Linda's Grand Lido Sans Souci Trip Report
October 4-11, 2002
Arrived at the airport early Friday morning like Air Jamaica (AJ) told us to and we ended up having to wait an hour for any of their employees to even show up at the gate. Also, AJ stewardess’ need to learn the art of working, because they sure don’t appear to want to do anything more than serve you a drink, give you some food and pick it up. If we asked for more to drink or anything else, we felt as if we were putting them out. The plane trip itself was not bad, very smooth and very nice having a non-stop flight!
We get to airport in Montego Bay and had about 5 different people trying to tell us where to go and did we want to buy any smoke. Pretty funny, same people trying to give you directions and sell you smoke at the same time. We make it to Super Clubs desk and are whisked away by car since we are the only couple going to GLSS. After hearing that others had to take van and make stops everywhere, I guess we were pretty lucky to have been only couple going to GLSS that day. Although, I would have enjoyed seeing the other resorts up close!
The roads are bumpy and the drivers are crazy in Jamaica. I was glad to see that they are starting construction on some new roads. Those poor people need new roads, maybe that will help on their shocks!
We get to GLSS and are wowed by the beauty. This is one beautiful place, wow! We love tropical plants, palm trees, etc., so this is right up our alley. We only had to wait around 45 min., if that long, for our room. We stayed at the balloon bar and had a few drinks while we waited. Omar, Balloon Bar Bartender, is funny. He was telling us about his time spent at Hedo III and how he had to tell girls (after the 6th one in one day) that he was too tired!
Frankie, Bell Man, took us to our room A36 (or Apple 36 as they call it). Frankie was pretty attentive and very nice. We were so excited to be at the end of the complex (right in front of the pool/beach). After walking around all the other buildings, we decided we got just the right location for us. We wanted privacy and we got it! We were on the 3rd floor, which could be difficult if we were really tired or had drank too much, but we always seem to make it with a few extra puffs… We had a room with a beautiful marble bathroom and big Jacuzzi tub and the best shower! Never had any problem with hot/cold water, but it did take a long time to fill up the tub. The bed was a little hard, but after a couple of days it felt just fine. We had 4 pillows and we each were able to find one that we could sleep with very nicely. The only soreness we had was from the activities we engaged in later in the week!
Because we were pretty tired that evening and the fact that my hubby had drank a little too much and I couldn’t wake him up, we had room service the first evening and it was wonderful! We made reservations the next morning for the Cassanova and were very glad we did. We like it so much that we ate there again the next night and tried new dishes, everything was wonderful! We don’t drink wine or beer so I can’t comment on either of those, but we were able to get any drink we wanted with our meals – even Diet Coke! They don’t have Classic Coke though, mostly Pepsi products, my hubby was sad he couldn’t have his Mr. Pibb or Dr. Pepper all week long – they act like they have never heard of either.
We enjoyed eating at the Pallazino each morning and sometimes had room service bring up toast and hot tea in the morning as well. Their evening meal was very good as well, we ate there only once though. Two nights were eaten on the main lawn (Grand Gala) and the beach (Beach Party). We had some of the best lobster at the beach party that we can ever remember! All the food was so good, both parties! On these nights, the restaurants are closed so you either eat the parties or order room service. We ordered room service at midnight once because we got the munchies and the burgers were very delicious. We like the tortilla and carrot chips with guacamole as well, very good snack for the middle of the day or late at night.
Our room was kept pretty cleaned by housekeeping, we only had to call about a few items and they were fixed within hours. One of the maintenance guys came in to clean up broken glass my husband dropped and was dancing and singing while he was cleaning, too funny!
They truly never get in a big hurry in Jamaica! We thought this would drive us crazy at first, but by mid-week we are just as bad as they are. We don’t get in a hurry to do anything, except we do make sure we don’t miss any meals, ha!
We ventured over to the Sunset Beach the 2nd day, as we were a little unsure the first day. We loved it! By far our favorite area to sit and relax, whether it be on the beach or at the pool. I loved the pool over there, the waterfall is awesome and the bartender, Marlon, is the best of the pool bartenders. We were not impressed with the guy that waits the regular pool bar. I did, however, love Shaun who takes care of the beach bar. He was always smiling, always willing to make whatever you wanted and always ready to sing a song. My husband teased me that he thought I was going to try to take Shaun home with me because we got along so well!
I have to say this about the clothing optional beach/pool area. If you have never tried it, then you simply must! I’ve never done anything like this before in my life, but I have to say that I felt so free. I didn’t feel anyone was staring at me or comparing me, etc., everyone was there to have a good time and enjoy not having TAN LINES! You really hate putting a swimsuit on after experiencing the freedom over there. We saw every shape and size there and no one was there to show off or least that was our experience. There was one couple there daily, Lydia and Buddy. They went over to Hedo III one day and came back and filled us in on how crazy it is over there. We were kind of glad we didn’t go after hearing some of the things.
We took 3 tours from GLSS, the horseback riding in the beach (pretty awesome), the Falls (very beautiful) and the shopping tour in town. Let me warn you about the shopping tour though, don’t even bother getting out of the bus at the first stop (I think it was the flea market). They are too aggressive, too pushy and too expensive – BARTER before you buy – you will be shocked at how low they will go! You will find everything you need at the 2nd and 4th stop, I think the 2nd stop was the best for prices. We did barter while shopping though and it will save you a little money. The 3rd stop was bland, not too many shops, but you will get to see Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. We found a nice little bar and had just enough time to drink a Smirnoff Ice while we waited on the bus to leave.
The spa services are very good. We took full advantage of all the free treatments! The massage and body scrub were our favorites though. I recommend that you take all treatments together, especially the massage and the body scrub. We really liked Nikkie and Marcia (the beauty salon), they gave us our pedicure and manicure and were very funny.
To sum everything up:
Air Jamaica – nice non-stop trip, but did not care for service on the plane!
Arrival at Montego Bay Airport – a little confusing if you aren’t sure where to go, leaving is easier though. Also, they have Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville upstairs and they have good food if you have to wait for long.
Ride from airport to GLSS is not that bad, you do get to see a lot of sites. We would probably take express plane if we went back (which we would love to do!) just to save time.
GLSS check-in is very easy, very nice staff. Rooms are very nice and very clean. Bed and pillows are pretty comfortable. Housekeeping is good, always kept us stock with amenities. The mini bar was always stocked, but you have to let them know what you want at first.
The tours were good, but tour lady doesn’t get in a rush to get to work! They say between 8-8:45, but it is more like 9-9:45, ha!
Cleaning was done nicely and promptly, no problems and no complaints! It was nice to get home with half our clothes already cleaned.
GLSS is by far one of the most elegant places to vacation at, very private and loads of fun. Great drinks, wonderful food and good service. Is it time to go back yet?