking or snorkelling, and while away your evenings with a cocktail or three, then you'll probably enjoy the Grand Pineapple.