dtsusan

I am trying to decide on a hotel on the cliffs for two nights at the end of a nine night JA vacation. It must be clean, quiet and comfortable, but it doesn't have to be &quot;fancy&quot; in any way. A pool would be nice, but all things being equal, low price is going to be the determining factor. I have read great reviews of Rockhouse and Tensing Pen, of course, but they are more than I care to spend. (Yes, I'm sure they're worth it.) Can anyone recommend a place that is more budget oriented, but not a dive?<BR>Thanks for all your help! This board has been invaluable in planning our trip.

ejcrowe

Are you familiar with www.negril.com? They've got a listing of hotels on the cliffs, many of which are less than Rockhouse or Tensing Pen.<BR><BR>What about Banana Shout? Xtabi? the Blue Castle? I've not stayed at any of them, but I would consider them if I were on a tight budget. <BR><BR>Have a great time!

jray

You may want to try Drumville Cove. Also check the boards on negril.com.

TracyB

Hi, we stayed at Xtabi, but that was in 1997..It was really cool, but I can't comment as to how it is now...Our view was wonderful and we had stairs leading down to the Caribbean Sea...It was nice, but the Rockhouse is nicer and that is where i would stay if we went back!!

dtsusan

Thanks Tracy! That's the kind of info I am looking for. Personal recommendations and insights. I have looked at all the websites, but they only tell you part of the story. I really appreciate everyone sharing their information.

HollyT

Hi dtsusan - just got back from Negril. Stayed on the beach but visited the cliffs a few times. You know, the Samsara sounds kind of like what you might be looking for. Not as funky as the Rockhouse or Xtabi - but on the cliffs and it looked pretty neat - had a pool - prices pretty low - I checked it out on Expedia - picture on that web site didn't do it justice. If you do go to the cliffs - you must eat and drink at the LTU pub at least once. We went twice and was very pleased with the whole experience. Have fun.

tivertonhouse

We had recent UK guests who booked into Tensing Pen who hated it and fled to one of our villas instead. Personally, I'd recommend the place -- but Rockhouse is a safer choice<BR>for all tastes.

jray

here are some pictures of Rockhouse (taken from another site)<BR><BR>http://www.jamaicans.com/ubb/ultimat...c;f=3;t=003620

dmotl

My vote is for the Samsara--most bang for the buck. Check their web sight as they will have some &quot;hot deals&quot; after Easter week when the spring breakers leave. Type Samsara into a search engine to get the sight. If you stay there try eating at TJ's, 3 dives and<BR>choices.<BR>

pescadero

We stayed for 7 nights at Xtabi based on numerous recommendations on this website and the negril.com site. I had never been to Jamaica, so it was a crap shoot.<BR><BR>In retrospect, I cannot tell you how profoundly glad I was that I chose the hotel I did. Hell, the whole time we were there, after having inspected rooms at other locations (Rockhouse, Tensing Pen, Samara, Lighthouse Inn) we couldn't believe our good luck!<BR><BR>Xtabi has virtually everything that it's expensive neighbors have, including it's own cliff jumping (at various levels of courage), sea caves and GREAT snorkeling.<BR><BR>Email me for more details. I can't seem to post my entire reply.<BR><BR>[email protected]

pescadero

Make that saddleback.edu

liza

There are two rooms at Xtabi, on the southwest side right on the border with 3 Dives restaurant, that are only $65ish. We saw them and they're great. octagonal wood, balcony over the sea, pool onsite....and you can shout your dinner order over to 3 Dives One room above, one below, outdoor shower (in the romantic stone see-the-stars way, not the too-rustic way).<BR><BR>I was impressed, most of the seaside cottages there cost a lot more.

McSmith

We are planning to visit the Cliffs this fall. Thank you for all the informative comments. We think we have chosen The Cave but I am still looking at some other places spoken highly of on this message board. Thanks. By the way, we have chosen the Caves because it is AI and seems to have wonderful food. We also like the look of the rooms and like the very positive comments we have read about them. Any feedback?

cartera45

I think the Caves look interesting too but it is ashame to do all inclusive because you miss trying the local food. We had so much fun exploring restaurants in Negril - do you have to do AI at the Caves?

McSmith

Yes, The Caves is only AI. But we seem to be getting a good enough deal that exploring the local restaurants for a meal or two will be OK.

We have been quoted $425 a night for 2 in a suite and AI and the 5th night is free (in October). And we are using our frequent flier miles to get there.