Latest Reviews for St Lucia

We booked over a year in advance to stay at Rendezvous the ";escape for romantics"; for our honeymoon, drawn in by the promise of paradise, tranquility, crystal clear waters and luxurious rooms.

The reality was that this place was everything that you may expect from a below par 2 or 3 star resort.

Where to begin?

ROOMS

We stayed in what they called a luxury ocean front room, sold to us saying that you could literally walk out on to the beach had a hammock outside luxury bathroom etc etc.

For a start it was one floor up therefore you couldn't walk out on to the beach.
The balcony was facing the balcony next to it so you had no privacy and had to look over your right shoulder to get a glimpse of the sea through the trees that blocked the view.
The room had no fridge whereas cheaper rooms had one.
The safety deposit box didn't work.
The size of the room was very disappointing; I've stayed in larger rooms at Travelodge's.
The bathroom was disgusting, dirty and we had no hot water for three days.
The air conditioning was noisier than the constant noise from the airport located 800 yards from the hotel which made it very difficult to sleep.
The only positive was that the bed was very comfy.
In short the luxury ocean front rooms were sub-standard and a complete rip off, we did see our friend's room, they were staying in verandah suites, these were a lot better but still only acceptable and far from what you would expect on a honeymoon.

SERVICE

Bar staff - mostly excellent although I was aware of one member of staff selling drugs to a fellow honeymooner. Not just grass either, coke
Reception - Appalling. There attitude was that ";we should be happy with the room that we've got";. An utter disgrace
Entertainment - Very nice people
Boutique - There is a woman who works here that is exceedingly rude and who also tried to short change me several times when we were there.

VALUE

What more can I say, we paid £2800 for our two weeks in a luxury ocean front room all-inclusive and expected a lot better. To put in comparison last year we went to Crete and had an amazingly luxurious holiday at a 5* hotel all inclusive for only £450 each. We only wished we'd done something like that this year, this place was horrific.

CLEANLINESS

The pool was awful, we did some scuba training in the water and you couldn't see further than a couple of metres under the water because it was that murky. Not surprising considering we saw it being ";cleaned"; for ten minutes during our entire 14 nightmare days.

DINING

There are two restaurants that you could dine in, one was a buffet open air and the other was indoor air-conditioned set menu restaurant called the trysting. To start with the Trysting, the food was nice although not excellent. Excellent if your idea of a nice meal is tough meat, overcooked vegetables and a poor choice of wine.
The terrace restaurant was woeful. Stray cats and dogs are allowed to walk freely through the restaurant scoffing up food that fellow diners are dropping on the floor for them. But worst of all birds fly in the restaurant and sit on the cables holding the lights above the tables and periodically do their business on top of diners! My wife was pooed on twice on the same day, once eating breakfast and once during lunch. On fellow honeymooner I know of had poo land on his nose and ricochet into his meal while he ate.

The food here was poor to mediocre. Avoid like the plague any seafood as I know of several people who were violently ill for several days after eating. Not surprising given that the aforementioned birds are allowed to fly in and feed from the hotplates and I haven't mentioned the insect infestation at this resort yet. The only thing that was nice here was one of the chefs made really nice crepes for desert some nights.

ACTIVITIES AND GYM

Didn't actually use the gym but from what I saw it was very well equipped.
Activities were excellent, water sports were excellent as was scuba and the evenings entertainment was also amusing, although probably more aimed at an older audience.

BEACH

Although the sand itself was a nice colour the water was exceedingly murky, certainly not the turquoise waters we were promised. While we were there after there had been excessive rain raw sewage was washed up on the beach which included bottles used sanitaries and loads more not-mentionables which made the beach a no go area and only made the insect infestation worse.

My advice is if you have booked this hotel for your honeymoon cancel it now and go somewhere else. This place is horrible, St Lucia as an island is ok but we would definitely never return. The crazy thing is that some people had actually transferred from other hotels on the island that apparently were even worse! We also spoke to some people at the airport who had similar problems at Sandals. If you are looking for a honeymoon avoid St Lucia and in
particular this hotel and go to the Virgin Islands or the Maldives.

Minimise this review Comment on this review

Show existing comments

The Harmony Suites is a lovely, relaxing hotel. The pool is really nice and was very quiet while we was there. The beach is really close and was nice.

The hotel was kept very clean and was cleaned out every day. The Carribean way of life is definately evident on St Lucia, everything is wonderfully relaxed (don't go out too hungry though!)

There were quite a few places to eat but we ran out by the end of the holiday! Our favourite restaurant was the red snapper in Rodney Bay. You must go on the sunset cruise as the island looked really pretty from the boat.

