Sandcastles Holiday

Sandcastles Holiday descritpion

Featuring direct access to Ocho Rios Bay Beach, terrace with swimming pool, an extensive garden and plantation décor, Sandcastles Vacation Rental is in front of Turtle River Park.
The apartments and studios have air conditioning, wardrobe, living area, cable TV and a full bathroom. The kitchens come equipped with oven, stove, microwave and fridge.
Sandcastles Vacation Rental has a bar service and BBQ facilities. Guests can find a variety of restaurants within half a mile of the property.
This complex is a 3-minute drive from Margaritaville and a 7-minute drive from Mystic Mountains. Dunn’s River and Dolphin Cove are a 10-minute drive away and Ian Fleming International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Recommand

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The staff speaks English——Sandcastles Holiday's staff speaks:English
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Facilities of Sandcastles Holiday

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu

Internet ：Free!Wired internet is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

General ：Family Rooms | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for Sandcastles Holiday

Review 1：They had nothing we asked for, simple as beach towels n bulbs for the room. And we had no cable service.

Review 2：Location was close to the beach and transportation.

Review 3：The first night out room was horrible. The room we stayed in the rest was ok Was over charged and not the rate quoted by booking.com still trying to get money back.. Toilet took 3 days to fix

Review 4：Location was good..

Review 5：They said they have no rooms and no reservation although I had them in my e-mail. A receptionist wasn't kind and helpful to past this problem. After long discussion we had the room, but it was dirty and we hadn't enough towels or staff there.There was no pressure or hot water in the shower. Everywhere were people to say do not this or do not that so we felt us very uncomfortable.

Review 6：Location is good. The place is easy to catch by Knutsford.

Review 7：Extra charge that came when we reach the hotel

Review 8：I book 2 weeks before the trip When I got there they said they have no rooms but they will try to help me out sat down for a hour and a half after driving 4 hours to get there Then they charge me a different price from what I agreed to online

Review 9：I didn't like that they would not honor our reservation price we had made weeks prior.They wanted to charge us their current daily rate. Other guests said the same thing happened to them. We didn't get replenish of clean towels for days; we were told that the laundry was backed up. The room was full of mosquitos and we got bitten alive. The housekeeper sprayed 2 days in a row with a can of insect spray (not commercial grade). Also the housekeeper didn't have keys to our room so we only received service if we were there. The oven part of our stove did not work. The shower was so tiny you could hardly turn around and so the bathroom floor would be soaked. The Internet hardly ever worked especially in the actual room. The general manager never responded to our request to speak with him (but I doubt the staff passed on our request). The front desk staff is under trained and overwhelmed. They often promised to take care of things but didn't follow through. I would not recommend this place to anyone. I stayed here 13 years ago. I am really disappointed to return and find out they have not kept up the property and are more focused on selling the units than servicing their hotel guests.

Review 10：I liked the Sandbar on property and the concierge. This staff was very nice. The bar had good, strong drinks. The food from the restaurant attached to it was good. I highly recommend the curry lobster.

Review 11：Reception said they had no rooms although we booked 1 week in advance. After a long debate and showing the booking.com approval they 'found' a room but insisted on upfront cash payment as the booking.com rates are 'not theirs' and they wanted to save the credit card commission. Same thing happenned to someone else visiting at the same time- he had to pay more! They don't clean the rooms unless you ask them. Door to the bathroom doesnt close

Review 12：Good location & pool

Review 13：The lengthy time to wait for check in.

Review 14：When we got to the hotel the room booked was not available despite being booked a month in advance. The staff was really nice and ensured that we got a studio.

Review 15：Good evening Sir/Madam,My fiancé and I had the displeasure of returning for a stay at what we thought was a studio booked at your hotel on Booking.com. However, upon arrival on Christmas Day, tired and with rain pouring, we were duly informed by front desk that the room booked was a "private" room and since no deposit was taken by Booking.com he couldn't check us in nor had any idea who to contact to do so. We were instead offered a room at a higher rate than what we reserved. This is entirely unacceptable and speaks of very poor management on Sandcastles' part. How can you allow arrangements to be made on your property and then have no way of offering assistance to guests that arrive, other than offering what is nothing more than what appears to be an attempt at ripoff/fraud/misrepresentation. We will only stay at this accommodation because we are tired and really have no choice at this point. But, we will NEVER return and we will NOT recommend this hotel to ANYONE. Sent from my iPhone

Review 16：There is no where to eat. it would have been good if the hotel had a restaurant or had better food options.

