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As promised in my trip report, here is how we spent our last 24 hrs on island.
I'd wanted to try this resort after seeing so many requests for info and reports here on the forum. I've never tried an All Inclusive Plan before.
We arrived pretty late in day after I spent the afternoon boozing it up with Sherri (I boozed, she sipped). Packed up all of our stuff, straightened up the house and headed out to Sugar Bay.
Drove through the gated entry and up to the lobby area (top of a well-manicured hill) and pulled into the front where they have the full suite of staff (porters, people opening car doors, taking your luggage out, etc)....nice, nice......guys were VERY friendly and helpful. It was refreshing and luxurious. We were asked to just drop off our bags and take our car back down to the parking lot below, by the entry. (only thing missing was a valet option). Drove back down, parked and found that a shuttle was waiting to whisk us back up. This was all very fast and smooth.
Once back up top, big, shiny glass doors were opened for us by a smiling gentleman in a uniform. The lobby was large and bright - yellow and white...lots of marble and flowers.....fully A/C'd. Someone was standing at white clothed table and offering glasses of punch and champagne. Guests were all well dressed in resort wear and looking fresh and bright. Lobby was surrounded by doors opening into various places - shops, what looking like a fairly fancy restaurant, a gambling parlor, etc....There were chairs and sofas in the lobby with people lounging and sipping champagne.
There were three desk agents working when we walked up. They greeted us with a smile and a welcome. Check-in was easy and fast. Other staff were busy assisting with paperwork and other issues behind the desk staff. Seemed like they really had a busy lobby desk, but worked it very efficiently. Everyone was "on point". Good for Wyndham!
Our bags were still outside with the staff in that outdoor area. Two men were working a desk by the driveway, while other staff were opening lobby doors / car doors, etc. Shuttles were constantly rolling up and taking off immediately with people in them. No worries about needing to wait.
Just as we walked out there, a golf car pulled up (they use these to escort you to your room), but another man and his wife were ahead of us and they jumped in. Our room was in the first building, so D and I decided to leave our bags with the porter and walk over, which the porter agreed was fine. He smiled and said he would be happy to bring our bags right over and we should go on and not worry. We had our swimsuits and cover-ups on, so we decided to go to room and then right to pool.
Got to room and it was really nice...but I did notice a marked mildew smell when we first walked in. I opened the door (not a slider...but a real glass door to the terrace (NICE!!!!! No slider! I loved that) I cranked up the air (which worked REALLY well! and was not one of those horrid room units...it was a real central kind of system with the thermostat and the room vents). Soon, I didn't notice the smell anymore. The bathroom was a really impressive feature (Ritz STT has the best...but this was a good second). There was a very large vanity area with sink outside of the bathroom...and then a very large bathroom with marble floors and another vanity and sink....nice tub....excellent water pressure from massaging shower head....I think the counters were marble....and new, beautiful mirrors. Really nice bathroom - and I AM picky.
There is also an area with a counter, cabinets, coffee maker, fridge (mini- but one of the larger mini fridges). The fridge was already on and cold when we arrived...and was within a pretty cabinet, so you have to open things to find it.
All of the above was in a marble floored area....then you move into the main bedroom area with carpeted floors. Theme was elegantly tropical and everything looked new. There was nothing really amazing about it...but it was on the nicer side of nice hotels. Furniture was traditional dark Caribbean wood - perfect .If you look on the Wyndham website, the pics seem accurate. The only thing was that I couldn't figure out how to get the internet to work for my laptop. The room guide said that high speed was available in rooms. I called the desk and they said that it was dial-up. Hmmm...does that mean I'd rack up LD rates while dialed up? Uhhh...no thanks! So, I bagged the internet idea. I only wanted it to check in for the flight, but I used the computers in the lobby for that.
Ok, so we flopped on the beds.....let out sighs of contentment......and decided to head to the pool. Just as we walked out, the porter arrived with our bags. I wish I had his name, he was so kind. He dropped off our bags and then walked us the area where we were to take the stairs or elevator to the pool area. Off we went!
The walk down to the pool is no joke.....lots of stairs. Daughter counted 80 (with landings in between each 20 or so). You could also go to the lobby and have them shuttle you around with a golf cart. The stairs never bothered us.
More later tonight.
Once we reached the pool deck, we began to survey the pools and layout. There are 3 pools - each interconnected by a waterfall rockway area. One pool was a normal pool (each pool was full sized), another was a full sized with a grotto area in the shade and the third was a large pool with a volleyball court in the center - but enough room on both sides for swimming and playing without being affected by the game. The waterfall over the grotto pool was broken and not working. They said they needed a pump. Bummer!! we really looked forward to waterfall.
