Sand and Tan Beach Hotel

Hotels
7.6 (706 reviews)
Old Road 5 , Ocho Rios , jm

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Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Tour desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great beach access
Friendly staff
Cons:
Loud music
Old and unclean rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
5.99
Several reviews mention old and unclean rooms, with complaints of a lack of daily cleaning.
Service
8.46
Staff members are generally described as friendly and helpful, though there were isolated complaints about the receptionist.
Location
8.5
Proximity to the beach and water activities is noted as a positive aspect, despite safety concerns in the surrounding area.
Room Quality
6.45
Rooms are described as old-fashioned and in need of maintenance, with several complaints about cleanliness and upkeep.
Amenities
7.98
The presence of water activities and a lively atmosphere are noted positively, with some issues regarding noise levels.
Value for Money
8.44
Great value for the beach location and activities, although some complaints about food prices.
Food and Beverage
6.99
Mixed reviews on food quality, with some positive mentions of the breakfast, but overall some dissatisfaction with choices.
Overall Experience
7.96
Overall experience is mixed, with positives in atmosphere and location but significant concerns about cleanliness and maintenance.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 06:12

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation

Sand and Tan Beach Hotel in Ocho Rios offers a premium stay experience just steps away from Sunset Beach. The air-conditioned rooms are elegantly furnished with modern amenities including a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and terrace. Some rooms even feature a convenient kitchenette. Wake up to a delicious breakfast with buffet, à la carte, or continental options.

Exciting Activities

Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports at the hotel's private beach area or relax with a soothing massage service. For adventure seekers, snorkeling, canoeing, and dart games are available, ensuring a fun-filled stay for all.

Convenient Services

With a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and free WiFi, Sand and Tan Beach Hotel ensures a hassle-free vacation. Indulge in room service, unwind at the bar, or explore nearby attractions like Frankfort Bay Beach. Book now for an unforgettable beach getaway.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

7.6
Based on 706 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.99
Service: 8.46
Location: 8.5
Room Quality: 6.45
Amenities: 7.98
Value for Money: 8.44
Food and Beverage: 6.99
Overall Experience: 7.96
C
Christopher • couple • gb
6
Absolutely brilliant location, gets busy with non hotel visitors, overall ok experience.
Pros:

The location of the hotel is absolutely brilliant. You have direct access to Shaw Park Beach and White River. I can't fault the location and sea view rooms. Walking around the property and beach in the mornings was so relaxing and peaceful.

Cons:

I didn't like the fact that non hotel visitors were allowed paid access to the hotel and beach location. It takes away the exclusivity for the those staying at the hotel. The ground floor rooms are not very private with all the visitors passing by. The running water from the shower was extremely poor. Was going to stay for 3 nights, and left after 2 nights.

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
J
Janete • couple • br
8
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
H
Hans-Michael • couple • de
8
Ok, zufriedenstellend , würden wieder dort verweilen .
Cons:

Ist ein Teil der alten Shaw Park Beach Anlage.
Der ist begonnen worden zu Restaurieren, in jamaikan Geschwindigkeit 😉

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
T
Tiffany • couple • us
8
Very nice and peaceful
Pros:

Felt like we were on a private island. Absolutely lovely!

Cons:

Loved it

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
T
TAMU • solo_traveller • jm
4
Disappointing but the excellent customer service and food made it tolerable.
Pros:

The customer service and the food.

Cons:

The hotel was old and dilapidated. The room’s original decor ideas were good, with the wood table concept, and it was clean, but the rooms need to be upgraded; they’re still outdated, and the building needs to be painted.

2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
C
Christian • couple • ch
9
Sand and Tan: Nomen est omen!
Pros:

Das Hotel liegt direkt am Strand, es stehen genügend Liegen zur Verfügung, das Personal ist sehr nett und zuvorkommend! Man kann auf einem Holzdeck direkt über dem Wasser speisen. Man muss etwas lange auf die Bestellung warten, dafür ist das Essen wirklich ausgezeichnet. Auch an der Rezeption geht man freundlich auf die Wünsche des Gastes ein.

Cons:

Alles o. k.

2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
M
Marsha • family_with_children • jm
1
2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
B
Brenda • couple • fr
7
Amazing sew view but run down hotel
Pros:

Spacious rooms with amazing sea views. The beach is not very wide but it was ok. Breakfast was very minimal and didn’t have all of the options that were advertised. Nice little bar and restaurant on the beach. This place has got a lot of potential it’s a shame.

Cons:

The hotel is a little run down and they were doing renovations which were extremely noisy. We also didn’t have hot water and one of the staff spent almost an hour trying to fix it. In the end we got lukewarm water. The receptionist was extremely slow and didn’t seem to understand most of our questions.