Review 17：I'm a college student so the price was not too bad. The hotel room was above my parents expectations and it was just a nice getaway for them.

Review 18：The restaurant was really not open so that was inconvenient. They were busy catering so they probably should have just said they were closed. Was nicer when there was an bar by the pool.

Review 19：Hotel is comfortable and the staff very cooperative.

Review 20：The management and front desk staff were not professional. After booking through an online agency and received our confirmation we were told when we got there that there were no rooms available and they couldn't do anything about it. After insisting that they had to facilitate us for two hours, we were told that we may possibly get a room but we could only pay cash. We didn't have the cash and we eventually left as the manager had refused to pay us the courtesy of speaking with us. When we got back home to our dismay this property had the audacity to charge our card. These are crooks. To date they have not refunded the money. They have no professionalism and are very dishonest

Review 21：My first stop was the front desk customer service was very poor, they didnt even acknowledge us after we enter and greet them they continue talking. The first room the fridge and light wasnt working we had to go to another room. The second room TV wasnt working the hair dryer and the bathroom tiles falling off and a board hold up the toilet tank. Its a nice place to be but lets take into consideration when people pay their money they are looking for there money worth and a comfort. The place needs to be maintain not just collecting. Please be reminded the first person that greets you at the hotel must be polite and be welcoming they are marketing your hotel and if bad publicity goes out not good.

Review 22：The beach, the person at the bar was very pleasant and the beach was clean.

Review 23：1. ironically the location is also a negative. there is a nightclub that opens directly into the lobby and the noise is so loadthat it kept setting off my car alarm while i waited to check-in. 2. some of the staff lack training or basic intelligence. in fact one had the barefaced nerve to express to my face that i had to wait for housekeeping to check the room to see if anything was stolen! (while i might sympathise and understand the sentiment, it is NOT something you say to a paying guest) i have already started telling my friends about that awful experience and a colleague said he was told the same thing some months ago when he stayed there. i certainly won't be going back to that place anytime soon.

Review 24：location is ideal. price is reasonable

Review 25：Staff Customer Service Training and supervision is Needed! Do not let a good property fail by something that can be controlled! Bathroom is extremly small.

Review 26：Building is well kept and love access to the beach

Review 27：There was no duve on the bed and the hot shower wasn't working properly.

Review 28：Everyhing else was great! Room was huge, the beach was accessible, food were reasonably priced and great! The staff - Simone and sherily - were very helpful

Review 29：The information about a free pass in the other hotel. Drove the ehole morning trying to find the amazing promissed breakfast that was 3 cities before ocho rios

Review 30：Beach side

Review 31：Bed lumpy n uncomfortable. No pool or beach towels provided had to go buy our own. Rooms need serious up grading. No information in rooms about the facility or what is offered.

Review 32：Location. Pool. Beach. Quiet

Review 33：The penthouse we stayed in was in a bad state of disrepair, the roof shower was filthy and uncleaned. The spiral staircase was shaking, the toilet was stained and the ceiling was coming apart. The manager and desk staff were patronising and disrespectful. Very poor value for money. When I demanded to be moved out of that apartment the manager offered me $7usd off 1 night stay (not even off each night stay) I booked at $177usd per night. I found this to be insulting. My family holiday was ruined.

Review 34：Location and beach access

Review 35：It took around 3 hours for our room to be prepared and at first we didn't have a key to open the gate to the terrace. There were no screens on any of the windows, so every time we opened them we had a new swarm of mosquitos to deal with inside. We left before the front office was open, so we have yet to receive our deposit back despite a couple of phone calls.

Review 36：The hotel has a bit of a low key vibe. The staff tries their best to reman calm and help the customers enjoy their stay. The gardens are beautiful. Many kids had fun playing together in the pool until late at night.

