The Jamaica Sunset Grand is a lot more affordable today than it used to be but still a good deal.
Visited Jamaica and stayed at the Sunset Jamaica Grand all inclusive resort in the heart of Ocho Rios Jamaica in February 2014. This was an excellent choice for us because we love to mingle with the locals and browse the local markets and the resort is just a step away from downtown Ocho Rios. It was our first trip to the Sunset Grand. The saying that you get what you pay for is entirely true for hotels and resorts. We choose this resort because compared to the the other vacations packages for the period we traveled, it was reasonably priced.
Overall the hotel was quite nice especially the exterior. The views were great, the pools and beach area were well maintained and beautiful. While the beach was small, and there was minimal shaded areas the beach was always clean. However, the interior has deteriorated a lot over the years. Even in the renovated room we had, floor tiles were in poor shape, towel hangers were missing and the ceiling tiles were in disrepair and there was a moldy smell in the rooms. The entire hotel interior could do with serious upgrades. There is only one gift shop left in the Sunset Jamaica Grand compared to the several gift shops that lined the lower level some years ago.
The staff and service was excellent and when we requested a room change after our first room leaked water from the ceiling we were assigned a much better room next day. The housekeeping service was excellent and all the bathrooms throughout the building were well kept and stocked. At the beach bars you were able to get your choice of drinks made without any delay.
We mainly used the buffet where we had a great view of the beach and pool from any angle. The food was good but lacked variety. After the first 3 days one could easily get tired of the same old selections. Entertainment was just OK and also need some variety. Except for a troupe that drummed and danced, it as all singing groups all the time.
Helpful Hints.
1) WiFi service for a week cost $25.00 and we got very good service in room, dining and lobby areas
2) Consider booking a tour with guest services at the hotel instead of your vacation reps since you get the same tours for less.
3) Don't hesitate to ask for a room change if not satisfied as soon as possible.
4) Consider using the local cellphone services while there and you will save a bunch of money. A cell phone from lime or Digicel with $100(JA) ($1 US) airtime purchased outside the hotel will cost you only $500(JA) or $5.00 US and you can add as much air time as you need. You can talk pretty much all you want to Canada and the US for a week on about $20.(US) airtime. There is no roaming changes when you call internationally. You can either keep the phone for your next trip to the Caribbean or give it away at the end of your stay.
Generally, the Sunset Grand is a 3 star hotel so I would conclude that you get a good deal.
 |
| Jamaica Sunset Grand Ocho Rios, Image copyright Ashauntae 2014 |
Visited Jamaica and stayed at the Sunset Jamaica Grand all inclusive resort in the heart of Ocho Rios Jamaica in February 2014. This was an excellent choice for us because we love to mingle with the locals and browse the local markets and the resort is just a step away from downtown Ocho Rios. It was our first trip to the Sunset Grand. The saying that you get what you pay for is entirely true for hotels and resorts. We choose this resort because compared to the the other vacations packages for the period we traveled, it was reasonably priced.
Overall the hotel was quite nice especially the exterior. The views were great, the pools and beach area were well maintained and beautiful. While the beach was small, and there was minimal shaded areas the beach was always clean. However, the interior has deteriorated a lot over the years. Even in the renovated room we had, floor tiles were in poor shape, towel hangers were missing and the ceiling tiles were in disrepair and there was a moldy smell in the rooms. The entire hotel interior could do with serious upgrades. There is only one gift shop left in the Sunset Jamaica Grand compared to the several gift shops that lined the lower level some years ago.
 |
| Beach at the Sunset Grand Jamaica Image copyright Ashauntae 2014 |
The staff and service was excellent and when we requested a room change after our first room leaked water from the ceiling we were assigned a much better room next day. The housekeeping service was excellent and all the bathrooms throughout the building were well kept and stocked. At the beach bars you were able to get your choice of drinks made without any delay.
We mainly used the buffet where we had a great view of the beach and pool from any angle. The food was good but lacked variety. After the first 3 days one could easily get tired of the same old selections. Entertainment was just OK and also need some variety. Except for a troupe that drummed and danced, it as all singing groups all the time.
 |
| Lighthouse water slide at sunset Jamaica Grand Image copyright Ashauntae 2014 |
1) WiFi service for a week cost $25.00 and we got very good service in room, dining and lobby areas
2) Consider booking a tour with guest services at the hotel instead of your vacation reps since you get the same tours for less.
3) Don't hesitate to ask for a room change if not satisfied as soon as possible.
4) Consider using the local cellphone services while there and you will save a bunch of money. A cell phone from lime or Digicel with $100(JA) ($1 US) airtime purchased outside the hotel will cost you only $500(JA) or $5.00 US and you can add as much air time as you need. You can talk pretty much all you want to Canada and the US for a week on about $20.(US) airtime. There is no roaming changes when you call internationally. You can either keep the phone for your next trip to the Caribbean or give it away at the end of your stay.
Generally, the Sunset Grand is a 3 star hotel so I would conclude that you get a good deal.
Comments
Post a Comment