Guest reviews Sugar Bay Barbados

by SanGrya Leicester, United Kingdom

Lovely hotel, let down by room next to aircon vents

We first stayed at this hotel not long after it reopened and we had a fabulous time. We were given a lovely suite overlocking the sea even though we’d only booked a signature room. We liked it so much that we decided to go back and get married there. Now, don’t get me wrong, we had an amazing time, but what let it down was the fact that we were allocated possibly the worst bedroom in the hotel - at the back, overlooking the car park, and right next to the air con vents that sounded like a freight train roaring through the bedroom all night and all day long. As returning guests, getting married there, it was just poor. It was far from romantic and not exactly where I’d want to sit and eat a special wedding room service breakfast! And there are lots of much nicer signature rooms there; the room we were given is subpar. This is where the hotel lets itself down really; just a lack of thoughtfulness from certain staff there. And I think any prospective bride and groom only booking a signature room, thinking that that might make a difference, should be aware!

by CGLNYC1 New York

The worst resort ever!

I have never stayed at a more horrible over priced ripoff misleading disaster of a resort in my life. First, the beds did not even fit me I’m 6’1. The shower flooded the bathroom as there was no shower door, the sink was filthy and the room was noisy all night. I sat down to eat lunch and watched a bird walk across the salad a staff member watched this and didn’t change the food ! Gross!!!! What other food was put out was worse than school food, inedible and disgusting lunch. The “premium spirits” were rail liquor, I asked for better and the best they could find was beafeater, that’s a low shelf where I’m from. Then we went to dinner where cats roamed the dining patio, the food was covered in gross bbq sauce, even the burgers were like hockey pucks. Went to the front desk and the 2 useless agents seemed completely unphased by my remarks, as if it was normal. She said try the sushi place and said it requires reservations and you can’t get in unless you have it, I asked how we make them she said with us or you call from the room. I said we were there for one night she said it’s full and dismissed me. After begging the sushi place to let us in the sushi chef saved the day as we hadn’t eaten all day at this point. The beach was tiny and the cushions were worn. The beach grill bar and pool, also poorly kept and filthy. We then attempted breakfast, another failure as they were jack hammering all morning so dust was flying into your powdered eggs and grease covered bacon. Even the fruit was poor, how do you mess up fruit..... we expressed our concerns at check out and again no reaction. They simply said we need the bracelets back or you’ll be charged. So I said cut it off of me, and provide me a receipt I gave it back, she said we can’t do that, I said how do I know I won’t be charged. She said “don’t worry” after literally saying they would charge us. I reached out to the GM - what a shame he was and even threatened me !! 0 of 5 would not recommend to anyone. Stay anywhere but here this place is a scam !!!

by Mike S Cambridge, United Kingdom

Another great visit

Second visit to Sugar Bay and it never disappoints. Coming out of UK to the sunshine was just what we needed. A pleasure to spend a holiday here, with its wonderful location, great beach, and excellent staff. Nothing seems to have changed here since our last visit which is just how we like it and is what will make us keep coming back. We notice several remarks in reviews that this hotel is not worth the money. Opinions on quality are subjective and as far as we are concerned; if you feel you have had a fantastic holiday and it was worth the money, that's all that counts. We had a fantastic holiday. Great to see some of the staff from last year who work so hard to ensure we have a great time; one of the main strengths of this hotel. For us, Sugar Bay has all we need to come home refreshed and wanting to go back again next year. Some mentions; the dining room staff always greet you with with a smile and nothing is too much trouble. The ever-watchful Pedro the Catering and Hotel Services Manager is always around making sure all is well and his big smile and friendliness are a pleasure. The beach boys who make sure we have the umbrellas and share some friendly banter each day are brilliant. The room cleaning staff who always left our room so spotlessly clean. The staff in Sizzlers who were always so professional and would be an asset to any high quality restaurant and the chef and his team who produce amazing food. Sadly, the dreaded Virus reached out to Barbados . We started to receive notifications of restrictions of the number of flights coming in to take people home and after a day or so, there was talk of Grantleigh Adams airport closing altogether. Then we were told that we were cancelled on our flight home and had to wait 72 hours to find out when would go. We went to speak with the Virgin rep who came to the hotel most days for any information she may have had as to when we could go home. As I approached her, I was greeted by a loud panic striken voice to stay a distance from her and not to invade her space with oustreched hands urging me away. The other guests in the room were shocked at her manner but later stated that they received the same rudeness and off-handedness that we had. Whilst I can appreciate she was under great pressure, her ability to maintain a calm reassuring approach was not evident. Everyone got the same snapped out answer "Virgin will let you know" and then were dismissed from her presence. Luckily, one of the Reception staff contacted the Virgin offices in Bridgetown who confirmed we were on the flight back to London. The only drawback was that the flight was going to go back via Montego Bay in Jamaica to pick up more stranded travellers. All in all from leaving the hotel to stepping off the plane at Gatwick took over 20 hours!! At least we were home and many thanks to the Captain and Crew who gave us so much support and care on the flight home. Regardless, if all goes well, we will be returning to Sugar Bay next year to enjoy another great holiday.

by adywill06

Ady and Jan

Wow, 2018 was so good we came back in 2019 with 5 friends, this place heaven on earth, by far the best customer service we have ever experienced, every single member of staff treated us like family. The food, entertainment, on site restaurants and breakfast chef Andrea made our stay so special, we got engaged on their sun drenched beach💖 and were definitely visiting again next summer !! Love to all resort staff.

by Sillyusername23 Region of Waterloo, Canada

Very nice all-inclusive resort.

Lovely facility with excellent beach and very helpful beach and pool staff who will ensure that you get lounges and shade umbrellas (critical need if you want to avoid a sun burn) whenever you need them. Pool with swim up bar is quiet and protected. Beach is lovely with a 'breakwater' out from the shore so that swimming is in relatively calm water. Dining was quite good in the buffet area and absolutely excellent in the two specialty restaurants (one featuring sushi etc. and one focused on steaks). Bar service was courteous and prompt. Good selection of wines, spirits and beers. Al around, a very nice vibe. Some young children, but never a bother. Convenient location in the historic Garrison district. Downtown Bridgetown a short bus, cab, or reggae bus ride away. We've visited Barbados several times. It is a safe, friendly, hospitable island compared to many others. Locals appreciate the tourist industry. Barbados has excellent education and health care systems for its citizens and there is very little evident poverty and no evidence that we have ever seen of racial discourd. Nice comfortable place to visit.