We have been to Sandals Montego Bay a couple of times, and we really liked it. With plenty to do and a recent renovation, we found it to be a fun, romantic resort. We can see why it’s many people’s favorite Sandals resort. However, there are some things to know that might be drawbacks for others.
In this real and honest Sandals Montego Bay review, we’ll tell you all you need to know!
Things to Know About Sandals Montego Bay
This was the original Sandals resort, opened in 1981, but a recent renovation has updated everything and it’s really beautiful and modern. Sandals Montego Bay offers welcoming, exceptional service and outstanding views of the water from practically everywhere.
The lobby is open air, there are luxurious new oceanfront suites, there’s a cool overwater bar, and several of the restaurants are on the water.
This resort offers a lot to do and plenty of dining options, plus you get access via a free shuttle to the nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean (which also has a private island). You’re also close to everything in Montego Bay.
While Sandals Montego Bay is conveniently located super close to the airport so you can get your vacation started quickly, that also means that you can hear noise from the planes. It is pretty loud, but we got used to it quickly. And it only happens from about 11 am to 4 pm.
Something we didn’t like was that there isn’t a large pool area, as there is at most other Sandals locations.
Getting to Sandals Montego Bay
It is super easy and quick to get to Sandals Montego Bay. After we arrived at the airport in Montego Bay (known as Sangster International Airport), we went to the Sandals lounge, where we boarded the complimentary shuttle to the resort.
It takes just about 5-10 minutes to get from the airport to Sandals Montego Bay. When we got there, we were greeted with a cold towel and taken to the Club lounge to check in (since we were staying in a Club-level room).
Sangster can be quite busy, so you might want to consider paying attention to how many flights are arriving at the same time as yours. If there are a lot, look at getting the Club Mobay pass. This gets you through arrivals and customs much faster.
Sandals Montego Bay Rooms and Suites
Sandals Montego Bay has a huge variety of room choices since it has been added to multiple times over the years. More recently, older rooms have been renovated and have a new modern and fresh feel.
We love the oceanfront swim-up rooms the best. The Beachfront Swim-Up Butler Suites have incredible ocean views and private outdoor spaces that give you direct access to the lagoon-style pool (through a retractable glass wall!). They also have loungers in the pool on a sunshelf, Tranquility Soaking Tubs for Two, and 24-hour personal butler service. And perhaps best of all, you are just steps from the sand.
The Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Elite Luxury Rooms are a little more affordable than some of the others. With a private patio and direct access to lush gardens and a lagoon swimming pool, this room type is a favorite of many.
One thing to keep in mind is regardless of the room you choose you still get all-inclusive dining, activities, and amenities the same as other rooms. The only amenities that are different are room service and butler service.
Another thing to keep in mind when booking a room is the 777 deals. Each week 7 suites around all Sandals Resort go on sale and if one of the rooms at Sandals Montego Bay has a 777 deal it is worth considering.
Food and Restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay
Food is really important to us and we were pleased with the offerings at Sandals Montego Bay. There are 12 restaurants, each serving a different style of cuisine. Many of them have water views or are on the water for a really nice vibe.
Breakfast choices include a buffet, an a la carte restaurant, the Café de Paris, and room service (if you’re in a Club or Butler level room). Cafe de Paris is a great specialty cafe, offering coffee, crepes, and pastries. Opening early, it’s perfect for all those early risers who like to get up and go!
Lunch options are casual with options like hamburgers, freshly baked pizzas, tasty quesadillas, and traditional Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
Our favorite restaurant for dinner was Oleander, because it had amazing sunset views as well as good Caribbean food, served family style. We loved being able to try a variety of dishes and thought the jerk lobster kebabs and the curried snapper were excellent.
Other favorites are the Asian choices, Tokyo Jo’s (where you can make your own dish at a wok station) and the Soy sushi bar, as well as Butch’s Steak and Seafood.
