Sandy Haven Resort

Don't normally write reviews, but compelled to give some honest feedback for future guests. Had a great stay at this hotel/resort. Grounds were clean and maintained. Room was clean and well maintained. Bed was not uncomfortable. Stayed in a corner room on second floor. Balcony was spacious. Staff were friendly and put effort in attempting to make sure we were taken care of. Lost water for a few hours, but things happen. It was rectified in a reasonable amount of time. Food was good. Bar had the basics and more. If you're looking to experience one of the best beaches in the world, not tarnished by monster 500 room all inclusive resorts, I would strongly recommend Sandy Haven. Read less

The entire staff was so great at Sandy Haven. We especially liked Miss Sinclair and Pops! They were so helpful and friendly. Miss Sinclair made sure that the rude boys stayed away. We have to say that we enjoyed her on the beach though more than by the front gate. It took longer to get to visit with her when she was by the gate. They might want to fix the hot tub. Read less

This could be a great place but it's "off" on some really key things. First - the good. The location is great - right on 7-mile beach. Being a bit more set back than some hotels, there is ample beach space. The buildings are nice and our room was quite spacious and comfortable. The shower was nice with good water pressure, and the AC - while not great - was adequate. The not-so-good (and the reason I couldn't give it 4 dots): Biggest complaint - there are simply not enough beach umbrellas. There are 4 rows of beach chairs that get direct sun for most of the day. the first row has 4 umbrellas, the second only 2, and the third and forth only 1 each. A total of 8 when there is room for (and beach chairs for) 16. As a result, there was a real "battle" for the seats with umbrellas, with people getting up at 6:30 or earlier to throw towels on the chairs with umbrellas to reserve them for the day. Other people tipped hotel workers to do this for them. This was a major problem as nobody wanted to lay in the direct sun all day. A real shame as it's an easy problem to fix. Secondly - we had 9 breakfasts and never once saw either of the young women serving it smile. Not once. And I tried. I would smile and say good morning, please and thank you. But got poker-faces in return. Maybe nobody bothered to train them to be welcoming. Or maybe they are poorly paid and unhappy. but really - it doesn't cost much to smile, and makes a huge difference towards making guests feel welcome. Other guests commented on this too. They should make the wait staff spend time with Andre - the bartender at the restaurant and Lando - the young bartender at the beach bar. They both always had warm and friendly smiles. Finally - the "continental breakfast" that's included with the room is pretty shabby. It consists of a pretty boring plate of fruit (melon, pineapple and banana), toast and muffins and single serve jelly. That's it. You can supplement with a la carte items, but then a breakfast for 2 is $40... We ended up buying some items at the supermarket to eat with the toast. It would seem that with a little management attention and very little cost these problems could be easily fixed and I would surely give the hotel 4 dots. But for what we paid - we were a bit disappointed. Read less

I am WELL-TRAVELED all over beautiful Jamaica and have stayed at more than a half dozen Negril hotels (once on the Cliffs, the rest beachfront). Sandy Haven is now “mi yardi” ( my home in Jamaican patois). This trip I stayed just 5 nights because I spent 4 nights at a professional conference in Montego Bay at a supposedly 4.5 star all- inclusive resort that was AWFUL. I had been to Sandy Haven 2 years prior so already knew I was returning to one of the best Negril Beachfront Hotels. Despite some chillier than usual nights, everything was as good or better! Aside from impeccably clean rooms and a great location on 7 mile beach, I was remembered and happily greeted by 5 staff members. Had gotten close to Miss Sinclair 2 years ago but didn’t expect POPS, and front desk Michelle to remember me as did 2 others. I also made new friends too…other guests and staff. I’ve stayed all over Jamaica. In Negril I’ve stayed at one of the most expensive all-inclusive (hated it), at one of the crummiest cheap places, and many in-between all with pluses and minuses. Sandy Haven is a bit more upscale than most other small hotels and WOW I enjoyed the beachfront view with soaking tub (an upgrade). Felt 100% perfectly safe at Sandy Haven at the hotel, by neighboring hotels and restaurants, and off the beach to spots along the main road. I really enjoyed my daily breakfast overlooking the beach and watching the Negril Sunset up close. Plenty of chaise lounges in sun or shade and a positively inviting, happy bar with bartenders happy to serve me up ice water, sometimes with melon (I’m not a drinker but the drinks looked good). Nobody carries money except maybe to tip as you can sign it all to your room. Sandy Haven is open and accepting to ALL, though it’s not the place for kids under 16. Nothing illicit or weird going on-it’s just a place for people who want a break from little ones as there are so many other family/child focused and/or swim up drunken party resorts. At age 60, I’m well-past hanging at a swim up bar getting hammered. I like the peace, serenity, warmth and genuine Jamaican hospitality and friendliness of Sandy Haven. If I was with kids, I’d stay directly next door at a perfectly adequate (not as updated) family focused place so I could still hang at Sandy Haven. Last point, but important-I had some unexpected health challenges during my trip and got all the assistance needed! Sorry I can’t remember the name of the wonderful front desk gentleman, the sweet young bartender, and this other guy who had me cracking up each day. I can’t wait to return! Read less

Sandy Haven was a 5 night stay at the end of an individual 16 day tour around the island staying in 6 different hotels. It was as we hoped relaxing, comfortable and had the good jamaican atmosphere we sought in our trip. The room was clean, spacious with everyrhing we would require. The staff were friendly and making sure we had a great time. The only neg. remark would be the rather simple breakfast that was included. Although fi an egg/omelet could be provided for a rather high price, we would consider this a basic item. I would also advise to have a few extra beach umbrella's available if needed by guests. We would come again. Read less