The Sands Barbados

First time review of visiting Barbados as a family (2 adults and an 11 year old). Sorry for hefty review but trying to capture all about the hotel, food and services. Check in longer than expected using QR codes but no hassle as help on hand from reception staff. Provided drinks upon arrival and advised that they booked us into dinner as arrived late afternoon. Shown to Room 12, duplex 2 bedroom room with ocean view above bar and restaurant. The view was stunning. Room very spacious, downstairs living room area and kitchen. Fridge stocked with coke, sprite and water. Was kettle with stock of tea, coffee and biscuits. Upstairs was 2 bedrooms (1 double bed and 2 singles) 2 bathrooms. Fully stocked with shower gel, shampoo, body cream and soaps. We had the joy of seeing 2 baby pigeon chicks grow up on our window ledge for our 10 night stay. Food - Alternating between buffet style and a’la cart (menu) 3 course for dinner / lunch. Breakfast was buffet style. Cannot fault the main restaurant food, always option of meat, fish and vegetarian options for lunch / dinner. Breakfast options of crispy bacon, sausages, breads / french toast, Bajan cuisine, fruit juices, continental type, waffles, pancakes and an egg station. Can order from snack menu during day time (burger, cajan chicken, hot dog, pizza or bajan fish bites. Never had issues with the food. Dined in Noir fine dining restaurant and found this to be lovely, belly pork, steak and lovely deserts. The service was great. The beach - sunbeds were plenty but being jet lagged ensured we were always up very early and waiting for staff to unlock the beds when we were having a coffee or playing beach cricket each morning. This was normally between 6.30am and 7.00am. Found that when breakfast commenced, beds were taken up quick. Towards after lunch some beds became free. The sea as said was calm in the morning and more choppy in the afternoon but easily manageable. WARNING though of a strong current around the rock area which is also pointed out on a board. Found that the current takes you the other side of the rock area if you didnt fight the current, so can be managed. Snorkelling is somewhat ok, small fish only and a reef type area 50 yards out. Spotted 1 turtle in this area, but more turtles seen towards Dover beach, carlisle bay areas. Entertainment of an evening was ok, some good singers but is quite loud at times, even when in the room as we were not late to bed. Bar was great, busy at times but managed well and enjoyed the bar staff interactions. This was thanks to all the staff who were constantly working hard. We had 1 day around the pool and was not for us as the sea was far more inviting. Pool is easily accessible with gradual walk to deep area of around 4 foot max. I want to make straight of a comment regarding the beach security from someones previous post. The regular security, David, was a joy and always on hand dealing with situations if they came about. He would also be clearing up litter if there was any and racking the beach also. YES there are locals around the beach, who are normally the same people. They do not bother you and not “leering” at women. The locals even helped a male who got into trouble around the rocks. Remember, all the beaches are public and we felt very safe at the beach. We are always and have been tippers. We tipped for good service from the restaurant, bar, room services and beach staff. Something i felt that was lacking during “people watching”. Cons - not many really, birds around the restaurant can be a pain, such is life. Only saw management once during our stay during a meet and greet drinks 1 afternoon and holiday reps not often around. Dresscode lacking at dinner as states no flip flops or sports (football) tops etc but not adhered to apart from Noir restaurant. If this is the only negatives, then The Sands are doing something right. We had 1 day at the sister hotel last, mango bay and we preferred The Sands. We wanted to like mango prior to going but found the service lacking at mango bay. Beach area stunning, excellent snorkelling to be had and no water currents. Lunch service was not great as ordered drinks but the waitress disappeared and did not return. Ordering at the bar found the drinks to be great but no interaction from the bar staff. We enquired about a 2 bedroom room but told all rooms are a double bed and if a third person stays, a fold out bed is used. Overall the sands was perfect for us, and the location to everything you need Read less

Stayed 10 nights October 24. Family of 2 adults and 2 teens. I would give the hotel an average rating overall. Food 2.5/5. There were too many evening buffets for us that were lukewarm and just not enough choice or appealing. We enjoyed our first experience at Noir but the second the food was luke warm and the vegetarian option was basically sweet potato and peas? Breakfast was usually better with a decent choice of food. Beach 3.5/5. Lovely beach with beautiful sunsets however there are strong currents and swells near the rocks I found swimming (and I’m a strong swimmer) dangerous and disappointing. Also poor visibility for snorkelling. Staff 4/5 some lovely and helpful staff. Bar staff will help with whatever you ask and some really funny ones. Management are not visible like they are at their sister hotel Mango bay. Location 3/5 good for South coast amenities but if you find the west coast more to your liking it can be an awful bus ride on the local buses. Rooms: 4.5/5 spacious rooms, comfortable beds. Good air conditioning and great cleaning service. Would benefit from more furniture on the balcony. Pool 3/5 salt water pool after the salty sea isn’t refreshing. There also needs to be a tap to wash feel between the beach and the pool as too many don’t bother so the pool gets full of sand. Visited both sister hotels Mango bay and Island inn while here . We wouldn’t go back to island inn as it looked run down but we loved Mango bays location and beach. We preferred the food at Mango bay and found it to be a better quality, choice of buffet with a good separate vegan menu snd ice cream sundaes for dessert. Drinks: 3.5/5 the bars did run out of things but restocked within a day usually. The wine was tolerable but no bubbly so no mimosas which was disappointing and too many sweet slushy cocktails. Entertainment: 2/5 local singers which had lovely voices but repetitive songs and sets and nothing like steel bands, fire dancers, silent discos or white parties that other places have. Watersports: 1.5/5. There are 2 canoes and a paddle board? Could be so much better with this. We probably would not return here but would definitely return to the west coast of Barbados. Read less

Wow this hotel is amazing !!! Right on the beach. Most rooms have a side ocean view and are good sizes. We thought most meals were 10/10 with very good produce being cooked very well. Staff cannot do enough for you and they even found us a walk. We walked west to Accra beach then walked on the boardwalk. We saw two turtle nests being helped and several crabs and an octopus! Also walked to St Lawrence Gap. We got the reggae bus to Oistins they seem to run every two minutes ! Fab holiday. We will definitely be coming back. Thank you ! Read less

Location is perfect-walking distance to grocery stores-both Massey and Clifton Market, souvenir shops and duty free. Food overall was good. Breakfast if buffet style and had everything from egg, bacon, croissants, fruit etc etc. Dinners and lunch we mainly off a small menu and included 1 meat, 1 fish and 1 vegetarian dish. Drinks were made to order and tasty. Beach chairs were usually available Staff super friendly Only downside...A/C is only in the bedroom. We were in a 1 bedroom garden/pool view and only the bedroom had a/c. The living room and kitchenette only had a ceiling fan so it was way to warm. Yes...I know the argument...you don't spend as much time inside which is true but it is nice to have a coffee in the living room and not sweat your butt off or to watch a little late night tv. Read less