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Sandals Butler Service or Sandals Club Level? - Which to Book in 2025

Writer: Jonathan & AngelaJonathan & Angela

Updated: Mar 17


Club-vs-Butler-Service-at-Sandals-Resorts.jpg

Planning a vacation at a Sandals all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean is an exciting process, and with so many options to choose from across 17 locations, deciding where to stay is a significant one. In 2025, choosing between Sandals Club Level and Butler Level can be challenging as there have been many recent resort updates, and both levels offer unique benefits.


At the core, Sandals Resorts categorizes its accommodations into three types:


  1. Sandals Luxury is the entry point, providing full access to the resort's amenities.

  2. Sandals Club Level rooms enhance the experience with added perks such as room service and a private check-in.

  3. At the top, Sandals Butler service offers the highest level of personalization with services tailored to your individual preferences.


Key Takeaways


  • Butler level guests receive exclusive amenities like private plunge pools, in-room check-in, 24-hour room service, and priority dining reservations.

  • It is important to be clear on your expectations when working with your butler team. Print off your butler preference sheet and review it with them upon arrival.

  • Butlers and spa therapists can accept tips, but they are not mandatory. The recommended amount is $25 per butler per day.

  • Overwater Bungalow guests staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay and Sandals South Coast receive private transfers and Club Mobay fast-track immigration services.


At Rivage Travel, we've specialized in Sandals for over 15 years and were recognized by Sandals as one of the top seven travel advisors in the United States and top-producing travel agent for Butler rooms in 2024. As a Sandals Chairman's Royal Club Diamond Elite travel expert, we'll clarify the differences between Club Level and Butler Elite and help you choose the right accommodation for your vacation.


Best of all, our professional services are complimentary if you have questions or need assistance with your reservation! If you're ready to book or have questions, please share your plans using our chat feature.


If you prefer to book direct, you'll find their most recent specials at Sandals.com as well as their weekly last minute deals.


We hope this information is helpful to you. Let's get started!



 

Sandals Saint Vincent Beachfront Butler Suite

Understanding Sandals Resorts Room Categories

Sandals offers three main types of accommodations, each catering to different preferences, budgets, and needs. Understanding the nuances of these categories will help you select the suite that best suits your vacation goals.


Sandals Luxury Level Room

Sandals Luxury

The Sandals Luxury category is the entry point for guests and ideal for couples who plan to spend most of their time outside their suite. Here you'll enjoy the full range of amenities offered by Sandals without stretching the budget with rooms designed to provide comfort and convenience.

Key Features:


  • Access to all resort amenities, including Global Gourmet dining, drinks, and sports activities.

  • Sandals Tranquility Blissful Beds

  • A minibar stocked with water, soda, juice, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wine, and local beer.

  • Standard in-room entertainment and Wi-Fi access.



Sandals Club Level Room

Sandals Club Level

Sandals Club Level accommodations offer a step up in luxury and exclusivity. Guests choosing this category enjoy enhanced services and amenities and preferred locations on the resort.


One of the main reasons our clients upgrade from a luxury-level suite is that Sandals’ room service allows you to order breakfast in bed and have lunch and dinner delivered to your suite. This is ideal for those who don’t feel like dressing up for the restaurant or when you want to have a romantic dinner on your balcony or patio.


You’ll also have access to the Club Sandals lounge from 8 AM to 10 PM which features flat-screen TVs, board games, books, novels, special cocktails and more. We like to think of the Club/Butler lounge as the perfect sanctuary to enjoy your time when there's some liquid sunshine.


The Club Sandals Concierge will also help plan vacation activities and make restaurant reservations, tour bookings, private Sandals Lit dinners, reserve a private beach cabana, spa appointments, and anything else you may need.


Key Features:


  • Complimentary room service is available from 7 AM to 10 PM, allowing you to enjoy private dining in the comfort of your suite.

  • Access to the Club Sandals Lounge. Offering a dedicated concierge for personalized service, private check-in, and additional amenities like snacks and premium drinks.

  • Stocked minibar with an expanded selection of beverages. Including Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wine, juice, soda, water, local beer, and a selection of liquors.

  • Special Club Sandals concierge services to assist with reservations for spas, excursions, and restaurants.

  • Most Club Sandals room categories feature Sandals Tranquility Soaking Tubs.

  • Exclusive Club Sandals vacation activities for guests such as cocktail hours and snorkel trips.


Sandals Butler Level Curacao

Sandals Butler Service

Butler Service is designed for those seeking the highest level of hospitality and attention to detail. It truly takes service and luxury to a whole new level, as it includes professionally trained personal butlers who work to provide you with a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience!


