Richard Curtis

Review of Sandals Montego Bay

My wife and I just completed a 5 night stay at San...

My wife and I just completed a 5 night stay at Sandals Montego Bay. The resort reopened on 6/16/20, and we were one of the first guests. I'm writing this review to help others understand what their experience will likely be, and to help decide whether to go to Sandals at this time.

SANDALS IS SAFE!
The management and staff have gone to great lengths to protect guests from contracting an illness such as the COVID virus. Sanitation occurs frequently, hand hygiene is required at all restaurants and is available throughout the resort.

Staff all wear masks - which is a shame since the studies have shown the masks are generally ineffective, and all they do is make the staff very uncomfortable. The rooms are cleaned and disinfected regularly as are most environmental surfaces.

There is no guarantee that you won't get ill, but the resort has taken all reasonable steps - and more - to protect you. I would not hesitate to vacation at Sandals.

THE RESORT IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The resort seems fully staffed. It was only about 20% occupied when we were there, so crowds weren't a problem. All of the restaurants and bars are open (some on a rotating basis), and access to on-resort activities are fully available.

STAFF ARE AS FRIENDLY AS ADVERTISED
I can't speak highly enough about the service and the staff. Almost without exception, staff were friendly, outgoing, and seemed genuinely interested in being of service. Spend the money and get a butler-level room. It's worth every penny. Our butlers (Carleen, Palmer, and Jerome) were top-notch.

FOOD AND DRINK
There are plenty of reviews on the quality or food and drink. To each his own. I have nothing significant to add.

HERE IS THE DOWN-SIDE
The Jamacain Health Ministry implemented COVID-19 screening measures a the airport for tourists the day before we arrived. Unless things change when you arrive, be prepared for a inefficient, convoluted, confusing, and irritating experience.

The requirements around quarantining change on the fly, are not clearly understood, and often contradictory. We were told by one health official that we would be quarantined to our room for 14 days (even though we screened negative). Then came to find out that we would be quarantined to the resort. This is being done on everyone - so there were no tours off the property. They also made us take both a nasal and oral swab test for the virus.

I can't stress strongly enough my recommendation that you check with the hotel for changes to the screening process before you get on your plane. Once you're there, you can't turn around and go home until your test results come back (3 - 5 days)

BOTTOM LINE
Go to Sandals and have a great time!