Tips on staying at Sandals Dunn's River

[airbalancer69]

Hey llund,
you seem to be the most knowlegable about the area so here goes.. .
we will be there in march 2004 our 20 year anniversary and was wondering about the tipping,we are gonna get a tour from Oscar to the falls fern gully Bob Marleys birth and resting place the straw market and margaritaville not sure the price waiting on a quote now.. ..but the guide up the falls how much do you tip a person,also if you take pics of the locals is it true you should tip them a dollar as well and last what do you tip Oscar for a job well done?also if you can tell me about the construction we are on the ocean view deluxe upper floor so it shouldn't bother us.. ..how about scuba did you do any or can anyone tell me what the program is like? am very interested in doing that understand it is free through the resort..how about the night life is it upbeat we are in our late 30's and still like to party and am looking for wild crowd we figured it might be a good time being around spring break oh cash exchange is it $1 us=$45 jamacian.. ..well i think that will do it for now thanks

[llund]

Hi..I will try to answer most of your questions:

1. Tips:We booked Oscar for a full day to port antonio with 4 of us. We tipped him $20 and the other couple tipped him $20. The next day, we booked a 1/2 day trip to the falls, fern gully and margaritaville and we tipped him $10 for 2 of us (and our friends also tipped him $10). . For the guide up the falls, I think we gave him about $15-20 for the 4 of us. When we did take pictures with the locals and we tipped $1.00 to the person. We brought a lot of $1.00 bills.
2. Construction: If you are on the ocean side, the construction will not bother you at all. It is on the mountain side at the entrance to the resort. It may be just about done by the time you are there in March.
3. Scuba: My husband went on two scuba dives. They ask that certified divers take check-out dive first. He actually thought this was a good dive. He signed up for a dive a few days later at the 9:30 A.M. time slot and it was even more shallow. One guy was having trouble and the dive master helped him and abandoned the rest of the group. He was very disappointed in this dive since may husband is an experienced diver. There were resort certified divers on this trip. It appears that the 9:30 A.M. dive is for less experienced divers, so if you are experienced, I would go for a later dive time. It is all included in your cost. For an optional cost, $50, there is a sunken ship dive.
4. Nightlife: If you are looking for nightlife, I don't know if Sandals is the spot. There were many honeymooners there and the disco was empty at night. The piano bar was more crowded. The show starts at 9:30 and most of the time we were still eating dinner. On Monday nights, there is a free shuttle to Margaritaville. We did not find this until Tues. It would have been fun to go. Margaritaville is where the nightlife is. Check on this at the activiites desk. Maybe with spring break there will be more activity at Sandals.
5. Most places take American money-even the straw market. The exchange was $1 to $50 when we were there.

Hope these answers help. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Guest]

Be carefull about the free bus on Monday nights that they call the "Boogie Bus" to Margueritaville. It wasn't very well organized when we went in late October. It could have been a one time thing because we have been to Dunn's 3 times and that was the first little problem we had ever had. Other than that, Dunn's is a lot of fun and very active. They have good entertainment at night and the piano bar always seems to be active. The activity at the disco will depend on the guests are are staying there. The food and service, as well as the playmakers are great, and we definately plan to go back for a 4th time eventually!

[airbalancer69]

[u][u][b]llund.. .& guest[/b][/u][/u]. .. .. .. .. .. ..i have to ask why do you call it the boogie bus and is this trip safe*L* not into problems jamaica supposed to be no problem man.. .. .. ..so what is your version (guest)of the resort(dunns river)we are a late thirties couple who likes to party is the party life ok.. .
llund
can you rent oscar by the day instead of by trip because i sent for some info but belinda sent me a high price for what we wanted to do(fall,fern gully,bob marley hometown,straw market,margeritaville and it was $85 dollars a person the only difference in your trip was bob marley but you guys went to the spice tour instead so i thought the price should be close did you have to haggle her or what?the scuba i see that you are a diver i have never so what do you think of the program for a beginner,how about parasailing but short of that your answers were great and i think it should be a better experience thanks.. .. .. .. .[color=red][/color]
ok and finally to anyone and sorry i have to ask but has anyone sampled the local smoke it's been years and we just have to try it.. ..is it safe to try to get or should we just drink heavier.. .*L*. .. ..well thanks everyone hope you all have a great time till later.. .. .[color=green][/color]

[airbalancer69]

how about parasailing.. .. .. ..anyone try it or can you do it from there?how about water sports . .. ..tubing,wave runners anything like that?. .. .. ..ok thnks again.. .

