Travel reviews by Dr K from London

We are very pleased to hear that these travellers enjoyed The Sands at Nomad’s restaurant and beach and found the staff pleasant. But we are disappointed that the staff did not seem particularly helpful and we’re especially concerned that these travellers’ impression of the rooms was so poor. They asked us to book the least expensive rooms available but we are very sorry that the inexpensive Forest View Room that they initially checked into was so below their expectations. We have heard back from the hotel who explained that unusually rainy weather in this El Niño year made some of the rooms rather damp and gloomy. After moving them free of charge to a Sea Breeze Room, they were offered a Beach Cottage at an additional total cost of $50 per day rather than the usual difference in cost of $302 per day, however they decided not to move. As we write in our report on The Sands at Nomad, “it is vital to note that this is not a luxury property”, but these travellers’ experience points to the fact that the tropical beach climate takes a very heavy toll on every aspect of hotel infrastructure. We accept that the cheaper rooms have low rates for this part of the world, but we do think they should be upgraded with non-rust fittings and regularly refurbished with new décor and furniture. While we have confidence that The Sands at Nomad is a well-run hotel, we would always encourage guests to book the most comfortable and luxurious rooms they can afford.