Swept Away or Sandels Negril

planning a 20th anniversary trip and usually on an extra trip we do all inclusive for part of the time before heading to the Castle. we have stayed at swept away many times and we like it a lot of course (how could you not). however we liked it more before they got so large as the original had more of the Negril feel. was considering switching to Sandals negril. i want to try to avoid us saying we shoud have stayed at Swept Away.
anyone stay at both within the last few years and have an opinion?
thanks,
Ed

Ed,

Been many years since I stayed at either, but you make a good point. Swept Away is much larger now. For the money you are budgeting, maybe Catcha Falling Star on the cliffs or are you hard set on a beach visit?

Enjoy,

VVHT

to VVHT- thanks for the suggestion. we will stay at the cliffs for the second 1/2. my goal is either Catcha or Blue Cave depending on who has our favorite room avaialble.

Have you considered Couples Negril? In my opinion you receivce basically the same level of food, drinks and overall service that you do from CSA. Yes, CN does have a different vibe to it being on Bloody Bay. Cn is a little less expensive than CSA too. Just a thought.

Hi Ed. We've stayed at both & would definitely recommend CSA. OR as Johio said, CN. Sandals beach was very disappointing & Couples certainly takes care of their guests in a way that's 2nd to non! Just MY opinion! We stay in the 'old' section & find we're not bothered by the size of CSA. Good luck & HAPPY Anniversary, which ever you choose!:cool:

thanks for the suggestions. couples sounds good but we prefer the main part of the beach. given the comment on sandals , we'll continue with CSA IN THE original section also.
perhaps they have the mini bars in all the rooms by this time.

I'm fairly certain, but have been proven wrong before, that all the rooms at CSA have been "upgraded" to include mini bars in them now. However, the Atrium and Beacfront Suites are still sans TV.

BTW, I agree with your "Main Beach" sentiment. Even when we've stayed at CN, we like to make our way over and stroll along Long Bay a day or two.

Spanky we just got back from CSA a few weeks ago, all rooms now have a bar set-up with 3 or 4 bottles (a fifth size bottle) of booze on the counter, and a refridgerator of mixers/beer/water. We did the beach walk thing and spoke with a couple that was staying at Sandals and they bagged on it. Said since they weren't in the "Butler area" (their words) they were treated as second class guests. I haven't heard that before but they were so down on the place. Every person has their own opinion and we ran into a few at CSA who *****ed about everything, my comment was always "it was nice talking to you, enjoy the rest of your trip" and I left. Don't need the negativity in my life.

thanks for the great info. the t.v. i prefer to do without. whereever we stay if they have a t.v i ask them to take it out.(no willpower gotta turn on cnbc if it'ds there ) Ed

If that's the case, you'll definitely want to request a suite in the "original" section. I LOVE being w/o a TV. So much less stress! Hope you have a wonderful time!

thanks for all the great info and suggestions

Couples negril definitely worth a try, especially if you like that old school, rustic feel(as much as a luxury A/I can..)and it's size is nice and small, w/o forfeiting the Couples service...and yes, Sandals has a "class" system, which entails more than just the room category you're in...at Couples, all guests get the same exceptional treatment

have some friends about to go to the sandles negril. went to the one by mo bay airport and loved that . i explained that they would love NEGRIL much more and they booked at sandals thought i suggested swept away. he's got plenty of money . how does the class system work?

I know you don't want to be away from the main beach but I have to put in another vote for CN. It has a great vibe. Also, if you sign up for their free romance rewards program you can get a day transfer to CSA and go exploring.