The Sands Barbados

Choose to book the sands after reading the reviews and was not disappointed at all! Airport is minutes away and was easy to manage through. The staff here were excellent, friendly and accommodating. Our check in was fairly easy, few basic questions after scanning a code while we drank a rum punch. We were then taken to our room by the lovely young lady always singing at her desk. Things were well explained and all questions covered! Managers and front desk staff are so great here! Room and Resort were well kept. Our room had a lovely balcony, living space with Kitchenette (no AC in living room) it was a little warm as our room (21) was tucked off to the side and didn't catch the breeze as well but we didn't use the living space anyways. The bedroom and bath are upstairs in the suite and A/C was great up there, which we were only used the room to sleep and shower anyways! Towels and Loungers, never really had an issue, plenty of towels available, pool loungers in the morning were mostly taken (pool usually had kids then anyways) but the beach had plenty available anytime with shade! Went to the pool later in the day, as chairs open up and kids are done. The Beach is stunning, there is a bit of a tidal pull on windy days, keep kids close in the water. This resort sits in front of a reef that acts as a bowl shaped lagoon. On calm days my husband could touch bottom the whole way across as we snorkeled (before noon is best), the deepest part is where the boats anchor. No need to book an excursion to see turtles, we swam with a few right out front multiple times during the week. The reef had a nice array of fish to see as well! I brought my own gear but they had some available as well as floats. Beach and water is white sand spent the most time on the beach and swimming. The main eating area "On the Water" has a buffet breakfast each morning with a decent selection. Lunch was a mix of buffet and set menu, with a beach snack bar available. You book your lunch and supper times at breakfast, but it's not the hassle it sounds like, you get in a groove and it works out when your on "Island Time". The majority of the serving staff were very well trained for dinner service, I was impressed (I own restaurants at home) and even the staff noted in other reviews as cranky, are helpful and friendly with a simple thank you and kindness. Noir opens Thurs-Sat I think and it has a beautiful view and romantic feel! Food overall was good, portions were more then enough after a day of drinks and sun, and don't stress if your not an adventurous eater, they will give you the snack bar options which is what most of the kids options were anyways. The bar is located steps from the pool and beach, they have great options, fun frozen drinks and a decent selection of spirits. The wine on hand was quite a bit better then most all inclusive resorts. Bar tenders were great! I have to say this was one of the only times I've travelled and felt completely comfortable and safe. Be sensible and don't leave your belongings out on the beach, it is public although most times doesn't feel like it and if you enjoy the nightlife off the resort, stay out of the alleys. This resort was enjoyed by young and old alike, its very accessible and has that personal boutique feel. There are lifts up to the upper floors but stairs in most suites up to the rooms. Its a few short steps to the pool, bar, beach, restaurant, and main street. Staff seemed so helpful to families staying with kids. Some guests were whole families from Grandparents down! I usually go for Adults only but the kids here were well behaved, occupied, well fed and happy for the most part. Pro Tips - Local daily Beach visitor Roger (straw hat) is not a Chiropractor as he claims and not with the resort, he rubs baby oil on your already sun burned skin, he got every polite Canadian man on the beach nearly for $40BDS. For the same price the "Sun Burn Lady" will rub an unknown yellow substance on that burn, or bug bites, and give you a single braid in the front of your hair lol. If your a stay on the resort type, there is a vendor market set up one of the evenings pool side for non pushy shopping. Like an adventure, the bus that stops outside of the resort seems like a fun time for $3.50! Afternoon and Evening resort entertainment was good, kind of mellow, which worked for a nice cocktail and wind down to the day, this is not a party place but if that's your thing its just a quick walk up the road for nightlife. We brought both Barbados dollars and American dollars for tips and shops, the exchange in shops is usually 2 US dollars to $1 BDS. Let staff know their efforts are appreciated, it goes a long way. They work hard in that heat! Especially the Beach Crew. I would not hesitate to recommend or return! FYI - There is a pharmacy, market, spa and even a Little Caesars Pizza just outside the door of this resort. Read less