In this category, you can expect your butler to greet you upon arrival with lemongrass-scented hand towels, welcome cocktails, and culinary treats. Your butler will also escort you to your suite to complete the check-in and fill you in on the resort facilities.


Once you’ve checked in, you can update your preferences, tour the resort, or relax. You’ll also receive a personal cell phone to reach your butler whenever you need assistance.


Key Features:


  • Personalized butler service. Here, professionally trained butlers cater to your every need, from unpacking luggage to making spa and dinner reservations.

  • Before you arrive, you will fill out a Sandals butler preference form so your team will be fully prepared to handle your requests.

  • Priority check-in service is provided directly in your Love Nest Suite. Upon arrival, you will receive lemongrass-scented hand towels and white glove service.

  • Preferred dining arrangements. Some include arranging private dinners or delivering your favorite meals and drinks directly to your suite, poolside, or beachfront.

  • In Room Dining: Your butlers can serve you lunch, dinner, snacks, and your favorite cocktails from any restaurant of your choice or bar on the beach.

  • A premium minibar stocked with your choice of premium liquors, wines, and other beverages.

  • Most butler room categories feature Tranquility Soaking Tubs.

  • Upper tiered Butler Elite Love Nest Suites offer private airport transfers in a Rolls Royce at Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Royal Bahamian.

  • Butler service includes an expanded in room menu with 24-hour service.


Club Level vs Butler Service: Choosing Your Suite

When deciding between the Sandals Luxury, Club Level, and Butler Level, consider what's most important. Whether you want personalized service at your fingertips, in room dining convenience, or a comfortable place to rest between adventures, Sandals has a room category designed to meet your needs and budget.


 

Sandals Butler Service

Sandals Resorts Inclusions for All Room Categories

Regardless of which room category you select at Sandals, all guests are treated to inclusions designed to create an unforgettable vacation experience.


Here are the comprehensive amenities and activities included across all room categories:


Dining and Beverages


  • Unlimited Global Gourmet Dining includes access to all restaurants.

  • Unlimited Premium Liquors and Drinks: Enjoy top-shelf drinks, poolside cocktails, evening spirits, or fine wines from Robert Mondavi.

  • Enjoy all-inclusive dining with snacks and meals included. Whether you're craving beachside bites or gourmet dinners, Sandals has you covered.


Activities and Entertainment


  • Water Sports: Unlimited PADI scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking, with equipment and instruction provided.

  • Land Sports: Unlimited access to tennis courts and beach volleyball. Pickleball is available at select Sandals resorts.

  • Golf: Guests at select resorts enjoy complimentary green fees at Sandals' award-winning golf courses in Jamaica, St Lucia, and the Bahamas.

  • Entertainment: There are entertainment options day and night, from live shows to beach parties and themed nights, like a white night and silent disco.


Additional Amenities


  • Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art gym with the latest fitness equipment is open to all guests.

  • Airport Transfers: Complimentary round-trip airport transfers

  • Free Wi-Fi: complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the resort with a paid option for those needing more speed.


Sandals Resort Experiences

At Sandals, the focus is on providing an immersive and worry-free vacation. From the moment you arrive until you depart, every aspect of your stay is designed to cater to your comfort and enjoyment. Whether you're sipping a morning blue mountain coffee with an ocean view, exploring the marine life beneath the waves, or simply relaxing by the pool with a book, your vacation will be filled with memorable experiences.


 

Sandals Club Level room

Club Level: The Step Above

Many of our clients ask us about Club Level at Sandals and its benefits. We consider Club Level the step above and the sweet spot for accommodations without the price tag of a butler suite.

Here's what makes Sandals Club Level a step above the rest.


Club Sandals Amenities and Benefits


  1. Complimentary Room Service: Enjoy complimentary in-room dining from 7 AM until 10 PM.

  2. Dedicated Club Sandals Lounge:  Club-level guests have access to the Club Sandals Lounge, a comfortable and stylish area perfect for relaxing away from the heat. The lounge offers snacks, pastries, and beverages, including premium alcoholic drinks, all day.

  3. Concierge Service: The Club Sandals Concierge assists with your check-in. They can help organize excursions, make dinner reservations, and customize your stay.

  4. Upgraded In-Room Amenities: The minibar in Club Level rooms includes an expanded selection of beverages. These feature Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wine, local beer, a variety of liquors, juice, soda, and water.

  5. Private Resort Orientation: Club Level guests receive a dedicated resort orientation upon arrival and an invitation to the Manager's weekly cocktail party.


Why Choose Club Level?

Choosing Club Level is about more than just the room—it's about enhancing your overall resort experience. The added conveniences and services are designed to offer guests a more relaxed and worry-free vacation.


