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Sandals Montego Bay Review | Where the Beach Goes On
By Jonathan | Updated on February 21, 2025
Since starting a family, we don't have as many opportunities to stay at Sandals Resorts as we used to. Instead, most of our travels now take us to Beaches Resorts, the family-friendly resort brand owned by Sandals. So when we do get a break, we make sure to pick the right one!
For this trip, we headed to Sandals flagship resort, Sandals Montego Bay, in Jamaica.
If you’re wondering whether this legendary all-inclusive resort is worth a visit, in short. Yes, and more!
Today, we will share our journey and help you decide if this is the right getaway for your next vacation. As an awarded Sandals Chairmans Chairmans Club Diamond Elite travel expert, we're also going to share our insider tips for maximizing your investment so that you're taking advantage of all available travel perks.
Remember to check out our resort video highlighting our stay - OK, let's go!
What to Know About Sandals Montego Bay
This is the original Sandals resort and one that many of our clients come back to. With room rates starting at $310.00 per person per night, there is something here to fit just about any budget.
What do guests say about Sandals Montego Bay? Sandals Montego Bay is well loved by its guests, with 88% of 7,521 Trip Advisor reviews rating it as 'Very good' or 'Excellent'.
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Arrival & First Impressions:
Getting to the Resort
As we touched down late in the morning at the Montego Bay airport, I could feel the stress melting away as the warm sun came over us. Yay, we made it!
Fortunately, we had booked the Club Mobay immigration expedited service because there were many people in the arrivals areas from several planes arriving before us. We met our Club Mobay rep at the end of the jetway, and she took us through a dedicated line. After quickly clearing customs, we made our way to the arrivals area and checked in at the Sandals lounge.
Here, the staff members greeted us with smiles, tagged our luggage, and within minutes, we were en route to the resort.
Travel Tips:
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If you’ve never used Club Mobay Fast Track Immigration services before, consider it. If you arrive early, you may not need the arrival services, but the departure lounge is a must, as you'll be waiting at least an hour for your flight to board. Lastly, your MoBay rep can accept tips. We usually recommend at least $10.00.
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Baggage handlers inside the airport will want to take your bags outside. We usually let them take our bags out the door and tip them $5.00 - $10.00 for their efforts.
Resort Facts for Sandals Montego Bay
Ready to experience Sandals Montego Bay Book your stay now!
Our Room: Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub (SM1B)
On this stay, we booked into the Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire One-Bedroom Butler Suite. This is not the newest room category on the resort, but it has a great location near the Jerk Shack, which was something I appreciated.
When you have butler service at Sandals, you'll complete an online questionnaire prior to arrival about what is most important to you for your stay. While we finished our private check-in inside our room, we reviewed our preferences, received our butler phone, and confirmed our dinner reservations.
Once that was completed, Angela and I met up with our friends who traveled with us. We grabbed jerk chicken from the Jerk Shack snack bar and took a quick dip in the pool. This was a great start!
Aside from being beachfront, one thing we love about the swim-up rooms is that you have direct access to the pool right from your patio. A hot tub was also nearby, which was a great place to wind down after a day of activities.
Sandals Montego Bay Pricing: Prices vary by season for this room category, but the average is $735.00 per person per night. If you’re celebrating a special day like an anniversary, it’s definitely worth considering, as we can apply a free anniversary night promotion if you travel within 30 days of your anniversary date.
What makes Sandals Montego Bay a Top Recommendation
We've visited all of the Sandals Beach Resorts throughout the Caribbean, and Sandals Montego Bay is one of our favorites for its location and room types.
Here are some highlights.
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The rooms are well-appointed, modern, and comfortable.
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We love the pools, and you’ll find plenty of loungers and umbrellas.
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There are no vendors allowed on the beach.
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The bartenders are a lot of fun, and the drinks are skillfully made.
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The fitness center at Sandals Montego Bay is well-kept and offers a variety of options and free weights.
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Each night, there is a different theme, and the entertainers do a great job engaging the audience.
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The landscaping is beautiful and extremely well-kept.
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Sandals Montego Bay has a rotating restaurant schedule, so please check with us or the hotel directly upon check-in to see what’s open.
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The pools are not as large as some other Sandals resorts.
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There is no elevator, so stairs are involved if you are on an upper floor.
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Unless you're up early, the best beach chair locations might be reserved by those with butler service.
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There can be noise from the airplanes taking off and landing, but it is a brief encounter that lasts only about 30 seconds.
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Exchange privileges include full access to its sister resort, Sandals Royal Caribbean, via a complimentary shuttle from 10 am to 9 pm.
Sandals Montego Bay sits on a private white sand beach on Jamaica’s north coast and is only about three miles from the Sangster International Airport, which means your travel time is minimal—an absolute bonus for those looking to do a shorter stay of three nights or more.
