This is it, ladies and gentlemen. This is the Sandals that started it all way back in 1981 and spawned dozens of other beach resorts all over the Caribbean. Sandals Montego Bay is as charming as it was four decades ago and has gone through several renovations and updates, with the last one taking place in 2019. This is a beach resort for those who want a standard and classic Sandals experience, while still having access to a good beach and several complimentary restaurants.
There’s a lot to love about this resort, but there are a few drawbacks as well, some of which are closely related. Not sure what I mean? Well, Sandals Montego Bay is located very close to the airport, which means you can step off the plane and be in the comfort of your room in just 5-10 minutes. That’s great news, especially considering that other Sandals resorts in Jamaica require a 90-minute bus ride before you reach your destination. The downside, however, is that airplane noise can be bothersome, although guests often report getting used to it after a while.
Remember, you can always contact us for more information about Sandals, so make sure to click that Request a Quote button! Reaching out is completely free, and even better, you won’t pay anything extra when one of our travel advisors books your trip. In fact, we might even have access to exclusive offers that can save you money in the end!
This resort offers a good mix of classic Sandals charm with some modern updates. However, some rooms may feel a bit dated, so keep that in mind when booking, or just contact Famvia for assistance. The resort has also expanded over the years, giving guests access to many new restaurants, including fan-favorite Soy Sushi Bar and Butch's Steak & Seafood - this last one typically found at newer Sandals resorts. The downside is that you may need to walk more than usual to reach some of these dining spots.
Rooms aren’t overly expensive, but I wouldn’t call them cheap either. A Luxury Room - the most affordable option - starts at $270 per guest, per night. This is comparable to Sandals Dunn’s River, which opened in Jamaica in 2023 with starting prices around $290. Sandals Negril, by contrast, is more affordable at $210.
So, why is Montego Bay more expensive than some of the newer resorts in Jamaica? Well, keep in mind that renovations have taken place recently, expanding Montego Bay significantly. It’s a large resort with 12 restaurants and a pretty big private beach for guests. It also offers 25 room categories, compared to Negril’s 19 and Dunn’s River’s 14. Sandals Montego Bay is also just 14 minutes away from Sandals Royal Caribbean, with a free shuttle connecting the two resorts. You can visit Royal Caribbean anytime to enjoy its restaurants, beach, pools, and activities at no extra cost.
The beach is quite nice. Thanks to recent expansions, it has grown as well. It’s a huge, private stretch of white sand with a few cabanas you can rent for a day of relaxation. While the beach can be a bit seaweedy, the water is calm, and since it’s private, you won’t have to deal with beach vendors. It’s definitely a great beach and a major plus, especially considering the pools at Sandals Montego Bay are a bit underwhelming. The pools aren’t very large and don’t look as impressive as those at the newer resorts.
So, is Sandals Montego Bay for you? I’d say it’s a great option for those looking to experience a classic Sandals resort with a blend of their most popular and newer restaurants. It’s also ideal for those who don’t want to spend much time on a bus after arriving at the airport and for beach lovers who prefer a good beach over a fancy pool.
Oh, also don’t forget the perk of being able to visit Sandals Royal Caribbean for free, enjoying all its amenities as a Sandals guest. I guess I would also recommend it for those who enjoy walking, exploring, and discovering new spots.
On the other hand, Sandals Montego Bay might not be the best choice for those seeking complete peace and quiet. You’ll walk more than usual, and the airplane noise can be bothersome, especially in the first few days. It’s also not the best choice for pool lovers, unless you book a suite with a private pool.
Reviews of Sandals Montego Bay
Close to the airport: One of the best things about Sandals Montego Bay is how close it is to the airport, though this does come with a small drawback: airplane noise. Still, being close to the airport is a huge plus. After a long flight, no one wants to spend extra time on a bus, and Sandals Montego Bay is just 5-10 minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ). You can quickly get to the comfort of your room, enjoy a nice bath, and start relaxing right away.
Old meets new: Sandals Montego Bay perfectly blends the charm of a classic Sandals resort with modern renovations and ideas. While you willind some rustic rooms, there are 25 subcategories in total, including several brand-new or recently renovated Luxury, Club Level, and Butler Elite Suites (updated in 2019). The resort also offers what I like to call a “best of” selection of Sandals restaurants, featuring fan favorites like Soy Sushi Bar, Butch's Steak & Seafood, Bayside, and more. If you're looking for a resort that has expanded over the decades and has plenty to offer, Sandals Montego Bay is a great choice.