We were apprehensive about our trip to this hotel given the mixed reviews but we cannot praise it enough of our into words what a wonderful place this is. We stayed for a week in April , lovely weather and a room overlooking the pool and Ocean. Our suite was excellent with daily cleaning and turn down service with everything being replenished promptly. Staff at every aspect were sensational and did everything to ensure you had a great time. Food in the OTW restaurant right on the beach was exceptional with plenty of choice and a very high standard. The bar was always accessible with wide range of cocktails and wines and spirits. The location is spectacular with plenty of sun beds but not overcrowded and no hogging of beds there or round the pool. Close to walk to St Lawrence Gap and 5 minutes drive to Champers restaurant The people were so friendly and proud of the island and want to make sure you experience the best time This was our first time in Barbados and we loved it and will definitely return Read less

Stayed here after the cruise and were delighted at our choice. Check in is via the QR code and is pretty straight forward.Our room was not ready but Sean said he would come and find us when it was and he did 15 min later - great customer service. The room was lovely overlooking the pool,had a self catering kitchen,loads of storage and the air con excellent. Bathroom had a good walk in shower. We had absolutely no issues with the food at breakfast , dinner or the snacks which are available. Waiting times to be served can be longer but what's the problem when you have a view sitting next to the sea and beach. Sunbeds were readily available although if you wanted a front row seat then the "professional towel squad" would have bagged theirs. Overall we had a fantastic week here and would recommend without hesitation. Read less

Check in was done online at the desk, you scan a QR code and then Enter you info, after that you pay the room tax and your on your way. Room- We had a supersaver room, we knew what to expect and it was actually a little bigger then we thought it would be .. queen bed with enough room to walk around it and in front of it it was a nightstand with the tv on It and a fridge, coffee maker as well with little snacks . Just a single locked door to the connecting suite so you can definitely get some noise from your neighbours. Over all it was fine for our needs I would book it again if the price difference was high enough between this one and the other rooms. Bathroom was ok, AC worked great , small closet with the safe as well. Food- we didn’t eat at noir so can’t comment there but the main restaurant was ok. buffet breakfast each day . Lunch and dinner are mostly a la cartes (2 buffets/week each) so be prepared to wait for food. The food was decent though when it came, I’m just not a fan of waiting around for food all the time. They never posted the menus ahead of time so you’re just hoping they have something you’ll like. They do have a pool/bar type menu you can always order from as well (burgers/hotdogs etc). Pool- pool is nice , not too many loungers around d it so if you do t get there early they’ll all be take up. Very shallow at one ended and gradually deepens to about 4ft at the other. Bar- the bar was alright , they only have the one so if you like mixed drinks you may have to wait in line but they moved quickly for the most part. They do however have coolers just off the patio at the beach where it’s grab and go for beers /water and juices which was fantastic, I wish all resorts did this. Toss some bevies in your fridge in the room and you’re all set. Beach- they put out and take in All the chairs everyday so you might have to wait a little for chairs to be brought out. We were always able to fine chairs and only once went without an umbrella . The beach guys are great though and help people with the water sports stuff too. Snorkelling not the best but you can see multiple sea turtles everyday if you walk out on the left side of beach o fro t of crystal waters area. The beach is also protected a bit from the barrier rocks/reef out in the water which is nice, we enjoyed it better than Rockley beach. Location is great , nice stretch of beach, smaller resort and close to food, grocery stores and a short walk to the gap. Overall we would return again if we go back to the south coast. Read less

It was our first wedding anniversary and we decided to stay at this lovely hotel. Entering the hotel, we were greeted by the warmest staff, Manager Stephanie and the front desk staff, Emerson, the most welcoming experience ever! The bellman whose last name is also Cumberbatch was extremely helpful and friendly, the restaurant staff just amazing! Khaleel, Shaniqua, the guy with the unique name Cest who brought us a comp wine and postcard just were superb just to name a few! The pool and beach guys, Mr Winston Browne one of the chefs so friendly so impressive and knowledgeable wow! The restaurant manager/supervisor can’t remember her name but she was so accommodating and warm - (worked the 8th April and was there in the next afternoon as well). The Sands my husband and I give you 10/10! Definitely will be back soon! The staff, the ambience, the personal touches, the food & drinks, the activities - exceeded our expectations. Thank you The Sands for the most memorable experience! Read less