Catalonia Montego Bay

We were given an older room while renovations are underway to completely remodel the rooms. The beds were very comfortable, but the AC didn't cool as much as we wanted. The food and hospitality were exceptional, and the pool was always clean and not busy. We'll go back.

I have to say I like Catalonia a little more now. We visited last weekend, and I was impressed by the kids club, where you can leave your children during the day while you relax. Serena and Elsa were amazing with the kids, including my daughter. They did fun activities like face painting and artwork, and my daughter still has her blouse with the beautiful art they made. I'd come back just for that.

The entertainment Friday night and through the weekend was fantastic, and on Monday there was an exceptional saxophone player. We also enjoyed walking to a beautiful, peaceful island to lounge, while the pool had music and activities all day. Staff were polite and accommodating, and our room was cleaned daily with fresh towels and water bottles in the fridge. There was a range of food at the buffet each day, though it got a little repetitive. The Italian and Jamaican a la cartes were excellent, especially the delicious Italian restaurant, possibly one of the best Italian a la cartes we've tried. Our server, Cruise, was very professional and pleasant. The resort itself is old and run down. We had an old room in building 2, and the bathroom was awful: small, very outdated, peeling ceiling, broken tiles, and no privacy because we could hear the next room through the vent. The food shacks sometimes ran out of things, including sandwiches at Bikini Bites, gin at the Grill snack bar, and straws. The beach is almost nonexistent. It's always very shallow, and the water gets warm by afternoon. When it recedes, it's ankle deep. It's good for kids or seniors, but not for swimming. There are too few shade huts for the number of guests. Watch out for Exclusives Club salespeople soliciting inside the resort, since their membership pitch can take two hours or more. Our stay was mediocre, and we probably wouldn't return unless things improve.

This was meant to be a special birthday stay, but it was frustrating from the start. On the first day, we didn't get the room we had paid for. After they moved us, there was no drinking water. We walked to the front desk and learned housekeeping had left; a manager eventually gave me just two bottles. The next day, cats were roaming everywhere, a problem since I'm allergic. The shower only had cold water and very low pressure, and the food was mediocre. Other guests were complaining too. Late on day three, I tried to shower and use the toilet, but the water had been shut off completely, with no warning or apology. I wouldn't recommend the property until these serious problems are addressed.