Sandals Grande Antigua — Hotel in Antigua

Typically don’t write reviews but this Sandals is awful, don’t waste your $. When we arrived we were seated and after about 15 minutes someone asked for our names. After our original shuttle group was gone and another group showed up and left we were asked for our names again. The process became repetitive for about an hour and a half before we finally got a room - our friends we came with had to wait an additional 30 mins. Since it was now dinner time we decided to go to Mario’s for our first meal. The front staff acted like we were a bother to ask for a table and the servers were less than friendly without smiles. We found this so odd but let it go as we were exhausted from travel. The food was terrible - fish was rubbery and un-edible and the only part any of us could eat was what we got at the antipasta bar if they were freshly putting it out before flies inside attacked it. We followed dinner by getting a drink at the Drunken Duck and again the front hostess “greeted” us without a smile and a “what do you want” attitude. We approached the bar to a bartender whom was there multiple nights and he was seen about falling asleep during his shift, was less than pleasant and hated to be there. Needless to say we called it a night and figured the next day would be better. We stayed at the resort the next day and it’s beautiful. The pools do need better cleaning as there is a lot floating in them. Our biggest disappointment was the beach - all of the Sandals we have been to are private, this one is not and there were kids and smoking allowed, plus you get absolutely ambushed with locals begging you for business so you can’t relax unless you rush to the water. It’s awful. The smoking continues on the resort too which we do not like at all, it makes it not resort like and stinky. We went to the bar by the pool and one of our favorite parts of the other resorts is the upbeat staff around the bars - the Antigua staff is anything but that, it takes about 15 mins to get a drink and you feel as if it’s an extreme chore for them to get you something so it makes you not want to ask. They are not fun, friendly or approachable. It was not really busy, they just would rather work on gathering their things and closing it down early. We were hoping the night life or activities would be fun but besides bingo or guess the song at the pool those were the only things offered during the day and at night time it felt there was maybe an hour of drums or music/dancing and it really shut down by 9:00/9:30 - which is fine but we wish it was a little more upbeat during the day because we felt obligated to leave and do multiple excursions this trip due to the unfriendly staff compared to our normal stays. Also due to these small night events it would take the chairs from the restaurants so the beach one would shut down for dinner, we were unable to try that one during our stay which was odd. We ended up getting room service a few times because although we stayed for 6 nights, we tried to book restaurants and all reservations were taken the day of check in - this was another Sandals first for us. Pizza bar closed super early also. Food options, bar and events were truly awful here. The day before checkout we typically receive a letter on when to be down for the shuttle but we did not get anything so we had to call down for that. We had to restock our fridge with water quite a bit on our own throughout the stay as well which we normally don’t. It was just overall an odd and off Sandals-experience. The disappointment for the amount we paid for this trip was unmatched as it was our most expensive trip thus far and we had to tack on extra excursions to leave the resort more. We usually rebook our next Sandals stay but because of the rude staff and disappointment of this resort we are just unsure if others will be the same as this one. We feel that we paid so much for this trip and it could have been spent on one of the other Sandals resorts and we would have kept coming back - It’s really unfortunate as we have really raved in the past...

We recently returned from a stay at Sandals Grande Antigua (June 15-20, 2025) and while there are certainly aspects of the resort we appreciated, there were also several concerns that, cumulatively, made this experience fall short of the high standards we’ve come to expect from Sandals based on previous stays in Barbados and St. Lucia.

Pros: The setting is undeniably beautiful. The beaches are stunning, and the resort grounds are well-maintained. We appreciated the convenience of unlimited food and drinks. The inclusion of Robert Mondavi wines ensured a consistent baseline of wine quality, which we enjoyed.

Cons: The level of service and staff attitude was noticeably below what we've experienced at other Sandals locations. Many team members seemed disinterested, disengaged, and at times cold—lacking the warmth and hospitality we have associated with the Sandals brand. This was especially evident at check-out, where no one asked how our stay was nor offered a simple thank you. The number of solicitations we encountered was excessive and disruptive. On one occasion, we were approached five times in two hours—making it very difficult to relax quietly or enjoy reading without interruption. These included both Sandals-affiliated promotions and third-party vendors. The food overall was average, which was a disappointment given the typically exceptional culinary experiences we’ve had at other Sandals resorts. Most pastries tasted mass-produced, croissants resembled those from a grocery store value pack, and drinks were heavily watered down with ice. A few bright spots in dining included Soy, Eleanor’s, and Kimonos. In particular, Chef Ronello and server Chad at Kimonos created a memorable and special hibachi dinner for our anniversary after a group no-show left us with a private experience. Their warmth and attentiveness stood out as highlights of our trip. The breakfast quality was consistently poor. Omelets were made using bare hands to grab ingredients, which raised hygiene concerns. French toast and eggs were cold every day. Internet access was frustrating throughout the stay. Frequent disconnects, weak signals (especially in-room), and download speeds of only 1–2 Mbps are unacceptable, particularly at a resort of this caliber. We chose not to pay for the “premium” internet, though advertised speeds were still below modern expectations. In 2025, even economy hotel chains offer faster, more reliable WiFi. Frankly, airplane WiFi outperformed what we experienced at Sandals Antigua. We strongly believe that premium-level connectivity should be included in the standard offering, especially at the price point of this resort.

