Sandals resorts vs other all inclusive-advice needed

I've never been to Sandals, but that's because I'm not loyal to one hotel chain. I just find Sandals to be extra expensive and in my opinion they don't offer anything special. Check out Bahia Principe. I believe they have adults only in Samana, Dominican Republic.

I used to work in the travel industry, and I personally think Sandals is overpriced and overrated. They were the original AI resort, and they are a household name, so they know people are going to come no matter what. Not saying they are not good, but you could definitely pay less and get more. I am a huge fan of Secrets resorts. I think they are a much better value for the money.

I wholeheartedly second Bahia Principe, we had such an amazing vacay there in Punta Cana. There was tons to do and the resort had so many options for activities, excursions and entertainment. They have a town square almost with gift shops, a stage for music/entertainment, casino, nightclub/disco, karaoke bar, tons of stuff. We went to a dreams resort in Mexico and weren't blown away. We also all got sick too, but from what I've head about Mexico it can be fairly common. It was pretty and fine, but I wouldn't go back to it.

I agree with secrets is better,but honestly if you going with sandals anywhere in the carribean,their all the same one reason why we choose costa rica . Even looking at pics you put antingua,Barbados, bahamas, they ALL look the same

Thanks for your honest opinions. I was getting the same feeling from them. I will lookup that resort. I like hearing what people enjoy because there is so much out there.

Cheap Caribbean usually has really good all inclusive deals, including flights. I would say their reviews of locations are accurate as well.

Thank you, would anyone recommend not going through a travel agent? or should I look for one?

There is really no reason not to use a travel agent. Travel is their career, so they develop a very deep knowledge of where to go, where to avoid, and a thousand little tricks of the trade. They can also sometimes get you perks and upgrades that would not be available to you otherwise. And it doesn't cost you anything to use an agent since they get paid by the hotels--and if you happen to find something cheaper they can virtually always do a price match.

And by the way, places like Expedia and Cheap Caribbean and anywhere else you buy online are also travel agencies. They are just massive agencies that don't offer the sort of individualized consultations that your local travel agent can.

We just booked the Secrets Akumal in Riviera Maya. It's adults only. Our travel agent is a good friend of my dad's and has been all over the world. He feels that the Sandals chain is over-priced for what you get and that he would pick any Secrets resort over a Sandals resort any day. I've never been to a Sandals resort so I can't offer my own opinion. Just thought his opinion might help you!

I second Cheap Caribbean-- we've used them for many vacations. They usually have some kind of sale going on too.

Thank you all! I think I am leaning away from Sandals and you are all right. $6300 seems crazy for a standard cheap room. I like a balcony or patio for my coffee and a lot of the cheap rooms on there don't even offer that.

I have also heard good things about Apple Vacation.

I would stay away from Apple personally. Their "agents" are just call center employees with no experience at the actual destinations. And when you call them you just get whatever call center employee happens to pick up the phone, so you don't get one contact person you can trust and you have to explain everything all over again whenever you reach out to them. My former company was a competitor of theirs, and I can't tell you how many messes I had to clean up.

If you are going the agent route, I highly recommend going to an actual, physical, brick and mortar travel agency in your town. They can get the same prices as what you find online, and they will be there for you personally if anything goes awry.

This has been super helpful. Thanks to everyone who responded and OP for posting!

We originally were leaning towards Sandals but their TripAdvisor reviews were such a mixed bag when it comes to the food, and that's a big deal to us!

We looked at Sandals for a long time and did a great amount of research, and ultimately decided against it. Compared to other resorts, it was overpriced for what you got. We are staying in Cancun through Secrets. Even though we picked Mexico, they have two beautiful resorts in the Dominican and we almost picked one of those. They have MUCH better reviews and they're cheaper. Check them out!

I have stayed at a sandals in Jamaica and found it was nothing special. Secrets resort in Akumal in amazing. If you are thinking DR the Barcelo there is pretty amazing as well. I have stayed at the Bahia chain twice in Mayan and they really do above and beyond. However. There are "levels" of guests. If you are choosing the Bahia make sure you are staying at the top of this. They will go way above and beyond for you. Then you have access to the whole resort.

ETA-we haven't done dreams yet. We were throwing it around as we have had many friends go there and love it but it's not adult only.

IMO Sandals is overpriced and not worth it.

We were leaning that way originally for the Bahamas, but it was crazy expensive. So instead we rented a gorgeous home on the beach, rented a car, and will be able to eat out/buy groceries/rent boats and take excursions for the same price as Sandals. All while getting to experience the local culture.

Thank you a ton everyone, I found Royal Suites Turquesa in Punta Cana that looks super amazing, but I mean what beach doesn't

I love the thought of adult only and 7-10 days with a drink in my hand and sand in my toes. I am not that picky, but honestly, if I can get the same deal for thousands more why wouldn't I do that?

I have heard great things about secrets resorts! my best friend went to Sandals montego bay and loved it but actually says she wishes she went to a secrets instead!

TripAdvisor is a great place to do your research