So what is this place that I always talk about? My 'home' that I am always wishing I was or struggling to get back to as soon as possible? It's my home away from home, or perhaps more of a home than what I have here. What defines a home exactly? When I am at this resort I feel like a family member or a best friend with the staff. My hotel room is a miniature apartment where I can relax, but outdoors there is so much life and promise and happiness. I am talking about the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand Hotel near Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Location:
This resort is located a very short distance from Sangster International Airport on the north coast of the island. It typically takes 15-20 minutes to get there (great after a long flight), and in my experiences most of the buses are Iberostar guests only so you don't have to worry about waiting while they drop off people at other resorts. The resort complex has it's own stretch of beach with public spaces on either side. It is not directly neighbouring any other resorts, although they are only a short distance away. The resort is around 30 minutes away from Falmouth, a new cruise ship hotspot and around an hour from Ocho Rios, another large cruise ship city and tourist centre. Essentially this resort is in a prime location for those who like to spend time away from the hotel as it is close to 3 large tourist areas.
Complex:
The Iberostar complex in Jamaica consists of 3 resorts. As a guest of the Grand Hotel you have the opportunity to visit the other two (Suites and Beach) at your leisure. They are only a short walking distance away by beach or you can leave by the lobby and follow the sidewalks out front to the other lobbies. The entire complex is surrounded by walls with large security gates that are monitored 24/7 so you do not have to worry about walking around outside of the hotel. As an alternative, if you are not the walking type you can ask the Bell Desk just outside the lobby doors and they will happily drive you to the other locations on golf carts. Don't worry about getting back to the Grand as each resorts Bell Desk will happily call for your ride home. It is also worth noting that the Grand hotel and the Suites hotel are connected so you can walk between them inside. Only the Beach hotel requires you to go outdoors.
Facilities:
The Grand Hotel line by Iberostar features European inspired architecture and they do not fail to deliver with this one. The lobby is home to a soaring ceiling with images of stone statues depicting a great battle between men and women, and lions and snakes. You'll find lots of antique looking chairs and tables mixed up with modern sofas and lamps. The whole inside of the resort is done with beautiful neutral colours. The grand staircase from the lobby down to the pool level is a great place to take photos. It spirals around on either side of a floor level fountain. In terms of florals, there are plenty of flowers all over the resort. There are beautiful orchids as well as flower arrangements sitting out on tables all over the place from the lobby to the hallways leading to rooms and the bathrooms, all for ambient purposes. If you look around you might also notice small ceramic pots hiding beneath tables and in corners. These are oil burners (there will also be one in your room) and they provide a beautiful fresh scent. You definitely don't have to worry about the 'musty resort smell' here.
Rooms:
Bathroom:
The rooms are very spacious and modern facilities. One of my favourite things is the large bathroom. It is set up with two sinks with mirrors at opposite sides of the room, a jacuzzi tub, and stand alone shower and toilet stall. Everything is finished beautifully with chrome and glass. Don't forget about the bathrobes and slippers which are yours to use during your visit, they'll be hanging in the bathroom. While you are away at dinner the maids will reset the bathroom to prepare for an evening bath, so they will place a foot towel on the floor and do some shuffling of some of the things, nothing major but nice anyways.
Bedroom:
I've only ever stayed in a room that was set up with 2 double beds. The options (as with most resorts I've been to) is either 2 doubles or 1 king. The linens they use are absolutely beautiful, and these are the most comfortable beds that I have ever slept in. The pillow top on these mattresses is unbelievable and definitely beats expectations. In the daytime the maids will set up the bed for daytime use (i.e. Picture perfect), and at night while you are at dinner they will change the pillows and remove some of the coverings to dress the bed in all white and turn down the covers. You'll have a piece of chocolate waiting for you every night, guaranteed! If you are not happy with your pillows, you will find a pillow menu in your room. You can use it to choose from a variety of different types of pillows until you find the one that suits you best.
The furniture and finishings that they have decided to use is very nice. Everything is a nice dark wood with light ceramic and brushed metal finishings. One of my favourite things is the flexible book light installed into the wall. It's great and highly un-intrusive if there is someone who wants to stay up a bit later. Also for your entertainment is a flatscreen television and DVD player. There is a DVD menu in the room which you can use to borrow movies. You won't find the most recent films available, but there is still a decent selection nonetheless.
The mini bar is well stocked and is restocked everyday. You'll find Lays and Doritos, coffee, tea, a variety of sodas, juice, mini shots, etc.
