We are going to Sandals St Lucia Grande 3-20-04. Any reviews and is any one elso going at the same time?

We just booked our Honeymoon at the Grande for November. You'll have to let me know how your vacation went.

Thanks,
Erin

I'm wondering how things went in March, at the Grande.. .. .. .. .. .. ..we just returned from our 3rd trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian( which should speak for itself!) We are thinking about trying the Grande this fall.would love to hear from anyone who has recently been there. Thanks

KimRobb, why do you like SRB? We were thinking about booking there, but thought maybe it was too laid back. We just got back from SDR which was VERY lively. Why do you like SRB? It looks awesome!

KimRobb-

See my post a couple down from here about the helicopter transfer from southern airport right to the Grande.

I'm booked for Dec 26, 04 through Jan 1, 05. Anniversary trip (25th). . Looking forward to it.

I am going in Sept. 04.. .. . Any Advice??THanks!!

drperfect/yardbird.. .. .. .. .. .
SRB has not disappointed us throughout 3 trips there. I've read some very negative postings about it, all I can say is, that has not been our experience at all. We like it so well, that we fear the Grande will not live up to our expectations! We have never paid for more than a deluxe
( standard) level room, & have been upgraded every single time to suite concierge rooms. There is plenty to do , never had to wait for a catamaran, snorkling cancelled once because of high winds. We took a bus into town for only ONE dollar each and shopped at the Straw Market and went to 2 casinos in town. You can walk to one of the casinos , it's so close. SRB has great food.. ..elegant fare, to "pub food" , whatever you are up for. The rooms are very clean, turn down service every night. They moved us once for a "maintainence issue" ( which we couldn't figure out , everything in the room worked and there seemed to be no problem at all) They were very appologetic, and moved us to the same lelvel room, with an even better view of the ocean. The offshore island is just that.it's just another place to "go" and relax. It has a clean pool and snack bar. Nothing wrong with that.. .. .. .. .. ..we spent a pleasant afternoon there. No entertainment, bring a book. No check-in nighmares.our room was not ready, they asked us to go to lunch & we did. Room was ready after we ate.. .. .. ..bags promptly delivered. The only "buffet" meal we ever had was at breakfast, and we could have gone elsewhere to have a more elegant breakfast. I broke a nail & called the spa for a repair, they gave me an immediate appointment, were ready when I got there. Pools are large & clean.. .. ..we watched them measuring the chemicals and testing the water several times. Pool temp was cool, but not frigid. Hot tubs temps varied, warm to hot.. ..My ONLY complaint, if I have to dig one up , is the beach is quite small. No long walks..but there was plenty of room for all.. .. ..no vendors were allowed, we were never bothered. If you get ticked off because you have to wait 5 mins in line at the bar for a drink, then don't vacation in the laid back Carribean. We left tip money in our room for the maids all the time, not once did any of them take it.one left me a thank you note declining the tip, but asked if I would mention her name on the departing comments sheet if I was pleased with her service! Have a blast at the RB.. .. .. .. ..you made a great choice!

drperfect/yardbird.. .. .. .. .. .
SRB has not disappointed us throughout 3 trips there. I've read some very negative postings about it, all I can say is, that has not been our experience at all. We like it so well, that we fear the Grande will not live up to our expectations! We have never paid for more than a deluxe
( standard) level room, & have been upgraded every single time to suite concierge rooms. There is plenty to do , never had to wait for a catamaran, snorkling cancelled once because of high winds. We took a bus into town for only ONE dollar each and shopped at the Straw Market and went to 2 casinos in town. You can walk to one of the casinos , it's so close. SRB has great food.. ..elegant fare, to "pub food" , whatever you are up for. The rooms are very clean, turn down service every night. They moved us once for a "maintainence issue" ( which we couldn't figure out , everything in the room worked and there seemed to be no problem at all) They were very appologetic, and moved us to the same lelvel room, with an even better view of the ocean. The offshore island is just that.it's just another place to "go" and relax. It has a clean pool and snack bar. Nothing wrong with that.. .. .. .. .. ..we spent a pleasant afternoon there. No entertainment, bring a book. No check-in nighmares.our room was not ready, they asked us to go to lunch & we did. Room was ready after we ate.. .. .. ..bags promptly delivered. The only "buffet" meal we ever had was at breakfast, and we could have gone elsewhere to have a more elegant breakfast. I broke a nail & called the spa for a repair, they gave me an immediate appointment, were ready when I got there. Pools are large & clean.. .. ..we watched them measuring the chemicals and testing the water several times. Pool temp was cool, but not frigid. Hot tubs temps varied, warm to hot.. ..My ONLY complaint, if I have to dig one up , is the beach is quite small. No long walks..but there was plenty of room for all.. .. ..no vendors were allowed, we were never bothered. If you get ticked off because you have to wait 5 mins in line at the bar for a drink, then don't vacation in the laid back Carribean. We left tip money in our room for the maids all the time, not once did any of them take it.one left me a thank you note declining the tip, but asked if I would mention her name on the departing comments sheet if I was pleased with her service! Have a blast at the RB.. .. .. .. ..you made a great choice!

KimRobb,
Glad to read a good review on SRB. I am leaving on 14JUN04 for 1 week. Can't wait!!! This will be my first Sandals experience. I have a question about Dress Code.. .. .. .. ..most restaurants require men to wear dress pants and a collered shirt at night right? Now for the women what's more common casual summer dresses/skirts or more formal attire (evening gown)? I know it's one's own preference but just curious what the "norm" seems to be
Thanks !!

Orcaluv

Most women wore sundresses during the evening, and those dining at The Crystal Room & Baccarrat wore slightly more "dressy" dresses. Never saw an evening gown or long dress on anyone, except the brides.. .. .. .. ..it's really not all that formal. Any shirt with a collar was acceptable for the men.. .. .. .. ..it was common to see polo shirts & dress shirts on the men.. .. .. ..most wore "dockers" , I never saw any men in suits. Any nice, short sleeved shirt was acceptable at night.and men wore tee shirts during the day. The first time I went, I brought way too many "dressy" clothes. By day. most gals wore bathing suits with long sarong wraps. No bathing suits allowed in restaurants, but if you wrapped your sarong around your chest as a "dress" , that was common and acceptable for lunch meal. SRB is very laid back.. .. .. . Enjoy your trip!

KimRobb,
Thanks for the tips.. .. .. ..by the sounds of it I would have packed way to many dressy clothes.
Thanks Again