My husband and I had a ball. The place was fab. Was it the best? No. Did it have faults? yes. But I believe you can find the best and worst in anything. Mainly it was one of the best times we had in our lifes. Only complain would be the elevators., very slow at times. We stayed at the south tower and had and excellent view and ther room was clean. We hardly stayed in the room except to sleep. Plenty of chooses in the food service. And we felt very safe in town. Most of the staff were nice and friendly. Some were a bit rude at the front desk. Would most likely go again to SJG. Special staff were bartenders Ralston and Horise and bell hop Morris.

First of all, this was the best deal I've ever gotten on travel. Might as well tell you all so you don't get ripped off: $1200 per person for a full week including airfare. So just from the start, this was good.

My boyfriend and I were celebrating a few things and were badly in need of some R&R. This was the perfect stay on a budget and I will explain how to do it right when you go:

The trip to the hotel from Montego Bay took about an hour and 45, not bad at all, we hired Clive's service to take us and they were waiting for us and very safe drivers. When you get to SJG, it takes about 2 hours to get your room ready. If you can, try to pay the extra $100 for the upgraded room which gives you a better chance of being in the South tower (better view, not over the nightclub, quieter, etc) Rather than be like everyone else and get angry and rude during the 2 hour wait, just pack your bathingsuit and flip flops in your carry on and get a drink and go to the pool! You will already have your bracelet to eat, drink, etc. Everyone that works at SJG is extremely friendly and nice, get to know them! The hotel lobby and all the common areas are clean and beautiful. There are bars EVERYWHERE and the drinks are strong. Try some of the smoothies with fresh fruit and a little rum... fabulous. Every morning, go straight to the guest services desk and reserve dinners at the restaurants (as many as they will let you). La Diva is the best, the South Beach a close 2nd, Ginger Lily was very good but didn't compare to the other two. Also make sure to try the jerk chicken at the grills at some point!

The rooms are clean, spacious, and the balconies are great. This is not a 4 star hotel, so dont expect that! I read all the reviews before I left and frankly anyone with complaints should never have gone there in the first place. For the price, this place is a STEAL so if you are looking for brand new bathroom fixtures and white towel service, stay somewhere else. You get MORE than what you pay for here.

Take advantage of the watersports! Snorkling is great along the rocks, we tried windsurfing, kayaking, etc. The south beach is the quietest and the grill there is never too busy. The gym is really nice as well if you feel like working out. Make sure you venture down to the craft market in town- just about 2 blocks from the hotel. We bought beautiful stuff. Also there is a pharmacy about 2 blocks passed the market where you can refill on suntan lotion, waterproof cameras, or anything else you need for half the price of the hotel gift shop. we went to dunns river falls... it was okay. I'm pretty sure it's man made and be prepared to get ripped off, total tourist trap ($6 shuttle, $15 to get into the park, $5 water shoe rental, $5 locker rental, etc etc etc). I wasn't really impressed and ended up leaving with bruises and cuts all over my legs from the rocks. oh well.

every night after dinner we walked over to the north side and it is always completely empty along the rocks and water behind the north building. great place to listen to the waves and watch the stars while digesting.

at any rate, I can't say enough about this place. The water slides were a blast, the drinks were strong, the food was delicious, the staff was fun and we left rested, tan and happy(and a few pounds heavier!). Enjoy your trip!!

This hotel desperately requires some renovation.
We stayed in room 1407 south tower and the ceiling tiles were falling down.
All throughout the hotel you could see wear & tear.
Also you must ask yourself , why all the security around this complex.
We discovered constant hassle when we turned left at the end of the hotel drive into the town.
On one occasion I feared being mugged when I handed a local $5 dollars to go away.
He demanded another $40.
The locals are not very friendly.
Some of the staff can be ok but are outnumbered by the rude ones.
Constantly hassled to buy drugs.
Overall verdict - I will never return

We booked a funjet 3.5 al for 10 days at $1200 per person out of St. Louis. Airfare and all inclusive. We did not find out our destination until 4 days before departure. We have stayed at RIU and Couples in Ochie before. We were very satisfied with SJG. They put us in the cabana side, two story, no elevator to hassle with, on the top floor. Loved that side of the beach and pool with cabanas. Moma Marley's played Bob's music every day to our delight on the beach. Loved being able to walk in town for craft market, Island Village and grocery store. The cruise ships docked outside our room were impressive, although we prefer land and Jamaica to a cruise. Margretiville was hoping on one of our visits and the no pressure of Island Village is very different to the craft market downtown. SJG had great restaurants, the rack of lamb at Italian joint was great, along with the chinese and outside steak house. They seasoned the sirloin just right. A number of bars to frequent and good music on the stage every night. The location and nice facility make a return visit certain. Hello to Rasta Bob, Rocky Radar, Cheap Charlie, and maria at the craft market. In the future have some change on hand instead of paying off the balance with some of Jamaica's finest agricultural exports. This is an above average Jamaica resort, with execellent restaurants.