Review 37：This hotel was absolutely horrific. The staff were the most incompetent,rude, obnoxious and laziest I have ever encountered. It takes forever to check in and forever to check out. The room was not cleaned during my stay and the house keeper knocked on my door at 7.30pm to clean and woke up my child. When I tried to complain I was completely ignored and the staff member I was attempting to speak with answered the phone mid my explanation. There was no hot water, you couldn't sit on the balcony as it was too hot due to the air con units being out there, WiFi did not reach room. Food was over priced. I don't normally leave or listen to reviews but I really wish I had read the ones about this hotel before wasting my money booking!

Review 38：Absolutely nothing.

Review 39：The only real negative was the water slide in the pool for the kids. It could use and upgrade. And I wanted to use a blanket but noticed it had not been cleaned.

Review 40：Great location. Nice beach. Friendly staff and lovely accommodations.

Review 41：The WIFI signal was not consistent and kept dropping. Needs a signal booster or something. Too many mosquitoes in room. They should be sprayed before given to guest, to prevent Dengue/ Malaria

Review 42：Like the self catering room, all the facility was accessible to me

Review 43：I didn't like that I couldn't control the heat in the shower...mostly cold water but that was minor

Review 44：I honestly love this place, first time going and I went with my boyfriend. We stayed 1 night I'm room C8. I have no complains really...the pool was nice and relaxing, the room was really nice, AC was super cool, felt like I was in the winter

Review 45：The bathroom shower/ shower curtain wasn't dealing well the water kept flowing and leaking on the floor Plus the mangement team in the sand bar made the staff and patrons feel uncomfortable.

Review 46：Most of the staff was great. However the managers in the bar treated the staff unprofessionally. Always not picking

Review 47：I thought the price was expensive, rooms on the beach was cheaper yet they are more centrally located and have a direct beach front without having to enter through gates.

Review 48：The room was in good condition, pool was nice.. the bar was under renovation but looks fab (almost done)

Review 49：stayed 7 days only had hot water for 2 days. Even though we report this problem it was not fix. Got to the hotel at 11pm and could not get access to my apartment as front desk had already left. However Paul came back to the property and got us settled in.

Review 50：The staff was courteous and friendly. Loved my apartment!!! Would recommend.

Review 51：It took 4 days for them to clean and change my linens, Ac was malfunctioning no Hot water, rooms dated from the 70's, i had to boil water to take a decent bath. On my departure the front desk rep did not have access to my deposit and the Mgr. was 2 hours late to refund my money. So i had to leave some of my money behind. Because the front dest rep. paid me out of her pocket,

Review 52：location of hotel

Review 53：No hot water despite bringing this to staff's attention. Was asked on booking.com our bed preference- we opted for 'extra large double', when we arrived we were given a choice of 2 singles or 2 singles pushed together. We were required to give a deposit of $50 US in case we broke anything in the room. Found this insulting considering many things in room were already broken! Windows didn't shut properly and room was a haven for mosquitos. Part of the beach that we had access to wasn't very nice. Girl at front desk responded to all of our queries with a shrug (she was fluent in English so communication was not an issue). No prices on breakfast menu, and prices varied from what we were told by our server to the final bill. Breakfast was delicious despite not having milk for coffee (minor inconvenience). Disappointed in Sandcastle, wouldn't recommend it.

Review 54：No hot water this is my second stay here and I had the same problem last time. They need to spend some of the money they get from the customers and fix the hot water it's very unfair that people spend their moneyon a vacation and have to use pure cold water

Review 55：The location was great

Review 56：The check - in was somewhat slow and inefficient so be patient. The room really needed new towels. It's not that this is a huge deal but they were looking and feeling a little tired.

Review 57：This hotel is located on the mainstreet in Ochos Rios and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. I would say that it would be fair to give it a 3 star rating. It is also located a 20 - 30 minute brisk walk to Dunn's River Falls so for those of you who like to be active do the walk and visit Dunn's River on your own. It is so worth it! The staff were very friendly and the bartender, Raymond, was awesome! The spa is very nice. I had a hot stone massage and it was excellent, very professional.

