My boyfriend and I just returned from Grand Palladium yesterday from a quick 3 day vacation. We booked here because it was one of the few places that offered a short stay vacation (all we could get away from work).
The grounds are beautifully kept, and I would agree with some of the others that say the resort is too big. It is about a fifteen minute walk from one end of the resort to the other. We were told that we could get a golf cart to come get us, but when we had the scuba hut call for us, we were told to walk to meet it by building 35 - but when we got there and the cart was there - he just honked and drove away. They did come immediately when we were ready with our bags - so it's okay - we just planned to stay out of the room for the day.
I did see a couple of feral cats - but that's to be expected in places like Jamaica - and to be honest - they looked well fed, and healthy - just shy.
The food was very, very good - and just about any restaurant choice was good. I would say that the one exception to that was the sports bar - we wanted a quick snack at about 4 pm and nothing else was open at that time except the jerk hut (15 minute walk there and again back) and the sports bar (where food was available almost 24 hours per day). There was a buffet with hot dogs, burgers and a "salad bar" on the hot table and you could order a la carte. The sterno in the burgers had burned out, and when we told them - we didn't see them change the burgers or re-light the sterno. Oh - and for the record - chicken nuggets of processed chicken (worse than golden arches) are not the same thing as chicken fingers. So - stay away from the sports bar - or order the quesadilla - it was yummy and fresh!
The service is a tiny bit hit and miss - some servers and staff were great and others seemed too busy - maybe they were short staffed because I saw a number of trainees (who actually were quite great).
The spa was fantastic - couple massage, pedicure and 'foot stress' treatment. Special shout out to Janelle, Oretha, and Nicole at the spa. They were just lovely! Also the housekeeping staff in our building (17) were very nice!
And if you have some kid-free time - check out the hydrotherapy area at the spa - it was very relaxing and a nice set-up.
We didn't swim in the pools because it was too cold - rained for three days while we were there.
And one note to management - you might want to re-think the entertainment. Granted we were only there for three days, and the shows were very good - there are some very talented dancers at the resort, but the shows were too sensual/sexual for a family-resort.

This review is long overdue as we stayed at the GP in May of 2012. The resort is beautiful and while it is big, the grounds were very well kept and it was always pleasant to walk to wherever we were going. There is a wide variety of a la carte restaurants and buffets so the restaurants never felt crowded even with the resort being at full capacity. There were also many bars and while the drinks were admittedly a bit watered down, you always have the option of asking for a bit extra alcohol. For the big drinkers, they serve over proof rum shots at Ms. Lou's that'll burn all the way down!
The beaches weren't as nice as what you get in the DR or Mexico so we spent most of our time by the main pool, where it was never hard to find lounge chairs.
Entertainment was a little dull but drinking in the sun all day meant we went to bed early anyway.
Minor complaints are that there should be more authentic (or even at the very least Westernized) Jamaican food every day and a better selection of local fruits. Jerk chicken was just barbecued chicken and any oxtail or goat curry dishes were quick to run out when they were even offered in the buffets. The beef patties in the sports bar were a huge disappointment but I guess being from Toronto we are spoiled with the wide range of ethnic cuisines readily available.
Bedding smelled a little musty but rooms were overall clean and spacious.
Overall it was a great vacation and the positive, laid-back vibe of Jamaica is what will keep us returning.

I was at the Grand Palladium for the weekend with my four best friends. It is a very huge resort,the rooms are very nice and our view from the balcony was breathtaking.Check in was a bit prompt and inefficient as it was our first time at the resort but the receptionist (Renee) was very pleasant. It was not the best weather for the weekend but we still had a beautiful time. (Judith) at the spa did a wonderful job at her massage. She is really good. Also Natalie the Japanese was really helpful. Overall we had a good time! big ups also to (Samana) the at the spa reception.

We stayed Feb. 2-9 in bldg. 24.....it was close to lobby, infinity pool and restaurants. Sunset cove is a bit further, (a 1/4 mile, maybe). We also has a small pool in our back yard, very nice! Food is decent, drinks are good (try a purple rain or local vodka if you don't like the rum), no trouble with housekeeping. We ate at buffet for breakfast, jerk hut for lunch and mostly steakhouse for supper (did try Mexican and Italian) and they were all fine. The buffet at night was decent too...

Scuba: The boat is still not fixed, so we rented a taxi to dive in Negril. CRAPPY equipment and boat.... Gear was missing o- rings, clips, didn't have enough weights or correct sizes of BC's. 2 of the 11 divers had to come up early due to lack of air in tank! A 2 tank dive for $100 US....no water offered between, only a single orange cut up. We are not pro divers, but were very disappointed. The reef however, is beautiful...many small fish.

We booked the catamaran tour through the resort to Negril--Ricks Cafe, Margaritteville and thought both were a joke. Stay and enjoy the pool, spa (awesome couples massage for $190 per couple!) or sunset cove! The other beaches were not impressive.

The last thing to mention is that the resort has Direct TV....we actually watched the Super Bowl in our room with friends! At the end of a long drinking/sun day, it was great to watch CBS!!

Definitely not a 5 star, but you're in a 3rd world country!!! Decide before you go, to just relax and enjoy!!!!!!!!