We tried each pool and felt that each was fun and none were crowded at all. There were a fair number of people around the pool, not crowded since the area was so large. The Ritz pool seems much more crowded and harder to find a seat. The chairs were iron lounge chairs covered with thick cushions on which you place thick towels provided by the towel hut by the pool. The STT Ritz has people who bring your towels to your chair and set you up. But, this was easy enough for us.
We walked into the bar area where they serve all kinds of drinks....including smoothie things from various machines (to which they can dd alcohol, if you wish). People were ordering all kinds of things...but service was immediate and we got drinks with no wait and were back to our seats. I did not notice a pool waitress, as Ritz has. But, hey, the bar was really close and since the wait was nothing, I can deal with this. The bar servers were great! We swam in all of the pools and observed lots of people.
Beach was okay - but had lots of rocks and coral. I don't know what beach they show on the main website page, but it is not this beach without photo retouching. The beach is man-made. The sand area was soft and would have been fine with me...but the water area could be disappointing.
There was a mix - lots of small children.....honeymooners.....groups of adults......couples.....families.... There was no one group that stood out. There was one group on the pool deck....lots of f small toddlers and a guy who seemed to be running the show- he went to the bar and came back with a tray full of shots for about 15 people. Everyone drank up and then started dancing! The music on the pool deck was disco 80s and 70s. The group got up and started doing some kind of dance that I had never seen. Wow - they were having a great time! 🙂 Good for them!!! Other guests were amused and bopping their heads around the pool.
Gabbi and I played volleyball and then went in for more drinks. I noticed the bartenders handing over 6 packs to guests (these guests had lots of people with them). The party was ON! But, it really wasn't all that wild....nothing that is offensive.
Gab and I walked to the hot-tub and walked in - took a whiff (eeeeeoooowwww) and walked out. Nasty! The hot tub was full of what looked like duck feathers and had a film on top - and it smelled like a fish tank. Hello! It was full of people. Did they realize this? We were not sitting our bodies down in there. Went back the next day and it was the same. Ick!
Back to the pool and it was clean and sparkly. They had a pool table and a fuzzball table in the grotto area. We played both - fun! They also had a gazebo for hair braiding and one for Chris Sawyer diving. The hair braiding gazebo was always busy.
We noticed that there was a grill with a chef cooking hot dogs, burgers, chicken and ribs on a huge grill. We walked up and ordered hot dogs (really big ones) and then loaded them with condiments and extras and went back to our seats. Ahhhhh.......we could get used to this ease of everything! No charge!
More drinks! By now, daughter was drinking mango smoothies and I was getting them laced with rum rum.
As dark approached, we noticed people lining up for the 6:30 dinner at the poolside restaurant - one of several n the grounds. We were full from the hot dogs, so we asked them how late we could eat - 9pm, they told us.
Cool - back to swimming and then back to our room to change. After a change, we went down at 8:45 and got the buffet. It was kind of the typical buffet. The meat was hard to cut. Other stuff was typical buffet fare. Desserts were goooood! It was fine....not great.......but totally agreeable.
Our sever was really nice and talked to us about weather back home. People at other tables were all chatting about weather back home.
Took a couple of drinks back to room and watched TV til we fell asleep. Slept sooooo well!
Up around 7 and went to breakfast in the Manor House - buffet. I am not a heavy breakfast person - so this was a challenge. But, service was excellent. Our server was excellent and kept a check on us. They had sausage, bacon, 2 egg pies, french toast, pancakes, corned beef hash, made-to-order omelets, bagels, fruit, cereal, yogurt, etc.....and a to-die-for view out of a wall of windows!!!
Then, decided to go to the Winner's fun center (on the Wyndham property) for games of bumper boats and miniature golf. On the way down, I got 2 huge splinters in my hand on the railing on the stairs (really, like large pieces of wood in my fingers that made me want to cry). I put on my brave mommy face and walked through the nature preserve to the spa to ask for tweezers. The lady at the desk was kind and went to get tweezers for me (she came back with alcohol, cotton balls and tweezers - said they did not have a health center) and I removed these pieces from my fingers. To her credit, she had tried to find something in the first aid kit, but nothing in there could help me).
After I was relived of my splinters, I toured the fitness center (very nice) and tennis courts (also, very nice). Then to Winner's for the 11am opening. People were waiting outside and nobody came. We waited til 11:20 and nobody came. Now I was getting pissed because this was our last day and we were waiting for someone to come open this fun center -which was the highlight of my daughter's visit to this hotel.
