Sandals Royal Bahamian - Anyone Been?

[merciantinkerbell]

A couple of months ago I asked about New York for first timers and thanks to all who replied. However, for many reasons I don't really want to go into, New York is out.
We're now looking at adult only all-inclusives in the Caribbean for June 2016 and Sandals seem to be the best with the Royal Bahamian best suiting us. Anybody been?

[Maleficent's Dad]

We're now looking at adult only all-inclusives in the Caribbean for June 2016 and Sandals seem to be the best with the Royal Bahamian best suiting us. Anybody been?

Funny reading this. DW and I returned from SRB about 2 weeks ago.
Here's a brief review:
We went down to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We wanted to do NOTHING except relax, enjoy each other's company, and not worry about anything. (Our kids were well cared for by my parents, so no worries there!)

Here's the overall synopsis:
Food: Average (and we dined at Gordon's on the Pier twice - just not that good).
Drinks: Average. The only beers available are Kalik and Sands. There is one Heineken tap in the pub (and that pub STINKS - as in rotten beer stench). Heavy on the fruity stuff, but nothing overly creative.
Atmosphere: Above Average - laid back, the "private" island (shared by cruise ships) is a slice of heaven, one pool, the Balmoral, is much quieter than the other (Windsor). Long gone is the Jamaican reggae or Caribbean Calypso music. Lots of modern hits and techno type stuff at the Windsor pool.
Room: We had a Zen Butler swim up suite - lovely room. Swim up area a bit over-rated. Housekeeping basically ignores the area out there. The closer your room to the beach, the deeper the pool area (if your room is at the far end of the hall, your "swim up suite" will have a wading area 2" deep outside of your bedroom door).
Service: Nothing great - and we had "butler service." The butlers will do as much as you demand of them. They'll do NOTHING else. They don't unpack for you, they don't do a lot. You can demand and push, and they'll do it, but slowly and act as if you're inconveniencing them. The Rolls Royce ride was sweet, however. (Mercedes on the way back to the airport was disappointing.) The rest of the staff is fine - no one goes "out of their way" to do anything for you.

All in all, we had a lovely, RELAXING time, which is just what we both needed. I'm not rushing back, but it was a nice time. They claim to be a 5 star resort... Don't buy it. They're good. The all-inclusive is nice. But 5-star? Not a chance.

If you want any more details, let me know while it's still fresh in my mind.

Note: There are NO free long distance (to USA) phone calls as advertised by Sandals.

[merciantinkerbell]

Thanks for the review. Considering how much we would have to pay coming from the UK, we will have a serious re-think on where to stay. Doesn't have to be the Bahamas, so if anyone has any suggestions for "physically challenged friendly" hotels, we're listening.

[Maleficent's Dad]

Thanks for the review. Considering how much we would have to pay coming from the UK, we will have a serious re-think on where to stay. Doesn't have to be the Bahamas, so if anyone has any suggestions for "physically challenged friendly" hotels, we're listening.

The place can be pricey - that's why I felt that certain aspects were lacking. If you pay less, you might expect less. But the prices this place charge, well...

Interestingly enough, both DW and I commented (more than once, mind you) how the Bahamas, unlike America, clearly doesn't have any type of laws for those with disabilities. Or, to be fair, if they do, SRB did not adhere to them. The 2 main hotel buildings had elevators, but nothing else. Lots of areas and buildings with stairs only. No ramps.

[NJGIRL]

The place can be pricey - that's why I felt that certain aspects were lacking. If you pay less, you might expect less. But the prices this place charge, well...

Interestingly enough, both DW and I commented (more than once, mind you) how the Bahamas, unlike America, clearly doesn't have any type of laws for those with disabilities. Or, to be fair, if they do, SRB did not adhere to them. The 2 main hotel buildings had elevators, but nothing else. Lots of areas and buildings with stairs only. No ramps.

Sounds like Italy. When we returned home, my boss at the time ask if it was handicap friendly and I told him not at all. Not only didn't I see any handicap people, I didn't see any old people walking around either. Their sidewalks were a hazard even for able bodied people.

[DNS]

We have never been, but my niece and her husband go to Sandals around the Caribbean and say that the one in St. Lucia is the best by far. I'm sure that doesn't help a lot, but maybe you could check that out.

[merciantinkerbell]

Thanks, certainly look into St Lucia and see if disabled friendly. There's a new one just opened in Barbados too. As brand new, maybe built with physically challenged in mind.

[DNS]

If you cannot find what you need to know, I would not hesitate to email them.