Patio/Balcony:
The balconies at this resort are fabulous. They are made with wooden plans that don't heat up in the day if you are outside barefoot, but they all have plenty of shade anyways. It's so nice to spend an afternoon lounging outside on the balcony. There is a small sofa, marble coffee table and also a swinging chair. The swinging chair is a bit hard for the shorter people to get into, but once you are up there you'll find that it is super comfortable.
Pools:
I bet many of you have been waiting for this moment. Everything seems great inside, but what about outdoors? Let me tell you that these are some of the most beautiful pools I have ever seen. This resort features 4 pools of which 3 are infinity pools. They will feel a little cool in the morning, but as they warm up in the sun you will find that they reach a perfect temperature. The pool chairs are very comfortable and there is plenty of shade as they are tons of tiki huts. My favourites of course are the cabanas. These are queen sized 'beds' located around the pool and they have fabric curtains that you can use to hide away from the sun. I would be lying if I told you that I haven't spent quite a few afternoons sleeping out there after lunch! Now, if you have read any other reviews of this resort you will always find people who complain about people putting out towels to reserve their loungers. To be honest, I've been to this resort 3 times and NEVER had an issue with getting a chair that was a) near the pool and b) in the shade.. and this includes cabanas. I am a firm believer that the ones who are complaining are the ones who also sleep in, and nobody ever seems to factor in that beds with towels have owners who are in the pool, down at the beach, or off doing an activity with the entertainment crew. Furthermore, I would say that on most of my visits the number of loungers and beds seems to outnumber the guests who are out and about in the daytime.
As with any great resort, there is a swim up pool bar. The service there is quite speedy and there is also an upper level to this bar for those who are not in the water. At the upper level you can order ice cream to help cool off. If you are lounging around the pool or the beach you will be delighted to find that they have waitresses during the daytime who will go to the bar and get your drinks for you. Quite convenient if you've found the perfect tanning position.
Beach:
The beach at this resort is very well kept. The sand is very soft and very light. There isn't much seaweed at all, and anything that washes up on the beach is cleaned up throughout the day. In some areas there are some rocks, so watch out for those if you have sensitive feet. Also keep an eye out for the wildlife. I like to walk the beach in the morning and you'll see tiny crabs digging out their holes, super cute! There are also some larger white crabs... maybe the size of your hand. I had the experience of having one accidentally climb on my foot while I was busy staring at another, quite the experience to have a wild crab sit on you. We've also seen tropical fish out in the water, as well as one adventurous stingray who came by for a visit one afternoon.
The beach has the same amenities as the pool area with loungers and cabanas, and the waitresses do come down to the beach for drink orders as well.
Food:
One of the great things about this resort is the perk of being able to use any of the restaurants at the other two resorts in the complex. Being that I am a fairly simple eater and do not eat any seafood, I did find that some of the availability of the Grand was a bit too 'grand' for me. I am sure that if I was into seafood though that this resort would get my full rating for food. Nonetheless, whatever I did eat was great. I especially enjoyed the 24 hour room service feature. The club sandwiches and the Kobe beef hamburgers from that menu are amazing. For lunches, my favourite were the beach BBQ days. On my last visit I had the thrill of having 4 beach BBQs which is considerably more than I used to get when I was there. The BBQ features Jerk chicken and pork, as well as fresh grilled shrimp and lobster.
I've only ever been to 2 a la carte restaurants. Aunt Ruby's is a steak house located at the suites hotel. When you use your a la carte reservations you are able to attend a la cartes at any of the resorts and the concierge will have menus available for all of them for you to look at so you don't have to wander around trying to find them. Anyways, Aunt Ruby's was to die for! I enjoy my steak well done. Yes I know... dries out the meat and ruins the flavour right? WRONG! The steak was crazy juicy and absolutely amazing! My kudos to the chef, we really need to bring him up here to Canada and teach all the steak chefs here how to actually make a steak. I also went with someone who does not eat seafood or steak (hence why we weren't able to attend the steakhouse at the Grand because the menu is only seafood and steak). She was able to choose from chicken, pork and sausage at Aunt Ruby's and chose the chicken. She thought it was great and I tried a sample and would have to agree. Definitely not a steak house to miss out on.
