We just did the Sunset Beach (12/26/2012) as a day trip off of a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was not worth the price at all!!!! We used their shuttle which was fine (driver very nice) but registering at the resort took 1 hour of standing in line (small hot room with like 15 people waiting in it) to get wristbands and the charges were incorrect. After check in, we had to wait in line to get a towel. We were given 1 towel coupon for 8 people!!! We were told sorry they did not have anymore coupons to get a towel so we would have to share. When asked how to do that - customer service told us to go to the towel exchange, dry off and exchange the towel 7 more times so we could all get dry... and no I am not kidding!!! The food was fine (chicken curry was really good - fried fish not so good) and the facilities were fine (nice pools - just okay beaches). I cannot comment on the rooms. The employees however were rude, slow and incompetent. We were told that the attitude is not normally that bad but because it was a Jamaican holiday, they were not happy about having to work. Regardless, it was not customer friendly. We actually left early and were on the shuttle with people from another cruise line whose ship was leaving earlier - they were upset and panicking because the staff did not seem too interested that hotel shuttle was 1/2 hour behind schedule and their ship was leaving. For a day activity off of a cruise - find something else to go. For a few days stay it may be fine but why take a chance if you can find better places?

I spent the week of Christmas there with my 2 sons. I spent alot of time reading reviews before we went, and was a little bit nervous about what to expect.
First of all, let me say that all the complainers need to relax and smarten up. Surely you all knew before going, that this is an older resort, and is only a 3 star, therefore you need to manage your own expectations before you arrive.
We arrived late afternoon, and were greeted upon arrival with a glass of punch while we checked in. We flew Air Canada Vacations, and were immediately checked in by Shea Lynn and Alicia. They were both wonderful. We were in the south tower, room 1109. The room was perfectly fine, clean, and had a 52 inch flat screen. The view was wonderful too. The housekeeper changed the beds daily, provided clean towels, and left fresh flowers on the beds every day. The air conditioning worked perfectly fine, and the bed was comfortable.
The common areas of the resort are well maintained and clean.
The safe worked fine ($100 credit card deposit, no charge upon checkout when you returned the lock and key), the wifi worked fine (paid $30 for unlimited access for the week), and the AC Vacations rep (Senior), took care of all our al la carte dinner reservations for us.
For the most part, the staff were very kind and friendly, and although the resort is older, it was clean, and well maintained. I have stayed at 4.5 stars in the past, and honestly felt that this one was almost as nice.
The food was acceptable...not fantastic, but good, and plentiful. The staff in the buffet restaurant work hard, but always seemed to have time to smile, and chat.
The al la carte restaurants are very nice, and the food there, especially the Italian, was very good. The beach grills made great cheeseburgers and grilled cheese.
The drinks were plentiful, and strong, and the bartenders were very friendly.
As a single Mom, travelling with my 2 sons...I felt completely safe on this resort. My 15 year old son enjoyed the water slide, and the water/beach volleyball. He also enjoyed the free kayak rentals and he snorkled every day. He loved the nightly shows, and also the teen area with the ping pong tables etc.
The beach was nice, and the pools were clean. The daily activities at the pool could have been a little better, but there was so many things to do at this resort, that we were never bored.
We hired a driver - Paul Williams, to take us off the resort for a day, and visited Dunns Falls, and Dolphin Cove. Both activities, along with Paul Williams services, were great! I pre booked Paul, and our activities before I left Canada, and everything worked out perfectly He also took us up to the Fern Gully, in the mountains to experience the real Jamaica, and we once again felt completely safe, and enjoyed the experience.
Jamaica is a beautiful country, with beautiful people...I would definately visit again, and would not hesitate to stay at this resort.
We are from Atlantic Canada, and stayed Dec 21-29 2012

We were definitely not disapointed of the staff. At our arrival, a waitor served us some refreshing fruit punch. In the morning, Sonia served us kindly and patiently during the breakfast buffet even though it was always LOADED of people. During diner time Keith always stopped by our table to make sure everything was alright. In the entertainment section Chris is one of the funniest host I have ever encountered. In the bar section close to the casino there is another Sonia who is quite polite and kind as well and in the Jamaica Me Crazy Club both bartenders are pretty fast and make greeattt drinks!!

Overall, our trip was very enjoyable for a winter holiday getaway before christmas. What amazes every time I go to that hotel is the gigantic pools and the fun entertainment I would definitely go back anytime. However, the hotel itself needs some major renovations in the rooms ex: floor, patio doors, rust, air condition. I was in the North Tower and it felt like North Pole at first escpecially downstairs. Also, hiring more staff would be better since I find that they are rushing very often ESPECIALLY in the food section (buffet and snackbar) the lines to wait can take up to half an hour sometimes...

Both my husband and I had a great time. We had a room overlooking the ocean. Staff was friendly. Food and drinks were unlimited & all inclusive. There was an outdoor & indoor band for Christmas eve & an indoor band for Christmas night. The entertainment was great and people were very friendly. The beach was well kept and many pools to choose from. It was an awesome holiday!