Ocho Rios Vacation Rental apartment

Like all hotels you can always read good and bad reviews and like many I didn't expect much of Sandcastles. As it was I was more than pleasantly surprised. I booked an apartment at the resort (D15) direct through Holiday-rentals. I can't comment therefore on the rooms you get with the hotel generally however I couldn't fault this particular room at all. It was exactly as described and was clean and comfortable with good A/C.
The pool isn't the largest by any means and wasn't exceptionally clean however it wasn't that bad that you wouldn't be happy swimming in it. A short walk from the hotel was a wide and long sandy beach with shade and loungers.
The hotel restaurant was limited but fair quality and value. The menu wasn't large and I wouldn't have wanted to eat there every day.

The hotel is ideally situated in Ocho Rios. Straight out of the door and you are on the main street. The town has all you need if you want to do your own catering and has enough places to eat to remove the necessity. The restaurants in the town were OK although nothing to write home about. The best we found was Evita's on the hill over-looking the town. It's a lovely little Italian restaurant with good quality Italian food with a Jamaican slant. Judging by the celebrity photos on the wall we weren't the only ones who enjoyed it. It's a short taxi ride from sandcastles however if you ring to make a reservation mention that you saw their advert in your hotel and they will arrange a free taxi (both ways) for you. Meal for two there was about $100USD.

Our family enjoyed a wonderful week in Ocho Rios at Sandcastle's D15. The condo is perfectly located with beach access out the back and downtown Ocho Rios out the front! The condo itself was very comfortable and homey, as well as spotlessly clean. The grounds are well maintained and secure. We only have positive & happy memories of our stay and are looking forward to our next visit!!

The condo was perfect!! The beach is free for guests but others have to pay ... so it does not get crowded ... even when the cruise ships are in. The housekeeper, Pauline, was very efficient and she took very good care of us.
The condo is very clean, great view and in an excellent location - walk to the beach or market.
We didn't enjoy the meal we had at the resort - very bland ... the little restaurant/bar, "John Crows", across the street turned into our favourite hang-out.