Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane has been on our bucket list for some time and it didn’t disappoint. From the moment you arrive the service is impeccable. You are greeted with a friendly smile, a welcome drink and personal accompaniment to your beautiful room. When you open the door it’s a real wow moment, with stunning furnishings, a lovely terrace, a lovely sea view and in room check in service. Although it’s not a particularly new concept now, we do love controlling the lights, drapes etc from the iPad on the bedside cabinets. Everything is sorted out at the in room check in, including your check out time, luggage collection time and transfer to the airport. We were even offered a late check out to coincide with our transfer time. We were given a glass of champagne when we checked out, a really nice gesture that is one of those nice touches that are the most memorable Everywhere you look it’s just beautiful and the staff are really friendly, with a level of service that is exemplary. You literally don’t have to lift a finger, you are treated like royalty by everyone. We didn’t find at all stuffy, we had some great interaction with many of the staff, who always seemed to be happy and laughing. Yes, it’s expensive but no more than many other 5* hotels, the difference is the setting. The pool really is a special place to relax for the day and there are flowers everywhere, both in the gardens and throughout the hotel. The orchids in the halls and passageways reminded us of our stays in Singapore. This was a special treat for our anniversary and we are so glad we chose SL. Dinner right next the beach was both romantic and delicious. We also loved the pre dinner drinks at the Monkey Club. The choices at the breakfast buffet were very impressive, we struggled to make a choice. Sandy Lane is a beautiful hotel, with great staff and a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone goes out of their way to ensure you have a memorable stay. Thank you to all the management and staff.

Unfortunately same issues as last year. Building works, slamming doors and sunbed hunting. We contacted the hotel five weeks before our planned dates before booking to check on maintenance, building works and specific room type, all in a bid to avoid the spoilt holiday last year. After two lengthy calls and dozens of emails ( one thread alone was 21 emails) we were assured we would have our Ocean View room with no disturbance. We booked the hotel and flights on the back of this information Soon after Sandy Lane reservations changed our room type. We knew this room is on a long corridor with service and bedroom doors the staff ( housekeeping, maintenance, mini bar, room service) allow to slam shut. It echoes throughout the corridor and in the room it causes the patio doors to vibrate and clatter. I gave up asking reservations to stop changing my booking and decided we would visit in person, as we were staying at Royal West Moreland before Sandy Lane. Turns out there was major refurbishment taking place, not painting and soft furnishings as promised, so we had to move types. Apparently there had been a delay in materials. Why this would affect anything is beyond me……we had checked relentlessly, there was to be no noise. I feel management was not open and honest about their plans. Projects in Barbados are always delayed. We would most certainly have not booked had we known this major refurbishment was taking place immediately before our arrival. (FYI mini bar service has just entered my room and exited with a massive slam of my door and banging of patio doors!) With some effort from Adrien Piot and reservations we managed to secure a room at the very end of the corridor I did not want to be on, in an effort eliminate some of the noise. Fire doors have to self close, but they do not need to slam shut (The House Hotel just down the road from Sandy Lane is a great example - silent closing doors) During our in room check the very cheerful and friendly lady and I spoke of my emails regarding the slamming doors, she had read these. Excellent I thought! She then left my room letting the bedroom door slam shut behind her. Not a good start. Most of the guests are great, they manually close the door. It’s mostly the staff that leave it to self close and slam. I have always loved the reserved sunbed system here. Unfortunately the last two years have been mayhem. I never know where my bed is. We tipped the beach boy on our first morning and asked not to be moved, thinking may this was the answer. Didn’t happen. Beds in completely different spots every morning. Meaning you need to search out a beach boy to be shown your spot. Today we repeated this sunbed dance, settled down for half an hour……….when a group arrived and were put next to me. Shawnessy set up three of the beds at right angles to me. So 3 ladies on loungers were facing the entire side of me 2 feet away. Very awkward and unpleasant for me. Why would staff do this, particularly afte

Shocking experience, this is normally a lovely place to visit. We visited for a special occasion and couldn’t believe how the place has degenerated. The service was shocking, the food inedible and the response was ‘ okay we are sorry you didn’t have a good experience’ . Bugs in food is not acceptable at any restaurant, yet they think that being in a hot climate you should accept it . We ate off the main menu and what was served was disgraceful. The attitude from the manager was of arrogance and not understanding the quality required from such a renowned establishment. The staff seemed more interested in having a play and joke around the bar than serving their guests. Mr Desmond and the owners need to have a look at what is happening, we will not be going back in a hurry. There are so many better options in Barbados that should be explored before going to Bajan Blue. Tides restaurant, Bia Restarant , Nishi are all great places to go and put Sandy Lane to shame.

