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There are many things to consider when booking a room or suite for your vacation, but perhaps the most important one is the view from your window. Are you looking for an oceanfront, oceanview, or beachfront accommodation, and what is the difference between these? At first sight, it might seem like there’s not much of a difference in these descriptions, but boy is that far from the truth!
Oceanview means that you will be able to see the ocean from your room, but this does not mean your room will be directly facing the ocean, as with an oceanfront room. Additionally, an oceanview room can be located further inland, where an oceanfront room guarantees you accommodation near the water.
In turn, when you book an oceanfront room, this doesn’t mean your room will be near the beach, as is the benefit of beachfront rooms.
Picture: SkyPool Suites at Sandals Negril. This is a beachfront and oceanfront suite, but not a walkout - as it's located on a higher floor.
As the terminology can get a little confusing especially between various resort companies, we’ve taken some time to touch on the key differences between oceanview, oceanfront, and beachfront rooms - including some examples.
By the time you’re done with this article, you’ll be more than ready to book your vacation in paradise!
What is an oceanview room?
An oceanview room is one where you’ll have a view of the ocean from your room.
In this room category, the ocean will be visible from your room, but it may not necessarily be the first thing you see when you look outside.
In fact, all it takes for a room to be considered ‘oceanview’ is there to be some portion of the ocean visible from your room, even if you really have to look out at an angle, or be in a particular spot in the room to see it.
Many people get confused into thinking they’ll have an expansive and unobstructed view of the ocean in an oceanview room, but that is not always the case. Review photos of your room carefully which can provide more insight into the sort of view that will be available.
If amazing ocean views are what you’re after, steer clear of terms like “partial view”.
Also, be aware of the difference between terms like oceanfront and oceanview, which at many resorts have completely different meanings.
All in all, the view you’ll be able to get from your oceanview room depends largely on the hotel or resort’s layout.
Examples of oceanview rooms at Sandals Resorts
Amante One Bedroom Oceanview Butler Grande Suite
Unlimited food and drinks included at 8 restaurants
Picture: In this suite the ocean can be seen in the distance. However, since a majority of the view from this suite is looking out over the pool and the tropical garden, this suite is considered ‘oceanview’ and not ‘oceanfront’.
View room: Amante One Bedroom Oceanview Butler Grande Suite
Crystal Lagoon Honeymoon Oceanview Luxury Room
Unlimited food and drinks included at 12 + 9 restaurants
Picture: Although this room is facing the ocean, because of the buildings and garden between the suite and the ocean, this suite is considered ‘oceanview’ and not ‘oceanfront’.
View room: Mediterranean Oceanview Grande Luxe Club Level Suite
Lady Palm Partial Oceanview Club Suite
Sandals Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
Unlimited food and drinks included at 11 restaurants
Picture: The ocean is visible from the room, but the room is not directly facing the ocean. Therefore, this room is considered oceanview, not oceanfront.
View room: Lady Palm Partial Oceanview Club Suite
What is an oceanfront room?
Oceanfront rooms always face the ocean, this type of room is perfect for lovers of the sea. This room category falls right in the middle of oceanview and beachfront. While oceanview rooms tend to offer a partial view of the ocean, oceanfront rooms have a more direct view and are often located in short distance from the water, so you can hear the ocean when opening the window.
An oceanfront room is per definition oceanview, but an oceanview room is not necessarily oceanfront.
Most oceanfront rooms fall in a higher room category than oceanview rooms. Some oceanfront rooms at Sandals Resorts even come with butler and concierge services, in addition to an already wide range of available amenities. All in all, oceanfront rooms really up the ante of the kind of relaxation and rejuvenation you’ll be able to bask in on your amazing Caribbean getaway!
Also read: Sandals Resorts Room Categories: Luxury vs Club vs Butler.
Examples of oceanfront rooms at Sandals Resorts
Beachfront Millionaire One Bedroom Butler Suite
Unlimited food and drinks included at 12 + 9 restaurants
Picture: As the balcony is directly facing the ocean, this would be both an oceanview and an oceanfront suite.
View room: Beachfront Millionaire One Bedroom Butler Suite
Love oceanfront suites? Why stop there, when you can get a suite IN the ocean?
Picture: The heart-shaped Over-The-Water Bungalows at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. It doesn’t get more oceanfront than these suites!
What is a beachfront room?
The beachfront room describes rooms that are located steps away from the beach or are directly overlooking the beach.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, beachfront rooms don’t necessarily come with an oceanview. There is the odd example of a room with a private garden, which blocks a direct view of the ocean from your window. Stepping out of this garden will have you a few steps removed from the beach and the ocean.
In most cases, however, beachfront suites are also oceanfront.
Beachfront suites are highly sought after in the Caribbean. The fact that you’ll often be able to get your feet in the sand a few steps from your doorstep is definitely something to consider when booking your vacation!
Expert tip: Want to walk out of your suite, right onto the beach? Look for a beachfront ‘walkout’ suite to make sure your suite is located on the ground floor.
Examples of beachfront rooms at Sandals Resorts
East Bay Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suite
Unlimited food and drinks included at 10 restaurants
View room: East Bay Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suite
Looking for a beachfront walkout room that’s a bit more budget-friendly? Look for Sandals’ beachfront rooms in the ‘Luxury’ and ‘Club Level’ category. Some great examples:
• Paradise Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Club Level Room at Sandals Negril.
• Windsor Beachfront Walkout Club Elite Room with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
• Beachfront Honeymoon Walkout Club Elite Junior Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub at Sandals Montego Bay.
Tips for choosing the right room
It won’t be hard to find a room you like at Sandals Resorts, but sometimes a little research can help you get exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some tips:
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Browse through the pictures
Pictures will say nearly everything you need to know about whether you’re on the right track when selecting your vacation accommodation. Just by looking at photos of the room or suite you’re interested in, you’ll be able to see just what you’ll be walking into when you get there. -
Read the description
Details are everything when selecting the right room or suite for your vacation. On most resort websites you’ll be able to find details on the various rooms offered. Read all the available information to be sure that the room or suite you’re interested in has the amenities you’re looking for. From the room description you’ll be able to confirm basic details like whether or not the room has air conditioning, a bathtub, a patio, an in-room refrigerator, and even the type of view you can expect. Even after reading the description, feel free to ask whatever questions that might arise. -
Check the location of the room
Most resort websites make it easy to find out where in the resort your room is located by pinpointing its location on a map. You will also be able to see whether the room is near the beach, restaurants, swimming pool, and more. The resort map is especially useful if you’re staying at a mega resort. -
Ask questions
If you’re not sure which Sandals room or suite will be the best for your vacation, you can always contact 1-888-SANDALS for assistance. Ask all the questions you’d like; a Sandals reservations agent will be able to provide information and help you find the best option for you.
If you’re looking for a room with a view, specify that and any other details you’d like. Some people ask about things like whether a particular room has been renovated recently, or if it’s near an elevator.
The difference between oceanview and oceanfront rooms is clear to see!
You like amazing views, and we get it. There’s hardly anything more refreshing than being able to gaze out from a patio or even from your bed, with your heart being reignited by the beauty and expansiveness of the ocean.
Knowing the difference between oceanview and oceanfront comes in handy ahead of your vacation so you know what to look for during the booking process. With any of Sandals all-inclusive resorts, whether you choose an oceanview, oceanfront, or beachfront suite, you’ll be in for a spectacular experience you won’t soon forget!
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