St. Lucia sandals options- HELP!

rsmiles77

Originally FI and I wanted to go to Hawaii but it was way over budget and not all inclusive. So we warmed up to our next best interest at St. Lucia Sandals. PRoblem is that it's a little over our budget and I'm so confused about room options. We decided not to stay at the Halcyon though cheapest. We'd love to stay at the Grande or even La Toc but all of the best rooms have been sold out (wedding is 10/7/12)....we wanted swim up lagoon, private pool...nothing overly fancy but a nice room.

One suggestion our travel agent had was to stay at a Rondaval suite (very pricey but amazing) for 3 nights then either stay the next 4 nights at the Grande in a lower priced room....or stay the 3 nights at the Grande in Rondaval suite and 4 other nights at La Toc. I need help with this! Either way it would go over our budget by 2k....but I'd like to hear if people have stayed in the Rondaval suites, what some of the decent rooms are at the Grande, and at La Toc, if it's worth staying there for a split stay and if so, what area (sunset bluff or ok to stay anywhere on resort?)

mbody

I haven't stayed at Sandals yet- although, ladies on the boards already have, and hopefully they will comment to help. But...

We came to the decision to stay at LaToc in a Honeymoon Deluxe room. I believe it's third (maybe 4th) room category from the bottom. But, we're staying for 10 days and that was more important to us than to have a higher room category for only a week. Also, I know FI and I won't be in the room that much. Of course, we didn't want a dump, but we don't need top of the line either. And, we're very social people, so I don't think we'd really use the 'private' pool too much. I've also read a ton (and I mean a TON) of reviews on trip advisor, and a lot of people commented that the private pools weren't worth it to them. (Obviously some people love them though.) Also, we didn't want to split stay because that would take up a good portion of the day- I don't feel like packing my crap up, checking out just to check back in later that day. I'd rather be drinking at the pool or beach.

So, I'm rambling, but basically just trying to say..

What are your preferences? How important is the room to you? How much will you be in there? How important is the private pool? ect.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't go over budget just for a 'better' room. You have the budget for a reason, and I'm sure you will have a great HM staying in a lower room category and, most importantly, staying within your budget.

[Deleted User]

We just got back from the Grande two weeks ago.

 I just PM'd you my review.

I don't know if it will help you at all but it can't hurt.

It is very long, very detailed and it's also in it's raw format so please excuse any spelling and grammer errors.

Also, in the link above my siggy pic I have the review from our HM there in '08 as well as daily diaries and pics from both '08 and '12.

HTH and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

ejheart

Kristi, will you post your review here?!

We are also currently looking at the Grande and La Toc. I have heard that the beach is better at the Grande (as well as some other things). As far as the room goes, I wouldn't go over budget with it. I've read that you don't get as much privacy with the Rondoval suites as you should for the money. Think of all the other things you can do with that extra money (excursions!) If you really want to try it, maybe you could take it down to 2 nights OR downgrade your other room a bit?

A friend of a friend stayed at the Grande, and here's what she had to say about room selection. "If you can't get a swim-up room, or right on the beach, the Penthouse Honeymoon suite had fabulous views! Request the 4th floor facing the pool...we loved it!"

[Deleted User]

Review is now in the link above my siggy pic (Travel Reviews, St. Lucia '12).

HTH

ejheart

Awesome, thank you! I actually did some creeping after I posted that and found it. Although I know some people who loved La Toc, the Grande really does sound like a winner.

Blueyed228

I stayed at La Toc in the 2 story villa with the private pool.

I have pics and a review in my bio