Negril - in under 2 weeks, have a few questions?
May 17th, 2006, 05:03 AM
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Negril - in under 2 weeks, have a few questions?
The time is closing in fast!! We will be staying at Rondel for our first 4 nights in a beachfront villa. Then onto Negril Escape for our last 3 nights.
Restaurants near Rondel? I was wandering what are the closest restaurants - say 5 to 10 minute walk? Would prefer to walk and not have to use cabs while on the beach.
Debated between Mayfield Falls and YS - leaning toward Mayfield due to the time issue in getting to YS. Just thinking my daughters may not want to pry themselves from the beach or cliffs! Anyway - a SHOE question - I know, I know!!! For Mayfied are Teva type sandals enough? Or would we prefer our tennis shoe type quick dry shoes?
Food? I read so much about chicken, lobster, snapper, patties, etc - but what about vegetables and salads? Each year I look so forward to the fresh veggies and fruits in the tropics, but I don't read much about these in the forums. Am I destined to only eat fish and chicken? Just wandering!
A collapsable cooler? Sometimes carry one of these for our time on the beach. However was wandering about ice? I know so many small inns have a hard time with having enough ice. So I guess I am asking - is the regrigerator at Rondel one with a freezer where I can freeze ice? Or a little dorm size refrigerator?
And still concerned over the phone/internet situation. My Dad starts chemo again while we will be in Jamaica. So I am assuming cell phone rental will be the best and most cost effective way to call back to the states?
OK guess that is all for now - got to get these girls packing and then taking half of it out! - they are so funny, they just can't imagine how they can go anywhere for a whole week with just one bag!!!!
Thanks all,
Donna
Restaurants near Rondel? I was wandering what are the closest restaurants - say 5 to 10 minute walk? Would prefer to walk and not have to use cabs while on the beach.
Debated between Mayfield Falls and YS - leaning toward Mayfield due to the time issue in getting to YS. Just thinking my daughters may not want to pry themselves from the beach or cliffs! Anyway - a SHOE question - I know, I know!!! For Mayfied are Teva type sandals enough? Or would we prefer our tennis shoe type quick dry shoes?
Food? I read so much about chicken, lobster, snapper, patties, etc - but what about vegetables and salads? Each year I look so forward to the fresh veggies and fruits in the tropics, but I don't read much about these in the forums. Am I destined to only eat fish and chicken? Just wandering!
A collapsable cooler? Sometimes carry one of these for our time on the beach. However was wandering about ice? I know so many small inns have a hard time with having enough ice. So I guess I am asking - is the regrigerator at Rondel one with a freezer where I can freeze ice? Or a little dorm size refrigerator?
And still concerned over the phone/internet situation. My Dad starts chemo again while we will be in Jamaica. So I am assuming cell phone rental will be the best and most cost effective way to call back to the states?
OK guess that is all for now - got to get these girls packing and then taking half of it out! - they are so funny, they just can't imagine how they can go anywhere for a whole week with just one bag!!!!
Thanks all,
Donna
May 17th, 2006, 07:31 AM
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Let's see....
Right next door to Rondel is the Boat bar restaurant which I love...many more within a short walk. The restaurant at Rondel is actually quite good, especially for breakfast.
I prefer Mayfield Falls to YS, more jungly and pretty and less crowded/developed. Tevas will be OK but tennis shoes may be better.
Plenty of fresh veggies and fruit around, no problem.
We do bring a cooler. If you ahve a regular room it is a dorm-size fridge, if you have a villa it is full-size. Either way I think you can get ice from the bar.
I bought a cell phone myself for $30, was totally worth it. If you use certain companies for your transfer, like Talk of the Town Tours, they will lend you a cell phone for your stay for free.
Have fun!
Right next door to Rondel is the Boat bar restaurant which I love...many more within a short walk. The restaurant at Rondel is actually quite good, especially for breakfast.
I prefer Mayfield Falls to YS, more jungly and pretty and less crowded/developed. Tevas will be OK but tennis shoes may be better.
Plenty of fresh veggies and fruit around, no problem.
We do bring a cooler. If you ahve a regular room it is a dorm-size fridge, if you have a villa it is full-size. Either way I think you can get ice from the bar.
I bought a cell phone myself for $30, was totally worth it. If you use certain companies for your transfer, like Talk of the Town Tours, they will lend you a cell phone for your stay for free.
Have fun!
May 17th, 2006, 03:47 PM
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Thanks so much Liza - good information!
And thanks for your added info on Mayfield. Sounds PERFECT! Negril is much more developed than the beaches I have visited over the past few years. So some time in a jungle atmosphere will be wonderful!
13 more sleeps - I desperately need a vacation!
And thanks for your added info on Mayfield. Sounds PERFECT! Negril is much more developed than the beaches I have visited over the past few years. So some time in a jungle atmosphere will be wonderful!
13 more sleeps - I desperately need a vacation!