Closing Remarks: While the location and a few exceptional staff members helped create some positive memories, the overall experience at Sandals Antigua did not meet the standards we associate with the Sandals brand.

We contacted Sandals directly with our feedback and they responded with offered compensation in terms of points. However, we were surprised to receive a legal document in connection with this offer to release us from future reviews. We felt this formality was unnecessary, particularly as our intention was never been to escalate matters beyond constructive feedback.

After careful consideration—and with great reluctance—we chose not to book a future Sandals trip during our stay, something we’ve always done in the past. This decision was not made lightly, but based on the decline in service quality and overall value, we did not feel confident committing to another visit at this time.

Also, we found it highly unethical that Sandals Antigua would attempt to offer compensation — in the form of points — seemingly in exchange for our silence or retraction of an honest, unsatisfactory review (or future reviews). This behavior constituted as a form of bribery and only further reinforced the disappointing experience we had with the resort.

I urge Sandals to reevaluate its approach to customer feedback and adopt a more ethical and respectful standard for...

First time at a Sandals resort. Whilst it was an ok experience I won’t be returning to a Sandals again. It’s outdated and designed for anyone above 50+ in age rather than a younger demographic looking for luxury and relaxation.

Rooms: incredibly dated and tattered furniture. The sofa in our room was ripped which is unacceptable. The decor felt like something from the 70s or early 80s with a lot of brown and magnolia. Hairdryer was on its last leg and the bathroom was really odd. Your sink is no where located in the right place and the bathtub whilst big is really hard to use. It has a shower curtain and you have to step in. There is also only a waterfall shower which is difficult if you don’t want to get your hair wet. The room felt dirty even when cleaned due to the dated furniture.

Food/ drink: the food is really hit and miss. My far, Mario was the best for breakfast and dinner. The Barfoot restaurant is decent for lunch and we loved the fresh pizza on the beach. We found it odd they resort did not have an ice cream parlour or something like that. The drinks were great and main bar was amazing. You have to book the Corral restaurant (tex and Mex) and Kimonos Japanese restaurant both of which were not great. I am vegetarian and the options for mains was incredibly limited. I survived the week on appetiser (salads, potatoe salad etc)

Service: the staff in the restaurants were lovely and always helpful. They have a lot of photographers around the resort who stand ready to take your picture which I guess is a Sandals thing. The photographers Davindra and Delmore were amazing and really personable. The check-in was odd as not much was explained but you can join a daily resort orientation which doesn’t scream luxury.

Housekeeping: The staff for the rooms were atrocious. Firstly they did not clean our room and we had to complain. Generally anything you asked for they made you feel like they were put out. On a few mornings they actually knocked on our door and walked in when we were sleeping which was shocking and an invasion of privacy. They did not clean the rooms well at all. I would strongly recommend to the management to review this with urgency. Your housekeeping is unacceptable both the service and attitude of staff. We were in room 510 which is the closest room located to the staff quarters. All night and day (including 1,2.3 and 5 am) staff having casual discussions, shouting and laughing with one another. Absolutely no regard for customers on their holidays trying to relax/ sleep.

Grounds: beautiful grounds that are well kept. The resort is very secure with security at key points ensuring those entering the property are Sandals customers. My only suggestion is that the gardeners using their bushwhacking equipment should avoid doing so at certain points in the day. I appreciate they want to maintain the grounds but these are located close to the beach area and interrupts the relaxation when all you can hear is the bushwhacked or lawnmower when you are laid out on your beach bed. Doesn’t scream luxury.

Entertainment: mmmm look it was plentiful but it felt cheesy and something designed for people in their 50s. Everyday there is a themed night but I don’t know. It felt a bit like magaluf or something on the trashy side. It’s all really odd like the resort has a pub called the drunken duck which when you step inside feels like a London boozer. You wouldn’t even think you are in the Caribbean. Maybe it’s a Sandals thing but it doesn’t feel authentic to the country you are in (beautiful Antigua) and feel like luxury

Pool: pool was massive, but difficult to get a bed. Very outdated and crowded. They have like the shooting dolphin statues which feels old and outdated.

Beach: is the crown jewel of this resort. It’s absolutely stunning and makes you want to just about tolerate everything else. The resort is in a great location and to make up for the bad room we spent all our time on the beach. There are vendors walking up and down but they are polite. You have to get up at 6-7am to...