Overall I would give the hotel a good rating, but as a 5 star Mandarin property, I would say it doesn't live up to their standard. It has a beautiful beach in a beautiful setting, but lacks the "delighter" or "wow factor" because some details are not as precise as you would imagine from a luxury hotelier. I understand that they are undergoing renovations, but the renovations are ongoing and some areas definitely need an overhaul (such as carpeting, seating, walls, lighting, finishes). In terms of the room we had, it was updated with fresh linens, and other amenities like new tile, tub, sink, counter, faucets, shower, etc, but the finish work (painting, caulking) was not finished well in some areas. The robe had holes in the sleeves and on a few occasions, we found long hair from the maid and a spider. The room's floor was not kept clean on every visit (still sand and dirt on the tile floor) and the pillows were not replaced on every visit, so there was some attention to detail and consistency that was lacking. We stayed for 4 nights at a reduced group rate and I am glad that we did not pay the full price. The restaurant was very pricey, but I understand that everything has to be shipped in to the island, so I assume that's the reason for the increased prices. At the restaurant, there were dead flies on the window sills and birds flew in everywhere to join us for our meals. The breakfast buffet was excellent - the granola/nuts with yogurt and fruit was something we enjoyed every day along with the coffee, so it was a great start to the day and we looked forward to it. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Overall, we had a great vacation, but I'd recommend asking alot of questions and looking at photos before making final reservations.

Elbow Beach was beyond my expectations. I read the mixed review and was nervous after booking. Once we arrived to our room I knew that this was the place for us. We were celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary and we walked into our room and found champange and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us. What a surpise that was. I opened the curtains to the patio and found a spectacuar view of the ocean. Our room was very clean and the bed was very comfortable. Sandy at the front desk was the best! She was very friendly and accomodating. Everyone at the hotel made you feel special and always were smiling. Elbow Beach is the best location to do take in the sights of the island. We were only minutes away from Hamilton and took the public transportation and ferries everywhere. The bus stop is right accross the hotel. So very convienent. I highley recommend this hotel. You will not be disappointed.

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.