The hotel is extremely tired and in dire need of re-furbishment, and definitely not worthy of a 3 star rating. We have stayed at many 3 star properties in the Caribbean, in Barbados, St Lucia, Tobago and Antigua over the last few years, and based on this experience, it wouldn't even rate 2 stars! As usual, we booked the all-inclusive option, as we have never had any problems with food quality etc. However, Sugar Bay is a different animal. The food is of an extremely low standard with little choice, the salad bar is stocked with very little, and what there is is limp and uninviting. We attempted dinner 3 times unsuccessfully and ended up eating out apart from breakfast (it's difficult to mess up given that you make the toast yourself!). Lunch is supposed to be served from 12 to 3pm at the poolside bar, and on two occasions we went to eat at just after 2pm to find there was nothing left. When I asked if more food would be coming, I was told it was all finished. I complained to reception and from then on there was an option of hamburger or fish and chips to order - hardly a healthy option!
The bar is supposed to be open from 10am until 12 midnight, but on several occasions when we tried to get a drink after 10.30 or so, it was closed! There was no entertainment to speak of, a guy with an electric piano showed up a couple of times and that was it, apart from a television at the side of the stage. The bar itself was totally uninviting, with most of the chairs broken, the carpet badly stained and torn, and a hole in the ceiling!
We were fortunate in that a friend of ours works at the Marriott nearby and has a car, so we could escape from Sugar Bay and explore the beautiful island of St Kitts, but I felt sorry for families who booked expecting a self-contained resort with facilities for children and entertainment in the evenings.
Our room was adequate and quite large, with thankfully very efficient air conditioning, but each morning for the first week the maid banged on the door at about 8.15 to make up the room! Needless to say, I put her straight on that one. There was no hotel services guide etc in the room, when we asked at reception we were told that they were at the printers. We had to find out mealtimes etc. by trial and error. We found a dead gecko on our floor and obviously expected it to be removed on the maid's next visit - it took 10 days!
Despite the failings with the property, the staff were the friendliest we have encountered anywhere, and manage to smile and be extremely helpful despite working in such a run down property.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
no way!
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine