Sandals RP 10/20-10/30 2010

This was our second stay at RP and although its is now officially a Sandals brand, we really didn’t expect to see much change because we truly respect the way Peter Fraser runs this resort, or should I say hotel? The overall quality and level of service at RP continues to be a notch above what you’d normally expect at a Sandals resort…it is still a “class” act!

Transportation to the resort was a vehicle shared with one other couple and transportation back, we were the only ones. It is my understanding there will likely never be more than 3 couples sharing a vehicle for transportation.

We booked a premium room and were located in room 210 in the East Wing. Our previous stay we were in the West Wing. We liked the east Wing better. Mr. Fraser upgraded us after 3 days to a suite in the East Wing room 106. We really didn’t want to change rooms, but decided we better say yes to it and we had the butlers do most of the moving. Two things we loved about the suite were the true open balcony and the wonderfully done whirlpool tub/shower area that also had windows you could look out and enjoy the scenery. Would we pay the extra for this room? Never, but it sure was nice to experience it.

One change was there was no bar setup in the room upon arrival. I didn’t notice it until the next morning, and my butler never mentioned it to me either, so when I went to make my morning screwdriver I was a bit disappointed..J One nice surprise though was the fridge was still being stocked with Red Stripe, not the El Caribe. I asked my butlers to see if they could keep me in lite beer and for the most part I had either Red Stripe Lite or Miller Lite every day. In my opinion, the El Dorado does not compare to the Apppleton rum that is no longer available, but I never got a taste of the supposedly better 15 year old rum either.

This was our first ever butler experience. We had Orayne/Audell and they both tried hard to please and I’m sure we didn’t utilize them like we could have. Going in we really weren’t enthused with the idea of a butler, nor did we really think this resort hotel needed it either. Some resorts it makes sense to have a butler, but at RP its difficult for them to make an impact like at others. We are just not butler type people I guess, but at RP you have no choice now. Next trip perhaps we will better utilize them too. One thing I think they did miss the boat on was the fact that it was our 10^th anniversary, and if there was one day to impress us that was the day. We noted it on the pre-arrival form butler preference (which I personally think is a joke) and also for the umpteenth time on arrival registration.

Jamaica nite is now Friday evening and will be held on the East Beach. The first ever time done was during our stay, and they did a great job with it, especially considering they were also hosting a hundred golfers from SGOR that same night.

One of my big fears was that the old Appleton Lounge now being a pub would ruin the atmosphere in the lounge, but not to worry, nothing has really changed except for the better as the now serve traditional pub fare in addition to things like pizza, crab backs, chicken wings. We sampled the pizza and it was quite good!

We ventured off resort one evening to a place called Evitas, an Italian restaurant. My advice to everyone would be try it, and it is very reasonably priced, and the menu is huge. We had the jerk spaghetti and it was very good. And thanks to Debbie, we even got to meet the lady Eva herself!

Imp sure I have forgotten something. We love RP. It has us spoiled after 2 trips. We go back again in May, 2011. Having experienced this lovely resort, it is difficult going back to the “normal” Sandals. This resort is truly not for everyone. Its perfect for us. Great food, great service, friendly people, and superb management! Debbie thank you for helping make this trip special for our anniversary!