whitehouse vs. grande ocho rios

[Diamonddani]

Right now we are booked at grande ocho rios. But I've been researching whitehouse and it looks beautiful! The beaches look a lot better, the ceremony sites look better, and I like that the resort is smaller. (I will have a couple elderly people with me.) Now I'm second guessing myself! I've heard there are more activities and things to do at the grande though? UGH! Anyone know the key differences between the two to help me decide? Thanks!

[islandbride317]

Great explanation, Maureen! Perfect way to outline the differences in what each resort offers....

 

And personlly, SGOR was the best choice for us because most of our guests are active and will really enjoy all of the things to do, plus SGOR offered the widest range of rooms costs, so someone like my sister (who doesn't care if the only view she has is looking out onto dumpsters, just as long as it's cheap!) can have the room that fits her budget, while my parents and I reserved honeymoon penthouse concierge rooms, since that was more the more suited to what we were looking for -- something for everyone! And maybe it's not as newly renovated as some of the other Sandals resorts, and the beach isn't as large or as grand, but we decided that a smaller beach would have to be what we sacrificed for the greater good!)

 

GOOD LUCK no matter where you end up, and I'm sure your WeddingMoon will be beautiful, whether at Whitehouse, SGOR or one of the other Sandals resorts!

[JenniferSS]

I also want to add that if youhave elderly guests then Sandals Whitehouse is a much better option as it is all basically on one level. Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is on many levels and there will be stairs and uneven ground to get from here to there!

[Diamonddani]

Thanks for all the info so far!

 

Is grande ocho rios wheelchair accessible? I know it's a lot of walking, but my TA said Sandals offers wheelchairs. But that won't really work if there's a ton of stairs?

[jamaicabride09]

I had four elderly guests who had trouble walking long distances and they were ok. They were able to call for wheelchairs when they needed them and the SGOR staff was extremely helpful. We also requested that they put them on the Riveria side of the resort (the main building is equipped with an elevator). SGOR is large with a number of steps.

 

Good luck!

[jerzshortstuff]

my parents just got back from SGOR and they loved it... but their biggest complaint was all the walking and steps. My parents are close to 50, so they aren't what I would call elderly. So for an elderly person, I personally wouldn't recommend SGOR. They have rebooked for next year and they will be staying at Whitehouse. Their TA told them SGOR was hilly but they were never thought it was that much. The TA suggested when they return to Jamaica they go to Whitehouse because it is a more even layout.

 

Hope that helps everyone who is looking at SGOR but has elderly people going.

[JB321]

Great Posts. I've been to SGOR and having my wedding there, but totally forgot about all the walking! Thankfully we only have 2 elderly folks going..

[futuremrswalls]

SGOR is very large and there is a lot to do both at the resort and close by.  Whitehouse in contrast, is very small and per both Sandals site and other brides reports, is more just for laying around.  I don't mind laying around, but I didn't want to do that for 9 days.  My guests would have gotten bored too. On another note, my aunt who has Multiple Sclerosis, and my mom and dad who both have severe knee issues were all able to get around at SGOR.  Yes there were a lot of stairs, but the only place you had to use them was to get to a couple of the restaurants on the Riviera side. 

[BakersGirl]

We were married at Whitehouse and it was perfect. The resort was gorgeous and couldn't have been better. Good luck!!