Ok so I have read lots and lots of reviews but I think I'm more confussed than ever before. We are pretty much set on Jamaica going this Nov. 2010 there is going to be a group of us right now at least 5 people all in our early 30's. Me & my wife but the other 3 are singles looking to have a fun party time. We were looking into AI's so we don't have to worry about our drinks and food and they are pretty good prices right now, but i'm just wondering if the AI's are more for couples? Right now we are thinking about staying at Secrets in Montego Bay since most of the reviews are pretty good from what I have read. I would just like to get some suggestions and would love to hear what people think. Also we plan on booking ASAP within the week.

The Secrets resorts are really for couples and caters specially to honeymooners. For your single friends I would suggest the The Iberostar, RIU, Breezes or Sunset Beach Resort.

Thank you for the response, Out of those which would you say is the best? The reviews I have seen for Breezes and Sunset have not been very good. Also is Montego Bay where I should be looking or should I also consider Ocho Rios or Negril? For me and my wife Secrets sounds perfect for us but I will let my other group members know since I think they may be in more of a party mode, but regardless my main thing is to find a very nice hotel, good food and good drinks on a good beach.

The Grand Palladium is not bad either. However, it's in the middle of nowhere. About 45 mins from Negril. So, Negiril might be better for those that want to party.

We stayed at the RIU Tropical Bay in Negril. It was a horrible experience, and I wouldn't recommend. Food was bad, long lines to make a reservations, loud obnoxious guests.

The Iberostars in Mexico get really great reviews. There are 3 in Montego Bay; (1) adult's only and (2) family.

Might also look at the Royal Decameron. Not all that familiar with it, but it's close to nightlife, entertainment and shopping. Something your friends might be interested in.

As KVR has said, some AIs focus on couples, some on singles. The Iberostar resorts in MoBay have a combination of everything, including plenty of children. This is why a lot of people like to go to adults-only resorts (one section of Iberostar is adult-only). There's a big disco there, and you can also go on a bus into town for Margaritaville and other bars.

But for nightlife, I think Negril has more off-resort options, but the best places to stay aren't really at the AI resorts there, so it's a toss-up.

Definitely do NOT choose Secrets if there are singles along. These resorts are aimed squarely at adult couples, particularly honeymooners.

Thank you everyone for the advice.

Now I am starting to question if we want Jamaica at all. We would still like to stay at an AI in the caribbean (not Mexico)where would you say the best ones are located for our group? I'm now starting to consider the Dominican Republic, I have heard they have some really nice beaches and it appears they have a lot of AI's.

Mexico and the DR are best known for their mutiple AI properties. Jamaica comes in third. The only thing with Jamaica is their AI resorts are mainly either for couples or families. Mexico has adult only resorts that are not strictly couple orientated. Not all that familar with the DR. Been once and didn't care for it. We are going back to Mexico for our 10th trip in December. If you change your mind about Mexico can certainly help you there.

You might consider Aruba. Either the Occidential or the RIU would be a good choice for couples and singles. Both acccept children though. The RIU in Aruba is a step above any of their resorts in Mexico, DR or Jamaica.

Thanks for all the info KVR.

Any reason why you didn't care for the DR, also did you stay in Punta Cana? I was seriously considering Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana,DR. My wife is all for it we just have to run it by our friends and see what they think.

We went years ago before it was so built up. Just not to our liking. I've read good things about the Majestic Elegance. I believe you have to pay for the Club plan in order to get the adult only section of the hotel if that matters to you. Personally, I just feel you get way more for your money in Mexico and there are so many things to see and do off property in Mexico also. If I was looking to spend money for an AI property to spend the majority of my time on the property, then I might look again at the DR, but that's really not the type of AI vacations we enjoy.

B775
Are you set on AI because you don't want to worry about where to eat each night or because you think its cheaper. Because if its the latter you can do non AI in Jamaica or Mexico for less (unless you a) drink like a fish or b) stay ay a bottom feeder place with at best mediocre food and flat draft as your beer option. In DR I would think AI is probably your only logical option but in the Mexican Riviera and Jamaica (especially Negril) there are great options. First of all dining (many great options with reasonable prices in both Negril and Playa) and most importantly for your single friends is the nightlife. The clubs and discos at AI's are lame at best, so you have the leave the property (there goes your free booze) for some decent nightlife. Go to Negril, stay at a nice little spot on the beach and you will not regret it.

