Secrets St. James Montego Bay

This resort hotel is worth its 5-star rating. It is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort and sprawls over a large property subdivided into different 4-storey blocks with a total of 350 rooms. The "streets" are extra wide giving you a village feeling rather than a property. There is ample parking for drive-in guests. Security is abundant with several check points. The grounds are well manicured with coconut and palm trees and a variety of flowering trees. The white sand beach is immaculate and is constantly being raked to keep it pristine. There are a number of swimming pools, some with swim-up bars. It offers a spa and beauty salon as well as gift shops. The staff is superb - courteous, knowledgeable and always ready to assist. They must be over-staffed because virtually anywhere you are on the property there is always a member of staff within sight. On arrival you are greeted with a cold towel and drink of your choice. The rooms are spacious (over 500 sq. ft.) and nicely furnished. They have a separate bath and shower with plush towels and ample toiletries. Each room has a cozy balcony that has a jacuzzi and is covered with six-foot walls that ensure privacy. Butler service is standard and 24-hur room service is available. The bed is comfortable but I wish it was a bit firmer. Each room has a tablet that provides information and directions for the various hotel services. Neat. I was impressed that the coffee arrangement in the room provides the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. It was a delight. The hotel offers an extensive entertainment package including live bands and performances. It also offers a theatre, game lounge and tennis court. Nearby golf courses can be accessed. The food offerings are awesome. There are seven restaurants providing international, Mexican, Italian, French and Jamaican cuisine in addition to a number of cafes and grills located at several places including the beach. You woud have to be on an extended stay to be able to sample all of them. This is a superb resort facility. Worth every penny that it costs you.

We went in May and there were no crowds at the pool or the restaurants. I guess May is the slow month. The views and beaches are great. I was in the Preferred side and it was very quiet. There was a lot more activities at the other pools. Preferred club butler's were amazing. They were always there to get you anything you needed. It was my birthday and they filled the tub with a bubble bath and roses all over. I had a couple of issues and the Preferred club manager, Regina, handled everything perfectly and professionally. She was great. The swim out room had wonderful views. Ms. Joy in the Preferred club lounge was great. Always friendly and knew what we drank. Weather was perfect and the pools were perfect temperature. Room was always clean and cool. Definitely recommend swim out room with the butler service.

Secrets St James was not a good experience for me. I had heard such great things about it over the years that my expectations were extremely high. What I found was mediocre service, indifferent staff and outdated furnishings. Secrets St James is in need of some upgrades and upkeep. I would suggest visiting the property “Breathless” next door. Difference of night and day.

Reason for visit: Celebrating 19th year Wedding Anniversary and Travel AGent Site Visit for Future Client Recommendations Personnel: Ms. Regina Mcmahon, was the highlight of my trip. One of the best managers I had the opportunity to meet. I had an issue with my room the first night a few maintenance issues. I received a call from Regina the next morning and met with her. The beautiful Regina was amazing she rectified our issue expeditiously. Regina went above and beyond expected. She provided us a complimentary upgraded preferred room in the same building for our inconvenience . The room was very nice and the view was lovely. She checked on us every day twice a day to ensure no other issues. She made me and my husband 19th anniversary a memorable moment. I can’t say enough about Regina (10 out of 10) just know she would be the main reason for our return! Ms. Shadea Jamieson, responded to my email requests prior to arrival, provided information for preparation of trip. Definitely a big help.. She called to check on us when she returned to work but I was leaving the next day so unfortunately, didn’t get a chance to meet her in person. Maybe next time. Ms Joy: Was always pleasant with a smile and kept our drinks coming when entering and exiting the bldg. Myron: Service with a smile as well. Always inquiring if we need anything. Appreciate it. Young Lady across from Concierge: Unfortunately I can’t remember her name across from concierge desk (married 10 years) she greeted us every time she seen us which was so refreshing. Some Others were kind of quiet during passing didn’t want to engage much but I’m the type of person to say hello in passing. Notice tips were expected everywhere I don’t mind tipping its just seems as if it was needed to receive better service. Preferred didn’t seem preferred in services provided but luckily I had Regina to make everything better. For example, 4th of July celebration preferred member weren’t VIP ($99 charge per person) first place I’ve been were you had to pay for entertainment. Room: It was like home away home in the upgraded room St James Preferred Master Suite (1-king bed with separate living/dining) from St James Preferred Junior Suite category. I must say both had a nice view. You have to review some YouTube videos a little dated but very nice. My only recommendation would be to have liquor bottles/dispenser in preferred rooms for enjoyment and accessibility. Mini bar only consisted of beer, soda, water. Turn-down service available as well. Room service available as well just order 1-2 hr advance. Restaurants: Blue Mountain-nice indoor oxtails and curry goat were great. The hubby and I really enjoyed. Himitsu-The hibachi was good unfortunately didn’t get a show (our cook didn’t engage, watched the other cook younger gentlemen he was good I was recording him during my dinner but the food was as expected)it was hot kind of uncomfortable (covered outdoor setting) a cooler environment would make it a little more enjoyable. Bring a fan. Altitude-My favorite (on Breathless side) Rooftop setting the ambiance, music and view is great. Lamp chops were excellent. Stateside I get about 5-6 bones. Received 2 bones they were sooo good I wanted to order another. LOL. Hats off to Chef. World Cafe-Buffet style with Cooked to order cuisine available ie (grilled salmon, shrimp, steak, burgers, etc) nice touch to buffet style dining. Other restaurants as expected didn’t visit all. Recommendation Preferred dining would be nicer with Cooked to Order Services. Appetizer food sat out with no cover over food didn’t partake. Beach- 9 out 10, Clean w/minimum seaweed, plenty of covered seating, Drink service was good. Plenty of towel readily available. Pools- As expected, swim up pool bar on Wild Orchid location. Would have been nice if on Preferred locations. Entertainment Daily activities as expected -Highlighting Bob Marley Show and 4th of July celebration (Additional $99 for VIP status even if preferred, think it should be included) Casino: Entertaining open to roughly midnight….bar and pool table nice touch. Night Club: Approximately 10-2pm nice DJ for after hours. Variety of music. Resort Shopping; As expected, pricey but shops available if needed. Key Items Notes: Sunscreen, Hats, Sunglasses, Men sleeve shirts, dress sandals-Check restaurant dress codes prior to arrival, Pool Floats. Excursions: Been to Jamaica 5x just wanted to enjoy resort. Overall: Ms. Regina 10 out 10. Excellent customer service. Would be the reason I recommend and return. Food and Entertainment 8 out 10. Some VIP areas during entertainment upcharge. St James Preferred Master Suite 8 out 10. NICE VIEW… Separate Living/Bedroom Area. Oversized Balcony with Sitting Area/Jacuzzi (2 way entry to balcony).

The facility is well maintained. The simmer experiences was not good. The service was slow & food mediocre The pool bartenders service was very excellent. This is not a Sandals resort.