Key Features
Sandals Montego Bay Phone Number and Address
Phone: 876 952-5510
Sandals Montego Bay is the original Sandals Resort. Having opened in 1981, Sandals founder Gordon "Butch" Stewart purchased the Bay Roc Hotel, which was on one of Montego Bay's largest private beaches.
Today, it is the only resort in Jamaica with accommodations literally steps away from the water's edge.
At the resort, snorkeling, scuba diving, and waterskiing are just a few of the water sports included in your all-inclusive package. Then there’s the nightlife. This is known to be a lively resort, and around the main lobby piano bar, you'll catch live music performances and an entertainment staff who will keep things going.
If you're looking to get off the resort, you can even take the complimentary shuttle to the nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean, which expands the number of fine dining options to seventeen. Or check out its private island, which is fully serviced with a pool, restaurant, and bar.
Accommodation Options at Sandals Montego Bay
While having a butler is great for many reasons, not everyone needs a Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suite, so it’s nice to have other options to consider.
Let's take a closer look at what is available here.
Crystal Lagoon Honeymoon Oceanview One-Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub
Least Expensive Butler Room: Priced from $477.00 per person per night, this suite is a top recommendation for the ocean views you get from your private patio. Here, you'll get 24-hour room service with upgraded premium in-room liquors, and your personal butler may even surprise you with a candlelit bubble bath or a plate of chocolate treats.
Beachfront Club Level Room w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub (BCL)
Located on the second floor, this Club Level Room priced at $473.00 per person per night, has amazing ocean views. Not only do you get access to the club lounge with a private check-in and room service. This is a great middle ground between the more lavish Butler Level suites and the simpler Deluxe Room category.
Caribbean Deluxe Room
On a tighter budget? The Caribbean Deluxe Room priced from $310.00 per person per night, offers everything you need without too many extras. Some have partial garden views, but you’re never far from the main pool or the beach. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy Sandals Montego Bay Rooms and still enjoy that Sandals all-inclusive experience.
Amenities
All rooms have air conditioning, king-size beds, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, free Wi-Fi, and that signature Sandals charm. Butler-level guests get extras like private check-in, personal services for dinner reservations, and priority seating at restaurants. Plus, unlimited scuba diving (for certified divers) is part of all packages, so you can explore those coral reefs whenever you want.
Dining at Sandals Montego Bay
You’ll find twelve specialty dining restaurants, so there’s something for everyone. For us, we always start the night at Soy for some sushi apps before moving on to our final dinner destination.
Here are the highlights
On-Site Restaurants
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Cucina Romana: My favorite restaurant for Italian classics. The pasta is made fresh and is served in an oceanfront setting.
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Tokyo Jo’s: An open-air outdoor dining experience featuring Asian-fusion plates. It’s especially fun to watch the chefs stir-frying your meal right in front of you.
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Butch’s Steak & Seafood: Terrific steaks and fresh seafood. * Reservations are required.
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Dino’s Pizzeria: Perfect when you’re in the mood for a quick, wood-fired pizza.
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Soy Sushi Bar: A must-stop for sushi lovers.
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The Oleander Room: Jamaican food served with an upscale twist.
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Stew Fish: A casual beachfront restaurant specializing in seafood.
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Bayside Restaurant: International buffet by morning, French brasserie by evening.
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Mariner Seaside Bar & Grill: Handy for quick bites like burgers, fries, and salads, especially after a busy day of water sports.
Bars and Lounges
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Latitudes Overwater Bar: Lounge over the sea in a hammock while sipping on a tropical cocktail.
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Swim-Up Pool Bar: Perfect for an ice-cold Red Stripe or a fresh coconut without leaving the pool.
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Piano Bar: Low-key tunes, cozy seating, and staff members who’ll play requests.
Our Getaway Video to Sandals Montego Bay
While we loved the long stretch of beach, where we spent most of our time, when we were ready to get active, there was always something to do!
Check out everything we did on this stay!
Activities and Entertainment
From daily beach volleyball tournaments to live music in the evenings, there’s constantly something happening here. If you’re looking for a slower pace, the coffee shop near the main pool is a hideaway where you can sip a blue mountain espresso and watch the waves.
Water Sports
Scuba diving is included for certified divers. If you're not yet certified, take the online PADI course ahead of your arrival and complete your open water dives at the resort. Waterskiing, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat sailing are also part of your all-inclusive package.
Land Sports
Grab a friend or the on-site tennis pro and head to the tennis courts or challenge someone to table tennis. The open-air fitness center is a great place to burn off those extra vacation calories!
Pools and Whirlpools
The main pool is the social hub where you'll gather for games and cocktails. There are smaller pools around the resort and several whirlpools, including one near the piano bar.
On Resort Activities
Catamaran cruises, themed beach parties, and romantic dinners are all part of the experience. For excursion options, you can check with Island Routes or your Club Sandals concierge.
