We originally checked into the Reefs & in less than an hr. we checked out and headed to Elbow Beach - Mandarin Oriental. It just wasn't our cup of tea, despite the raving reviews on T.A. Brian was super accommodating and got us right in, he even went the extra mile and contacted the previous hotel to get us 100% credited. The rooms were much more to our liking; spacious, clean, separate tub, coffee/tea maker, fridge etc. The service was exceptional. From the front desk, pool service, bartenders, restaurants, to the beach service. They really went above and beyond to make my bday vacay extra special, I even got a cake waiting for me in our room. They were very accommodating by even making custom drinks according to the type of alcohol we like. The facilities were all clean. They have 24 hrs room service, which was quick and accommodating. The restaurants were all good here, especially Lido's - which has an amazing view and tasty food. The spa was very relaxing (try the only male therapist, he's amazing), then head over to the pool and get friendly Reid to set you up followed by an array of cocktails mixed by the one and only Pickles. The beach at the resort is absolutely beautiful! It's breathtaking!!! The location is hands down post card gorgeous (see my pics)! Best direct private beach access. The resort is centrally located, near all the best restaurants recommended by T.A. On another note, after going to all the top rated restaurants that were all so yummy, it turns out that the majority of them are all owned/operated by the same restaurants as in the resort - we went to Lido's (in the resort), Mickey's (in the resort), Sea Breeze (in the resorts), L'Oriental, Blu, Four Ways Inn. Everyone here is super friendly! We really enjoyed our stay here. Thank you for making my bday vacay as memorable as it was..... Especially, after my fiancé proposed to me there the night before we left. Our stay at Elbow Beach will always be remembered. We will be back again, thanks Brian for making it all happen!!! <3

My husband and I recently stayed in a Premium Suite at Elbow Beach for a long weekend. The suite inside was beautiful and updated, although none of them appear to have views since you are ground level. The outside of the rooms definitely require updating as the door to the room and the area around it is very dingy and run down. One thing I was surprised about that no one mentioned are the tree frogs. They are incessant all through the night. Even with a sound machine I brought with me to sleep I was unable to drown them out. Not for one night did I sleep well with the chirping. (Think this is seasonal though)

We went to the main hotel a few times to grab a cup of coffee in the lounge and wait out a torrential rain shower one afternoon. It is really is in need of renovation and simply smells musty in the corridors.

Otherwise the beach was beautiful, every staff member extremely friendly and helpful and we thought the food was fine. The breakfast each morning was delicious and the french toast was incredible.

Just checked in for three nights....Based on their website, this place looked amazing and it seemed to be one of the best hotels on the island. I didn't even mind the high rate, especially during off season, as I prefer to stay at nice places. Well, this hotel is a dump, in need of a major renovation. Cannot believe this place is associated with The Mandarin Hotel chain Everything - from rooms to restaurants - is falling apart. It is run-down and ugly. The receptionist told me we had a great room but he wasn't even convinced himself when he said that. Rooms are scattred around the resort, which was not clear to us - not good for someone who can't walk. You need to rely on shuttle service. Our first room was at the edge of the resort - very scary - far away from the restaurants, beach, gym, spa,...Plus the room smelled like bad sewage. I asked to change our room. We were moved to another room also away from the main areas. And the rooms are set up like shacks - and are painted blue, green, etc. Not classy! You need a shuttle to get around...which we didn't know. They offered to show us another room tomorrow, but in all honesty, I rather move out. The service is defensive at best, trying to blame our "wholesale" (?) booker. I am curious how they will make this better...as I feel my vacation is ruined.

Elbow Beach might be the most beautiful beach in the world (certainly in the top ranks!)--soft pink sand that never gets hot on your feet, magnificent blue water with soft rolling waves and moderate temperature, no shells, stones or seaweed, couldn't be better! But the Elbow Beach Hotel, which has recently been purchased by Mandarin Oriental, seems to have fallen on hard times and does not live up to the luxury of either the Elbow Beach or Mandarin Oriental names. The entire main building (a classic of luxury for over 100 years) is closed and might be torn down. Rooms are all in smaller cottages scattered along the hillside above the beach. Staff are pleasant and helpful, and you can phone for a shuttle at any time to drive you down the hill (to beach and restaurants) or up the hill (to the main building to catch a cab). Beware that it is a long hike on a combination of roads, paths , and steps, down to the beach, and some of the shuttles are vans while others are just open golf carts (so we noticed many couples with babies having difficulty manipulating large strollers and bags of baby paraphernalia back and forth in the shuttles or over the pathways with steps--definitely not wheelchair accessible as far as I could see). The hotel has two restaurants, both at the beach, with lovely views and OK food, nothing bad but also not spectacular. The town of Hamilton is also not what it used to be--mediocre shopping at VERY high prices. I might go back someday, for the beach, but would definitely wait until this hotel is updated. P.S.: There is a spa that definitely needs updating--no pedicure chairs (I sat on a small club chair with the pedicurist kneeling at my feet, which was uncomfortable for both of us)--definitely not the luxury I expected.