Give a budget and many suggestions as where to stay will be posted by me and others.

I do have to agree with spook. We've done 14 AI vacations in Mexico/Caribbean. Our trip this year back to Playa del Carmen, we chose a boutique hotel on the beach with a modified AI plan; breakfast and either lunch or dinner, no alcohol. This is a step for us because we are a.) drink like a fish. But when we went to Cozumel again last year we found the drink/food prices were quite reasonalbe compared to many of the Caribbean Islands. Yes, it upsets me greatly to pay $5 for a can of beer at most places in the Caribbean. Mexico you can find beer/drink specials everywhere. 5th Avenue in Playa is the place for your single friends and I bet you would enjoy it also. We love it. So many resturants, bars, shops, and entertainment. If you still need an AI go with the Royal Playa del Carmen. Adult only, not just couples and a 5 minute walk to 5th Avenue. The best of both worlds.

If you still won't consider Mexico, Aruba is the best second choice for good nightlife with singles.

I was in Negril for 10 days earlier this summer. It was FANTASTIC and has everything you are seeking. Check the Trip Advisor Negril destination forum. There's a number of AI's on the 7-mile beach that get good comments.

Spook, one of the main reasons we were looking into an AI is because the price is so cheap right now. We are looking around $1000pp at the most $1300pp and the deals I'm able to get through Costco just make an AI seem worth it and since we live on the west coast of USA all the flights alone to the Caribbean are at least $600 so if we can get an AI for 5 or 6 nights for $1200 that just makes more sense to us.

Now a new twist in our journey looks like 2 of the single people from our group are not going now and maybe the 3rd so it may just be my wife and I.

Also I have nothing against Mexico, my wife is actually from Mexico and even though we have never been to the east coast of Mexico she would rather go to the caribbean to experience it.

Suze, yeah I have looked in the AI's in Negril but they are quite a bit more in price than the ones I'm able to get in Montego Bay. If they were the same price I would consider Negril.

Thanks again everyone for all the info

B775~ I'm guessing there's a reason the AI's in Negril are more expensive... because they're nicer? (only partly joking). I've not stayed at one myself because I never go all-inclusive but know there are some VERY good ones from talking to people on my recent trip and reading on the forums (besides here, TA has an active Negril forum).

Negril is incredibly beautiful. Maybe you can't make it this trip, but do keep it in mind for the future.

My husband and I are making our first trip to Negril in November. We found airfares for just under $400.00 each. Our hotel on the beach is $70.00 per night for a deluxe room for four nights. Our cabana on the Cliffs is $110.00 for three nights.

That's less than $1500.00 for the two of us. Yes, we do have to purchase food and drink, but, we can get exactly what we want. And no buffets!!!!!

JeanH~ Can I sneak in a couple restaurant recommendations for you? When you're up on the Cliffs go to dinner at Ivan's at Catcha Falling Star for a very nice meal. Beautiful setting and atmosphere, good food, great service. For local fare try Sips & Bites (near the motorcycle rental shop) and Ras Rody's (a roadside stand with excellent "Ital" Rasafarian/vegetarian food). When you're on the beach, Sweet Spice is fun, it's on the road out from the round-about towards Savanna-la-Mar (but not too far).

Thanks Suze, It seems I have far more ideas for dining on the Cliffs than I do on the beach.

From reading your trip report, it sounds as though most of your time was on the Cliffs. With that said, got any more suggestions for the beach?

Well if it's just you and your wife, go with Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms. Sunset is across the street from the beach, but we saw it and I didn't think it would be a big deal.

If interested in Ocho Rios, the Sandals Dunns River closed and has been taken over and re-opened as the Jewell Dunns River. They are offering Grand Opening prices right now. We plan on going (hopefully) the end of next year instead of our usual Mexico vacation.

If you must stay in Montego Bay, go with Secrets or the adult only section of the Iberostar.