May 19th, 2006, 10:43 AM
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There's a huge difference between Mayfield Falls and YS Falls. If your kids are over say 12 years old, very athletic and excellent swimmers I'd say Mayfield Falls. However, if they are younger and not very adventure minded, then definetly go to the more developed and tame YS Falls.
Mayfield Falls similar to walking up river for about 1/2 mile. The river has brisk current, giant rocks producing small falls and natural pools very similar to Dunns River Falls (on the North coast). The surronding scenary is fantastic and you will need a guide. It's quite a workout but well worth it the effort.
YS Falls is more of a traditional waterfall with a large natural pool in which you can dive, swing or jump into. It has very nice scenary and should be combined with Black River Safari where you'd see a couple of alligators.
Mayfield Falls similar to walking up river for about 1/2 mile. The river has brisk current, giant rocks producing small falls and natural pools very similar to Dunns River Falls (on the North coast). The surronding scenary is fantastic and you will need a guide. It's quite a workout but well worth it the effort.
YS Falls is more of a traditional waterfall with a large natural pool in which you can dive, swing or jump into. It has very nice scenary and should be combined with Black River Safari where you'd see a couple of alligators.
May 20th, 2006, 06:26 AM
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Thanks Rich. My girls are 16 & 18, swam competitively since age 5 and are both lifeguards. So they should be fine. But now "Mom" well that could be a different story!!!
May 20th, 2006, 07:09 AM
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We stayed at Rondel in January.
Agree with Boat Bar next door (but stick to Jamaican-style food - we had an awful chicken sandwich there); we also liked Miss Sonia's (across the street and just a bit south); Selina's (across street, farther south); Alfred's and Coconuts International (a fair hike S on beach); and Three Dives on the cliffs (taxi!).
The "Jamaican breakfast" at Rondel is a good deal and their lunches aren't bad. Dinner seemed pricey and we didn't have it there.
We were a bit nervous walking home after dark; the street felt safer than the beach to us.
The fridges are very small with a tiny freezer and tiny ice tray. We brought two ice trays with us but they wouldn't fit. There is an ice machine that is kept locked up - you will need to have the security guard unlock it for you (a tip is expected, of course).
We solved the Mayfield vs. YS quandary by visiting both. Mayfield is a much more active, less crowded experience. I would recommend water shoes rather than sandals.
There is Internet access next to the Rondel lobby - we didn't use it; I think there was a modest fee.
Rondel is a good choice but they lack shade on the beach - you might want to see if you can obtain an umbrella or canopy that can be packed in luggage.
Have fun!
Agree with Boat Bar next door (but stick to Jamaican-style food - we had an awful chicken sandwich there); we also liked Miss Sonia's (across the street and just a bit south); Selina's (across street, farther south); Alfred's and Coconuts International (a fair hike S on beach); and Three Dives on the cliffs (taxi!).
The "Jamaican breakfast" at Rondel is a good deal and their lunches aren't bad. Dinner seemed pricey and we didn't have it there.
We were a bit nervous walking home after dark; the street felt safer than the beach to us.
The fridges are very small with a tiny freezer and tiny ice tray. We brought two ice trays with us but they wouldn't fit. There is an ice machine that is kept locked up - you will need to have the security guard unlock it for you (a tip is expected, of course).
We solved the Mayfield vs. YS quandary by visiting both. Mayfield is a much more active, less crowded experience. I would recommend water shoes rather than sandals.
There is Internet access next to the Rondel lobby - we didn't use it; I think there was a modest fee.
Rondel is a good choice but they lack shade on the beach - you might want to see if you can obtain an umbrella or canopy that can be packed in luggage.
Have fun!
May 22nd, 2006, 07:13 AM
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Dfarmer-Please post a trip report when you return- My wife and I are going to Jamaica later this fall
I too fear that Jamaica is more developed than our tastes and I would love to hear a fellow CA travelers perspective
I too fear that Jamaica is more developed than our tastes and I would love to hear a fellow CA travelers perspective
May 22nd, 2006, 03:01 PM
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Hi Greenfieldhunter! Certainly will post my report.
If you looked back at some of my post concerning this trip - you probably recognized other CR lovers (Faithie and Itilison) responded to many of my questions.
Where are you considering going in Jamaica? In researching this trip, it seems to me someplace like Treasure Beach is much less developed - maybe look into that.
I have previously been to Montego Bay, not planning to return. Negril I am thinking will remind me a bit of Montezuma grown up.
My girls are getting excited! Me too! They wanted beach, after much discussion and many questions, Negril seemed to be a good fit.
If you looked back at some of my post concerning this trip - you probably recognized other CR lovers (Faithie and Itilison) responded to many of my questions.
Where are you considering going in Jamaica? In researching this trip, it seems to me someplace like Treasure Beach is much less developed - maybe look into that.
I have previously been to Montego Bay, not planning to return. Negril I am thinking will remind me a bit of Montezuma grown up.
My girls are getting excited! Me too! They wanted beach, after much discussion and many questions, Negril seemed to be a good fit.