It was very hot and humid too so take high factor suncream and mosquito spray as they come out in force at night!

Where to begin - we booked our wedding/honeymoon based on rumour/still photo's , some word of mouth and it was brill.

Firstly thanks to the Virgin crew who were great - far more room per seat than other long hauliers i have been on.
We decided to take the heilcopter transfer - breathtaking and soooo smooth - the youngest kid decided to have a 10 minute sleep while we were up - but she still wants to do it again. The other 2 wanted more and more of it. Well worth the experience.

On arrival a nice chilled fruit punch for the little kids and a most enjoyable rum punch for the big kids.
Our room was fantastic - we got an upgrade as the wedding couple which meant a bigger bed - big enough for our fanily of 4 with room to spare - luckily 2 other beds for the kids included. Rooms spotless - the only thing to watch is if you use a plug-in mosquito killer the room may be to big - our friends found this out. Minor critisism here they could do with screens on the bathroom window so if you open it the bugs dont get in - minor i know.
All the staff were friendly and helpful and work on St Lucia time - get used to it and live it life is so much better at that pace in that heat. Odd sprinkle of rain - 2 days it leathered it down but we were all wet in the swimming pool.

Melanie the wedding co-ordinator - a big thank you - we spent 45 minutes with her and that was it all sorted. 2 minutes with the solicitor an and nothing for us to do but relax for a week - fantastic - because of the size of the group we hired a gazebo type structure for a seperate meal - brilliant - food was superb, the staff were right on the button. The photographer again he knew everything inside and out - he almost controlled everything. By our reckoning he was at 14 weddings in the fortnight we were there. But that experience was there to see - he knew the weather, the best places and it show's in the pics - brilliant.

On the food - the buffet was excellent - out of 14 nights 13 different menus's - strangely Sunday Dinner carveries are a standard - but it was stil excellent. Kids ate well - we never had to resort to the nuggets and burgers that were available. The Palm Grill was a nice change and the service was again spot on. We did not venture in to Nicoles - the choices from the others were fantastic.

We did 2 boat trips - negotiated with Joys oursleves for our own boat and got a ";good"; deal - Phil the boatman was great - knew his stuff and kept everybody well fed and watered. Waterfalls good - but cold. Volcano - ROTTEN EGGS!!!!!. Lunch at little diner in Soufrierre - watch out for the pepper sauce - diabolically hot.
Snorkelled at Hilton beach superb and a beach which translates as Beach of Pigs - nothing stinks there - the water so clear and the fish bountiful. Marigot Bay beautiful - On a second snorkelling trip and got trapped in a bar in Marigot Bay when the heavens opened - oh well St Lucia time - just relax and have a beer.
The 3 boys went to St Lucia Golf , which was included in the whole deal. Staff friendly and helpful - 19th hole very relaxing.
Went to the marina at Rodney Bay - pretty but limited there. You have to sample the local transport - mini-buses take you everywhere and they are cheap - great fun and a way to see a little bit more of a beautiful island.

All in all full marks for all involved and we shall return sometime to live a little bit more at St Lucia time. Go and enjoy.

We had an absolutley fab time at Rendezvous we got married there in December 2004 and the staff were brilliant they took all the hassle and worry out of the wedding , nothing was a problem. As a travel agent I have booked many weddings in the caribbean and med , but this was beyond my expectations,

the Trysting place restraunt, Superb! the main restraunt food fantastic! The atmosphere was laid back you can join in or relax , no pressure true caribbean style, I have read one review which a couple thought it did not live up to their expectations which is a shame. The weddings are a max of 3 per day which is far less than most resorts (some in dominican republic up to 10 per day even so called 5 star resorts) If like me and my now husband you are travelling just the two of you to get married the coordinators even help you into your dress!!, They provide witnesses for you but i'm sure like we did you will find a wonderful couple to be your guests as the atmosphere of friendship and true caribbean relaxation from the staff, entertainments team and surrounding exotic gardens really envelop you from the start.

I have booked several weddings here since and would not hesitate is recommending it to anyone. A must to try is the piano bar the guy is amazing its never too busy but he will play as you sit and drink and chat to your new found friends.

All in all a wonderful experience, I would love to be their on our 10th anniversary i'm sure the service will not have changed

We have just returned from probably the worst holiday experience we have ever had.

Club St Lucia is a cheap tacky verson of Butlins. The whole complex smells of sewerage no-one can say it doesn't bother you because at times of the day it is so strong it can make you feel sick.