Review 58：I was there for 11 days and not day was my room cleaned, or linen's changed. I had to ask for clean towels, and only received them twice. Always seemed to be out of clean linens and maids were always busy. I had a king bed which was two twin beds put together and seemed to fall between the two often, otherwise comfortable!

Review 59：Liked the location, and the guards were great. Manager did do his best to accommodate me with unhappiness with no clean towels.

Review 60：The first apartment we were assigned to E2 the window catches were broken which was a concern for our safety as we were on the ground floor. Most of the wooden window slats were broken and had big enough gaps for use to look out – therefore people could look in on us! The broken slats also meant that it was pointless putting on the air conditioner. There was no hot water, the television didn’t work the apartment was filthy the cooker hood is a disgrace. At such short notice we couldn’t find another hotel so we asked for a change of room. We were then assigned to D25 – the hot water could not be regulated it was boiling hot and scolded use. The air condition unit didn’t get cold just blew air the apartment was over ran with ants there is no telephone in the apartment so we had to walk to reception to make enquiries. I asked for the house keeper service – had to wait days! The bedding and sheets are not clean either by looks or smell. The wifi worked now and again.The overall place needs updating and cleaning. The maintenance men came each time with empty promises. I suppose they could only work within the remitted of what they could, because they themselves were not happy. We had a distinctive new convertible car and even on the 7th day of our stay we were questioned at the gate about staying at the hotel.

Review 61：The fact that the room was not cleaned once during my five night stay. I checked in on 12/24 and was not until 12/28 that a note was shoved under the door saying they came to clean the room, but no one was available. Really!!! There were roaches in the room. Gross!! There is a lot of noise from the street and the rooms are not sound proof.

Review 62：I like location and price I also like the hotel and setup. Parking and access to the beach. I felt safe I would stay again and would recommend to others.

Review 63：Hot water was nonexistent

Review 64：Proximity to beach and town. The staff at the front desk and security were outstanding. The constantly checked on us. The grounds were beautiful and clean. We felt very safe.

Review 65：So many cat I never seen this in no hotels and I stayed at many hotels, the kitchen utensils was dirty, water bugs in the bathroom pillows was dirty what kind of house keeping is this I would like a full refund. It rain the morning so we didn't go to the pool but when we did they were treating the adult side the pool. I asked the girl for a manager she act like she didn't understand what I was saying

Review 66：The kitchen was dirty, the phones did not work, the staff had no ideas of places in the area to even have authentic Jamaican cuisine. The travel centre was closed so we had to figure local attractions by ourselves. I guess it's not a hotel but villas with no amenities. At night the music from the bar kept us up until wee hours of the morning forcing us to sleep in later than getting up early to enjoy the day break.

Review 67：The fact that everything is within reach and close to the beach. Only one of the staff Cynthia was extremely helpful.

Review 68：Everything they have roaches, ants the a/c is very poor i would not recommend it to anyone one, it was so bad i cut my stay from 10 days to 6 days.

Review 69：Inability to enter the beach after beach closing hours. Neighboring hotels have 24 hour access to the beach!

Review 70：Location to beach, stores and night life..self sufficient apartment with kitchen supplies, ease of having guests (some hotels charge your visitors a day pass!)

Review 71：. room not cleaned regularly . poor maintenance . dirty shower curtain. .cob web behind door . untruth by staff . tiny shower - unable to turn around . drapes too short - no privacy . open glass above door - no privacy

Review 72：Location

Review 73：I didn't like the tv. No real cable channels my kids had no real tv to watch. The furniture was outdated and needed improvement. Wifi was limited. Windows needed fixing a lot of broken locks. Air conditions were outdated they just need to improve rooms to this century. People on the grounds were not friendly no one spoke the room was dusty when we got there and was not cleaned until we were leaving.

Review 74：I like the place it is close to all local spots. The imidate staff was friendly.

Review 75：The phone was in the room was in disrepair and seems to have been that way for a very long time. I had to physically go to front desk to make a room request. Luckily, I did not have a real emergency. Room service had to be physically requested at the front desk due to lack of a working landline. Cable channel choices were lacking. If it's going to be limited, they should provide a list of available channels so that persons don't have to search the channels individually.