You can also try the 9 restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean by taking the free shuttle. We highly recommend Royal Thai on the private island, as well as the Bombay Club Indian restaurant.
The Beach at Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay has a beautiful and long beach with plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and natural shade from trees. They offer beach service, so you can enjoy a drink without having to get up. Or you can book one of the private cabanas, which are set over the water and include butler service.
The beach has different sections that offer different atmospheres. For example, the most active stretch is located near the lobby, and it offers beach volleyball, other games, and a fun beach bar that also serves food.
It’s easy to get to most of the lunch choices from the beach, including the pizza place, Mariners by the Sea, and the Caribbean Jerk Shack.
The Pools at Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay has seven pools which vary in terms of atmosphere from party to quiet. The biggest pool is also the most peaceful, and it has lounge chairs as well as some beach beds plus drink service.
The party pool is located near the beach, and it offers a swim-up bar as well as a DJ and different entertainment throughout the day. There are also lagoon-style pools along the buildings with swim-up suites.
Sandals Montego Bay Activities
Like all Sandals resorts, you can enjoy a wide variety of complimentary activities (with professional instruction) at Sandals Montego Bay. This includes nonmotorized watersports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing. Sandals Montego Bay also has motorized watersports including waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
And one of the best offerings in our opinion is the free scuba diving for certified divers.
We also enjoy activities like pool volleyball and onsite entertainment. There are also sports like tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball if you like those.
In addition, you can go to Sandals Royal Caribbean and check out all the activities there including the boat ride to the private island.
There are some amenities that cost extra, but we enjoy them. We usually try to get a massage at the Red Lane Spa during our stay at any Sandals, as those are nice and relaxing. There are also facials and body treatments available.
The spa at Sandals Montego Bay has plunge pools, a garden with relaxation areas, and a sauna that are open to everyone and free to use. There’s also a steam room, beauty salon, and yoga/Pilates studio.
Excursions at Sandals Montego Bay
We always like to go on one or more excursions at Sandals, which are really fun although they do cost extra. Some of our favorites at Sandals Montego Bay are the trip to Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole, the catamaran rides, and going to the Luminous Lagoon.
Other excursion choices include ATV tours, river rafting, mountain hiking, ziplining, and rum tours.
Sandals Montego Bay Bars and Nightlife
Sandals Montego Bay has 6 bars including a swim-up bar. Latitudes Overwater Bar is a beautiful option, surrounded by the Caribbean and cooled by the breeze. It has giant hammocks over the water that you can lie in with your sweetie and just relax.
While this isn’t a party resort, it does have scheduled entertainment every night like fire dancers and music. There’s also a pub that is open late.
You can also visit the 6 bars at Sandals Royal Caribbean, which include swim-up bars and a piano bar. Or you can go into Montego Bay and check out the active nightlife scene there.
Sandals Montego Bay Honeymoons
This is a popular honeymoon resort for the luxurious suites, all the activities, and the convenient location. Plus if you honeymoon here within 30 days of your marriage, you’ll get the complimentary Sandals honeymoon package, which includes sparkling wine, fresh flowers, turndown service with flower petals on the first night, and breakfast in bed on the morning of your choice.
How far is Sandals Montego Bay from the airport?
Sandals Montego Bay is very close to Sangster International Airport. It takes just about 5 minutes to get there from the airport, and the transfers are complimentary.
How much does Sandals Montego Bay cost?
Sandals Montego Bay is one of the most expensive Sandals resorts in Jamaica. Rooms start at $331 per person, per night. However, this rate includes everything you’ll need for a fabulous vacation.
There are generally plenty of deals available, including a fourth night free, to make your stay more budget-friendly. You can check the Sandals website or talk to a Sandals travel agent to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Rates at Sandals Montego Bay currently start at $293 per person per night.
After reading our honest Sandals Montego Bay review, does it sound like the right Sandals resort for you? If not, check out our article about all the Sandals resorts here. Or, reach out to us for advice—we are certified Sandals specialists and have been to every one!