jas60036

My boyfriend and I, and maybe another couple (24 years old) are planning to take a vacation in December, Ive narrowed it down to Jamaica based on our budget ($1200-$1500 a person), he really wants Al because he wants to lay by the pool and drink without worrying about it. I also want to do that, however I like to venture and go visit some local stuff and do excursions. Through my extensive research I really like the idea of Negril, and I started looking into RIU Negril, but then read the crowd was older, I also looked at Palladium Montego Bay, but that also had some down falls. I'd love if anyone has any input on where to stay for a good nighlife, good food, and gorgeous pool/beach ! All in budget, however.

jas60036

Also, the budget is including airfare.

KVR

You need to remember that you usually get what you pay for. I have stayed at the RUI Tropical Bay in Negril and that statement could not have been truer. It has to be the 2nd worst AI resort I have ever stay at and I have stayed in many throughout the Caribbean and Mexico including 2* AI's in Mexico, and the RIU came out worse. There is nothing located outside of the resort in that area. Walking off property is not advised. You need to go with resort tours or use a taxi.

Here is a list of AI's in the Caribbean and Mexico to help you with your research:

http://www.caribbeanallinclusive.com...ve_resorts.cfm

http://www.mexicoallinclusive.com/me...ve_resorts.cfm

I've been to Jamaica twice and will probably not return. We prefer Mexico. You get so much more for your money in an AI and walking off a resort there is no issue. The pools there are too cold for me in the winter months unless you go to the West side of Mexico where heated pools are the norm and not the exception, but the beaches there are not great.

Also, when do you want to go in December? We tend to go either the first or second week when prices and crowds are low. After Dec. 15 you will find nothing in that budget.

Odin

You don't need AI in Negril. You can eat in places along the beach that will not cost a fortune. We wanted to stay in an AI in Negril but the ones we wanted were full, so decided to stay in a small hotel whose tariff included an amazing breakfast. Mostly we ate in modest places. There are lots of beach bars too. We would have missed out on the atmosphere of the beach had we stayed in an AI.

suze

I've never stayed at an All-Inclusive resort, but I definitely like the idea of Negril (have been there 3 times). Love that place. It's a real treasure, I'd never stay in MoBay.

If you can talk the boyfriend out of the AI, look at any of many fabulously funky places along the 7-mile beach there.
www.negrilonestop.com and click on the various hotels.

Merrils is a reasonably priced All-Inclusive there. But better yet look at places like BarB Barn, Coral Seas Garden, Rayon Hotel, Country County, Wild Parrot.