Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
3.0
#10 of 11 hotels in Bandar Penawar
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Sand & Sandals welcomes you to explore the rich spirit of the white-sand beach, dazzling sunlight, sparkling seas that embraces the identity in senses. Sand & Sandals provides the ultimate gateway for couples where they get to relax and enjoy the “me” time. Our resort offer a string of romantic and memorable retreats, family reunion, dream beach wedding, memorable anniversaries and more!
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
I have more dislikes vs likes. So let me start off by sharing that the location was great with it just walking distance to the beach and the reception team was efficient and friendly. The room was big but maintenance was awful.
1) The swimming pool was full of algae. I was totally disgusted by the fact that when my feet touched the bottom, it was slippery and we could see the algae floating. Immediately came out from the pool.
2) The rooms - 341 and 343 was not cleaned properly. There were hair in the bathroom and the living room area. We even found watermelon seeds under the chair. A cigarette butt was found at the outdoor bathtub. The room was so sandy that it felt like it wasn't swept at all. Yucks, Yucks and Yucks.
3) There was no social distancing practiced and the swimming pool was full although we were told by the hotel when we called before we made bookings that those who had wanted to go to the pool had to register in order to make sure there wasn't too many people. Obviously that didn't happen.
Hotel guests were given masks but no one really practiced it including staff.
I have read great reviews of this resort previously and sadly, it was disappointing. For the price we paid, we expected at least cleaner room and proper social distancing SOPs in place.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lily Lim, Other at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort and Spa
Responded 23 Aug 2020
Dear Addierocks Thank you for taking time to share the experience with us. I am truly sorry to learn that you were met with several unsatisfactory encounters at our resort, this is definitely not the service we want our valued guests to experience . Please be assured that this matter will be addressed accordingly as it is not our usual standards. I extend my sincere regrets and apology and I hope to be able to do you right on your next stay with us. Regards Lily Lim Director of Operations & Revenue
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spent a night last friday with my family of 4. both of my sons enjoyed the surrounding, might be it was a long overdue holiday trip due to MCO. Contrary with previous claims I have read, the check in process was a smooth sailing ones, although I do assume that the timing of our trip (Friday - Saturday) did play a role. Yet our request for additional bed was not met as immediate as per desire. Surrounding area was not as breathtaking as per imagine. But it still bring necessary enjoyment to all of us. Sand area was pristine, beach was equipped with warning signs, outdoor pool do serve it propose, but still have a lot of work need to be done. There will be renovation in progress I do think of, and after the completion of initiatives I dare to say that it will be be fabulous. Room condition is less than satisfactory, there were stains at the floor and there were noticeable sign of wear and tear on some of fittings. What I can suggest that they should fit a sand trap device / floor mat due to the fact that it will be problems arise if there were none, as per current arrangement.
Hopefully with the industry is still on a mend, after considerable time and waves of visitors, the establishment will be equipped with necessary resources in which will be then restore to its former glory
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Had booked the Deluxe Garden View and was upgraded to Deluxe Pool View for 2 nights. Added 1 extra bed and room was spacious enough to accommodate it. It still felt roomy even with the extra bed. Due to the Malaysian Conditional Movement Control Order, breakfast was sent to the room, you can specify what time to send it up. Bathroom was spacious while the bathtub was on the balcony with a view of the pool.
The pool was also large, allowing us to find a quieter spot away from the crowd. Overall area was clean, including the beach.
Breakfast, although no possibility to choose, was more than enough. A mixture of western and local spread for one person with a choice of hot coffee or tea. One suggestion would be not to include the toasted bread, it becomes hard when it’s delivered cold to the room.
Cons, 1. The room aircon controller which had malfunctioned - fan stuck at High and temperature at 16C’; 2. Cushions in the room sofa had marks/spots on them, not sure it was cleaned after every guest or not - see the red & white square cushions in the photos. It needs to be properly washed, currently it looks gross.
Overall we were very satisfied with our stay. Room was large and roomy, similarly with the pool. Will come and stay again in the future.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damn slow for check in and check out! I'm writing this while queing for my turn for check out. Upon check in, payment is required to be paid at the property that makes all the process very slow. There are only 3 counters and every lanes are slow. Check out also took us at least 30 minutes standing. Should open more counters and at least one counter for check out.
