We stayed in a 2 bed ocean view suite in block one on the second floor. I initially completed the Guest comment card but did not submit it as not sure it has any impact. In all categories I gave the score of 5 out of 5. Swimming Pool, beach, etc. So why no 5 overall. 1. The rooms I suspect are owned by independent people with sands acting as agents. Our room was well appointed, spotlessly clean and received excellent room service everyday. The appliances however needed some maintenance. Safe broken, fridge leaked, dishwasher top shelf broken, and hair drier did not work. In accordance with consumer advice these were pointed out both verbally and in writing within 24 hours. The reception said it would be referred but without saying to whom. I could tell by the manner of the two receptionists that this was not going to happen. Rather than fester over these issues we just got on and lived with the broken items. Now we accept that nothing is perfect ( accept my money!) Any commercial public service would normally carry out a quality assurance inspection on the items listed prior to the arrival of new customers. sadly I think Sands may pass responsibility onto the owner.
2. On arrival a charge is made against your credit card of $100 per day. In our case this was $1400. This was for incidentals charged to the room. My advice would be to pay as you go with your credit card as the accounting processes within the establishment can be erratic at times as witnessed by other reviews. Restaurant staff have a bizarre method of not showing you the itemised bill before they take your card.
When you request to see the bill you are treated to a strange onslaught of verbal waffle which is difficult to decipher.
The Money held on day 1 is refunded after 5 to 10 days which is common banking practice. However guests might of liked to be informed prior to arrival of this. If you do not use this facility you card has debit on it which may by the time we receive the money back be up to 24 days.
If the duty manager reads this and comments that the issues raised will be passed onto the relevant team members. do I think it is just words?
To finish on a positive note. If you come to Sands I am sure you will enjoy your holiday. The beach sells the place and I would like to praise the Hospitality lounge which is available for late departures after check out. Well done for that amenity.