Sandcastles Resort, Ocho Rios

Wins: The location can't be beat! It's right in the middle of downtown Ocho Rios, the room had AC, a full kitchenette including a full-sized fridge, access to a pool and the beach, and it was reasonably priced!

Not a negative just something I didn't know this from the website. This is a privately owned apartment. I thought I was booking a room at a hotel so that was a disconnect. Which means that there is no housekeeping, you can't pay at the hotel you need to use a link the owner sends. the front desk can't help you with any needs because it's not their property. So it's in essence an Airbnb type situation shaped like a hotel

The restaurant was excellent, and the food was great. The staff was professional and friendly. The pool man was very diligent and kept the pool clean. The security at the back was very diligent. I felt safe there.

The location

Very noisy

The host did a great job and was very responsive. I forgot one item in the room and she even offered to mail it to me. She was very helpful.

There is no glass in the windows of the unit, so the outside noise was very loud. There was music on the beach every night and no way to block it out. The A/C unit worked because it was the rainy season and it wasn't very warm outside, but I'm not sure how well it work when it is hot.

The space was really lovely. The garden courtyard with the sun streaming through was lovely to see first thing. My view from the room was stunning overlooking the beach. Patricia was really nice. I enjoyed playing pool by the bar and meeting other residents on the beach and by the bar.

The Internet cut off for a day. I thought it was just impacting the TV at first, but it was the network. This meant my online check-in could not be done. Similarly, my transfer to the airport information could not be accessed. The iron cord was a little short. The fan in the living area stopped working. I was told the restaurant wasn't open, but the pool bar was serving food. The food was good but unfortunately made my stomach a little wobbly both times. Please note that's my experience and the food tasted very nice. There was a gate to the bridge, but it was always locked, ensuring the walk past vendors. It was a little inconvenience but fine. Although I know things are difficult and there is a heavy reliance on tourism, sometimes the 'hustle' was uncomfortable.

Very nice apartment with a good view of the ocean.

I didn't dislike anything, really, but even though the bed could've been a little softer, I will definitely be back again.

Clean and central to shops and restaurants

The onsite restaurant was closed

Beautiful beach ⛱️. Great location.

Noise from beach festival. Everything good.