They should have expected more people coming since it's the chinese new year holiday. So stressful. Even one of our room has no aircond just a hot wind blowing. They came for maintenance but things are still not sorted out. We slept in sweat. For a room that cost almost 800RM per night, we should be getting more in terms of service. Definitely not coming back!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LilyL1914, Director of Operations & Revenue at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort and Spa
Responded 31 Jan 2020
Dear Neelza Thank you for sharing your experience which we are very much regret. This was an unpleasant review to read but it gave us an instantaneous comprehension of your experience for which we can only convey our deep and sincere apology. We would to assure you that, the faults found is not our norms usual standard and we have taken your feedback seriously with the relevant department at utmost urgency. Please accept our sincere apologies once again. We hope to have a second chance, to provide you with the hospitality which you rightfully deserve. Regards Lily
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
the room is new. seriously new until you can smell the cement, plaster and stinky dust. once you stepped in, your foot will swipe the inches of dust. then your kids will start to sneeze. it was spacious than your average deluxe room, but complement it with the dust. the floor, the sofa, doorknob, the wall, the toilet with foot/hand mark of plaster visible, literally everywhere. we need to call them until 3 times for someone to come and clean it. when they actually came, they brought a mop, and used the water tap without floor cleaner. one sweep, and they left. we were really shocked.
second day, breakfast is to be delivered to your room. they offerred 7am, 8am or 9 am timing. we chose 7 am breakfast so we can go down to beach early. but it was so slow, we waited more than one hour, called them twice, and went down to the restaurant asking for the breakfast ourselves. luckily they were able to send the food at pool side. so finally when we went down to the beach, the sun was already scorching hot.
the beach is ok, clean and little bit steep.
the pool is big. but not properly maintained. it was dirty, when you dive in, you can see dry leaves, dust, rocks, even a branch of dead tree.
check out was the most terrible. three long lanes, and super hot with no fan. this is the worst check out experience we ever had in our life.
so, very bad experience. i think they are not ready for peak season after long break of MCO. wont come again, wont suggest to anyone.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rooms are very spacious and we got upgraded from superior to deluxe ..Probably not much occupancy. Infra/facilities point of view the resort has almost all the things u need for a fun time.wid family. Lot of options for kids as well. Large pool area and private beach space with many showers placed across. 3 types of restaurants and many sea sports options too. But the worst part of the stay was on service side. The hotel was severely understaffed (or staff not capable to handle/manage low footfall also) even though there was probably less than 50% occupancy in that weekend. Breakfast time is till 10.30 but most of the items finished by 9.30am and very few options for Vegetarian people like us. Hotel management must look at improving things on this otherwise it won't be sustainable this way for long.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:For Indian vegetarian travellers, better have some ready 2eat stuff with you as not much options...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pros 1. Access to beach although the beach is quite steep and not swimmable. Beach area has beach hut that's close proximity with one another 2. Variety of food for breakfast although most item such as bread section and the mains were minimally changed throughout our 4D3N stay. 3. Bed were clean when we arrived, everything required such as towels, mineral water, toiletries, sewing kit, iron and ironing board all provided. 4. They have game room and kids room which is good and comfortable for kids to play around.
Cons 1. We booked two rooms for our stay paying RM3000 for a 3 Night stay, which is around SGD$$900++ for interconnecting room facing the pool. 2. It was my daughters birthday, and hence I asked if they do have complimentary cake which normally hotels with the same rate we paid for would've provided us with a sliced cake at least complimentary. However Sand and Sandals sent us an email quoting me Half kg cake for Rm150, 1 kg cake for RM300 and RM30 for sliced cake. Such a turn off but we decided to give it a chance. Id understand the steep pricing if this is an island whereby transporting food incurred additional cost, but this is mainland hotel and Secret Recipe is just around the corner. SnS can do better than this. 3. Breakfast for kids is chargeable with us paying additional RM140 for the 3 days. For the price paid, Its really not worth it. 4. Housekeeping was bad.. despite doing room cleaning, our rubbish bin was not cleared on second day. Floor still has stain marks means it was not mopped only swept. 5. The refrigerator has very strong unpleasant smell when we open it 6. This is the worst part, we called housekeeping for additional mineral water and they took 4 hrs/3 calls to deliver them. I had to explain that I need it for my younger daughter who needs her milk and had ran out of clean water to drink before they have it delivered. 7. You can order from Grab, but Hotel do not allow Grab/Foodpanda riders to deliver food into the hotel vicinity, so you would have to walk out to the main gate to collect them, although this means that you have to walk quite a distance, especially if your room is situated at far end of the hotel eg near the beach. The hotel has so much potential to be an alternative gateway for Singaporean to stay for staycation, but I'd say stick to Johor Bahru or go for other resort or pay slightly more and stay at Hardrock or westin, The current price point doesn't seems justified, especially given the subpar level of hospitality service.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Beach has nice beach hut and there are plenty of swings around so get out and explore the beach...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Only good for a nice holiday as long as you do not expect any service.. We arrived early and were told to wait for a phone call to receive our room keys. The call never came. In the meantime we ordered some food. It took almost 1 1/2 hours and several massive complaints to get our pizzas. What looked like a bad start turned out to be daily routine. Our orders got “lost” several times, and all our questions and reminders were just answered with “it’s on the way” or “just wait”. So in the end, we spent several hours a day waiting for food. Unfortunately there are no alternatives outside the hotel - the area is pretty dead. We stayed there at peak season, so the hotel was full. Breakfast was served until 10 am. But if you want a western type breakfast, better go there at 7, as you won’t see any cheese or ham and end up with toast, egg and jam, as you also need to be lucky to get joghurt or fruits. The restaurant manager is very attentive, but he is in a hopeless position, as all his other staff (not nearly as many as would be needed!) are friendly but helpless. They all seem to be on duty 24/7, as we saw the same people d From breakfast till late night ( really hope that I am wrong here). The rooms are spacious, modern and comfortable, don’t expect too much cleaning apart from the bathroom and center floor. Pool area and gardens are nice, with swings towards the beach and a small playground. To get a pool chair, get up early, as they they offered only 16 of them for a fully booked hotel. No chance to book a tour through the hotel (apart from quad), a phone number you can call is all they offer - at best. The gym equipment was covered in dust when we entered on our second day and hasn’t been cleaned during our entire stay. As in every gym, you are asked to wipe the equipment after use. However, you need to bring your one wipes to do so, as there are none. If you book a room with a private pool, keep in mind that they are close to the quad track.. Although erosion is a problem in the area, the beach at the hotel is nice.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You know it’s bad when the grab driver who sent you here had a better service attitude than 95% of the staff in this hotel.