The beach is filthy. Packs of wild dogs run around the site begging for food. Horses from the nearby stables are washed in the sea and use it as a toilet. The hotel itself is in receivership and is currently in the process of being brought out. This was confirmed by staff and locals.The complex is swamped with children and although there is entertainment for them this is so loud and continuous from 10am to 10pm that there is no escape from the noise even in the adult only pool. There is nowhere you can go to get away from the childrens noise even in the adults only bar (which is like a poor working mens club with pool table and dart board and only a few high uncomfortable stools) children still come. You can only eat in the restaurants if you have a reservation and to get one is like gold. It is so hot and humid and only one restaurant has air-conditioning. The bedrooms are shabby and need refurbishing but they are clean and the staff work hard to keep on top of the litter and rubbish.

There is only one bar person at times (few) two, which means queues for drinks. Food acceptable but limited as you can only eat where there is space on that day. The site looks exactly like a holiday camp do not come expecting any luxury or carribean feeling as you will be sadly disappointed. There are coconut trees on the beach and scattered around the site but the overwhelming smell of sewerage masks these. The only people we spoke to who enjoyed it was those who wanted constant entertainment, loudness and a cheap and cheerful complex.

We paid extra and had an Ocean View Delux room it wasn't worth it as it was exactly the same as everyone else except you could see the sea. Lots of sickness and tummy upsets on site, some people also caught 'sea lice' from the dirty beach. We have had holidays all over the world and were so disappointed. We complained to the Virgin rep who wanted an extra £500 to move us.

The only good points of the holiday were a meal out of the site in a restaurant called The Great House, stunning and a deep sea fishing trip (caught four Barracuda). But these two trips didn't put right an awful holiday experience.

Returned this week after an excellent 2 weeks at Club St Lucia by Splash.We too were feeling apprehensive after reading a few of the previous reviews but can reassure you that we had an excellent holiday as did the rest of my relatives who came out with us.(There were 11 of us all together,all ages)

The island is beautiful and we were pleasantly surprised at the accommodation,yeah it could do with a bit of tarting up here and there but nothing major.We stayed in a family suite which was roomy enough for 4.Nice and cool with the air conditioning which you really need as it is extremely humid at night.

The weather was hot but still had a fair few showers,mainly at night luckily but it was always hot(and sticky)
Bring lots of high factor suncream,you will need it especially for kids.Also get lots of mosquito spray,the more powerful the better as they are rife!!Have never known anywhere as bad,so many people had bites all over them,we sprayed ourselves every night but still had a few bites!

This is definitely a family hotel,our kids were really looked after and all befriended the brilliant entertainment staff.(We also got dragged into a few activities too and had a good laugh)
The pools are great especially the water slide which kept the kids(and us)amused for hours!!

The food was varied and plenty in the main restaurant.we are vegetarian but still had lots of choice.I would recommend Smugglers Haven,the adults only restaurant(tex-mex)and Jade Vine (oriental)but would not bother with Caps Trattoria (italian)as we found the food bland and the portions tiny.
Drinks were a plenty too,piton beer very nice as well as heineken if you prefer and most spirits in very large measures!!!

We chartered a boat with Captain Edmund who you can find on the beach most days.We could go wherever we liked for the day,cost about £250 for us all and was a great way to see the island.We also went horseriding.There are some guys on the beach,Marlin is one of them,the company is called North Coast I think.I am not an experienced rider but 3 hours later I was confident,relaxed and wanting to do it again!!My 5 year old went on with one of the guides and absolutely loved it.Fairly cheap too,about 40 us dollars for adults.

If you are wondering whether to get us or carribbean dollars as we were,it doesnt really matter as they will take either anywhere although we found most places quoted prices in US dollars primarily. There is a cashpoint at Rodney Bay,the nearest town, and taxis are available from reception.

Rather than hire a car,as there were 11 of us we went out in a taxi/minibus which worked out really cheap and convenient.Went to Castries for the day,round the market etc,where we did feel a little uncomfortable even in a large group,alot of sellers trying to give you their goods and very insistent!

Didn't do any trips through Virgin as they seemed quite expensive any easy enough to arrange for yourselves,having said that there was no hard sell.The transfer from the airport is quite bumpy and long but definitely worth it once you are there!!
As we were leaving half term was starting and it got really busy,loads more kids and more queues for bar/restaurants so we were pleased we booked and took kids out of school.The eldest is already planning going back to see her mates!!!Say hello to ABC,Coolio,No bones,Neville the devil from us and be prepared to be dancing the 'volcano' before you leave!!!
ENJOY!!!

Just returned from two fantastic weeks at rendezvous, the hotel and gardens are lovely, staff brilliant and work very hard indeed. We had an oceanfront room,lovely room that steps right out onto the beach, outside our room was one of their lovely wedding arch's where we got married and that was just the most perfect day for us.
flight path is no trouble, you hardly notice it. The Trysting Place restaurant is just excellent and must not be missed.Scuba team are fantastic and are great fun to be with.

