My boyfriend and I spent the week of January 24th-31st at the Grande.
We thought it was fantastic. The weather could not have been better (rained on the way to the aiport-made it a little easier to leave!).
The beach was a slice of heaven, not huge, but not small either. The water was beautiful and you do not need aqua socks. Once you get over the small bit of shells (of which we collected many!), it was smooth sand. The pool was large and there were always chairs at the beach or the pool. Of course there are always things that people could find fault with, but these are probably the type that would not have a good time anywhere. If you cannot have a fantastic and relaxing time at this resort, then your standards are very different than ours. The food was fine. Better on some nights (Caribbean night buffet was really outstanding) than others, but you learn which restaurants suit your tastes. We ate at Kimonos at the Regency one night, and could see that we definitely made the right choice picking the grande. We made the climb up the hill at the near by national park which was a nice change of pace and offered phenomenal views. We had good service when needed and we would return to this resort, which we do not say often. Go-You will not be disappointed!

Ignore all the negative stuff (most of it anyway) printed on the Grande, just got back, here is my review. Location of the Grande is great. Grounds are beautiful and well manicured with flowers, trees and gorgeous flowers. Rooms were nice, we received an upgrade from deluxe room to penthouse concierge. It seemed as the room was recently remodeled. We were located in building 6 looking toward the north, I would prefer the southern facing rooms, more to see. The room service was GREAT. On time, very polite staff, and they complied with all my requests. Although I don't think I would pay for this upgrade. The resort was sold out and still had ample tables at dinner, plenty of beach chairs, and in the evenings seemed deserted. My only gripes are with the following. Food was adequate, some items I did not like so I ordered something else. I always found things that were good. Barefoot was very good (steak, shrimp), Bayside was OK, they do have a nice choice on the lunch buffet. Toscannini's was very nice. Pub was loud (steak and pork chops were great). Drinks were usually slow to arrive and the mixed drinks seemed watered down. My advice is to order a fresh drink at the lobby, pool bar or bring a drink from your room to start dinner. This will keep you happy until the waitstaff accomadates you.
They try, but are a little slow. Sidetrips: visit Pigeon Island and climb the hills. Although they have steep paths and no safety rails it was fun and the view was wonderful(not for the weak, elderly or out of shape individuals). Errard Plantation tour sucked! $60 each US (we left the hotel about 0715, didn't have time for breakfast, drove to the other Saldals, picked up more people, drove like maniacs over to Dennery, didn't see much, the waterfall? was not worth it etc etc).
Finally arived back at the Grande about 2 in the afternoon.Snorkeling was great on one occasion and then not very good at another location.
Plenty to do, staff was friendly, courteous and tried hard. With the exception of the slow drinks, and sometimes blah meals (order 2 entrees at once, I did, and at least one was great) the Grande was grand. I rate it 4 of 5.If you're trip is booked don't worry you'll enjoy yourself.

My husband and I had booked our honeymoon at the grand st. lucian. When we arrived after a 6 hour flight the resort was not opened yet. They told us that it would not be open for two more days. They put us at another resort, it was so dirtyit was called sandals halcyon. Finially we got to the grand st. lucian after two nights at the halcyon. When I contacted sandals after we got back they said there was nothing they would do for us. I would never go to a sandals resort again. A BIG WASTE OF TIME.

Like the last few reviews, we too had a marvelous time at the Grande.
Jan 24th - Jan 31st/04. From check in to check out everything went smoothly. The bus ride from the large airport was not as scary as some people made it out to be and actually gave you a chance to see part of the gorgeous rainforest as well as the East side of the island. We had an ocean view room and quite enjoyed the view of Martinique. The food was good overall, excellent at Toscanninis (best chocolate mousse dessert) , Le Toc (Regency) and Barefoot by the Sea. Josephines was our favorite place to go for chocolate crepes in the afternoon. I discovered cocoa tea in the morning at breakfast (it is a delicious hot chocolate, although some times it was a bit weak)

The staff were very friendly, and the service was fine. THe resort was not busy for the first few days so everything was great, lots of towels, etc. Late in the week, a large group of 300 arrived and things went downhill a bit. Activities stopped as the playmakers were busy with the large group. This only happened one day so it was not much of a problem.

Pigeon Island is a must do. Cost only $5 US and the walk is worth the views at the top. I do not like heights but managed to climb to the top and back. We also went on the sea excursion to the Pitons. Went both ways by catamaran and was glad we did. We sailed down with few people onboard but picked up another 40 people for the trip back. They had done the land/sea trip. No sails on the trip back. The Pitons are beautiful and worth seeing up close.

I too am amazed by some of the comments about people complaining about the rocky beach. The beach was great, sandy and few small rocks just as you entered. It is the sea and as such there are rocks and shells!! If you want rocks, come to the east coast some time. The only caution is to watch for sea urchins as we noticed a couple close to shore. THe water was warmer than the pool so I was in everyday. I found that some people will complain about everything and those people were usually from a certain state in the U.S!

We have been to Sandals in Jamaica (ocho Rios) and while we loved it, this was so much nicer. The Regency was nice but I did notice a strong sewer smell on both our visits there for supper. The newer units on the cliff look great and no smell up there. The Regency is older and more closed in since it is on the side of a hill. The Grande is open, clean and gorgeous.

The view from the beach is wonderful and you get to see nice yachts anchor everyday. THe beach is public but the security does a great job of protecting Sandals property. The girls taking drink orders on the beach was a bonus and added surprise. Great service and lovely ladies.
I truly can't imagine that people did not enjoy this resort. St. Lucia is a beautiful island with beautiful people and I would go back in a flash!