[Guest]

Okey.. ..will try to answer eveything. Bob Marley's birthplace is in a town called Nine Miles which is quite a trip. We actually did one full day and a half day with Oscar. On the full day, we went to Port Antonio and the Rio Grande River and paid $80 per person. The trip to Nine Miles will probably be as long. The next day, we paid $30 per person for fern gully, Dunn's River falls, shopping and Margaritavile. So, $85 is probably not out of line. Anyway, if you want to contact Oscar direct, his number is 876-349-8055. To leave a message, you can call 3l7-1698. He doesn't have a website but uses Oscar's Tours Taxi service as his name. I am sure he can do something for you. I just went through Belinda because I was able to do so on the internet and I did not have this information from Oscar. If you see Oscar, tell him Lori Lundgren says hi and ask if he received the post card from California that I sent him. Actually, if you are able to take the Sandals bus to Margaritaville, you may want to pass on Oscar taking you there in the afternoon. I don't know what the guest means about the boogie bus. I am sure everyone is quite wasted on the trip home. It is probably about 10-15 minutes to Margaritaville.

If you are intersted in Bob Marley and Reggae, there is a Reggae museum in the same shopping center as Margaritavile (probably not open at night). . We were there in June on a cruise and my son and friend really enjoyed the museum.

As far as smoking goes, you will be offered it everywhere. It is up to you, but we have heard that it is still illegal and not to be caught with it. One Sunday per month, you the Rastopharian church allows it in church, Oscar will tell you all about it. With all the free booze at Sandals, you can definitely drink alot.

I don't scuba dive but my husband does. Those taking the resort dive seem to be fine and usually go on the 9:30 A.M. dive. If you want to try it, this is a good time to do so because it is included. We did the snorkeling and kayaking. Did not parasail, but friend of ours did when they were there a few years ago and loved it. They said it was really awesome since the water was so clear. There are some tubing trips on the rivers which Oscar can tell you about. The best water activity is climbing the falls! Make sure you get your own guide and go with a small group instead of the long chain.. ..much more fun.

We were only there 5 days so took advantage of the free water activities, tennis, golf and drinks! There is so much to do.
We had such a good time at this Sandals that we are going to the Royal Bahamian in April. I am sure you will have a great time too.

[llund]

forgot to sign in.. ..the above post was from me! Have fun!

[jake]

Hello all! Taking our first trip to Sandals on Feb. 1 I'm interested in opinions on the pitch and putt course. We plan to spend most of our time on the beach but this would be a great diversion. Is it well taken care of? Do they provide clubs, balls etc.. .. . If not, what should we bring.. ..club wise? Thanks!!

[llund]

We did play the pitch and putt course and it really was not in good shape, but it was fun. It was small and not like a real golf course. They resort gives you a pitching wedge and a putter. We were going to play the big course but ran our of time. I know the golf course has a website which will give you the cost of club rentals. You are also required to have a caddy at $18 per person. We heard the main course is really nice. We did not bring our clubs-only our shoes and glove. You don't need golf shoes for the pitch and putt.

[llund]

Jake.. ..My husband wanted me to tell you that the longest hole is 70 feet. There was a wedding on the course the night before and there were champagne tops on the course. It really is just for fun.. .. ..not for a really great golf game.

[Guest]

Air - The "Boogie Bus" is a promotion that Margaritaville has with Sandals Dunn's River on Mondays that gives free shuttles to and from the bar. About 10 of us were waiting for one of the shuttles and it never showed up and we all cramed into a van. Then there was also a mix up on the shuttle to come home.

As far as Sandals Dunn's River, you will love the resort. It has a lot of activities, great food, the playmakers are outstanding, a golf course nearby if you like to golf, a good work out facility and spa, and the best swim up pool bar of the 4 Sandals I have been to. The entertainmen is also good at night and there is usually a lot of people at the piano bar late into the night. It's a mixture of age groups but we are in our early/mid 30's and love it there.

[airbalancer69]

ok guest is the name of the promotion the boogie bus or is this a name you guys gave to the bus?i have seen the term playmakers here several times is this refering to activity directors like on a cruise or something else?the parasailing is not with the resort is this correct?i have read that boats come up to the roped off areas trying to get you to go parasailing is this correct?and the tubing i was refering to was like being pulled by a boat not a lazy trip down the river not that doesn't sound good.. .. ..so what type of group activities do they have going on?. .. ..and i have to ask all that read this what is your favorite drink?. .. .. .. ..i'm gonna try to have your favorite drink with cheers to you*L* and finally.. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..is there any couples going to dunns river the week of march 16,2004 would be cool to hang out looking forward to meeting some new friends.. ..we are from Maryland so if any locals will be there that would be even cooler . .. ..well get back to us.. .. .

