Immersive Nickelodeon theming and 90s nostalgia create a highly engaging atmosphere.
The expansive 6-acre Aqua Nick Water Park is a major highlight with diverse slides and play areas.
Attentive, exceptional, and friendly staff consistently go above and beyond for guests.
Gourmet inclusive dining is highly praised for its quality, variety, and themed options.
The resort maintains very high standards of cleanliness and upkeep throughout the property.
All suites are beautiful, spacious, immaculately themed, oceanfront, and include a private plunge pool.
Complimentary round-trip airport transfers are a convenient and valued inclusion.
Cons
Additional costs for premium experiences (e.g., character breakfasts, private sliming, photos) can add up quickly.
The beach is compact and smaller, not ideal for those seeking a sprawling beach experience.
Some guests have noted that the resort's pools can be quite cold, impacting swimming comfort.
The resort's spread-out layout necessitates frequent shuttle use between different sections.
Occasional inconsistencies in dining service, such as waits to be seated, have been reported.
Sandals Montego Bay
Pros
Exceptional and welcoming service from staff.
Outstanding water views from nearly every vantage point.
Beautiful and expansive private white-sand beach with loungers, umbrellas, and natural shade.
Unique overwater bar with hammocks is a guest favorite.
Wide variety and high quality of 12 dining options, many offering water views (e.g., Oleander, Butch's, Soy, Tokyo Jo's).
Extensive range of included motorized and non-motorized water sports and land sports.
The "Stay at 1, Play at 2" privilege with Sandals Royal Caribbean significantly expands amenities.
Quick and efficient 10-15 minute airport transfers.
Recently renovated rooms and luxurious oceanfront and swim-up suites.
Cons
Summary
Sandals Montego Bay has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Montego Bay has more restaurants, while Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Sandals Montego Bay has more dining venues.
Noticeable noise from planes due to proximity to the airport, particularly between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Some guests accustomed to other Sandals resorts note a perceived lack of a single, large main pool area, as the resort features multiple smaller pools.
Spa treatments and private candlelight dinners are an additional cost.
PADI certification and off-resort excursions incur extra charges.