Review 76：Bathroom was gorgeous in the room where I stayed Wireless internet Sofa Bed was great Bedroom had double beds large enough to comfortably sleep a married couple and two young children. Flat Screen televisions for bedroom and living room, where the sofa bed was Kitchen was small but okay They take credit cards although the apartments are individually owned Children under 11 stay free as long a they use existing beds Free access to the beach and pool The front desk clerk who assisted me was very helpful Affordable You could view the rooms before choosing the one you want to stay in.

Review 77：No breakfast included.

Review 78：Location was good. The staff was super helpful and nice.

Review 79：I had booked two rooms, but the hotel said they were full. That's it

Review 80：Some of receptionists wasn't friendly looking.

Review 81：Everyone was very nice and helpful.

Review 82：Location and view

Review 83：Staff very slow at check-in

Review 84：Proxomity to other places of interest, fast foods, supermarkets

Review 85：The front desk staff

Review 86：The roos were comfortable.The pool was well keep

Review 87：Everything honestly. There wasn't one thing I didn't dislike

Review 88：WiFi signal was not good in C 2

Review 89：Everything

Review 90：The rooms are spacious but need a facelift.

Review 91：The pool and bar were the best amenities.

Review 92：Internets a little hard sometimes you have to go outside your room

Review 93：Staff is great rooms are nice and a fence away from the beach

Review 94：Fixtures in the bathroom need upgrading

Review 95：Free wifi and a well-stocked kitchen

Review 96：No elevator to the top floor.

Review 97：Wifi didn't work on our block.

Review 98：There was a little issue with the toilet but outside of that, it was great.

Review 99：It was like a little apartment. Very comfortable and perfect location.

Review 100：wifi catastrophique

Review 101：The staff no need for taxi toute à coté(plage ,magasin,centre ville...)

Review 102：Reservation was not honored and had to pay extra for a double bed room which I had initially reserved!

Review 103：Location was convenient

Review 104：Everything.

Review 105：The staff.

Review 106：Did not like kitchen at all was not handy for cooking at all. Was missing too many items.

Review 107：View of ocean. Wish the balcony was a little larger

Review 108：A leak in the bathroom. Slow and intermittent internet

Review 109：The apartment had a cosy feel like being in your own short stay rented apartment.

Review 110：no need for taxi unless you want to out of town, close to beach shop restaurant bars and Margaritaville restaurant

Review 111：Private Beach

Review 112：Nothing

Review 113：The restaurant needed a variety of food.

Review 114：Overall service was good and its quiet...I got some well needed rest.

Review 115：Kitchen itens were not all there Long time to get to room Long time to exit hotel

Review 116：Clean Near Beach Near Town

Review 117：Shower temperature & pressure Weak wifi at times

Review 118：Location Swimming pool Grounds Staff

Review 119：Net and everything

Review 120：nothing so far

Review 121：I wish the doors have a inside lock , I was a little uncomfortable with the one lock on the door.

Review 122：The staff was very helpful

Review 123：staff and service. not pleasant..no room service

Review 124：location

Review 125：The property was not well maintained. great location but could be cleaner

Review 126：The property was in close proximity to the town center, you could walk to most major locations.

Review 127：No running hot water, and when staff were approached, three hours prior to booking out they still had not provided hot water or an alternative. TV instructions also poor. Rooms could do with a little updating and it would be nice if coffee and tea were provided in the rooms.

Review 128：Close to the town center and amenities. Entrance warm and inviting.

Review 129：WiFi was down until the last day and a half and the service wasn't that great, housekeeping services was very poor

Review 130：Receptionist was very helpful, room was clean and efficient

Review 131：Air condition in room did not work House keeping was done once during our 5 days stay. Bathroom window could not close and resulted in mosquitoes flooding the room.

Review 132：near the beach. centrally located. staff was polite and tried to be helpful

The Fine Print

A deposit via bank transfer is required to secure your reservation. Sandcastles Vacation Rental will contact you with instructions after booking.A security deposit of USD 500 is required upon arrival for incidental charges. This deposit is fully refundable upon check-out and subject to a damage inspection of the accommodation.