mistyschwab

Dear Fodies,

Has anyone ever stayed at, or know anything about, these condos in Jamaica? Here's a VRBO listing: http://www.vrbo.com/766645. They look really nice but there's only one review on TripAdvisor – kinda makes me nervous.

Thanks in advance,
Misty

suze

I'm not sure how many folks who know Negril post here on Fodor's. I do... but am not familiar with that property. You could post on the Trip Advisor Negril forum and ask about it (if you haven't already). Really good group of people there.

mistyschwab

Hi Suze,

Well, that was a very good suggestion. And after much research and about a thousand different tabs open on my computer I think what I've discovered is Beach House Condos and Beach House Villas - are the same property. Looks like there was maybe an update? But the views of both properties from the water are just way too similar to be anything but the same buildings.

Good! I feel better.

Now I have to figure out what pool is closest to the property and if there's a way to "borrow" it.

Thanks for you excellent suggestion,
Misty

suze

Also have you tried looking them up at:
www.negrilonestop.com
that's the best Negril-specific website I know.

I really love Negril and have been there three times (many many years apart) but I stay on "the Cliffs" and a local-style hotel. I'm not familiar with any of the beach resorts.

WWK

I think some of these units may be pretty basic. At least they used to be several years ago. I don't know if they've all been updated or not.

If you don't need a kitchen, there are several boutique hotels on better sections of the beach that I would recommend, including COCO LA PALM, and one step up from that just next door, IDLE AWHILE or, a block or two away from that, CHARELA INN.

suze

I'm a fan of Charela Inn. I stayed at their sister hotel on the Cliffs called Mirage, and spend a day down at Charela. I'd stay there in a heartbeat!

mistyschwab

Dear WWK,

OH NO! What do you mean by "better sections of the beach"?

I did go look at Charela but they have no availability for my dates. I'm currently booked into the Penthouse at Beach House Condos. The photos look nice and it will be good to have the kitchen in case one or more of my kids can make it to Jamaica that week.

WWK

I didn't mean to scare you. THere are wider sections of beach at the hotels I mentioned, but the beach in front of BEACH HOUSE is nice, too. Have a great time, and post back so we know what it's like these days!

suze

I looked at the map, I think I'd like Beach House location because it's a lot closer into the main part of town, like if you wanted to head to HiLo grocery store or something.

mistyschwab

Yeah. Location was part of the attraction - although I was going pretty blindly forth. With no real idea of what the layout of Negril is I was just hoping we'd be somewhere that we didn't need a car to get everywhere. Will definitely be making a trip to the grocery store. And walking the other way for beach bars, I'm guessing?

Can't wait!

suze

You don't need a car. Negril is a long beautiful strip of beach, a small town in the middle, then the stretch of "the Cliffs" out the west end road.

Do you know about the shared taxi system there?

suze

And are you planning to change money? (you should if you're going to eat local, take taxis, etc.) There's a cambio window at the HiLo and a bank w/ ATMs at the round-about.

Sassafrass

Bookmarking, Jamaica

suze

http://www.talkofthetownnegril.com/2008_Negril_Map.pdf
map of Negril

WWK

You'll still need a taxi to go to any of the restaurants on The West End ( the cliffs) at night. There's no sidewalk and it's poorly lit.

Now for a heads-up: I love Jamaica, and have been there over 25 times, starting in 1982. But you are probably going to want to stick to the beach and take a car or cab most other places. Also I'd recommend not walking the beach for any distance after dark.

suze

I agree with WWK. While I love Negril, you need to be careful in terms of safety, both possessions and personal. Keep your wits about you. Be smart.