[Guest]

Air - The Boogie Bus was the term they used for the shuttles to Margaritaville on Mondays. The Playmakers are the activity directors and they do a great job at Dunn's. You are correct about the parasailing. They do come up in boats and offer it as well as jet ski's and this is not part of the resort. The activities are endless with things such as beach and pool volleyball, beach and pool olympics, ping pong contests, beer drinking contests, water arobics, and they go on and on! You get points for taking part in activities and can earn a pair of leather sandals by getting I believe 60 points. They are actually a necklace and don't seem like much, but you will wish you earned a pair if you go home without them! As far as drinks, of course a Red Stripe is a must. We also like Hummingbirds and I like Blue Hawaiin's.

[llund]

Air.. ..Guest answered your questions so I don't need to go into a lot of details about the activities. They did come up in the boats and offered jet skiing and parasailing. I don't remember anybody offereing tubing, but I am sure that if you want it, a Jamaican can provide it! The bars have a list of special drinks and I think I tried them all (and gained 4 lbs doing so!) I liked the hummingbirds and Dirty Monkey. The bartender at the main pool swim-up bar makes the best dirty monkey! It was great trying the different drinks. If you did not like one, you were not wasting any money! Activites are throughout the day by the playmakers, as guest had said. Nicholas was there in November and he was really great. I ran out of time and did not get a leather necklace. There is pool volleyball and beach volleyball. On Monday, there is the beach party and a large beach volleyball game. Of course, this is the same night as he bus to Margarittaville. Whatever you do, I know you will have a great time there.

Now.. ..I wish I can find someone to tell me about the Royal Bahamian since we are going there in April!

[jake]

Thanks for the info! i do have a couple of other questions. We will be at SDR for 6 nights. Do you suggest going to the other resorts for dinner any nights? If so which off site restaurants should we visit? What types of fresh fish are popular at the resort? What about dress? I have seen "collared shirt" and
tailored shirt and pants" mentioned. Can anyone nail that down? Would a nice polo golf shirt be acceptable? How about a pair of dress shots. Thanks!

[Guest]

Jake - As far as fish, I can't really think what type of fish they have. Shell fish is very popular. I would suggest going to SOR or even try Beaches just to try something different. They have a Tex-Mex restaurant that is right on the beach at SOR. We usually go to that one when we go to Dunn's because it is a different style and Dunn's doesn't have any restaurants set up on the beach. Polo shirts are fine for all of the restaurants but some of them do require long pants. I usually just bring two pairs of long pants. Shorts are ok at some of them as well.

[llund]

Hi.. ..We were there for 5 nights. One night, we went the the beach party and the other 4 nights, we ate at each of the 4 restaurants at SDR. However, we did go over to SOR to check it out and would have had dinner there if we had another night. We did try to make reservations at Valentinos at OR but were unable to get them. If you want to make reservations at Valentinos in OR or the Japanese restaurant in DR, do it when you arrive. As guest said, some restaurants, such as the International restaurant required nice pants. At the Italian restaurant, men can wear tailored shorts. They sent someone back to change when he came in with cargo shorts. At the International room, somebody was sent back for not having a collared shirt. Each reastaurant has their own standards. My husband brought polo shirts and they were just fine. Have fun!

[Jake]

Thanks for the info, you guys have been great. I have to say i'm getting a little aprehensive. I've seen several messages on other websites stating that SDR is not what it's advertised to be. People saying the place is rundown and overpriced and that the beach and food is terrible. Help!!! I need some reassuranace.

Also, our travel agent said that if there were any rooms available we would definately be upgraded. Is this BS or do they routinely do that. We have booked a premium room. Any feed back on those accomadations?

What are the musts that we should be taking with us, we don't want to forget anything we would regret. As far as money, what will the locals usaully except for their goods?

Cell phones- do they work there?

Phone cards- which ones?

Thanks again in advance!

[Tom]

Jake,
Here's my 2cents.. .. .. .
We've only been to MoBay, so I can't comment about the specific conditions, but regardless - don't expect what you see in the brochure pictures. I think the food at any A/I is going to range from edible, to ok and sometimes pretty good. It will be the exception to find a 5 star meal, but there will be plenty of food choices - and I doubt you will go hungry.

We booked the lowest room category (deluxe??), and were upgraded both times - one step once, two the other.

Must brings, plenty of the necessities (suntan lotion, toiletry, etc) - buying there will cost 2 or 3 times more! Bug spray is always a good idea. Larger, unsulated mugs are good too (the kind you might get w/coffee at 7-11) - the cups at the beach bar are small, and your drink will stay colder longer.