Entertainment is very good and all the staff are so friendly indeed,lots happening during the day if you want to participate if not you are left alone to relax, evening enterainment very enjoyable. Food very good, you can eat 6 times a day at this hotel, afternoon tea - very fattening..

Watch out for mosquito's ensure you spray yourself before you go out at night and spray your room but apart from the mosquito's this was one of the best hotels i have been to, we had the most relaxing and wonderful holiday and wedding. We will return soon

I read all of the reviews before going and wondered what I was letting myself in for. All I can say is I'm glad I went. The rooms were large and were always clean, could do with a lick of paint in a few places but nothing to spoil the holiday. Staff was wonderful and so friendly. nothing was too much trouble. Yes there was a smell from the sewage but not unbearable.

International grill restaurant was lovely, so much choice (even my fussy 6 year old couldn't complain). Smugglers haven is lovely but avoid the Italian (wasn't up to much). The beach isn't white sand, but HEY, this is a volcanic island!! Plenty of activities for all ages, nursery for up to 3 year olds, kids club for up to 12 year olds, 5 swimming pools, and activities like volleyball and aerobics for adults, certainly cannot get bored.
Some people have likened it to Butlins, well all I can say is that I have never been to a Butlins with Coconut trees growing outside my bedroom window. If you get chance go on the Brig Unicorn ship. Absolutely wonderful day out as is the glass bottom boat rides.

Everything was perfect including the wedding. All I can say is that don't believe all the complaints. It isn't the ritz, but it is a very nice, friendly and very good value for money. If you want the ritz then go to a different hotel. I wouldn't suggest this hotel for couples without children. This is a children's hotel, with everything a child could want to holiday. We are going back in 5 years time for our 5th anniversary and I can't wait.

We have just returned from the Rex Papillion on an all-inclusive holiday. The journey from the airport to the hotel takes approx. 1 hour and 40 mins but you are taken on mini buses so there are no multiple drop offs involved.
We were given cool cocktails when we arrived by friendly staff and once we had checked in our cases were taken to our rooms promptly.

The rooms are basic but very clean with everything you need (plenty of clean towels supplied)and air conditioning. There is also a large safe available in the room for a small charge.
The food was very good with plenty of choice. The staff in the restaurant were very friendly and were attending to all your needs immediately. You must remember that nobody rushes and there is a chilled out atmosphere everywhere.

The grounds of the hotel are kept in excellent condition with plenty of sun beds (no need to reserve them with towels!!)and lots of shade from the coconut trees.
The beach is right by the hotel with watersports available.
Free drinks and cocktails are available all day (lots of rum in the cocktails although the non-alcoholic ones are rather nice). There is also afternoon tea and cakes served everyday.

We went on a half day jeep safari which we booked through the Virgin rep. This was very good and we had an excellent guide (Jason) who made the trip fun and informative. The trip included a drive to a banana plantation and also to River Rock waterfalls. The roads are ideal for 4 x 4 vehicles which adds to the fun.

We also took an all day boat trip called ";Tout Bagay";. This was excellent and there was a real party atmosphere on the boat. We went to La Soufrier on the boat and then went by land in mini buses to visit La Soufriere sulpher volcano (bit smelly as you might expect), Diamond waterfalls and Fond Doux Estate, which is a working cocoa plantation where we stopped for lunch and a guided tour. We then returned to the boat to head back down the coast. There was a stop for a swim and a trip round Marigot Bay where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed before heading back to Rodney Bay Mariner. We entered Rodney Bay in full party mood singing at the tops of our voices. This was an great trip and well recommended.

This was our first trip to the Caribbean and we did not know what to expect. We found the St Lucian people very friendly and always happy and smiling and often walking around singing. We would not hesitate in going back to St Lucia or the Rex Papillion in the future.

Booked this holiday after much deliberation. Glad I did. 99.9% of staff where wonderful and always had smiles on their faces, especially Stanley at the watersports and the two entertainers Mervin and Alvin. Food lovely at all the restaurants though the breakfast buffet was a bit disapointing-not any variation over 2 weeks. Kids club fantastic although the kids didnt really use it much as they met friends on the beach. Room great-as we had a 2 bed villa the kids were downstairs in their own room (with their own balcony) which was a nice change from them having the bedroom and us on the sofa bed in the lounge!!(normal procedure). Maybe could do with a lick of paint in places but would definately go again though be warned at the moment they are shipping in sand to extend the beach and so there may be a bit of noise-check with agent before you go. they said it will be ready by the end of the year but going by Caribbean pace I'd be very surprised!!! 9/10