Bpesta

Hi -

Think we are planning a mid-May trip to Jamaica and are trying to decide where to stay. Have read lots of different posts on the merits of Montego Bay vs Negril vs Ocho Rios and am more confused than ever!!

We're planning to fly from Chicago Friday-Tuesday...not long enough, but its all we can swing at this time. Am thinking Negril sounds awesome, but not sure it'll be worth the long ride from the airport given our short stay. Thoughts?

Also, my husband is recovering from two surgeries on his tibia plateau and will most likely be using a crutch so lots of hilly walking probably won't work.

We love both the beach and the pool and think All-inclusives are nice, but also like getting a flavor of the area we're visiting.

Or, would you recommend another place altogether?

Any help, opinions, suggestions you may have are appreciated.

Thanks!

KVR

The AI resorts in Negril aren't really that great of a choice. I would not recommend either of the RIU's or Sandals. Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms would be my choice there. The 90 minute ride from the airport is no big deal. I feel the people that complain about it either have issues with car sickness or just plain impatient. Look at it like an included site-seeing tour.

We loved the Jewell Dunn's River Resort in Ocho Rios. Excellant pool, service and food. We found more things to see and do in that area that were closer to the resort. However, I would recommend to avoid the shopping area unless contending with overagressive locals is your thing.

Many of the excursions in Jamaica consist of excessive walking and climbing. Like visiting the numberous waterfalls, botanical gardens and jungle areas. Not sure your DH could handle that. However, there are catamaran cruises and sightseeing tours that might not be too much of an issue.

optimesp

Based on your limited time, I think Montego Bay has to be your best bet – hotels are within short distances of the airport which in your circumstances is absolutely ideal. While Negril and Ocho Rios are great locations also, you might want to consider taking rain-check until you have a little more time to spend. This will allow your husband the opportunity to heal and be more in a position to fully enjoy the break.

Montego Bay has the highest volume of all inclusive hotels in Jamaica but if you want to be within a few minutes of the airport, the Gloucester Avenue side of Montego Bay (known as the hip strip) has hotels such as, the Holiday Inn, Doctor’s Cave Beach Hotel and several others. The downside here is that Gloucester Avenue is a very busy road and as such, it may not be as peaceful.

I would suggest you take a look at the Coyaba Beach Resort or the Half Moon Hotel Montego Bay. Both are all inclusive resorts and within short driving distance from the Airport and located off the Rose Hall main road.

The low season for hotels in Jamaica starts mid-April, so you should be able to find a good discount deal.

Have a wonderful visit.
Optimesp
i-jamaicavacations.com

dontcallmecass

Since you have limited travel time Montego Bay is the way to go. There are plenty of all inclusives in that area and you can always take a day trip down to Negril if you want…there are plenty of tour/excursion companies that do this or you could hire a private driver.

Also just want to note that health care in Jamaica is extremely limited. In the event your husband would need to see a doctor or go to the hospital due to his current situation, he would have easiest access to health care in Montego Bay.

suze

I *love* Negril, but I don't stay in all-inclusives and have a bit more time. To me it's not a big deal to get there, it's only a 90-min. drive (shuttle) from the Montego Bay airport and you get sooooo much once you arrive.

But if you want to kick back at a nice mega-resort my priorities and travel style may not apply.

alya

We have friends that fly from Toronto to Jamaica, Fri-Mon multiple times a year and always stay in Negril.

As suze says the drive isn't too long and most cab drivers are very entertaining, you can get a lot of good advice on your drive to Negril.

If your husband is capable of walking on sand for any length time... the beach is very flat with lots of watering places along the way

We stayed in Ochos Rios (Jamaica Inn) and Negril (Idle Awhile) on our first visit to Jamaica (a 2 week stay) and we have returned to Negril twice (Idle Awhile and Coco LaPalm) since but I can't see us returning to Ochos Rios at all.

bankbabe

I loved Jamaica Inn, but the town of Ochos Rios made me nervous. This was about 7 years ago...

bakerstreet

Topping, as I'm planning a trip to Jamaica and thinking about staying at Jamaica Inn. Why do you prefer Negril over Ocho Rios?

suze

This post is 2 years old. I'm not sure the same people are still posting here, bakerstreet. You might want to start a fresh thread of your own.

Personally I've only been to Negril (3x) so can't compare it to anywhere else in Jamaica.