Sandals Resorts Check-In: What To Expect Once You Arrive On Resort
You waited a long time, and it’s finally here! You are headed to your highly anticipated Sandals Resorts vacation. Curious about the Sandals Resorts check-in process? Here is a quick guide to help you understand what to expect once you arrive on resort.
If you have never been to a Sandals Resorts before, you may be a little nervous about knowing what to do. All the excitement can be overwhelming, and you want to be fully prepared. That’s where this article will help you out. From the most frequently asked questions to the process itself, everything you need to know about Sandals Resorts check-in.
Shoreline Journeys participates in affiliate marketing programs. I may receive a small commission from any purchases you make through links on this blog. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.
I think this is one of my favorite parts about being a travel agent that mainly specializes in Sandals Resorts. Because my husband and I vacation at the resorts several times a year, I have insight to help my clients and readers visiting my website for the first time.
Time to dive in, starting with the most commonly asked questions that I get about what to expect once you arrive on resort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandals Resorts Check-In
Check in at all Sandals Resorts is 3 PM. However, they will hold your luggage for you so you can immediately enjoy the resort once you arrive.
If you are staying in a luxury level room, you will check-in at the main lobby desk. If you are club level you will check-in at Club Sandals, and if you are butler level, you will get a private check-in once your room is ready.
Sandals Resorts accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for both in person check-in as well as the online check-in.
Online check-in can be completed from the 30-day mark, up until 5 days before travel.
Start Your Sandals Resorts Check-In From The Comfort Of Your Home
One of my favorite things to do once it is 30 days prior to travel is complete the online check-in at Sandals Resorts. It makes our trip seem that much closer and it allows me to complete all the tedious things in the comfort of my home.
By doing the online check-in for your Sandals Resorts vacation, you will spend less time in the lounge or at the main desk, and more time enjoying the resorts amenities. You can update/add your flight information if your travel agent hasn’t already done it for you, as well as make a donation to the Sandals Foundation.
Top Vacation Essentials For Sandals Resorts
- Leather RFID Passport & Document Organizer
- Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
- Travel Luggage Scale
- Compression Packing Cubes
What Happens Once You Reach The Airport Lounge Or Desk
When you arrive at your destination, most locations have either a Sandals Resorts lounge in the airport, or have a desk where you stop in after you complete customs and immigration. Here you will be greeted by a lovely staff member who will take your names and tag your luggage.
You can take a few minutes to freshen up and relax while you wait for your name to be called for your included transportation to the resort. If you have private transport that you have pre-arranged, you will still stop here to let them know you have arrived and get your luggage tags. If you booked with me, I will indicate in your reservation that you don’t need transportation to the resort with the Sandals staff.
How Sandals Resorts Check-In Is Handled Once You Arrive At Resorts
Once you hop on your transportation and enjoy a comfortable ride & fabulous scenery, it’s time to get the Sandals Resorts check-in process started. You will be greeted with a song and cold towels. A staff member will ask for your name, and then escort you to the proper place for your Sandals Resorts check-in.
What Will I Need For Sandals Resorts Check-In?
Once you are in the lounge or at the main desk, you will need the credit card you want put on file. If you did the online check-in, have that card with you. They verify it is the correct card, and place the temporary hold on it. If you want to use a different card than the one you placed, now is the time to hand it to them.
You will also need your departing flight information so they can arrange your transportation when the time comes. If you have your airline’s app on your phone, it’s easy. If you don’t have an app, write it on a sticky note and keep it with your passport or the confirmation papers you may have printed out for your vacation.
The Sandals/Beaches app has a great feature where you can download a QR code with your reservation information. I put my flight information in the notes app on my phone as well, so it is easy enough to access without having cell service or WiFi.
What If I Didn’t Do Online Check-In?
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. If you didn’t do online check-in, you will be handed an iPad with information to fill out. Names, address, contact information, and your departing flight information. Once you complete all the information, you will sign the form and then give the staff member your credit card to process.
Do I Have To Put A Credit Card On File?
The main reason that you put a card on file is that you can charge items you purchase at the gift shop, the photo shop, or even the Island Routes desk directly to your room and you don’t have to worry about carrying your card or cash.
When you check in, they will place a temporary hold of $400 on your card ($600 if you are at Beaches Resorts). Your card isn’t actually charged until you check-out, so if you charge less that the hold amount, you will only be charged the amount you spend. If you don’t charge anything, then the hold will drop off based on your cards terms.
Want to put a card on file but don’t want it to be charged for your purchases? Two nights before check out, head down to the main desk and place cash on your account. That way you have the option to charge, should you need it but you can pay in cash to stay within your vacation budget.
I Have A Butler Level Room At Sandals Resorts, Is My Check-In Process Different?
As I mentioned earlier, being a butler level guest gets you some great perks, including a private check-in. If your room is ready when you get there, it will be done immediately. If your room isn’t ready yet, they will escort you for lunch and then do your check-in once your room is ready.
I have seen it done in the Club Sandals or Butler Elite lounge as well. A lot of times the butlers will take the time to go over your butler preferences at this time as well. If you have any dietary needs or food allergies, this is the perfect time to emphasize it. As your travel agent, I will also discuss this with the resort prior to arrival, and I encourage you to be as detailed as possible in your butler preference form.
My Check-In Is Complete, Now What?
This is the best part about the Sandals Resorts check-in process. Once you complete all the above steps, you can head out and start enjoying the resort. I highly recommend having your swimsuits, some lotion, flip flops, and a coverup in your carry-on. Stop in a bathroom and change, so you can get right to it! Once you hit the resort, you won’t see your luggage again until you are in your room.
If you are club or butler level, a member of the Club or Butler lounge will generally escort you to grab something to eat. If you are at a resort that has a Jerk Shack or Mariner’s, it is the perfect place for your first lunch. Grab a drink from the bar, and just soak it all in! You are in paradise!
If you are Club or Butler level, this also a great time to get your dining reservations sorted out. If you happen to be in a luxury level room, ask a staff member to take you to the culinary desk and they can assist you with your dietary needs. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, I suggest arranging to meet with the culinary team to discuss dining options.
There you have it, all you need to know about the Sandals Resorts check-in process. Knowing what to expect before you get to resort makes it a smooth & easy process. You will be enjoying the scenery and resort amenities before you know it!
Are you convinced? Ready to experience this for yourself? As a travel agent, I would love to help you plan your next vacation. Simply fill out this contact form or send me an email and I will be in touch with you shortly!
And I understand that you may not be ready to use a travel agent, and that’s okay. You can still book your vacation on your own through this link. Sandals Resorts will know that you found out about the resort through my website, but you will have full control of your booking. Just know that I can’t help if anything comes up, so booking with me is the absolute best way to go!
More Helpful Posts About Sandals Resorts
- Why Booking A Luxury Room At Sandals Resorts Is A Smart Travel Choice
- What Sandals Resorts Butlers Can Do For You: Your Guide To Making The Most Of The Service
- The Value Of A Sandals Resorts Vacation: So Many Fabulous Inclusions Make It A Smart Choice
- The Benefits Of Being A Sandals Select Member: Why You Need To Join Before Your Sandals Resorts Vacation
Can you pick your room during the online process or do you have to wait till you get to the resort. We are club level swim up.
Hello James. You are not able to choose your room, however you able to put in a request. You simply call or use chat. Nothing is guaranteed but they will do their best to accommodate you based on your arrival date, Sandals Select level, and what is available.