Due to an error with our online booking, we had to shorten our stay at the previous hotel and with 24 hours notice, SNS was the only one within the RM1000 price range I was willing to pay.
The only room type available was the couple suite so we begrudgingly booked it instead of the usual single floor room that our small family needs.
The entire hotel was extremely run down. It was a surprise that it was just reopened in 2018. COVID was supposed to hurt humans’ health but it seems that this hotel was also badly damaged.
Cracked walls, dirty grooves, dusty surfaces, rubbish still left in the corners of the room and the entire two storeys had sand scattered and our feet were darkened just by walking around the room.
To be fair, the room was huge with the living and recreation area at L1 and the bed with an ensuite bathroom on L2. Bed was decent, tv had sufficient channels. Random light switches were faulty and lights were flickering all over the room. Was it a themed lunar 7th month package?
I definitely would not have spent RM1000 on this room seeing it in this state. To think that the cost of the room might be higher than some local salarymen, SNS is really taking the consumer for a ride. Hard Rock Hotel down the road would only cost me RM150 more but I decided on SNS due to the kids activities.
Through our interactions in the resort over the last 120 minutes, there is no hospitality at all and everyone seemed to be rushing somewhere. One of the housekeeping guys even pressed the door close button in the lift when my wife was exiting with my son.
When I checked out the Senses Spa to try and book a massage for my wife, it was the same feeling I got. Transactional staff, run down furniture and fittings.
It’s only our 3rd hour here and I already can’t wait to leave.
Let’s hope the beach and breakfast makes up for the terrible waste of money. The only staff I would speak to again in Muhammad at reception.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Don’t bother even if there is a promotional price
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arrived at 3:30 in the afternoon Check-in took 1 hour!!! And still the room was being cleaned and not avaliable Finally in the room the TV remote was missing, the room fridge didn't work and the same applied to the kettle. We managed to get a remote control but the other deficiencies were not fixed. At the pool bar they had run out of juice and beer and only after repeated requests and half jour later a new supply of warm beer appeared. Based on this experience we didn't dare to try their dinner and glad we did coz the breakfast next morning was less than average.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lily Lim, Other at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort and Spa
Responded 23 Aug 2020
Dear poulc687 Thank you for sharing with us your experience which we very much regret. We are sorry to hear that the experience has fell short in your recent visit especially with our room conditions and beverages at pool bar. Your specific comments on the shortfalls as highlighted have been well taken to ensure improvement for your future visit. Regards Lily Lim Director of Operations & Revenue
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Yogentri2
Kindly be informed that we do have seasport activities in the resort. However, it will be depend on the sea condition due to monsoon season as we practice 'Safety for guest come first'
Hope the above helps
Regards
Lily
Hi Sugashini
For check-in after 12am, we will advise you to have the room pre-block a day earlier. Pre-block the room a day earlier is chargeable at full day of the room rate.
Regards
Lily
" Do not ever use the resort packaged activities as you could get them at the original rates direct from the shop, just do a search and you can easily find them at much cheape"
There are more places to choose from in the Bandar Penawar area.
PRICE RANGE
RM 391 - RM 502 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pulai desaru beach hotel kota tinggi, pulai desaru beach johor, pulai desaru beach hotel johor
LOCATION
MalaysiaJohorKota Tinggi DistrictBandar Penawar
NUMBER OF ROOMS
208
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