 

Sandals Rondoval

Sandals Butler Service

Sandals Butler Elite offers the most personalized level of service available at Sandals and will transform a standard vacation into an extraordinary experience.


Here, your dedicated butler meticulously manages every detail and will take the time to understand your preferences, from the type of pillows you like to the snacks and drinks you enjoy. They can even unpack your luggage, so you can start your vacation the moment you arrive,


Let's look deeper into what distinguishes Butler Service at Sandals from other accommodations.


Benefits of Sandals Butler Elite Service


  1. Professionally Trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers: From unpacking and packing your luggage to attending to your wardrobe and serving your favorite drinks on the beach, your butler takes care of every detail.

  2. Exclusive Butler Services: Your butler can arrange private dinners, reserve the best spots by the pool or beach near the Caribbean Sea, and ensure your preferred drinks and snacks are always within reach. They can also book spa appointments, excursions, and anything else you might desire.

  3. Accessibility: Butler guests are provided with a personal mobile device for their stay, making it easy to request butler services no matter where you are on the resort.

  4. Room Attendants: Your butler will reach out to you to schedule the time for the servicing of your suite, so the timing is always convenient.


Private Resort Orientation

Upon arrival, your butler will conduct a resort orientation, helping you become familiar with the resort’s layout and amenities. From showing you the best spots to dine to highlighting the various activities you can join in on, this orientation is designed to make you feel at home from day one.


Red Lane Spa Appointments and Treatments

One of the best aspects of a Sandals vacation is the spa experience, and your butler can make it even better by scheduling all spa appointments and treatments.


Beach and Pool Chair Reservations

Finding the perfect spot at the beach or by the pool can often be a stressful task that starts well before the sun rises for many. Not when you have Butler Service, here your butler will get you the best spots on the beach and pool chairs set up so when you're ready, those seats will be waiting for you with a fully stocked cooler filled with your favorite beverages.


Room Service, Amenities and Inclusions


  1. Luxurious Accommodations: Butler Elite Love Nest Suites and overwater bungalows are among Sandals most elegant and well-appointed accommodations. These suites often feature the best views, spacious layouts, and exclusive amenities like fine Egyptian cotton linens, bed slippers, pillow menus, and private pools, patios, or balconies.

  2. Premium Minibar: The in-suite minibar is tailored to your preferences and stocked with premium spirits, wines, and other beverages, ensuring your favorites are always on hand.

  3. Private Airport Transfers: Select Butler suite accommodations include private airport transfers in luxury vehicles (at most Sandals properties), offering a comfortable and stylish beginning and end to your vacation.


Tailored Experiences


  1. Priority Restaurant Reservations: Butler Elite guests receive priority when making restaurant reservations, spa treatments, and activities.

  2. Customized In-Suite Dining: Enjoy personalized dining experiences within the comfort and privacy of your suite.

  3. Special Touches: From arranging romantic rose petal bubble baths to ensuring your favorite snacks are always available, your butler will go above and beyond to create memorable moments throughout your stay.

  4. Arrival Services: Upon entering your suite, you'll be welcomed with a special treat, and if requested, your butler will press your first nights clothes.


 

Sandals Luxury Transfers

Comparing Club Level and Butler Service: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Deciding between Sandals Club Level and Sandals Butler Service involves weighing the benefits of each against your personal vacation preferences and expectations. Both options elevate the all-inclusive experience but cater to different desires and priorities. Understanding the distinctions can help you determine whether the upgrade to Butler Service is worth it for your particular vacation style.


Differences Between Sandals Club Level and Butler Service


Service Personalization:


  • Club Level offers enhanced amenities over Sandals Luxury rooms, including dedicated concierge services for booking reservations and activities.

  • Butler Elite Service takes personalization to the next level. Butlers anticipate and cater to your every need, including unpacking luggage, preparing your room to your preferences, and providing bespoke dining experiences.


Privacy and Convenience:


  • Sandals Club Level guests enjoy the convenience of in room dining and access to the Club/Butler Lounge. These lounges provide a quiet, comfortable space away from the main areas.

  • Sandals Butler Service offers the most privacy and convenience. Your butlers will reserve poolside loungers, arrange meals anywhere on the resort, and ensure your favorite spots are always available.


Exclusive Amenities:


  • Club Level includes a stocked minibar with well liquors and the privilege of in room dining within designated hours.

  • Butler Elite Service provides a premium minibar customized to your preferences. Your butler is available to serve meals and drinks anywhere and at any time.


Cost Consideration:


  • Club Level is a more budget-friendly upgrade that offers a taste of luxury without the total expense of butler service.

  • Butler Service is a significant investment in your vacation experience, and the additional cost reflects an enhanced level of service and customization.


Is the Upgrade to Butler Service Worth It?

