Short Review....overall we enjoyed our trip. The water is absolutely beautiful. Montego Bay is very close to the airport, and yes the planes can be very loud....guessing 8-12 planes a day, heard them as early as 8:00 AM and one as late as midnight. All the restaurants are right on the water, you really can't beat the view. The food is your average all-inclusive variety. Some items were very good and others just okay. We found the service to be uneven. The beach area is smaller than we are used to but it was nice. We really liked how convenient the airport was to the resorts.

We enjoyed the shuttle to the Royal Caribbean and that resort as well. We really enjoyed the private island at the RC. We reserved the beach beds with butler service on the island. Nicole our Butler was absolutely fantastic and it was well worth the $65 fee. We would do this again in a heartbeat.

Overall we had an excellent trip. The weather was perfect. We have stayed at better all-inclusive's for sure, but do not let this deter to you. Only suggestion might be to try and stay at the Royal Caribbean as it is a bit further from the airport. This was also our first trip to Jamaica and we really enjoyed it.

We just got back from a 3 night getaway and my wife and I had a great time at Sandals. It was our first time visiting a Sandal and Jamaica so we weren't quite sure what to expect. It is always funny to read these reviews before a trip and the see the complaints people have of a resort-- while this resort isn't perfect it is a wonderful spot and I would have a hard time thinking of anything bad to say. It is a beautiful spot and everyone goes out of there way to make your time there a great one.

First of all, a lot of people comment about the airport being so close. I thought it was a plus, especially for us only coming for 3 nights as we were really glad to be that close. The airport was a breeze and before you know it you are laying on the beach sipping a "Jamaica Smile" (you have to try one!). It is true that since the resort is so close that you do hear the occasional jet and it is loud, you quickly get used to it and I even thought it was pretty cool to watch they jets take off so close. It did not take away from our experience.

The resort staff was great. Very friendly and everyone was helpful. The food was good, not blow your socks off good, but a lot of choices and everything we had tasted good. For those that complained the plates being so small I am curious why they just didn't order another! It is all inclusive so you could order whatever and how much you liked. My wife and I would start with a few appetizers before ordering the main courses. I will say, make sure you make your reservations early- we couldn't get into Tokyo Joe's as it was booked up but if you are staying for a week I am sure it is no problem.

There is a ton to do on the resort. We only left twice, once to visit the Royal Caribbean Sandals which was a fun way to spend an afternoon. It is only a 4 minute shuttle over there and we spent a day on the private island they have. The pool bar there was great and we met some really nice other couples. Our bartender Linval was great and kept making us fun rum drinks! A word of advice would be to take note of the "clothing optional" section of the island....while exploring the natural island we snuck up on it and it is true what they say that it's never the people you want to see who participate in that!

Our other excursion was to do the catamaran sunset sail and booze cruise to snorkel and to Margaritaville. We tried to book it through the hotel's tour company but they were sold out while we were there so we went with another company I read about, The Dreamer Catamaran Tour. It was awesome and they picked us up and dropped us off right at the hotel. We had lots of fun on that tour and I would recommend it for those that want something to do outside the resort.

Other things we liked-- the Piano Bar sing-a-longs at night are a blast, the snorkeling right off the beach was awesome, and breakfast was really good and a great way to start each day.

Our room was in the Palm Building and it was great. Again, nothing over the top but had everything you needed and was clean. We loved being right on the first floor and our room had a patio we would sit out on a different times of the day.

It was a great experience and I would recommend this resort to anyone. We met lots of other couples just like us, getting away and there to have fun and soak up the great weather. Don't let any of these bad reviews turn you off as if you are staying here it is hard to not have a wonderful time!