We took our verizon & cingular phones with us to JA last Nov. Verizon never had service, cingular did - full antenna in both MoBay & Negril. I think cingular has an agreement with cable & wireless (JA cell phone co.). . Did not have to do anything at home to activate, but then again we never made a call - we were able to leave it in our room & check it for messages/missed calls.

I think most phone cards will work, never tried but heard of a number that have used them. There is something with the exchange, though - something like a 200 minute phone card will 20 minutes calling from JA. maybe someone else can help!

Also, take plenty of $1's. Even though it is all-inclusive, you will run into airport porters, bus drivers, etc that are not employees of the resort & they will want a tip. Figure $1 per bag. $1 here or there to a bartender or waitstaff will also be appreciated (discretely) - and make you a new friend - they will remember you!

[Guest]

Jake - I think most of the people who post bad things about Dunn's from what I have seen, seem to very picky.We have gone there 3 times because it is a great resort. It is not run down. I'm sure there are things that need to be upgraded but that happens at every resort. Everyone is looking for something different on their vacation and many people pick Dunn's because it is very active. We find the food and service there very good and it's very active and a great place to make new friends, which we have on all of our trips. I think many of the people who have had bad experiences, for no real reason, probably are never satisfied on any vacation, and go in looking to judge everything instead of relaxing during their stay. So just go have fun, and don't worry Mon because everytning will be Irie!

[llund]

I definitely have to agree with guest. After reading comment that it was run-down and needed upgrading, I was really not looking forward to the trip and was disappointed. It was probably the reason I enjoyed it so much. I thought the resort was beautiful. The food, service, etc were all great. I think it all depends on what experience you have, who you are with, the others at the resort and your attitude. This was the first time I had been at Sandals so i had nothing to compare it to. I will be going to the Royal Bahamian in April, so will see how that compares. A lot of people also complained about the "fence people" selling items. That is part of the culture and it depends on your attitude. didn't bother us at all! Go with an open mind and have fun!

As far as what to bring.. ..basically your bathing suit, shorts and clothes for dinner. We brought our own tennis rackets, but would get them at the resort the next time. Also brought golf shoes, but we did not play the big course so did not need them.

We did not get upgraded. I had read so much about this but we were not as lucky. I have heard that if you are a prior customer, they will upgrade you. We will see when we go to the Bahamian. When are you going? Have a great time.

[airbalancer69]

Lori if your listening i have seen bug spray mentioned several times why is this ? are the bugs bad in places you visit or at the resort or what is the deal ?also was thinking of bringing a small radio/cd player for the beach do they have music playing on the beach or what we are musical people..did you try any of the spa services ? we have booked a couples massage just wondering.. ..we booked a trip with oscar can't wait we did the falls,fern gully, shaw park gardens,wassi pottery and shopping as well as margaritaville can't wait . .. ..thanks for all the help you have been fantastic and are gonna make our trip most enjoying.. .. .. .

[llund]

Hi!
we did not have a problem with bugs in November, nor did we have it when we visited Jamaica in June. We have a suntan loation made by AVON called "skin so soft" with bug repellent. We always bring it and it seems to work great. They also make a hand lotion with the bug repellent. It is good for travelling-better than bug spray. I don't see anything wrong with bringing a small radio with you, although we did not see anyone with a radio. But, I am sure that is isn't a problem unless it is too loud. We ran out of time and did not use the spa but I heard it was great. Glad you are with Oscar. Tell him Lori and Rick say hi! We are still waiting for his call! When are you going? Have a great trip!

[airbalancer69]

thanks Lori i think with the help you and the members here have given us we should have the time of our life.. .. ..I will give oscar the message.. ..we are flying in on the 13th of march and leaving on the 20th we took the 7 night because i was sure 5 just wasn't gonna cut it we are in bad need of R&R and it is our 20th wedding anniversary on the 16th so that fell right in the middle of the week so all is well so far.. .. ..well again thanks so much for your help and knowing me i'll come up with some more before we go*L* Iam the type that likes to be up on top of things when your that far from home and spending that much money.. .. .. .
Thanks,
Dave

[llund]

My husband wanted me to tell you to get Norman as your guide up the falls. It is best to go to the falls in the afternoon, after all the cruise ship people have gone. Don't go up the falls in the long line of people. It is more fun with a small group. Oscar can get you your own guide up the falls. We had Norman in June when we were there on a cruise and asked for him when we stayed at Sandals in November. Oscar can ask for Norman (we called him Bubba, because he reminded us of Bubba from Forest gump). . Tell him you want to go the fun way! You should tip him at the end. I think we gave him about $20 to take 4 of us up the falls. Have a great trip and happy anniversary. We were there celebrating my 50th birthday and are celebrating a friends in april at the Bahamian. It is a great place for a special celebration.