ZSCHULZ

I have recently read in the Jamaica Gleaner online that Mr. Ernie Smatt has renovated and reopened the Shaw Park Beach Hotel in Ocho Rios,Jamaica. My wife and I vacationed there about ten years ago, and enjoyed this small resort very much. I understand from the Gleaner articles that Mr. Smatt has covered the previous balconies, and built new, extended balconies off the rooms,replaced the furniture,and added cable TV. He states when he purchased the hotel it was almost "non-fuctional", and has spent $3 million on it's upgrade (albeit much of that may have been upgrading the kitchen,plumbing,and air conditioning systems). I was particularly interested in his comment that "The island has largely gone after the mass market, but there is still a niche for 'class' and that is where we are positioning this hotel". Mr. Smatt also states in the article, "I want to make this hotel second to none," says Smatt. "Attention to detail will be our motto". Can anyone please offer any opinions or comments regarding the new Shaw Park Beach Hotel? I have looked at Shaw Park Beach Hotel's website, but the photos and general information seem no different than when it was previously open. Tivertonhouse, perhaps you may have some insight into this? I read your posts frequently, and you seem to have a great deal of understanding as to what is going on in Jamaica.

cartera

Wow, I was not familiar with this hotel so I looked at the reviews on www.tripadvisor.com Sounds like a place to try.

tivertonhouse

There's a long clip in the Jamaica Observer -- 12 January article -- search the archives under Shaw Park on www.jamaicaobserver.com. It's Ochi, not my favorite spot on island -- and from the photos, it looks very concrete, rather than class. Time will tell if they can really raise the standard to Jamaica Inn level. which, if you're
'reminiscing' might well be the better place to return. The trend on island is megaresort or VERY small boutique inn
or private villa -- away from Ochi. The mid-range group gets bought/sold constantly and I don't see the niche market needs being fufilled by them since they own/buy/ infrastructure that is often outdated and the antithesis of what the niche markets want.

ZSCHULZ

Cartera: Please be advised that the specifics regarding Shaw Park from these Tripadvisor reviews pertain to previous management and staff. Anything you may surmise regarding the beach, resort layout,etc. would still apply. This resort had sat unused and decaying for several years, and as the new owner Mr. Smatt states "We bought a hotel that was badly rundown, almost non-functional". This 120 room resort has changed management/ownership quite a few times throughout it's recent history, certainly affirming Tiverton's observation regarding "The mid-range group". Yes, the rooms are housed in concrete buildings, which may be a bit harsh asthetically for some. They are built along the beach, though, and have a very nice view tword the sea. Shaw Park's website may offer you a better idea of the resort.

http://www.shawparkbeachhotel.com/

Personally, I prefer to vacation at such a property, to enjoy the beach, facilitys, bars and restaurants. I have sought out these types of resorts to vacation at with my wife. The larger mega-type resorts tend to be a bit impersonal for me, and a "small boutique inn" won't offer the "extras" which a resort will include. I don't care to open a debate, please, concerning costs/savings in finding these amenities external of a resort. Having these things at our disposal simply makes our vacation easier (I do like that). I will attempt to do my homework before visiting anywhere, and will have a good idea about off property sights, clubs, and restaurants we may care to try. My wife and I are, what most would describe as blue-collar middle class working people from the United States midwest. We have been able to travel largly because of the "package deals" offered by Funjet and Apple vacations from the midwest. For me, staying at a medium size/priced resort gives us an opportunity to spend extra money off property on shopping,tipping,a few excursions,perhaps visiting some local bars or clubs,and taking my wife to a some very nice local restaurants a few times during our stay. The online articles I referred to in my previous post WERE from The Jamaica Observer online,not the Gleaner (apologys for the misinformation),and may be read at these links:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifes...TEL_OWNER_.asp



http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magaz...m_upgrade_.asp

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifes..._beginning.asp

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifes...d_ambiance.asp

Tivertonhouse:thank you so much for your perspectives and observations. I read all of your posts and am very appreciative of the advise and knowledge you have shared on this forum. I would certainly love to be able to wake up with my wife at the Jamaica Inn, and have attempted to crunch the numbers numerous times. Unfortunately, as a working class person, I have not been able to make this possible(some day, perhaps). There is no doubt that I am "reminiscing", and may be looking for a vibe on island that is not what I previously experienced, and may be difficult to recreate (can you ever really go back home?).
Having read your posts, I understand Ocho Rios is not your first choice in Jamaica. Cruise ship ports don't tend to be my first choice, either. With a little creative schedualing, we were able to avert crowded times and areas,yet still see snd do things that were of interest to us.
It has been a long time since we visited Ocho Rios, and from what I've read, the town seems to be turning ito more of a "Disneyland" type tourist mecca than when were there. As with any location geared tword tourism, I guess it's all in the experience and types of things you chose to do that will determine if your stay lends itself tword being a tourist or a traveler (truthfully,I am probably more of a tourist, but attempt to seek out "traveler"-type encounters).
Thanks again, Tivertonhouse, and as always, I look forward to reading your opinions on this forum.

tivertonhouse

Zschultz/Yes, you can still find what you remember but advise you look in either the Port Antonio or the Treasure Beach areas (see www.treasurebeach.net) for the right vibe at the right price without the cattle car atmosphere of the usual AI...

cartera

I'm confused about your post directed to me. I looked at the reviews on tripadvisor, the latest of which was dated Feb 5 - wouldn't that be after the reopening? No matter - the reviews are positive and I would think it would be even better after renovation.

ZSCHULZ

I have just read the latest reviews also, after reopening. Seems Royal Decameron is sending overbookings to Shaw Park, and all involved were very pleased that they did.