Sandal's Upgrade?

[Culcuhain]

I am heading to Antigua next Friday for a week. I am now receiving calls and emails wanting to know if I want to upgrade to the concierge level for $750 and move from the Caribbean side to the European side. I have heard that Sandal's sometimes upgrades guests for free when they are not near full capacity to keep the guests close to one area. What are my odds of them "upgrading" for free upon arrival? Just weighing my options. Thanks!!

Lee

 

[ColoDale]

Sandals does upgrade rooms sometimes for free based on occupancy, for memebers of their guest program, and for return guests. I don't think they will upgrade to concierge service and I have not heard of it. So in my opinion your odds are low for concierge.

However with the economy the way it is, maybe they will upgrade to concierge service but I doubt it. Call them to see if this is something that they will do.

I have stayed with them 4 times over the years.

 

[sunisdad]

ColoDale--- We are also from CO, how did you get to Antigua?? We're booked at Sandals for next Apr, but are having trouble finding flts. How was the diving there, or should we rebook for somewhere else? Going to Beaches T & C this sept, really enjoyed it 2 yrs ago.

 

[ColoDale]

I have not stayed at that particular property. I should have been more clear when I said I stayed with them 4 times. It was at other island properties. My answer was in regard to how the mgmt works with upgrades in general.

You may be aware but I will summarize what we do.
As a general rule, from Denver we usually go via Miami or San Juan PR. I personally prefer going through Miami. However we have gone though Dallas and Chicago for lesser antilles islands. Chicago we have found, can have direct flights. We find that many of the flights from Miami to the islands have conflicts and we have to work through that to avoid an overnight in Miami. Check local island airlines as well (Miami to island) but make sure to confirm you seats on the return - getting bumped is easy. I understand there may be a red eye to Miami with AA but confirm that. I also heard there was a red eye to Houston with Continental but then you have to find Houston to wherever you go. I hear they have/had a direct flight to Bonaire from Houston. AA pretty much owns the Carribean but Continental does have flights. It takes some legwork if you do it yourself.

 

[Culcuhain]

the diving isn't bad. The reefs are recovering nicely from the hurricanes. The afternoon dives are shallow as these are usually the discover diving ones. the morning ones (7-730 boat time) are usually the deeper ones 45-60 feet.