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
I
Ingrid • solo_traveller • no
6
Trenger noen oppgraderinger
Pros:

Hvis du ønsker et sted med vibe og høy musikk gjennom hele dagen. Fint på stranda der elva møter havet. Er mange steder å ligge både på stranda og brygga. Det er rett ved siden av der hvor du kan gjøre bamboo rafting i elven

Cons:

Jeg bodde her kun en natt, men jeg syns at for at de skal ta betalt den summer per natt bør de gjøre oppgraderinger. Det bærer preg av å være veldig gammelt og slitent. Det rant vannet på gulvet i soverommet uten at jeg vet hvor det kom fra, og vannet hadde en veldig vond lukt. De var tom for mye av det som stod på menyen i baren. Hele hotellet er så så. Syns også de ansatte virket litt ignorante, noen av de i resepsjonen. Jeg ville valgt annet sted for prisen.

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
D
Danny • family_with_children • gb
8
Well worth the money really, the bar was popping some nights…
Pros:

The best thing about the property was the employees.
All staff was really helpful and Leon (bartender) was a vibe. They played some really good music on certain days at the sunset bar and on a couple of the days had a dj…
The location is a bit out of town but get an uber it costs about £4 (English) then we would give the same or £5 tip each way. The road the hotel is on is literally on white rice where they do the rafting (ideal if u wanna do the rafting) but headache sometimes as the workers would ask the same thing everyday twice a day sometimes…..after a week they knew who we was and was cool with us. There is also a lovely fish restaurant there called mr atkinsons FISH POT it’s stunning, so pretty and authentic.
The breakfast isn’t a massive selection but what they did have was good….
U can choose Jamaican or American breakfast….eggs, omelette, boiled eggs, sausage.
Then everyday they would do different Jamaican breakfast. Overall if ur on a budget and u wanna explore Ocho this is worth the money imo.
Also the food at the hotel is pretty good, lots on the menu.
There is also a local restaurant (5 mins walk) called the ranch. Try the beef stew 👌👌
And be firm but kind to the hustlers. Just reply “mi good” if u don’t want anything and never say it’s ur first time in Jamaica cause they will see u as weak.

Cons:

Really does need some money spent on it, the public part of the beach between sand & tan and souzi hotel (nude hotel) had food & litter from locals. Toilet was always half full of water. Shower was cold or Luke warm if lucky everyday. Broken tiles on entry step of building.. I just feel like the owner must be earning money, why not invest in some bits there.

2026-02-24 • via Nuitee
F
Fuad • couple • tt
8
My stay was good and relaxing . Do not be put off by the road entrance .you will enjoy it a lot . Also cat lovers will b
Pros:

Quaint and serene . Excellent service . Food was good and tasty. Sea waves were very therapeutic and relaxing .beach minimal .

Cons:

Hot water was not hot . Cold water was refreshing but cold. Clothes draws were fixed , did not open .

2026-02-14 • via Nuitee
N
Natacha • couple • fr
10
Beautiful place/people
Pros:

It was our first time in Jamaica and we had a wonderful time. Even though the street the hotel is in looks a bit rough (looks, doesn't mean it is) the setting is just perfect. We loved the sea view and the wall paintings. It is beautifully decorated, the rooms are very spacious and comfortable, all with a balcony. The staff were lovely. The bathroom was good enough and breakfast was nice. We really appreciated the local vibe, the music and everyone was very nice. It was such a great experience, I would definitely recommend this hotel and local businesses rather than large resorts which don't seem to benefit everyone.

Cons:

We stayed a couple of weeks and experienced power cuts and water outages - not the hotel's fault + rough weather and we were expecting this when travelling to Jamaica but a couple of candles or a gallon of water would have been really appreciated for the guests.

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
D
Donatella • extended_group • it
1
Alla larga da questo hotel: il peggior servizio in oltre 20 anni di viaggi
Pros:

Unica nota positiva la posizione direttamente sul mare

Cons:

Struttura vetusta, bagni e docce non funzionanti, personale scortese e non collaborativo per i problemi che si sono presentati: siamo stati un’intera notte e un mattino senza acqua nei bagni, risposta dello staff che non era un problema loro. Non hanno fornito neppure dei secchi di acqua di mare per il wc!! Allucinante!!!

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
L
laura • couple • us
2
I would never recommend anyone to stay there
Pros:

The bar

Cons:

The rooms were run down everything was old even the towels

2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
C
Célia • couple • fr
6
2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
V
Virginia • couple • it
8
Perfetto per vivere il contatto con il mare
Pros:

Struttura affacciata sul mare, dalla camera una bellissima vista e il rumore delle onde che si sente costante. Il bar ristorante è disponibile tutto il giorno e c’è anche la spiaggia attigua molto vicina alla foce del White river. Buona colazione con diverse opzioni disponibili

2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
J
Julius • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • solo_traveller • ch
8
Pros:

Claudette, the masseuse,was incredible! Location beautiful and chill vibes.

2026-01-23 • via Nuitee
H
Hector Mauricio • solo_traveller • co
7
Muy agradable
Pros:

Playa

Cons:

Mucho Zancudo

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
M
Morgan • extended_group • ch
6
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee