Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

I'll start off with the airport. From the time we exited the airplane until we left the airport, it took an hour. The airport has done away with paper forms and went digital failing to post instructions anywhere of the process you need to follow. If you do not have a cell phone and and e-mail address you are doomed at entry into Jamaica. We finally arrived at Secrets early afternoon. For a bus load of guests there was only one person checking us in. Another 30+ minute wait. We hadn't eaten since 5am and barely made it to the only restaurant 10 minutes before the 3pm closing. They boasted 9 restaurants which in a way is only half true. There are technically 9 but only 5 are open daily. There is no dinner buffet so you must chose a restaurant. The Hibachi grill is reservation only and is not free. The outside Chinese restaurant is weather permitting but you'll need the flashlight on your cell phone because there is only a fake candle on the table for lighting. And expect at least 2 hours for dinner here since there is only 1 waitress for 17 tables. The French restaurant is mediocre. The Italian restaurant was by far the best of the bunch (but that isn't saying much). This was our 5th visit to Secrets Montego Bay and will probably be our last. We've noticed on our last visit they were aiming for the 20 something party crowd. This visit solidified that assumption. The loud music all day at he pools and the need to entertain the guests all day proved it. Which BTW, they removed all the chairs closest to the pool and replaced them with cabana lounges, which, you guessed it are not free. The last straw was the "beach party extravaganza" that went on until 10:45 Thursday night (it was supposed to be done at 10pm). It was 100' from our patio door with 2 hours of extremely loud techno dance music (an AC/DC concert isn't this loud). We were tired and just wanted to go to bed but even with ear plugs this was not to be. We called the front desk and got an "Oh well". Alas.. Come check out day and you guessed it...one staff member to check out a bus load of guests. Another half hour frantic wait as the bus was already there and loading. On the positive side...the staff was superb and polite. The beach was spotless and the ocean was 86 degrees. The room was clean (but shampoo in the shower was non-existent). The food, especially breakfast, was edible. It's only a few miles from the airport, so the bus ride is tolerable. Will we return? In all likelihood...no. In their price range I'm sure we can find another resort with better food and geared to relaxation and not the party crowd.

Our experience wasn’t great. This hotel is more focused on selling timeshares and members of their timeshare club. The food was constantly the same and often breakfast running short.

I was there during Hurricane 🌀Melissa, and all I can say is that I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else other than Home..Great place and Greater staff!!! Thanks everyone!!!!

Subject: Profound Gratitude to the Staff of Secrets Wild Orchids & St. James During Hurricane Melissa To the entire Staff and Management of Jamaica Breathless and Secrets Orchids and St. James, We are writing to express our deepest and most profound gratitude for the incredible care, professionalism, and safety you provided to us during the terrifying ordeal of Hurricane Melissa. From the very beginning, it was clear that you had a robust emergency preparedness plan. We want to personally call out and give praise and thankfulness to the managers—Philip, Francois, Radalfi, and Jason—and the entire Secrets staff. You not only had an Emergency Response plan, but you clearly communicated it to every guest, and then executed it with precision. When the storm's full force hit and the roof was blown off the ballroom, your team had to pivot in a moment of extreme crisis. Without hesitation, you moved us all safely down into the bunker, keeping us safe and secure through the worst of it. When we were finally able to emerge, the sight of the destroyed resort was shocking. Yet, even in the face of that devastation, your team's focus never wavered from the guests. You did everything in your power to keep us safe, secure, and remarkably well-fed. But it was the Jamaican staff of Secrets who truly made all the difference. We were, and still are, in awe of you. We know that many of you could not go home to check on your own homes or families. You were facing your own personal ordeals, not knowing what had happened to your loved ones or your property. And yet, you kept a smile on your face. You made us, as guests in your country, feel safe and welcomed. The Secrets staff went above and beyond what any job description could ever ask. You cared for us while carrying the immense burden of your own fears and losses. We cannot thank you enough for making us feel safe, secure, and well-fed while you were going through so much. Thank you, Secrets staff, from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, we are Secrets members for Life and will come back to help support Jamaica. With deepest gratitude, Brian and Simone

My best friend and I traveled to Jamaica for an October vacation. We didn't have any idea there would be a hurricane. It was a very harrowing and humbling experience. Thank God we made it through without one guest out of 550 - and 200 staff members being injured. Prior to and after the hurricane - staff members were absolutely amazing. Our needs were not just met - every concern and want was addressed. I had a Butler that was the nicest and coolest young man I've ever met. The housekeepers treated our rooms as if they belonged to themselves. The food and restaurants were amazing. Due to the hurricane there wasn't much entertainment after a few days but Jamaican music was always playing and staff were always making us laugh. In spite of the hurricane and the seriousness of the situation - I plan to visit the resort again next year - if money and good health are available. To Me - It felt like home - because of the warm and genuine spirits of the Jamaican people.