I also went to Kiniro which is the Japanese restaurant at the Grand. What a great show and experience! If you want great food and entertainment, Kiniro does not disappoint. Our Teppanyaki chef was Romeo, and that boy has got flare! The entire time he was cooking he joked around and showed off his food skills. That guy is like lightening, I have never seen someone move so fast in my life. He was also super sweet and remembered all of the people he served when he saw some of us again the next day when he was grilling at a beach BBQ. The food was amazing of course, and there was a meat selection of beef, chicken, duck, and shrimp I believe. The desert that I chose was Tempura Bananas served with ice cream and warm chocolate. A bunch of people chose that desert and you could tell how amazing it was by the stunned expression that they would get when they first took a bite. Then suddenly their eyes go wide and they start looking around at everybody else and pointing at their bananas in disbelief. Definitely will return to Kiniro on my visit next month.
My only disappointment in terms of food was the selection of Jamaican dishes. They do feature a Jamaican buffet once per week, and they have the typical beach BBQs, but I was looking for dishes such as stewed chicken, plantain, ackee, etc. I would have also liked to sample more of the island fruits such as breadfruit.
Staff:
The staff are simply put, amazing. They remember when you are coming back for a return visit and now when I get off that bus I am greeted by "Welcome home". It is so nice to find employees who actually remember you. Of course the resort keeps track of it's return guests (you'll find yourself listed as a return guest on the floor notice board), but these people actually remember small details that only they would know through their interactions with you. Nobody there ever expects a tip, they are just a naturally happy and friendly set of people. Never in my life have I seen a resort full of such happy employees. Everybody from maids, towel crew, entertainment, bar service, butlers, reception, bell boys, literally everybody there is always happy to talk with you and get to know you a bit for the week, and they definitely go above and beyond. Need help getting sunblock in the middle of your back? The towel girls will rub it in for you. Did you want to go to a specific a la carte restaurant but weren't able to get a reservation? We mentioned this once to the food manager and he offered to order and deliver it himself from the restaurant to the buffet for us.
Spa:
I saved this one for last because 1) I didn't take any photos and 2) I did have some complaints. I'm not really a spa person, and I've never had a massage here. I did find that the prices were high and I swear that we went and looked at the book one day, and the next day the prices were higher. I did cave and decided to do a manicure, I opted for the Tropical French Manicure. In the book it is described as a French manicure done in your choice of pastel colours. It is listed separate from French Manicure and costs more (presumably because of the colours). When I went to get the manicure, there were bottles of polish sitting out beside me and I was choosing my colours. Then the lady asked me how I wanted my manicure and I said that I paid for the Tropical French and I wanted to use blue. She gave me a funny look and then proceeded to paint my nails in what I thought was a base coat. Turns out that she was painting my nails in the typical French colours, and I wasn't able to do anything about it. I expected to at least have the extra charge removed, but when I went to finish the paperwork for it, they wrote French Manicure on the bill slip but used the Tropical price. All in all, I felt quite cheated. To make matters worse, it was heavily chipped by the next day, and I won't lie to you guys, all I did most of this last trip was lay around beside the pool (not even in the water). I also felt like the spa ladies sort of hound you in the daytime if you happen to be caught lounging around. I know it is their job but everyday I was asked, even when I said that when I was ready I would go to the spa to book something.
We also went to use the spa facilities one day which were impressive. I enjoyed the fact that they had many different baths, however 3 out of 6 were out of order, one of which didn't have a sign stating that it was out of order. If you're in for a kick, try out the rustic shower which is literally a shower stall with an old wooden bucket that you pull on a cord to tilt. And definitely do the Swedish shower as it is super relaxing on the muscles, although a bit harsh on the sunburn. If you do have sunburn, they have a cold well which will help soothe your skin. They also have a wellness pool which features different types of waterfalls and heated lounge chairs. I didn't go into it, but I definitely will try it out next time as I have heard nothing but good things about how relaxing it is.
The gym is also located up in the spa area and is very nice. The equipment isn't old and rusty, and there is also a health bar up there where you can get smoothies and fresh fruits. Also, don't forget to pop in and say hi to the Star Friend who works up there full-time. I met him on my first trip to the Iberostar when he worked with all of the regular friends who you see around the pool in the daytime and hadn't seen him again until this past time. When I did see him this time he was doing some evening work and remembered that I travel with my mom and that we had visited 3 times. He is such a fun guy but complained that the gym can be boring when nobody goes, so start going people!
Thus concludes many hours of time and I present to you my review of Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall. I will most likely continue editing and adding things to it, so please pass it along to others as I will be keeping it as current as possible. If you have any further questions or recommendations, drop me a comment and I will see what I can do. I certainly hope I didn't miss anything!
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