Great Stirrup Cay Vacations from $925

Just getting to Freeport is a pain, NJ to MIA then to Freeport. Only a one hour layover on the way there (5hrs 43mins to get there). Getting back to NJ not so good. The return flights are terrible Left Freeport at 1:50 arrived in MIA at 2:40, Had a 5 hour layover in MIA to get back to NJ. (9hrs 6 mins) plus a one hour delay Go to Nassau, bigger airport so you can get a direct flight there. The property itself was not very clean, the rooms were very outdated and dirty. There were way too many bee's especially by the pool. There was no nightlife at all and very few and boring activities. The food was fair. When you check in you will be made to wait until 3:00 to get your room key and wait on a long line. NOT before 3:00. I reserved an ocean view king room. When I got to the room it had 2 queen beds, went back to reception and told them I reserved an Ocean view King Room and they told me that they are "upon availability" and that people had checked in before me and the there weren't any available right now. There is a small shop on site that sells snacks, aspirin, cigs, lotion, soda, water, etc, but they close at 6:00 every night, so if you need aloe for your sunburn or you are out of cigs you are beat. REALLY 6:00 I have been to all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Cancun and Punta Cana. and this resort is by far the worst resort I have ever been to. I would NOT recommend this resort. I would not return to this place if I was offered a free stay and spending money to boot

Staff was a hit or miss. Some was genuinely polite but others looked miserable. I work in the hospitality industry so to see people be welcoming with an a genuine smile makes a difference. However I feel lots of them lacked that. Our room had balloons and a 2 swan heart shape on the bed since we were celebrating our anniversary and husband birthday. The day of his birthday we return to our room to find a cake for him which was very thoughtful. We had a “mishap” with our safe on the 2nd day. They “claim” our safe was open and so security had to take pics of what was in it. No matter what I said about the safe was locked when we left which WE ALWAYS check, she still made some excuse to clam it was open. My husband made like the money we left was still there but we were missing about $20. He choose not to argue with them. We were told to make a reservation at the 4 restaurant there you would need to use the app but also none of them will be available to us for the first 2 days??!!!!! So we went to the restaurant, tip them and got in. Beach was beautiful can’t complain there but be prepared to always be asked if you wanna rent jet skis, parasailing, etc. Food was ok lots to choose from and good to have the 4 restaurants there to try.

It was a pleasurable stay. The staff were accommodating and helpful navigating the island.

Shower not working Air conditioning failed in the middle of the night Very poor breakfast

The property is certainly well located and is one of the three best located resorts on Harbor Island. However, the Pink Sands is tired and needs attention to deferred maintenance along with some wholesale capital improvements. The employees were helpful and attentive but they could use some training as to decorum and attention to details. Overall, the experience there was a disappointment because we were paying such a high price and frustrated by endless issues. Willing but shoddy service. Bad food. Beach covered with seaweed while the adjacent resorts removed seaweed. I could go on but you get the picture. We could have gone to the Coral Sands or the Dunmore and paid a little more and had a much more fulfilling experience. Clearly, the ownership of the Pink Sands needs to "bite the bullet" and make a wholesale commitment ($$$) to a better overall customer experience or it will fade off into oblivion.