I called Wyndham and they told me that Winner's is independent - not their resort. Ok, we gave up after wasting 1/2 hour. walked back along the nature trail and viewed the birds and iguanas - to the pool. Went in to swim and we played volleyball. Then called went to room to call airline but room key didn't work! Tried and tried and tried to get help from maids who ignored us and acted like they didn't hear us when we called them over to help - then walked to lobby dripping in pool water. The young guy at entry of lobby told us we needed to go in and explain. I told him that we were soaking wet from pool and didn't want to go in (I only had on a bathing suit - no cover up!) .He didn't care and just pointed to the doors. Ok, I KNOW this hotel does NOT want me walking in on their marble floors with only my swimsuit on and dripping with water - and I DO NOT want to go in like this!) Sheesh - things were going down fast.
Luckily, the porter who had brought our things to our room saw us and came over - and grabbed my non-working key and said he'd be back (giving the young Wyndham employee a frustrated look for not helping us more) and went into the lobby with our key. He returned and told us that we were ok - handing us a key. Thank goodness for this gentleman!
Back to our room and the key worked again- hallelujah!!!!. Called airline and learned that flight was delayed - called Wyndham front desk to ask for delayed checkout til 1:30 - which was denied. They said we had til 12:45 ( it was now 12:30). Had to hustle to shower and gather up things to get out. Was out by 12:45....but online checkout didn't work after a few tries. Walked to lobby with luggage and told them that we had tried to check out online. They just said " it doesn't work". Checkout was pleasant.
Back to pool grill for a grilled chicken sandwich and a drink before we go. Our friend (homeowner of the first house) came to wish us farewell. By 2pm, we were headed out to airport and arrived around 3pm (traffic was baaaaad and I forgot to take the back roads).
The rest is history. So, there's the Wyndham Sugar Bay story!
So it doesn't sound like you'd go back to the Wyndham, right? I looked into booking the Wyndham because I think they have one of the nicer pool area, but I found several horrifying reviews on a hotel review site. Apparently they experience power outages on occasion and customer service in non-existent during those periods.
Blu - Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay! I heard a rumor from another VI message board that Wyndham was discontinuing their AI plan. Did you hear anything about this? I sure hope not, since we thoroughly enjoy the place. You are right, it is sure convenient and easy to have meals/drinks provided (and good ones at that). We usually do the buffet breakfast (we are breakfast people, aka piglets we are, and the kids love all the choices), head out exploring for the day, skip lunch (since big breakfast) and grab something from the grill around 3. We then either eat at the Wyndham for dinner or occasionally go out. It is a really affordable option for us. Additionally, the have a GREAT Kids Club there with terrific sitters who are engaged in the kids they watch. Can't say enough good about that. Plus it's included in the AI plan. They also have iguana feedings daily at the tennis court. Did you get to catch that? The kids were mesmorized! The beach is not so great, but again, when you have SO many great beaches to choose from - - who cares?
It's just that when you EXPECT Wyndham quality...& that doesn't happen, we tend to downgrade The Wyndham as a whole....at least we did!
We had NO water when we arrived in our spectacular room, turned on again hours later......then the drinks we paid for (we did NOT so AL), seemed way to much watered down. The pool was extremely cold.....so cold we could not enjoy the swim, but I have to say the hot tub was clean when we were there! The beach was a dis-apointment....but at least the water was warm enough to swim in....once you got past the rocks to get in!! The middle courtyard was awesome....but was a natural wind tunnel, so hubby's baseball hat kept getting blown away!! Mixed reviews on the staff....some were very nice, while others seemed to give us the impression they couldn't wait till we left! I had the impression that they all knew that we were there on a free stay & didn't care so much about us then??
All in all, we probably would NOT stay there again....to expensive for us & we have a general vacation rule....always try something different!
We stayed at the Wyndham this past September. The beach was a disappointment - although as someone said...there are dozens of beaches to enjoy. The hot tub was too hot to enjoy during our stay...I think they cooked lobsters there 🙂
The iguana's were awesome - I would go back just to see them!!
I would go back - but I am with Sitter - gotta try new things.
Jen
I would go back, but perhaps not for an entire vacation. Though, there was really so much to do and see.
sitter, I have no idea what the middle courtyard is.....so I guess we missed that. Where is it and what is it?
We didn't really have time to explore the property properly. We walked the fitness trail, which runs through the red mangrove - where we did see some really exotic birds, as well as plenty of iguanas. I liked that they had signs along the way, telling you about what you were seeing.