Wellness and Spa
Looking for some extra pampering? The Red Lane Spa offers a complete list of spa services—from massages to body wraps and even pedicures in the beauty salon.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Evenings often began for us with a live band or DJ in the Montego Bay Sandals living Room - aka, the main open-air lobby. Here, there are comfy lounge spots, and it's a great place to meet fellow travelers or chill with a rum punch.
What to See at Sandals Montego Bay
If you're looking for a day trip, you're about 90 minutes from the Jamaican hotspots like Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, but if you're staying on-site, one highlight is the overwater features. On several days, we spent a couple of hours at the Latitudes Overwater Bar—sitting on one of those hammocks and gazing straight down at the Caribbean Sea. Take me back!
Each week, there will be a cultural day where you can pick up those handmade souvenirs or chat with Jamaicans, who will share a bit about their traditions.
Weddings and Honeymoons
Sandals Montego Bay is a great destination for a romantic getaway, so it’s no surprise that they offer wedding packages and honeymoon perks for guests celebrating special occasions.
This is also one of a handful of Sandals resorts with an overwater wedding chapel, where you can celebrate your special day in style. (for an additional cost)
Travel Agent Insider Tips for Booking Sandals Montego Bay
As travel experts specializing in Sandals who want to help our clients get the most from their investment, we recommend looking into the weekly Sandals 777 deals. If your dates are flexible—they will help you snag the best price on specific rooms and resorts.
Also, enroll in the Sandals Select Rewards program. If you’re a returning guest, your total number of nights will earn you status and bring you closer to a free week.
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Weekly Sandals 777 Promo: Runs Wednesday to Wednesday and features seven resorts that are discounted an additional seven percent. Travel Tip: Even if you're booked, as long as your room is not paid in full, this promotion can be applied if featured on their weekly sale.
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Dinner Reservations: If you’re eyeing the popular restaurants, make your reservations early. The first one can be done through the Sandals app 14 days prior to arrival. Butlers will make priority reservations for their clients, and Club Level guests can ask the concierge staff members.
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Beach Shade: Umbrellas and overwater beach cabanas go fast, so grabbing your spot in the morning can be smart.
How Sandals Montego Bay Compares to Other Sandals Resorts
Being the original Sandals Resort, it has a legacy that is really unmatched by anything else. Compared to others in Jamaica (like Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios or Sandals South Coast), Montego Bay is known for its social vibe, short airport commute, and signature white sand beach.
Why You Should Visit Sandals Montego Bay
The biggest reason is the convenience factor combined with the twelve dining choices and water sports activities. Whether you’re into scuba diving, lazy days by the pool, or hitting up the piano bar for late-night fun, this resort keeps you going or not going.
This is one of our top recommendations for a fun getaway that is easy to get to. It has direct flight access from the United States and transfer times of less than five minutes. It’s also great for couples wanting an all-inclusive experience with no hidden charges.
Our Wrap Up:
Angela and I have traveled all over the Caribbean, but there’s something to say about stepping off the plane and reaching your resort within minutes. We loved our time here with friends and will be back, as will our clients.
Sandals Montego Bay is one of the top-rated hotels in Jamaica, and many of our clients return every year.
As an awarded Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert, we highly recommend Sandals Montego Bay for its convenience and exchange privileges with Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Let's connect using the chat feature below if you think this is the right place for your next trip.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandals Montego Bay worth it?
Yes. If you value quick airport transfers, plenty of water sports (like scuba diving), and multiple dining options in one place, you’ll likely find it to be a great consideration.
What happened to Sandals Inn Montego Bay?
Sandals Inn, also known as Sandals Carlyle, was a smaller property that eventually closed.
Is Sandals Montego Bay adults only?
Yes. Sandals resorts are for couples only aged 18+.
Is Sandals Montego Bay all-inclusive?
Absolutely. Your stay covers all meals, premium unlimited drinks, water sports, entertainment, and even tips (except for personal butlers or spa therapists, who can accept gratuities for exceptional service).
What are the things to do at Sandals Montego Bay?
You can enjoy everything from water skiing to beach volleyball, Red Lane Spa treatments, and live music in the evenings. There’s also a swim-up pool, tennis courts, catamaran cruise options, and local tours.
What are some of the popular excursions at Sandals Montego Bay?
Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is a favorite, but it is about 90 minutes from the resort. We also recommend catamaran cruises, which often include snorkeling. Guests can also take shopping trips to Montego Bay or day adventures to other Jamaican attractions.
What airport do you fly into for Sandals Montego Bay?
You’ll fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ), which is located down the street from the resort.
How far is Sandals Montego Bay from the airport?
It’s about three miles (roughly a 5-minute drive), making it one of the most conveniently located Montego Bay Hotels nearby.
What’s the location of Sandals Montego Bay, and how do I reach the resort?
It’s found along Kent Avenue in Montego Bay. Most visitors arrive via the complimentary shuttle from Sangster International Airport, though we can arrange a private transfer if requested.