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Sandals declining reviews

louisiana
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245 posts
75 reviews
95 helpful votes
Sandals declining reviews
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We are booked to stay at sandals in the next few weeks but their reviews have been pretty horrible lately. Anyone know why the sudden decline in reviews? Kind of worried. The good news is my husband and I plan on exploring the island rather than just staying put but it's still pretty concerning

Providenciales
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25 posts
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
1. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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Sandals is as good the people working at the resort that day and not all are happy to work. It is a beautiful resort but experiences can vary. They are not a very high paying employer on the island however because they employ so many people they are very important to the island. For those who want to explore the island there are other luxury options like February Point as well, however its not an all inclusive Their you get a private residence as an ideal base to jump off and explore the island. You mentioned exploring around the island and that is a fantastic idea. Bahamians are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Regardless where you stay if you give yourself a chance to explore the island you will have a fantastic holiday.

louisiana
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245 posts
75 reviews
95 helpful votes
2. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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Thank you. We are already booked at sandals so we will be staying there. I know they say they don't accept tips but can I slip them a few $?

Baden, Canada
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2 500 posts
66 reviews
83 helpful votes
3. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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You can slip a few bucks but be discrete about it. This most likely won't affect the level of service you receive - it will just increase the cost of your vacation.

We take reviews with a grain of salt and look for a few things. 1. we look for common themes like if everyone says food quality is poor, maybe something valid but if many seem to be all over the board about complaining then maybe some people have higher expectations. 2. And no disrespect but we look to see where the reviewer is from and again look for common themes. Reviews from the UK as compared to the US as compared to Canada could vary. Also people from NYC have a different expectation of food than say Oklahoma - just dynamics and expectations.

Baden, Canada
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2 500 posts
66 reviews
83 helpful votes
4. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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Try not to let the liitle things ruin what i'm sure will be a great vacation. Even though you should ALWAYS have towels in the room, if for some reason you don't, go grab some beach towels to use. If a light bulb is burnt out, take one from a lamp you don't use. Make sure though you report it and find out the name of who you talked to and when it will be fixed by. That way they know you will follow up and future issues might be addressed quicker.

I know things around my house, my neighbourhood, my town are not perfect all the time and you pay and invest alot more there.

Enjoy!!

Myrtle Beach, South...
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405 posts
201 reviews
108 helpful votes
5. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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I think it is a matter expectations; we just got back and the resort is gorgeous but expected more for what we paid. In no way was it a bad resort it could just be so much more. Given the choice we would stay there on the island again, just wouldn't waste money on a useless butler.

San Diego...
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1 125 posts
20 reviews
62 helpful votes
6. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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Please don't slip anyone tips under the table. They can get fired for that and it generally doesn't improve your experience. If you want to give them anything take a moment to use their "loop" feedback system. A compliment on there for the employee will go a lot farther for them than a few dollars. As already mentioned, and I agree with it too, a lot of people have expectations when spending a certain amount of money to go there and sometimes just one little thing can make them jaded towards their whole overall experience. Having to walk 100 yards to get a spot on the beach instead of getting one of the first five palapas close to the pool bar? I've seen at least 50 reviews where that was the issue for people's rants. Plus, reviews offer people a chance to vent after the fact without the resort having a chance to do anything about it. Also factor in a certain percentage of just flat out fake reviews for everything on this website.

Go enjoy your vacation, the resort and the island are beautiful and stress free. See and do what you can and don't worry about what you missed out on this time around. If you run into any issues there use the loop system to get it resolved or speak to one of the managers on duty. Tony (hotel manager) and David Kerr (operations manager) are there every day from 7am to 9pm. If they can't resolve any issues then no one there can.

louisiana
Level Contributor
245 posts
75 reviews
95 helpful votes
7. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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I agree. I travel often and always take these things into consideration including taking each with a grain of salt. The reason I ask is because it continues to be on a serious downward trend with complaint after compaint being the same. I wasn't sure if there was new management or a specific reason why this could be.

A few I keep hearing include the loop not working even after multiple attempts at front office, no towels, stocked fridge or toilet paper I get it this happens on occasion but not daily which seems to be in every 3 reviews now. When paying upwards of $900 a night you should have simple things.

Thanks for your response I do hope it's nearly a case of paranoia ;)

San Diego...
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1 125 posts
20 reviews
62 helpful votes
8. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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Throughout our multiple stays here we've noticed that the housekeeping and concierge (stocks fridge) come at varying times throughout the day, nothing's been a "consistent refreshed by" time. I can see that being a common complaint. The towel thing has happened to us before but we're talking maybe they were short a hand towel or two, not all of the towels in the room and not every day either. The concierges do an inventory check semi early in the day of your fridge and the take notes on what they need to bring back for later on. They're only going to restock what they see is needed at that time so use that info to your advantage I.e. pull out a few waters and juices before they come by in the morning. When in doubt though just pick up the phone and ask them to bring whatever it is you need. The towels sometimes take a while because the person bringing them to you may be the same one who's washing and drying them at the moment.

I don't necessarily agree or disagree on how they run the place, these are just some things we've noticed on our stays there.

Baden, Canada
Level Contributor
2 500 posts
66 reviews
83 helpful votes
9. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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I always get confused about the towels thing. Do you change towels daily at home? Not likely. Sandals, like many other resorts have policy in place asking guests to try and conserve water usage and put towels you need replaced in the tub or shower. Can't tell me every day you use every towel and need everyone replaced. Just like at home we hang towels up and reuse for a few days. Always lots left unused. Also don't expect bed sheets to be changed daily just like home. Maybe 1 time, 2 at the most over a weeks stay.

Denham Springs...
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24 posts
14 reviews
13 helpful votes
10. Re: Sandals declining reviews
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I understand what you are saying but I don't spend 900/night to stay at my house... For me it's relative to the amount of money I'm spending, side note I quit doing resorts 4 years ago... Renting a house on the beach is 100 times more relaxing and really get to enjoy the island you decide to travel to...

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