Have been to Negril and Ocho Rios. Have also stayed at 2 Sandals and been to many AI resorts. Unless you want to be inudated with little kids on your vacation, I would not recommend Beaches.

"but I also have heard that Sandals does Caribbean vacations really well- they truly cater to what most people would really love on a tropical vacation and they make it so relaxing and easy for the visitor."

In my opinion that is absolutely not true. Sandals is over rated and over priced. They cater to high budgets with low class food and amentities. I have stayed at 3 star hotels in Mexico with better food, service and amenities for a 1/3 of the price than what Sandals has ever offered.

We are going to Barbados this November. Staying at the Mango Bay AI in Holetown. I agree with your comment, as Barbados reminds us of Aruba also, which is one of my favorite Islands. Lots of things to see and do and good off property dining and activities.

Though we really liked Jamaica and would return, we feel a little restricted there as we need a taxi or driver to move around. We loved the Jewell Dunn's River resort in Ocho Rios, which was formally a Sandals. We felt they have sufficently upgraded the food, quality and service from Sandals, but the rooms are still a let down. I guess that's just a structral thing that can not be fixed.

I was surprised by your comment that Jamaica and Barbados came out about the same price. I am finding Barbados coming out to be alot more than Jamaica, but that might be because you are looking at Beaches.

I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation as to which destination is more appealing since they are so very different.

Going at Christmas everything will be crowded. There are usually limitations on nights stayed and many options will book up early. If you can go the first or second week of December, you will find lower crowds and prices.

Thank you so much for the information- it is very helpful! I have to say we're kids people and are not people that are bothered by other people's kids around (I think it enhances people watching!) so I think we would do okay at Beaches. As two single women (my mom is recently divorced) I think the idea of just seeing couples might be a little depressing, which is why we went more in the direction of beaches vs. sandals. We also considered Iberstar (or whatever it is called) in Montego Bay- might that be a better option for AI option

It sounds like you agree Barbados is a lot like Aruba - which is great for Barbados as we love Aruba. I also love the Barbados decorates for Christmas!

I'm not sure why the numbers come out so similar- 4,000.00 for 7 nights including the all inclusive at Beaches for 2 people- and 2,200.00 for just the room in Barbados for 2 people so we figure about 1800.00 for 2 people for food and drinks for the 7 days- we like to drink!! I should probably get some numbers on the other Jamaica resorts at Christmas time just to make sure we're not being hosed with the quote!

One difference I will point out is we'd have 2 beds in Jamaica vs. 1 in barbados.

If you chose Jamaica, the Iberostar is the better hotel. However, Montego Bay is not the most preferred area to stay especially for the first time.

I'm thinking the price difference may also be that Beaches is AI and the Bougainvillea isn't. But, Beaches charges way more than other AI hotels, so I would check.

Look at the Mango Bay in Barbados. It's a small hotel that offers an AI plan. Not like an AI resort in Jamaica. Reviews are good on Trip Advisor. I don't care so much about the food than I do the drinks, which is why we like AI. There are restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The best of both worlds.

Having been to Jamaica twice, I would say go with Barbados if you're looking for dining/activity opportunities and the ease of moving freely about.

I love Negril, but I wouldn't go AI or stay at that particular resort. See the reviews and comments on the Trip Advisor forum as well as replies here. I don't know why you think you can't explore the island or leave your resort in Jamaica, that's simply not true.

From reading your post it really seems like you are much more interested and positive about Barbados.

Well your analysis is pretty right on, so accolades there. However, Im surprised that your options are about the same price, what airport are you flying out of?

Barbados has so much to see/do. We have been there 7 times as it has stolen our hearts andthe dining is a big part of that. It is a wonderful destination!
Jamaica is an easy flight. We have never done a Beaches, but we have done 6 of the Sandals, 2 of them on Jamaica. What is your experience with watersports? Are you truly going to use them? For instance, do you already know how to dive? If not, are you willing to take part of your vacation to learn? I thought I hear they now charge for this, so check that out. History has proven to me that the nightlife tends to be disappointing. The food, no matter which culture the restaurant comes from, isn't the best. The unlimited alcohol IS a plus if you enjoy drinking. You can always hire a driver and ask him to be your local guide so that you can see more of Jamaica.
Barbados and Aruba are like night and day. They are not alike. Aruba is comfortable for many people as it is so commercialized and transportation is easy. Barbados may be a cosmopolitan island but it is much, much more unique. I suspect that your research isn't giving you a clear idea of how expensive the island really is. There are more inexpensive places to eat, but I would hope you would limit them as the food in Barbados is exceptional.

Hi--jumping on this chain with a question for Knowing. My husband and I are going to Barbados in July for 6 nights at the Hilton Barbados. I have never been there -- any suggestions; is it worth renting a car or visiting Grenada? Restaurant suggestions? Thanks

Erp, you should post a new thread with your question so the people with the information can see it and respond.

We are going to Barbados in Nov. Not renting a car, but we chose Mango Bay which is within walking distance to many things. I read that the Hilton is kinda isolated.

We plan on using Chan Tours for a day trip to Grenada. They also go to St. Lucia and the Grenedines.

http://www.chantours.com/


I got great info at www.barbados.org.

Having done both Barbados and Aruba (but not Jamaica) AND having stayed at the Bougainvillea back in May-June 2010, I would 100 percent, absolutely endorse Barbados.

First things first, if you're looking for an Arubian experience (nightlife, gambling, lots of Americans), then Barbados is absolutely not the place to be. As one of the larger Caribbean nations with its own economy and culture, Barbados is absolutely, 100 percent a unique experience. We loved the Bougainvillea for the price, the pool, and the beautiful beach. We also stayed at the Crane, and despite paying twice as much for our room, wished we had stayed our entire trip at the "Boug" instead. The only drawback to the Bougainvillea, in my opinion, is that there can occasionally be waves as opposed to the bath-like west coast of Barbados. That being said, for proximity to Oistins, the Gap, and the airport, one cannot beat the general area where Bouganvillea is.

I can't speak to Jamaica specifically (my father does missionary work there twice per year, so that's my experience with Jamaica), but based on my experience, you can't go wrong with Barbados. The only other island/country that we've visited that blew Barbados out of the water was St. Kitts and Nevis, which I'm pretty certain is the closest thing on this earth to paradise <end non sequitur>.

Good luck no matter what you choose.

The Bougainvillea is a delightful hotel with the 'small hotel' feel whilst having a good selection of options, and is only a short walk along the beach from The Gap in one direction and, a little bit further, Oistins in the other direction. The staff there, especially on Reception and Guest Services, are very helpful. Do check out the reports on TripAdvisor.
@erp - there are many superb looking hotels on Barbados - The Hilton is most definitely NOT one of them. A big rectangular concrete monstrosity.
It may have superb facilities, I don't know, although that was what I was told by a Canadian who stayed at the Bougainvillea but attended a meeting at the Hilton.
I suppose one benefit to staying there is that from the inside you don't have to see the outside!