Great vacation with Air Canada Vacations. With Air Canada, you're given an updated room in the South Tower, pre-check in, welcome drink and guaranteed 3 a la carte bookings (although not your choice of date and time - but sure beats waiting in a long line up every morning trying to get a booking). The staff were very friendly and helpful. My friend had to see the doctor due to ear issues, which she had before the vacation, and her doc in Canada didn't properly treat. Within an hour she had saw the Doctor, he realized she had a bad ear infection and flushed her ears and prescribed her some medications. She was feeling better than she had in weeks! Only complaint was that our toilet barely flushed as the insides in the tank were euchered and they need more beach chairs (they are usually all taken up by 10:00am). This resort is so close to a lot of markets and shopping. I don't agree with the comment that it's not safe to go left of the resort. We went to that area a few times, and 2 of the times at night. Yes, people do follow you around hoping you'll pay them to be your "tour guide" but if you let them know up front you don't have any money, they will back off. I've never at any point felt unsafe in that area, day or night, (also spent alot of time there in 2008) keeping in mind you need to use common sense!

Another perfect stay at the Grande. As always the staff were more than helpful and courteous.
The food was awesome with such a variety to choose from the buffet. I could go on and on but I wont, I think the return trips say it all. . 4 times in 3 years not one bad experience hats off to all
at the Grande ,see you all again soon.

PS to the complainers, have you ever stopped and thought what it takes to run a hotel ?

Prior to leaving on my vacation with my boyfriend, I had read probably over 100 reviews posted on trip advisor and became extremely nervous. I even called my travel agent (who is by recommendation only) in a panic. I have been to 5 star hotels, so with all the negative reviews I was pretty nervous to say the least. I wouldn't normally post reviews on hotels but I knew I had to for this one because people make it seem like it is a dump in their reviews.

Check in- easy easy and easy. Within about 10 minutes from getting off the bus, we were already in our room. We were greeted by friendly staff, drinks and nothing but smiles.

Rooms- When I got to the hotel and checked-in I immediately asked for one of the renovated rooms (because previous reviews made me super nervous). Staff assured me that the room were received was going to be good. We got to our room and it was decent. Nothing over the top, I don't believe it was one of the "renovated rooms" but it still was clean, had a nice bed, washroom, flat screen tv and all the channels in the world (not that we watched it).

Food- Food was absolutely AMAZING! Every morning they were making custom omelettes, every meal had options for people who didn't want to venture and try some of the classic jamaican foods but whatever option you pick, it was very satisfying. If you missed buffet times, they always were cooking up some food (burgers, hotdogs, jerk chicken, fries, grilled cheese).

Gym- The gym was good for what you need it for!

Staff- I never once encountered a staff member that didn't greet you with a smile. The bartenders up in the lobby were amazing. Gregory, Leon and Wade would fill up your drink before you even noticed you were running dry.

Beach/Pool- both were really good. It is just like any other resort you go to... even 5 star. You have to get up early to get a seat. We still had no issue.

WE PAID UNDER 1000 FOR 7 DAYS. WE HAD AN AMAZING TRIP AND WOULD RECOMMEND THIS RESORT FOR ANYONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A DECENT RESORT FOR WHAT YOU PAY FOR. NO ITS NOT A 5 STAR, NOT A 4 STAR BUT I WOULD SAY IT IS A REALLY GOOD 3 1/2.

PEOPLE NEED TO STOP POSTING ON HERE WITH SOME OF THE MOST RIDICULOUS COMPLAINTS. I FOUND MYSELF SHAKING MY HEAD AT SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT STUPID THINGS LIKE "NO ARCADE". ENJOY THE SUN, FOOD, PEOPLE AND JAMAICAN LIFE.

Some rooms need upgrading! After they moved us to the upgraded ( no cost) 10th floor of the North tower , we were happy. Not enough beach chairs. Food was always excellent and had a unique Jamaican flavour.