Has anyone been to this resort in Montego Bay. We have been to 5 Sandals and the majority of them are old tired 80s decor > Not the 5 star asthey believa they are compared to alot of other resorts.You spend way too much time at the front desk requesting bottled water or fridge restocking.Any thoughts?Or better suggestions for Montego Bay area would be appreciated

Summary (short)
My wife and I just returned from a 5 night stay at Sandals Montego Bay Jamaica (Christmas week). We arrived 12/24. It was our third time in Jamaica and our first time at a Sandals property and enjoyed it very much. We are both very well traveled (international and domestic and cruising) and have stayed at other all inclusives and can say this is overall a good value (not excellent, but good). The food, staff and resort are all good but please note, the property is not like the heavily (and poorly) photo shopped brochures. It needs significant updating to the rooms (esp. Palms building), painting, pictures, couches, railings, chair cushions, etc. all need refreshing. Even some of the common areas need a refresh. Please note, the overall feel of the place is that it’s a very nice resort (gorgeous views, etc.) and staff can be seen cleaning in common areas and are very friendly. Its just at this price point, I'm a little more particular. So if you are too (or you can afford a little more), then look elsewhere or consider the Sandals in St. Lucia. This one is tired and worn down. But travel is what you make of it, so we overlooked many of the items below and rate this particular Sandals property as average to good. For us, we really liked the overall Sandals experience (all inclusive, adult only) and were impressed enough that we put a deposit on the newer and even better Sandals Grande in St. Lucia for December 2013.

Details (long)
Guest profiles - A weird mix. We saw everyone from 20 something newly weds to 30's to 40's on up to a nice couple in their 70's celebrating 53 years of marriage. So it was a mix with the majority in their mid 40's (like us) trying to escape the whole holiday family / children fiasco (LOL). The atmosphere was very relaxed and most folks followed the dress codes (resort casual & resort evening). Please note, we saw many people that looked like this was the first time they had traveled and there were many sights that were definitely better unseen if you know what I mean, which you can expect at any resort. But if you’re a little more refined in your travel/cultural preferences, then I'd suggest seeking out a higher end property (liquor shots, heavy tattoos, belly bumps and ooh rahs to occasional four letter words over music loud speakers are not for everyone). And that crowd was definitely there.

However, we did meet many wonderful folks from all over US and Europe and we can say we had a most excellent time (travel is what you make of it). Friends are easily made at Sandals and we were blessed that we were joined by a couple that we had gotten familiar with (we kept bumping into them at dinner many nights). On our last night, we bumped into them again and we invited them to join us at the Royal Thai restaurant at the neighboring Sandals Royal Caribbean. Wonderful folks and we all enjoyed a great dinner under the moon light and warm breezes. Great night.

Resort Location - Pickup at the airport (the airport Sandals lounge is awesome) is fast and efficient. Only a 5 minute ride to the resort where you are welcomed with cold towels and helpful staff. The beach is gorgeous white sands and plenty of beach. Water is crystal clear blue and great for swimming and all activities. Sunsets cannot be seen to the left (as the resort faces north). You need to go to Negril to see the sunsets fully. But still a gorgeous view.

THE PLANES - IMPORTANT - The planes are right over your head folks and very loud cause the resort is adjacent to the end of the airport . If you're not used to 737 aircraft takeoff noise over your head or want total peace and quiet, look elsewhere. They are loud and fly every few minutes. We had a jet take off at 4:30 AM EST on 12/28 and as late as 11:30PM EST on 12/26. So there is no peace. You have to live with it or look elsewhere. My wife and I were ok with it and I like watching planes take off (kid at heart).

Resort updates - This is the original Sandals resort (1981) and it shows. It desperately needs a refresh. They have updated some sections and some rooms and private villas. But the Palms building (especially) and other buildings simply lacked that lackluster "pop" of a resort of this caliber (again brochures are misleading)...no vibrant colors, paint so poorly applied it looks like a 10 year old painted areas. Men's rooms with urine and dirt and broken fixtures. Chipped furniture and most of all, the cushions. Most seat cushions in the outside bar & dining areas are covered in bird poop. I always had to swap em out or just remove them. That's just plain gross in my opinion.

