Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica

This was my second time visiting the island due to another FAIL from a previous trip but in Ocho at the Riu. We tried the Grand Bahia in the hopes of a much better experience however we will not be returning. We were not greeted with drinks as were other guests, the women staff were rude yet again to me, not my fiance, the only exception to that were Travis in restaurant bookings and Natrice the bartender in the evenings at the Sports Bar/Outside with live entertainment. Other than that, we were not impressed. The restaurant options were not pleasant with the exception of the Steakhouse on the Luxury side of the property, thanks to Travis because they wouldn't allow us to make the reservations. All in all, it was nice to get away however we will not be returning due to the lack of sleep we received from inhumane and rude guests constantly slamming their doors late at night and in the early morning hours to blatantly disrupt sleeping patrons. The disregard and disrespect from other guests was unruly. We appreciate being able to get away however we will go back to visiting other islands in the Caribbean and properties that cater to their guests. Thanks

I took my 4 adult children ages 23 -28. My one daughter is a chef so I wanted her to experience an all inclusive. The resort had enough food variety to support all their taste buds. The resort itself is huge, so accommodating large groups is not a problem. In fact, I would suggest companies to consider this spot for a convention or just a company sponsored retreat. The only problem I had was the laundry service. I would recommend that they provide various washer and dryers in different sections for guests, because their service wasn't available (didn't respond). Updating the fitness area I would suggest also. But other than that the pool is massive and the rooms are nice.

From the time of arrival on the property there were class distinctions evident. The Amstar Travel representatives made the distinction at the first stop that it was the Luxury Bahia. So when we were deposited outside of the plain Grand Bahia Principe, we and everyone on the bus going to other hotels to begin their vacation knew that we were not luxury guests. When our luggage was unloaded at the foot of the hotel stairs, there were 4 bellman standing at the top of the stairs talking among themselves. However, no one made an effort to come down the stairs to grab our bags.There was no welcome drink provided until I made a loud statement about "where is the welcome drink upon arrival?" We were placed in a dark room, where I had to take the lap shades off to get more light. The beds were smaller than any other hotel I have ever stayed in over 30+ years of travel. The carpet in the hallways of the floors where guests were located were dank, dirty, worn with holes and patched. In the middle of the night, the toilet started to back up. We called the front desk 5 times only to be asked on each new call the same information. We were told that a Manager would come and a Manager never did. We started to notice flying bugs in the room, without our having opened the terrace door. So the bugs were entering from another location. After going to the lobby and asking to speak to a Manager. A lovely Guest Services Manager Ms. Jones offered to spray the room but I declined due to upper respiratory concerns of my spouse. I asked for a different room and was given a another room that was free of flying bugs and had better light. The service in several locations was inconsiderate and sullen. People were at the pool bar attempting to get drinks and everyone was told "bar closed!" No attempt to service or direct you to a open bar. The pool was closed for 5 hours, no explanation given just staff blowing whistles at people who attempted to enter the pool. The beach was littered with garbage and had rocks. The bellman who reported to transport us out of our bug infested room did not greet us upon arrival, even though I said hello... He stood at the entrance of our room door talking on his cellphone. After a heated verbal exchange about the bags that he expected us to lift onto the cart in the hallway, we sent him away. The food was redundant and the selection was sparse. The WiFi was poor in the lobby, my daughter could not check school e-mail. The bathtub was left with dirt rings once the room was supposedly cleaned. We were a party of 3 but only towels for 2 were provided daily. What a freekin DISASTER this vacation was. I can't imagine that this is acceptable to your brand. Please send staff to anonymously evaluate this hotel because it is really bad! Had a great experience last year with Cheap Caribbean in Cancun but this trip makes me reconsider Cheap Caribbean moving forward. This hotel should be removed from consideration for your travelers and AmStar should consider what they say on the bus describing hotels. Additionally, they should stop asking for tips for bus drivers. Lastly, they should stop packing the bus like sardines because it was an uncomfortable ride and a terrible way to begin a vacation. Should have taken pictures...

The Lobby, Sports Bar, outdoor bars and pool areas were lovely and spacious. The dining options, quality of food, and interior hallways in the resort rooms were not up to par. My room, however was spacious and well thought out with a big terrace and gorgeous biew if the resort and sea. The beach was disappointingly small on the Grand Bahia side. I had a lovely time and enjoyed myself but would try a smaller more upscale resort.