Sandy Shores at Sandcastles

Many of the rooms for various different hotels in the area are often marked with different names, which imply it is a separate property, though this is misleading. Unfortunately, Sandcastles, where I have stayed previously, practices this. Though the room is called "Sandy Shores", this "property" is just another room at Sandcastles Hotel. If like myself you have problems, this becomes a deal breaking detail. The first day in this room, we had no hot water. This was eventually sorted out, but unprofessional nonetheless. The second day was definitely the deal breaker, as power was lost to the entire block we were staying. Power was loss around noon, and wasn't restored until after 8 pm. Prior to this, I spoke with the front desk about the inconvenience, and that as we had an infant, being without electricity for this many hours was unacceptable. They offered to bring us some hot water to help with care of the child, but advised though they couldn't give an exact time for when power would be restored, "promised" it would be back later that night. I advised the only fix is to switch rooms/blocks, but was informed this a "private" property, and is not managed by Sandcastles, thus they cannot modify the reservation. This blew my mind, as nowhere in the listing is this mentioned. This is a critical detail, and should be disclosed. I reached out to Expedia, whom began the room switch process, but the power came back during the call, so no changes were made. This practice should stop.

Running late, called ahead to notify front desk of arrival around 8:30 pm. When arrived, had to wait for someone to escort us to room, which turned out to be a studio, garden view, when I booked deluxe, ocean view. Told due to renovations this was all that was available. Booked for 5 adults and property manager who was communicating with "reservations" told us to try to fit in studio with 1 King bed, and 2 twin beds in loft. Refused, and about another 30 minutes was given an additional room in D block, with rest of our party in studio in A block. Both rooms had several live cockroaches running all over. The room in D block had fan blowing only from a/c unit, no cold air the entire stay. Too exhausted to wait another hour for hotel to sort out. Next day when tried to access beach, found entrance from hotel closed due to renovations. Had to walk out onto main road, through shopping area to get to beach and back. Upon checkout, exactly 10:57 am housekeeper arrived, and loomed in doorway until we removed our belongings. Asked at front desk for manager, clerk called someone who wouldn't speak with me, but gave name and phone number to call. I called several times no answer. Very disappointing. Very unprofessional. Shameful. Low point of vacation. As a frequent visitor to the north coast who encourages my U.S. friends to visit Jamaica, I will definitely steer them away from this hotel.