Please note: this resort is now permanently closed!
It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to write on here. Mostly, because Q1 is busy season. So I haven’t had much time to come up for air let alone write full blog posts. I did recently return from Jamaica on a Points to Paradise stay so wanted to offer my Sandals Inn review. This will be the Valentine’s Day edition. The Points to Paradise rewards program is offered to travel agents and it offers an opportunity for agents to stay at their resorts (for free) based on how many bookings have been brought in. If you are interested, you can learn more about the different travel agent reward programs here.
Now, Sandals Inn does not get nearly as much love (Vday pun intended!) than the other couples only Sandals properties. While it is the smallest property of them all, it offers a lot of value and charm. Often found as the lead in price for Sandals, you will have full access to both Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean resorts. So instead of having access to just 3 restaurants, you now have access to 21+ restaurants and bars. Many different ethnic cuisine options. Everything flavorful. Below, I’m breaking down why Sandals Inn offers a good bang for the buck!
The Grounds
The grounds, while small, are lovely. There is the main pool that is ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. Grab a floaty and just drift away as you relax from a long day of flights. There is a bar surrounded by a garden that’s nice. Great place to grab a quick drink or stay awhile and socialize. There’s also a pool table, crochet, and some other activities on property.
The picture above was taken from our room (#315). Many rooms had a pool/beach view which was nice and relaxing. Large balconies where you can sit and people watch too. Very relaxing. Near the pool, there was an entertainment area. Although this property is small, the staff here still tries to keep things as lively as they can. Around 2PM they were playing a game where they connected a ring to the bottom of a fishing pole. You use the fishing pole to try and throw the ring over top of an Appleton rum bottle. If you were successful within 30 seconds, you would win the bottle of rum. Proud to say… Corey successfully won the rum bottle!
Across the street there is a beautiful beach. I will say there are many vendors that flock there in hopes to sell you marijuana or hair braiding services. They are very friendly and are not something you need to worry about as a guest of Sandals Inn. This property is also very close to the famous “Hip Strip” if you wanted to participate in some shopping for souvenirs.
Room
Moving along with my Sandals Inn review… the room was very cozy. I don’t mean that as a nice way to say “small.” I genuinely mean it was cozy. Very comfortable and relaxing. Even though I had emails to check and bookings to make, it was still a relaxing space to work. It comes with the standard 4-poster bed frame. No extra frills, but a very comfy bed indeed. Slept like a baby. The staff even decorated our bed with this lovely towel 💕
There are only 52 guest rooms and suites, so don’t be surprised if the staff end up knowing your name. It’s THAT level of familiarity and hospitality by it being such a small property. There’s 4 different room categories, Carlyle:
- Deluxe
- Premium
- Oceanview Grande Luxe
- Oceanview Penthouse Petit Suite
Fun fact: Sandals Inn was formerly named Sandals Carlyle, so you will see several mentions of Carlyle throughout the property, including the onsite restaurant.
Food
Speaking of their restaurants… try them all. Delicious. There are three onsite restaurants to choose from:
- Bay Window Restaurant
- Carlyle Restaurant
- Nibbles
Nibbles offers snack options. The BEST Jamaican beef patties are found at Sandals Inn’s Nibbles. I kid you not. We were not able to find that same quality when we left the property. The flaky crust of perfection and seasoned meat inside. Drooling just thinking about it.
Now, this is where I do recommend you go off and see the other resorts. Try the different restaurants. There is a complimentary shuttle between all 3 Montego Bay Sandals properties that starts pick up around 9:00 am and goes until about 11:30 pm. So you have plenty of opportunities to taste different items.
Tip: Try the fun Bob Marley drink (featured above). The recipe is simple. 5 oz:
- Creme de menthe
- Banana schnapps
- Grenadine
When staying at Sandals Inn, I highly recommend having dinner one night at Sandals Montego Bay and eating at Stewfish. With your feet in the sand looking out into the water, there is no better way to enjoy dinner. Tons of good seafood. Sandals does food right, there’s no question about it. They have something to satisfy all palates. And the best part… it’s ALL INCLUSIVE. No hidden fees or costs. Even novelty items like lobster are included (when in season).
A good lunch spot I recommend is at Sandals Royal Caribbean. If you visit their private offshore island there is a Jerk Shack there where you can order tasty jerk chicken with sides like sweet potatoes. So good! Their private island is also included in what you’ve paid. The island is very laid back and only about a 30 second boat ride away from the resort. Easy access. On the private island there is a pool with a bar. It’s a good time if you want to relax. There’s also a Thai restaurant (but only open for dinner).
So basically, you will not even remotely go hungry here. The biggest dilemma you will have is which restaurant to try when you only have a few nights to spend.
Drinks
Yes, drinks are included in your all inclusive package in addition to the food. You can have as much as you want… as LONG as it’s by the glass. If you want to purchase by the bottle you pay. But honestly why would you need to order by the bottle when you can have as many glasses as you want?
I know this is a Sandals Inn review but I have to give a shout out to Sandals Montego Bay in the drinks category (sorry). They have the newest (and largest) over water bar. It’s called Latitudes. The first over water by Sandals was at Sandals South Coast but I’m so excited they decided to build it at Sandals Montego Bay as well. It is a relaxing place to grab a drink. Grab a glass of champagne, plop down next to your partner in one of their oversized hammocks and watch the birds. It’s so romantic and relaxing. My boyfriend was just out there catching Pokemon living his best life.
You will feel like you were transported to the Maldives or Bora Bora.
Amenities
There are many amenities onsite that you will have full access to such as the pool, the spa, etc. There is no onsite spa at Sandals Inn but it’s just a shuttle ride away from one of the properties that does offer it. Spa treatments NOT included in your all inclusive plan unfortunately.
But I personally don’t need a spa to relax. Just give me a floaty in the pool and leave me in peace….
Activities/Entertainment
There are SO many activities onsite to keep you busy. While Sandals Inn does tend to be a little more sleepy than the other properties, you can always leave and visit the other properties for more entertainment.
Since this is a Sandals Inn review, I did want to mention their weekly chocolate buffet onsite. I was SO bummed I missed it. I’m sure it was heavenly. It took place on a Tuesday when we were there but I’m sure the day of week changes so don’t hold me to that. There is plenty to do on all 3 properties though.
Don’t forget: Sandals Montego Bay has an onsite photo center where you can have professional photos done (for free). You just pay for the individual photos you want. You can see my review on that here. 📷
Staff
So if Sandals Inn is looking a little nicer towards your wallet, I highly recommend staying here. Don’t discount this property. The staff’s large personalities make up for the smaller size in property and land. The staff here truly goes above and beyond to make sure you’re vacation is a success.
Heading to Jamaica and looking for someone to help you book your trip? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Happy to help! My email is cassandra@accent-on-travel.net.