Great beach: The beach at Sandals Montego Bay is definitely above average for two key reasons. First, it’s private and exclusively for guests. Second, it’s pretty big, offering plenty of space to find a peaceful spot to relax. The sand is white, and the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling. If you’re a fan of great beaches, Sandals Montego Bay is definitely worth considering.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Montego Bay is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
Sandals Royal Caribbean is so close!: Yes, we’re including another Sandals resort here because Sandals Royal Caribbean is just 14 minutes away from Sandals Montego Bay. Free shuttles depart from Montego Bay every 30 to 45 minutes, taking you to Royal Caribbean, where you can enjoy their restaurants and another beach. One thing I love about Royal Caribbean is that their swimming pools are better than those at Montego Bay, which might be reason enough to go out there and explore!
The Bad
Airplane noise: This is definitely the top complaint about Sandals Montego Bay. Being close to the airport means you’ll hear airplane noise approximately every 30 minutes from 11am to 5pm, but thankfully, there are no flights at night. It may take some time to get used to the noise, and it can be bothersome if you're seeking complete peace and quiet. However, you can always head to the beach, relax, and watch the planes take off while sipping a Piña Colada.
Some outdated aspects: Sandals Montego Bay opened in 1981, the same year that Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theaters and before the Nintendo 8-bits system launched in North America. While the resort has undergone major renovations and features some new, updated rooms, there are still areas that feel outdated. The resort layout can also seem a bit dated for example, as it’s essentially a long horizontal line that has expanded over time, requiring you to walk a little bit to reach some of the restaurants.
How to get to Sandals Montego Bay?
Flying to Sandals Montego Bay
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The airport is just 5-10 minutes away from Sandals Montego Bay, which is great news, and there is a free airport transfer available. Just look for the Sandals kiosk, and you’re good to go.
Jamaica is located south of Florida. A flight from Miami to Jamaica takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes, while a flight from California takes about 6 hours.
Club MoBay
Did you know that Montego Bay airport offers a service similar to Disney's Lightning Lane? Yeah, sounds crazy, but let me explain.
For around $35 per passenger, you can access a faster line that eases the immigration process. Many people complain that the immigration queues at Montego Bay are long, and this is a quick solution to avoid the wait. You can also buy a bundle for $85 that includes this expedited service as well as access to a VIP lounge with free food and drinks, allowing you to relax a little and kick off your vacation in Jamaica.
Most people online love this service and highly recommend it. Just Google forums specializing in vacations in Jamaica or visit Reddit, where you'll find many people talking about MoBay. For more information about this service, make sure to visit the Montego Bay website or contact us.
Transportation Options to Sandals Montego Bay
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Montego Bay?
Sandals Montego Bay is practically located across the street from the airport. This means it will take only 5-10 minutes to reach your destination, where you’ll be welcomed by the staff and escorted to your private room. If you’re staying in a Sandals Club room, you’ll have access to a private check-in, and they’ll even provide you with a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Montego Bay is located on Kent Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Jamaica is the third-largest Caribbean island and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea.
Staying at Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay offers a variety of room options, with 25 different types spread throughout the resort. Some rooms are brand new, while others have undergone major renovations over the years. Keep in mind that the resort originally opened in 1981, and although every room has been updated at some point, certain designs might feel a bit dated. However, there are rooms that were built from the ground up within the past decade, featuring bright colors, cozy soaking tubs, and more modern amenities.
Rooms are separated into three distinct levels: Luxury, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
Luxury Rooms typically start at $270 per night, per guest, while Club Sandals rooms are priced at $290 and Butler Elite Suites at $430. Interestingly, there are only three types of Sandals Luxury Rooms, but nine different Club Sandals rooms and thirteen Butler Elite Suites, offering a wide variety of options.
Dining at Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay offers a wide variety of dining options, with 12 complimentary restaurants available to guests. There are also 9 restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean, just 14 minutes away, which are also free for you to enjoy.