Rooms - we were originally booked in the newly refurbished "Sea Grapes" building but were "upgraded" to the "Palms Building" directly on the beach front. It's the first building on the right when you enter the resort. Yes as other reviewers mentioned, you can smell the garbage as you walk from the main building to the Palms Building. It wasn't bad, but it was noticeable and unacceptable at this price point. The rooms were not updated and definitely showed their wear and tear. While it was adequate and had a beautiful view of the beach, the room itself was tired and worn. Broken/cracked bath counter, crooked lights on the wall, broken towel rack hanging off the wall (they fixed after telling them 3 times), crooked pictures ( bolted hard to the wall so I couldn't even adjust myself (LOL). The beds were not very comfortable but were ok. Drawers in the dresser wouldn't stay shut.. The bed was noisy as all heck, so getting up early I would wake up my wife. In short, if you want a great location, choose Palms building, otherwise request the Sea Grapes or Almonds buildings and walk the 50/100 yards and avoid the garbage smell and awful rooms.

Beach - The best part of the resort! The beach was awesome, convenient and staff are always there to take your drink order. The only downside is that many of the chairs are broken and badly worn so competition is tight to get a good seat. We got up early (7am) and claimed a good spot under a palapa with new chairs.

WiFi - Awesome!! I'm a techy and this was great to have...and most importantly, it simply worked everywhere and was always fast. So it made using the ole iPAD on the beach really great. Thanks Sandals!!!!

Activities - Diving - I'm a certified diver and took 5 dives during our stay. The PADI dive facilities and staff were all excellent! The dive boats are immaculate and run very well. The trainers and dive masters are great! The equipment is pretty standard quality and condition (heavily worn out). I had to exchange a regulator cause one of the lines was sliced - not good if you’re a diver ;-). Very convenient because the docks, etc. are all right there. If you enjoy diving, I highly recommend you take advantage of this all inclusive treat!

Activities - Entertainment - There were many daily activities available, so much so that at some points we got a little annoyed with just too much of the "Playmakers" trying to get people involved in activities over the loud speakers. Just FYI, between them and the planes flying over from the airport, its was impossible to have 10 minutes of just quiet on the beach. This isn't the place for that. Get the "Daily Breeze" paper from the front desk each day and see the list of activities. There are many. Beach volleyball was a blast, the evening shows were mostly fun and we got lots of chuckles. I would say overall they are several notches down from a cruise ship (of course). But at least there is something to enjoy if you so choose. There is no real "disco" but Cricketeers Pub but does have a DJ most nights after 10pm and can be fun dancing.

Staff - Most were so nice and helpful and fun. We had fun dancing with some in Crickateers Pub. The room cleaning person always did a nice job and overall very wonderful staff. The only exception was spotty bar service.

Food Restaurants - Food and service was all very good (not excellent) except the Cucina Romana (skip it) it was just not good at all. My wife's supposed rib eye was a cheap thin piece of some kind of strip. It was terrible and the deserts were all sub par at best. The only dessert we liked was some kind of chocolate and banana cake at Tokyo Joe's. The rest was not worth the calories. Have more alcohol..LOL Tokyo Joe's hibachi experience was fun and interesting. Oleander was very good. White glove service, very nice. Decent food quality. On the beach, the Jerk Chicken at the BBQ was awesome. Overall I'd say the food was two notches down from say a cruise ship, but still good quality.

Food Bar - Service was adequate but spotty. Beach service was excellent but then some of the other bartenders seemed to be distracted and focused on other things, with constant chit chat amongst themselves and rarely focusing on the guests. Beringer is the only wine unless you want to pay more for a bottle. They only had no-name coconut flavored rum which honestly was so bad it gave me a headache. I'm used to Parrott bay or Malibu and this substitute (what ever it was) was terrible. I especially don't like it when I ask for Malibu, they say they have it, and I watch them pour in a no name brand and when I ask if that is Malibu they say yes. I really hate it when bartenders lie to my face. No tips for you all. Most bars have only 2 kinds of beer, Red Stripe and Red Stripe Light. If you want Heineken or some top shelf liquor you have to ask for it in Cricketeers Pub but they do have it.