The value of upgrading to Butler Service depends on several factors:


  • Special Occasions: Sandals Butler Service's tailored experience can enhance travel for those celebrating milestones such as honeymoons, anniversaries, or birthdays.

  • Desire for Personalization: If personalized service and having a butler anticipate and cater to your every whim sounds like your vacation style, Butler Service will likely exceed your expectations and be worth the investment.

  • Preference for Privacy and Exclusivity: Butler Service perfectly fits guests who value privacy and exclusivity.

  • Vacation Style: If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the resort, engaging in activities, and dining out, Sandals Club Level offers a level of luxury and convenience that complements an active vacation style without the need for personalized butler services.


Both levels provide an enhanced experience, but Butler Service takes it to the highest level of luxury and personal care. Do you have questions about which room to book? Let's chat!


 

Sandals Butler Room Barbados.

Making Your Choice: What to Consider

Deciding between the various room categories—luxury, Club Level, and Butler Elite—involves carefully considering several factors, as your choice significantly influences your vacation experience.


Here are key factors to weigh as you make your selection:


Budget and Value


  • Financial Planning: Begin by evaluating your budget for the trip. While choosing the highest level of luxury is tempting, selecting an option that aligns with your financial comfort zone is essential.

  • Value for Money: Consider what aspects of your stay you value most. Is it the room amenities, the level of service, or the dining experience? Each category offers a different set of inclusions, so consider which features will enhance your stay the most.


Vacation Style and Activities


  • Daily Activities: Reflect on how you plan to spend your days. A luxury or club-level room should suffice if you spend most of your time outside the room. However, if you prefer lounging in your suite or desire more personalized service, Butler-level Rondoval suites might be more appealing.

  • Desire for Privacy and Exclusivity: If privacy is important, Sandals Butler suites offer more secluded spaces with personalized attention.


Research and Reviews


  • Guest Feedback: Read reviews and feedback from past guests on Trip Advisor. Talk to us at Rivage Travel for even more insight, as we have booked more than 1,500 trips to Sandals resorts. Insights into their experiences can help you understand the nuances of each butler level room category and what to expect.

  • Resort Layout and Amenities: Familiarize yourself with the resort's layout and room locations. Proximity to amenities and views may influence your decision.


Whether you opt for the enhanced benefits of Club Level or the personalized pampering of Butler service, Sandals offers a great experience tailored to your desires. Balancing these factors will ensure you select the perfect backdrop for a memorable Caribbean getaway.


 

Sandal Resorts Accommodations

Club Level or Butler Service - The Final Choice

Choosing a suitable Sandals accommodation is crucial to planning your ideal Caribbean vacation. From Sandals Luxury's laid-back luxury to Club Level's exclusive services and the personalized attention of Butler Elite, each category offers unique amenities and experiences designed to cater to different preferences and expectations.


A combination of factors should guide the decision between your options.


These include budget, desired level of service, vacation style, and any special events you might be celebrating.



Ultimately, no matter which room category you choose, Sandals will provide you with a stay filled with luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Best of all, these moments will be set against the backdrop of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.


Regardless of which room you select, each category is designed to provide a seamless and worry-free vacation experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your time in paradise with your loved one.


 

Sandals Butler Service - Frequently Asked Questions


What services can I expect from Sandals Butler Service?

You can expect the most personalized level of attention with as much or as little interaction as you'd like. Your butler is there to enhance your Sandals experience and will complement your preferred travel style.


How do I communicate my preferences to my butler?

Before your arrival, you will complete a detailed questionnaire online or through the Sandals app, which will be sent to your butler team.


What is the tipping etiquette for Sandals butlers?

While not required, we recommend tipping your butler team between $20 and $30 per day, which can be given in cash at the end of your stay.


How do Sandals Butler Service and Club Level Service differ?

Butler Service offers a personalized experience with a dedicated butler, while Club Level Service provides shared lounge access and amenities such as a private lounge and in room dining.


Are there special perks for romantic getaways with Sandals Butler Service?

Absolutely, Butler Service offers amazing perks for romantic getaways, including private candlelit dinners and personalized flower arrangements. If you have a special request, don't hesitate to ask!


 

About the Authors


Jonathan & Angela

Jonathan and Angela


Based out of Atlanta, GA Rivage Travel is a boutique travel consultant group dedicated to providing personalized travel experiences. Owned by husband and wife duo Jonathan and Angela, our love for travel brought us together during a trip to Sydney, Australia. Our work is based on over 15 years of professional experience, hundreds of hours of travel industry certifications and training. We've been honored by Sandals Resorts as a top US travel agent with their highest honor of a Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert and look forward to using our experience to earn your business today and in the future.


 
 

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