Went to the Sandpiper for a week, following a recommendation from a work colleague. Wasn't too sure what to expect as this was our first time to Barbados but the general feedback from this site was very good. Pleased to say it lived up to its expectations. We were met by a couple of wonderful and helpful receptionists and the Asst Manager personally showed us to our room, via some of the main hotel attractions. We only ordered a Garden Room as this was all they had so close to us departing - in fact it was because the had a cancellation that we were able to get in at all. They have a vrey high repeat rate of guests so book early to avoid disappointment. The room was spacious and clean with an excellent sized bed, well appointed patio furniture, useful fridge and average sized bathroom. We were in Room 24 so quite close to the main rod through Holetown but the noise wasn't intrusive. Overall hotel grounds and facilities were excellent - small and intimate but not claustrophobic. Beach is a little small, especially at high tide, but enough room for those than choose to spend the day there. A little higher up the beach (closer to the hotel) is a little more breezy so some people preferred it there. Watersports fantastic - lasers, catamarans, snorkelling, jetskis (booked for you), nothing was a problem for them. The bar and restaurant were great - food fantastic though you wouldn't want to eat there every night, the main restaurant is quite pricey and food is very rich. There are plenty of good, local, touristy restaurants around - Groots is great bar area, Ragamuffins does great curry, The Mews has great bar/ courrtyard restaurant area and open late, Spagos does great italian food. Best meal we had there was at Daphne's - try the tuna with lentil salsa! Pool area looked ok but didn't really venture there as most of the time was on the beach. Hotel had good gym with modern equipment. Computer room useful for checking in online and TV room had great sized TV but the weather was so good we didn't see anyone venture in. Our only slight criticism was the aferage age of the guests there - we're in our early 30's and the average age has to be between 55a nd 60. It felt a bit like we were away with our parents! Though the post-dinner dancing was worth watching for all those mid 50's hip swingers on the dancefloor. As a result of this the hotel is tranquil and quiet after about half 10/ 11pm which means the bar shuts early so we tended to stay out later and eat/ drink in town then come back late. There is certain a micro community there and a familiarity amongst returning guests - not the hotels fault - but as mentioned before, they have a high return rate and clearly a lot of the guests had been going for years. A previous post calls it cliquey - I wouldn't say that, more a friendly fammiliarity. After a few days, people would nod and say good morning so not snobby.

Overall, a great hotel and would I would recommend with the above few considerations. Definately will go back, but not every year - there's too much else in the World left to see first!!

This is a superb little hotel in a good location near to Holetown. The service was by far the best that we have experienced in the Caribbean. The staff always seemed to be one step ahead of you. They learn your habits and anticipate your needs. It really helps you to relax. They are friendly and respectful. Little touches, like free room service and speedboat trips, as well as a toaster and large fridge in the room for your use (no overpriced minibar), reinforce the feeling that the hotel are not trying to rip you off at every corner like most of the others on the island. Drinks by the pool in the evening, the food, breakfasts - all top notch. The beach was nice (if a little small), with high quality sun loungers always available. Jugs of iced water and sorbets are brought to you.
One thing that we weren't too keen on was the private members club type atmosphere created by the high proportion of returning guests. Of course, this is not the hotel's fault though and it says everything about the place that these people return every year. We took the opportunity to visit Coral Reef and Cobblers Cove on exchange dining and the food in the lattter was especially good. Barbados has some good restaurants in amazing settings. You pay for it though. Tides and The Cliff demonstrate all these points. The Fish Pot and Lone Star are also recommended. Cocomos is a more lively, informal place, right on the beach a few minutes up from the hotel. The food is excellent and this is one to visit for lunch, or if you fancy a night off from the more expensive, formal restaurants. Definitely one to avoid though is Calabaza. Revolting food at disgraceful prices. Our food was literally inedible. Apparently everyone that goes there says the same thing. They won't survive another year unless they sort it out.

Have just come back from a weeks holiday at the Sandpiper and had the most amazing time. The hotel is a perfect size as it is small enough that the staff remember your name and engage you in conversation but not too small that you feel closed in. We could not fault anything about the hotel we loved every minute of it and I am sure we will be back! We looked at Coral Reef whilst we were there but have to say we would both choose the SandPiper everytime.

We stayed for 8 days in mid October, which is the rainy season, but even a few showers didn't spoil our time at this great vacation hotel.

We had booked a Garden room but on arrival were upgraded to a Beach Suite - number 21, which overlooks the beach and has a fabulous verandah. Ask for it! You get a roomy lounge and a fully equipped kitchen as well as a good sized bedroom and ok bathroom.

One of the best features of the Sandpiper is that room service is complimentary, so you can choose to have breakfast (or supper) on your verandah and they don't charge you extra. The staff are delightful and take real care in laying up the full breakfast works (fruit plates, eggs and bacon, waffles, pastries, toast - all great).

We also took advantage of the free 2 hour tennis coaching sessions each evening. The coaches are great are making it fun and cope very well with the wide range of abilities and ages. And it helps you get to meet some of the other guests, many of whom are regulars.

The beach is great with a small floating platform you can easily swim out to (20 yds out), over some tiny coral reefs packed with fish. There are plenty of watersports toys that you can use without charge and the hotel has two motorboats to offer water-sking and for towing floats etc. It wasn't too obvious how you took advantage though, so stop by the watersports kiosk on the decking on your first day and get them to talk through the options.

We found the dining room quite hot as it is open sided with no air-conditioning and quite expensive (min you will get away with is £50 a head). The food is excellent and it's great for the ocassional meal, but not for every night - you'd explode!

Local places we enjoyed in Holetown (5 minute stroll down the road) were Olives, Angry Annies and thebest was The Mews - try the local catch served blackened, delicious!

It is small (45 rooms) so you tend to be on at least nodding terms with most people after a couple of days and the managers will introduce themselves to you. After that it's up to you whether you just want to chill by yourselves or socialise more.

Most of the staff are delightful and genuinely serve you with a smile and care. We loved the way they will sort out sun loungers, spread towels, bring you iced water and the 11.30am sorbet.

Yes, you will get pestered from time to time by the beach salesmen selling boat trips, goes on their wave riders and offering massages, but will accept a firm "no" as many others have commented. Don't let it rile you and you'll chill all day on the beach or on the decking.

All in all, this was a high class, caribbean beach-based hotel with all the trimmings. Nice and quiet and set in beautiful gardens.