My husband and myself went to Jamaica for the first time in January for two weeks and stayed at the Sunset Jamaica Grande which was excellent in every way but expensive.

We loved Ocho Rios so much we decided to return in March but booked our flights and accommodation seperately. We stayed at Sandcastles, we had paid for a sea view room. On arrival at approximately 7.30pm we were shown to our room. It was a ground floor bedsit. There was one cup in the cupboard, the cupboard door was hanging off, plaster off the wall but more importantly the patio door leading out to the car park could not lock as there was no key. I returned to the reception to let them know, they said someone would be with us within ten minutes, eventually at 11.30 I sat in the reception and said I would sleep there as it felt more secure with people about. They eventually gave us a one bedroom apartment overlooking the car park. The next morning I returned to reception to ask for what we had paid for, I was told to come back in two hours. This went on for two days when we were given what we had paid for. The room was ok. Five days before we were due to leave the air conditioning failed in the living room. Someone came and took it away and never returned it despite reminding them every day.

When we ordered drinks at the bar, we paid the barman, he walked to reception with the money and ten minutes later returned with the change, the same think with ice cream by the pool. Everything had to go through reception who never had any change.

We were not impressed by the security as anyone could walk in and out without being checked. One morning my husband was sitting on the balcony when a young male (approximately 14years old) walked into the apartment, when he say my husband he apologised and walked out again.

We met a friend who was staying at the Turtle Towers Beach apartments and he invited us for a meal. The security there would not let us enter as he did not answer the intercom ( it was out of order) , as it happens, one of the other residents knew us and said it was ok for us to enter. The apartment was large, spotlessly clean and we were very impressed by the security. They always phone the occupants before letting anyone into the grounds.

I would never again stay at Sandcastles but would highly recommend Turtle Beach Towers.

My family and I have stayed at Sandcastles several times. Some of the rooms are very basic and could do with some refurbishment. However in saying that, we found them clean. If we did have any problems we reported this to reception and it was dealt with. Can't remember why, but we once asked for a change of room and this was done without any fuss or bother!!
All in all while Sandcastles is not one of the best places we have stayed, it is in a convenient location in the centre of Ocho. The food is good (especially breakfast) and the staff helpful.

I booked a holiday at Sandcastles as a last minute thing so that I could join my partner for a week whilst he helped his father with some business in Ocho Rios. I read so many really terrible reviews of this hotel after making that booking that I had become really worried and had almost resigned myself to checking into another hotel as I arrived. To say that I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. The hotel is was lovely. Beautifull, tranquill gardens, a gate that leads right to the beach ( you could see the cruise ships each day) and a complimentary rum punch on arrival! What more can you want? Five star luxury it may not have been but it was comfortable, friendly and right in the heart of Ocho Rios. Our family members were able to visit us here quite freely and without being made to feel uncomfortable. They could drink with us, use the pool and even came onto the beach with us at no extra charge after a wink at the beach security! All the staff were very helpfull and friendly and were very positive about any requests for anything. As a selfcatering accomodation it is far superior to what you would expect in Europe. I was surprised that it was categorised 2*. A 3* in Europe would not offer you the same level of service. Our room was lovely (it was actually a hundred times better than the hotel room I had to stay in at Manchester airport before I flew to Jamaica which must have breached a few European laws but thats another review). It had a huge bed, a sofa, kitchenette which had all essentials, a bathroom with a huge shower and a cosy little balcony which was perfect for two to sit out on for a night cap. The room was cleaned every day, sheets and towels changed EVERY DAY. A request for anything like an extra cup or an ash tray were dealt with on the same day (very good by Jamaican standards!!) We had a few tiny insects in the bathroom around the wash basin sometimes but hey, it is the carribean after all! The swimming pool was really clean and they have a lifeguard there all day. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants self catering accommodation in Ochi and will be staying there again without a doubt.
Annie - West Midlands