Some of the most popular Sandals restaurants can be found here, including Soy Sushi Bar, The Jerk Shack, Cucina Romana, and more. Overall, I’d rate the food at Sandals Montego Bay a 7 out of 10. There are some great options, but no restaurant that I’d consider truly outstanding. This is fine, after all, since Sandals has to prepare a huge amount of meals for a great number of guests. Also, not all restaurants are open at the same time. They typically operate at specific hours, ensuring there's always an option available for a quick bite.
Be sure to visit Sandals Royal Caribbean and dine at Bombay at least once. This excellent Indian restaurant is definitely among the best that Sandals has to offer.
Here is a list of restaurants you can find at Sandals Montego Bay, along with the type of food that they offer:
- Butch's Steak & Seafood (Steakhouse)
- Oleander (Caribbean)
- Cucina Romana (Italian)
- Soy Sushi Bar (Sushi)
- Tokyo Jo’s (Pan-Asian)
- The Jerk Shack (Caribbean)
- Stew Fish (Seafood)
- Dino’s Pizzeria Italiana (Pizza)
- The Mariner (Seaside Grill)
- Bayside (Brasserie)
- Cafe de Paris (Patisserie)
- Cricketer’s Pint (British Pub)
At the time of this writing, only one restaurant requires an advanced reservation: Butch's Steak & Seafood. Make sure to book a spot as soon as you get to the resort. Reservations for dining can only be made once you arrive at the resort.
Two restaurants require Resort Evening Attire, which means you need to dress fancy: Butch's Steak & Seafood and Oleander.
Activities at Sandals Montego Bay
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Sandals Montego Bay, ranging from classic snorkeling and scuba diving for certified divers to kayaking. The resort has a huge beach, providing plenty of spots for water activities. In fact, guests often praise the snorkeling and scuba diving experiences here. Awesome!
You also have access to the Red Lane Fitness Center, which is equipped with various machines to support your healthy lifestyle during your vacation. Uhhh, I’m not too familiar with what that means, so I can’t comment on it.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Montego Bay for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Kayaks
- Waterskiing
- Paddle Boarding
- Sailboats
- Land Sports (beach volleyball, table tennis, tennis, basketball…)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
- Beach parties, Karaoke shows, Live shows, talent nights…
Sandals Montego Bay Weather Guide
Good news, friends. Like most tropical destinations in the Caribbean, temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year in Jamaica. While there are both dry and rainy seasons, as expected, there's a good chance you'll be greeted by bright sunshine when you visit this gorgeous beach resort.
The best weather is during December to March, with sunny days and very low chances of rain.
January has the lowest chances of rain in the year, while October has the highest chances of rain in the island.
July is the hottest month of the year, with daily highs of 90°F and lows of 80°F. February is the coolest month, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 75°F. As you can see, it's never scorching hot nor too cold.
Best Times to visit Sandals Montego Bay
February, March and April are great months to take the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. These months offer the best combination of weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. Those are also some of the most expensive months.
December to mid-April is considered the peak season in Jamaica. During this time, prices tend to be higher than usual, and the resort is typically more crowded. December is particularly busy, not only due to the holidays but also because many people seek to escape winter and enjoy the cozy weather the Caribbean has to offer.
Late August, September, October, and early November typically offer the lowest accommodation and activity rates in Sandals Montego Bay, and it’s not rare to see the resort at only 60-70% capacity. If you're seeking peace and quiet, along with the possibility of special deals, planning a visit during this time frame is advisable. However, it's important to note that these months also coincide with the highest chance of rain.
If we had to pick the perfect months to visit, we’d probably go with February-April.
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We can assist you with expert tips, recommendations on the best dining, accommodations, activities, and much more. By clicking the Request a Quote button, you can ask questions and receive advice without spending a dime.
Packing list for Sandals Montego Bay
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Montego Bay?
You probably have a good idea by now if this beach resort is right for you. You’ll enjoy your time at Sandals Montego Bay if:
- You want a resort that’s close to the airport
- You don’t mind occasional airplane noise
- You’re looking for a large resort with plenty of restaurant options
- You prefer a long, beautiful beach over having multiple amazing pools
- You don’t mind walking around the resort and exploring
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Montego Bay!
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