ROACHES. The most prominent memory my young child and I will forever have of this iconic 5-star hotel is a multi-generational family of ROACHES crawling all over the bar/coffee/tea area. 1- checkin in the room 211 was stressful because they had 2 twin beds instead of a king-sized in the room, and it was incredibly hot like they did not turn the air on until they heard we were being escorted to the room. Their solution was to push the 2 twins together. No. The woman doing the checkin could not get my card to work on her iPad, so we had to leave the room for over an hour for them to swap out mattresses, and for me to go to the office to have my card swiped. Returned to the room around 8p and it was still hot, actually hotter. It was 23 Celsius when we left the room and was then 27 degrees when we returned. Phoned the front desk, was told it was my fault, I must’ve left the balcony doors open (I did not). They said maintenance would come. When maintenance arrived the screen temp magically read 23 degrees. He said I need to give it time to cool off (the lowest it goes is 21 degrees Celsius). Right when he was about to leave, the screen temp jumped to 27 again. He said a faulty sensor but nothing could be done until the following morning. Great, so I was expected to suffer and not sleep in 27 degree heat. 9:53p I went to the fridge for cool water in the dark. Opened the fridge door and saw something move on the wall out of my peripheral. I look, it’s a ROACH! I go get my phone to shine a light, the roach is just leisurely crawling, not even in a hurry to scatter and hide. I open camera video to record, and notice 2 more on an adjacent wall, along with several more roaches blending in with the dark granite countertop, and one crawling on a tea cup. This is the bar area where the coffee maker, tea cups, tea box, etc are. I call the front desk and the woman who answered unenthusiastically, dull-toned did not care and just said “oh. This is the Caribbean.” Excuse me? I have stayed in 5-star hotels on multiple Caribbean islands and NEVER seen a roach in the past 15 years! She said she would send housekeeping. Unacceptable! Is the housekeeper going to come in and catch all the roaches?! Worse, all of our things were unpacked so the horrid thought of them crawling on my belongings or traveling home with us. I went to the front desk and was disregarded since there was a couple in the lobby, until I started playing the video. Now you all are scurrying coming from behind the counter and trying to escort me into an office. I had to go back to the room, wake my child up, and we had to wait back in the library for another 1 hour 10 min for them to get another room ready for us. They moved us to 306 that had a whole in the wall from the door handle hitting it. The mirror at that bar had splotches of some sort on it and needed replacing, as did the mirrors in the bathroom sink area need fixing as well. We were bit nightly in 306 (neck, fingers, toes, backs, etc) by

Sandy Lane continues to be our little piece of heaven. Year after year, it remains the most relaxing place we have ever visited, and every time we leave, we're already looking forward to coming back. There is simply nowhere else that compares for relaxation, service, and the feeling of being genuinely welcomed. The hotel itself is exceptional, but what truly makes Sandy Lane so special is its people. A huge thank you to Nicholas and Zinaya-Blu in the Monkey Club, who always provide wonderful service and make every visit enjoyable. Special congratulations also to Rhia, the Monkey Club Manager, on her well-deserved promotion and award. We couldn't think of anyone more deserving, and it is fantastic to see her hard work and dedication recognised. At the pool area, O'Brien and Steve are honestly two of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and it is always amazing to see them year after year. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for guests are a huge part of what makes our holidays so memorable. It is always a pleasure to see Richard, Stephanie, Jackie, Andre, and Tamika. Their friendly faces and exceptional service make us feel at home every time we visit. Of course, Alpha is always at the very top of our thank-you list. Having known him through our visits to Sandy Lane for the past 15 years, he truly feels like family. He welcomes us so warmly every time we arrive and is a genuinely wonderful ambassador for the hotel. His kindness, sincerity, and dedication to guests are second to none. A special mention must also go to Keisha at the spa. She always takes the time to understand individual needs and ensures every treatment is tailored perfectly. The level of care and attention she provides is exceptional and reflects the outstanding standards that Sandy Lane is known for. Finally, thank you to Andre at check-out. This was the first time we had the pleasure of meeting him, and he was fantastic. He made our departure a genuinely enjoyable experience, and it was a pleasure chatting with him before heading home. Sandy Lane is far more than a luxury hotel....it is a place filled with extraordinary people who make every stay unforgettable. Thank you to everyone for another incredible visit. We will, as always, be back. Mr and Mrs Osborne💕

Exceptional on every level. Paradise here on earth! We were delighted with our stays at Sandy Lane, the welcome sets the tone, warm, friendly and inviting, the location is great, the food is delicious, service in all areas of the hotel is excellent. Thank you to everyone for an amazing holiday.

We still love this hotel and the staff are amazing but it feels slightly less good than it used to be. Hard to get through to reception . Asked for towels that never came . Wouldn’t be flexible with vouchers like they were the last 8 times we have been to the hotel (we are very loyal and recommend the hotel to many friends who now come.) We don’t feel valued . Eg no replies to many comments on Trip advisor. The general manager is no where to be seen (maybe on holiday ?) . Feels like there are less staff and many I don’t recognise like in previous years. It’s still a very special hotel and the beach is outstanding but they have definitely taken foot off the pedal .

Ultimate luxury at its best. Very expensive not affordable for everyone. Top Notch crowd only.

Sandy Lane is a luxurious retreat. Thanks to its warm and professional service. The atmosphere is elegant. Spacious, comfortable rooms and commend the hotel's cleanliness. Amenities such as the spa, pool, and dining. Despite the high price. The exceptional experience justifies the cost.