We did catch the iguana feeding, but the iguanas were fairly small (maybe 3 ft...with tail). If you go to Sapphire's Marina and walk out on the left dock....all the way to the end where the gates to the fuel station are.....you'll find HUGE (5-6 ft) iguanas....they're all out there sunning on the rocks at the point...and they're also on your left over on the rocks of the beach peninsula (NOT the peninsula by the pool)....but the peninsula that leads to the fuel pumps. If you want to see big honkin' iguanas - go there. However, the smaller kids were really getting a kick out of the Wyndham feeding....and I am sure it was safer for the wee ones than seeking out 6 ft iguanas.
I bet the drinks were watered down - being that they are an AI place. Mine were definitely not - but I was tipping and stuck with one bartender. I know they say not to tip on the AI plan, and the bartender waved her hand..but I just left tips on the bar. If I am going to be somewhere for more than 1 or 2 drinks, I like to start out by asking the bartender how long she or he will be there. If they'll be there for a few hours, I start off with a fat tip (the "ok, take care of me") tip. You don't just tip dollars as you order each drink, you have to introduce yourself properly with a big tip up front. From there on, you'll be fine. If your drinks are watery, just ask for more alcohol to be added. They'll get the message and keep you properly lubed from then on - as long as you've made the proper introduction. ha ha - I sound like the professional drinker. My ex husband used to bartend on the weekends for extra cash- and he taught me how to interface with bartenders so that I am taken care of. Ok, enough Bar 101.
Other than the maids who ignored me when I needed help getting into my room - and the guy at the lobby entrance who wanted me to walk in wet, I thought the staff was really great. OHHHHH - I forgot - the towel people 🙁 When I went to the towel hut, the man in the hut was sitting down near the door (you approach the window) and the door is near the side/rear. He was just sitting there talking to some other employees in chairs outside of the hut. I had to walk back there to ask him if I can have towels. He never got up - just pointed to a clipboard with a sign up sheet and pen - and told me to sign the towels out. I did, and then had to reach into the hut for towels - he never did get up.
Today, I got an email from Wyndham asking me to fill out a survey on my stay. Really, other than the towel guy, the maids and the lobby guy, staff was really engaging and enthusiastic about us. It was just like a nice, stateside resort experience as far as people go......everyone greeted us, told us their names, and invited us to call on them if we needed anything. They all asked how we were enjoying our stay.
Yes, the water entry at the beach is not good. But, the sand on the beach was really soft and nice...and the chairs had those thick blue cushions on them (love those)....and there was one of those swim platforms out in the water (fun).
I was only there for 24 hours, so my experience is limited. If I'd had no water and an indifferent staff, I'd be writing a different kind of report.
Thanks for the tips on iguanas at Sapphire. I will put it down as a "must see". My kids (8 and 10) will LOVE the huge iguanas. We're staying at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef (frequent stay points), so I'm hoping it is yet another step up from the Wyndham (which they absolutely loved). Between the reptiles, the beaches and the Baths - - I just can't wait to see their faces! June - - GET HERE!!
Landlocked, 8 and 10? I wish I was there at the same time as you! I'd be seeking you out, for sure.
Same here! I was so sad to hear of your trip report on the day of the (212) kid snobbery! I wouldn't even know how to deal with that! My daughter is 8; son is 10 - - they'd love playmates on the beach! We're from Missouri. No snobbery here!! Perhaps next year we can swing another trip! Unless you can swing another trip in June 🙂
Trying to swing for June!!! Seriously. Will PM you when we secure dates. I think this one will be STJ, though. My son prefers STT.....but I'd like to shake things up a little.
Your kids will LOVE the iguana feedings by the pool at the Marriott! We're heading back for another stay at the Marriott. We felt it was the "lap of luxury". Enjoy!
First let me say thankyou for all the info on the resort.. I googled for info about resort and everything I found seem to say the same thing.. DONT GO! but then again most seem to have been BEFORE renovation.. We are taking a trip there I believe the second week of June. And are doing the AI plan.. My family and I have never done anything like this before so we are all nervous. specially with the bad reviews I kept finding. We are invading the island with a family of 6 ,4 being children 11,13,14,14, and it seems even though my kids are older they will still have a wonderful time.. Is there anything I need to be on the look out for as far as safety for my kids?
Wooohoooo - at the age of your children, I think they will LOVE it! The nice thinsg about a place like this is that the kids can find things to do on their own, while mom and dad relax in a chase lounge by the pool. Pool table, pool volleyball, beach, mini-golf, bumper boats, unlimited food, snacks (hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, sausages - going on the huge pool grill ALL afternoon) and drinks.
As a parent, I understand that there's NO BETTER vacation than one where your kids are occupied and happy without you having to get up! Right?
Thank you for that!! We will be leaving for the Wyndham in about 6 weeks and that was a great bit of info ! 🙂
Maureen Please let us all know how your trip goes....We are heading too The Wyndham In June!... 😀 cant wait!!
