2014 Jamaica Trip

Delta direct flight

"... but because my gate was almost a mile away by the time I got the gate it was about time to board. If your gate is at the far end of the terminal, prepare for a hike. If you are running late: good luck."

sunset_beach_resort_spa.htm     booking.com

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147311-d149881-r129708168-Sunset_Beach_Resort_Spa_Water_Park-Montego_Bay_Saint_James_Parish_Jamaica.html

May 8, 2012

Considering that I got this resort for an excellent price it was more than worth it! That being said, it does have some things that could be improved on. Like others said, it does need a bit of a facelift. The food was decent, but not great by any means (except for the Jerk chicken at the grill, which is served from 12-4) The Jerk chicken is spicy at the grill, but when they have it at the buffet it is sweet and pretty gross in my opinion. Most of the food at the buffet is supremely Americanized and I would prefer if they had traditional Jamaican dishes. However, it is a family resort and they probably do that to appease the children. Speaking of children, this is one of the reasons I would consider booking an adults only resort next time. Many of the patrons just let their children run wild without supervision. I understand you are on vacation, but hey, so am I and I don't appreciate children peering at my from behind my chair (and I meant from DIRECTLY behind my chair) and then come around to the front and shrieking in my face. Another incident, we were playing mini putt and some parents just sat there and watched their son (who was old enough to know better) come over and start trying to pick up and take our golf balls without saying a word....like seriously? Control your kids and at least say something. Not the resort's fault, but people are so inconsiderate and obviously crappy parents who cannot teach their kids discipline. Many parents were obviously very great, but a few bad apples spoil the bunch. If you are going there for a family vacation it would be nice, but I went as a couple. Unfortunately I couldn't afford a couples-only resort, but if you can, I would definitely recommend splurging for this feature. However, I would rather stay here than not have gone at all :)

Another reason that I would consider not returning is the beach. Because the beaches are man made, the ocean is not able to properly filter the water and it causes the beaches to be EXTREMELY seaweed-y. However, it does make for some great snorkeling. There is a reef that is teeming with sea-life if you swim out just past the rocks. Bring your own snorkeling equipment, though. It is much better since you won't have to rent it from the resort (if you rent from resort you are required to go with a tour and can't explore on your own). The seaweed factor really only bothered me because I have a crazy fear of the water and things touching my feet, so if it doesn't bother you to step on unknown seaweed/objects on the ocean floor you will be fine. There are also a lot of sea urchins. I didn't step on any, but read that many people did. Also, I can't stand how people just put their towels out under the umbrellas to save them super early in the morning and come back hours later to use them... I know it's common practice, but it is such a pet peeve of mine.. lol... There is an adults-only topless beach (but you don't HAVE to be topless, it is just optional), which is somewhat hidden and private with a guard sitting at the entrance that has lots of areas with trees which provide for shade and also allowed for sunny areas, perfect for a couple where one prefers shade while the other prefers to lay in the sun. :) There is also a completely nude beach if you walk further down, which has a solid privacy gate. You are required to be nude on this beach if you wish to go on it and they do not allow cameras on the beach.

They do have kayaks and a paddle boat that you can take out. I would recommend if you are looking for a taxi to go outside the resort. They totally rip you off in there. I would also recommend to go downtown and negotiate prices for different excursions. You can get them for WAAY cheaper if you do this.

Service was great, even if you don't tip, but it is better if you do tip :) The staff work really hard and obviously deserve it. Most of them were extremely nice and obviously loved their jobs. There are some that seem like they kinda hate their jobs, but you always have to think that they might just be having a bad day and are having a hard time hiding it (everyone has had one of those so I don't think it is fair to judge if someone is not "extra nice") As long as they are not rude, I am good with that and nobody was even close to being rude.

We had rooms on the third floor just above the area where they had entertainment. It was loud, but several times I went to bed and slept right through it. The rooms were clean, air conditioner created a nice hum that drowned out all the noise. We paid for just a standard room, but from the side of our balcony we got a nice ocean view. It was beautiful.

Also: you must see the sunset! It is phenomenal here. Now I know how the resort got its' name :)