We recently returned from a nice stay at the Landings and thoroughly enjoyed the island as well as the accomodations. We are a couple in our mid 50's and generally prefer the condo -type experience over all inclusives. Even though it was just the 2 of us, we had a large 2 BR marina-view unit with 2 1/2 baths. We got a great deal on Expedia that included breakfast,and for whatever reason, the 2 BR was less $ than the 1 BR.
The condo was nicely finished with granite countertops, and Miele appliances. Furniture and the beds were comfortable and again nice. I guess I am surprised that a few previous reviews complained about the finishings/furnishings, as I'm not really sure what most anyone could complain about. As I see it, these condos offered more for the money than any we have stayed at in the Carribean (and we have been to numerous islands). Kitchen is well equipped even with cookware and dishes, so you can cook about anything you want. Neither shower door would fully shut, so there was the minor annoyance of some water on the floor outside the shower. It had two balconies, one with a hot tub and dining table, the other with lounge chairs.
Beach was very nice and while not the white sands of Grace Bay (Turks) or Eagle Beach (Aruba), for example, it was nice nonetheless. Water temperature was just right, refreshing but still warm enough to be comfortable. There are few stones and only a little bit of seagrass (further out), so its great for wading as well. Floating loungers are provided. There are a lot of beach chairs and umbrellas and it was never a problem getting one. They are a bit close together, but they were never all full so you don't really have people on top of you if you want a little buffer zone. Security appears to discourage beach vendors, so we were not hassled. An occassional jet ski or parasail boat cruised by just outside the roped off swimming area but no real distractions from them either. A fruit boat stops by 2 or 3 times daily, which is nice to pick up some fresh mangoes, papayas, coconuts, etc. All beaches are public in St Lucia, and while we noticed a few locals walking on the beach, and on Sunday a few were using the beach, they were polite and friendly. There is a beach next to the Landings that is on open undeveloped land, and that beach is busy with locals, especially on Sunday. If you want to snorkle, don't have high expectations, although there are a few smaller fish and maybe an occasional starfish.
Our experiences with employees were almost all very positive, and maintenance workers and housekeeping were especially friendly.
Since our package included breakfast, we ate at the Beach Grill daily. The breakfast buffet is mostly the same selections daily, but it offered pretty good range of options including an omelot station. Scrambled eggs were very runny every day and not very appetizing and the pastries not great, but there are multiple fruit options, bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc. If it wasn't included in the package, however, I am not sure it would be worth the $22. We also did the Tuesday night beach barbecue buffet, which was again pretty good, although I would not say it was outstanding either. Steel drum band and the fire eating/limbo show that night was entertaining. We ate lunch at the Beach Grill (usually ordering from our beach chairs) and it ranged from quite good (fish or chicken sandwiches) to burgers (lousy). Overall I would not rate the Beach Grill as high as my rating for The Landings (accomodations) in either food or service, but more "average." We did not eat at the Palms, the higher end place.
The Landings apparently had offered a shuttle service into Rodney Bay, then discountinued it, but started it up again while we were there. It goes 3x per day so you can use it to go grocery (or souvenier) shopping or out to lunch to avoid using rental cars or taxis. Nothing is really in walking distance to the Landings (other than (Pigeon Island), so this was handy.
Suggestions for improvements: No major complaints and most everything was great. Wireless internet was only in Beach Grill and main lobby, so it would be nice to have it in rooms. TV in living room was flat screen, but pretty small to watch from the couch (although we didn't spend much time with the TV on anyway). But keep in mind that it is a quiet place to stay and there was entertainment a couple of nights, but usually not much going on at night on site. Beach Grill is not up the same level as the rest of the facility. Concierge was friendly and was willing to book tours, although they (like most hotels) presumably recommend the tours that they have a financial relationship with in the bookings. My advice is to do your own research before you go on what to do and who to book with. I was less than impressed that the concierge was not familiar with Tet Paul Trail tour, especially since this is the #1 ranked attraction in St Lucia on Trip Advisor.
Room Tip: We booked a marina view 2 BR. Our condo (623), which had both ocean and marina views, was even bet...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.