kyra

My boyfriend and I are going to GLN im March. Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or another about GLN? We will be there 6 days and, while planning to lounge about most of the time, would also like some info. on fun and inexpensive excursions. Also, what is the deal on the yacht? Is it a one-time thing or can you take the cruise several times? Also, does each room have a balcony and/or a minibar? How far away is Rick's cafe? Any other info. that someone would like to add would be great! I think these boards are very helpful-I find out more stuff that isn't in any book or travel guide! Thanks!

Bill

Try looking at www.dennyp.com - While this website is dedicated more to the Hedonism resorts; he does have trip reports from the Grand Lidos.

kyra

I've tried that link and it doesn't open. Any other comments? Anyonne been there?

joan

Kyra: <BR>I just returned from Couples Negril, next door to Grand Lido. Wanted to let you know to forget Rick's Cafe. What a waste of time (and we didn't even pay to go there - it was included in the price of our stay). It is located on the other end of Negril, about 20 minutes by bus. We went, it was mobbed with white tourists, you had to stand in line to buy tokens to get a drink, then stand in line at the bar for awhile to order a drink. You could barely see the cliff diving, as most of the vantage points were actually part of Rick's dining room, and so you were asked to move if not having dinner there...there's another place nearby gaining in popularity, don't know how it is, but it's called the Pickled Parrot. Couples offered a "booze cruise" there rather than go by bus. (we got rained out but heard it was fun) You may want to check into that as an alternative to Rick's. <BR> <BR>GLN looked lovely, by the way...we sure loved Couples, though! Great food and immaculate. Have a great time! <BR>Joan

Sam

My strong opinion is that GLN is a very nice upscale resort. <BR> <BR>Balcony is very small, just enough for 2 chairs. You better take the ground floor room. There is no mini bar in room but bars only a few steps away and you always can call 24-h room service. There is no restriction for the yacht. Rick's Cafe is about 3 mile south.

Tawana

Hi Kyra, <BR> <BR>My husband and I were married at the GLN in Sept. of last year. Overall the experience was wonderful. I have to be honest that the accommodations were a little less than what I expected, but again it was our honeymoon. They weren't the cleanest rooms that I've stayed in and it probably had to do with the age of the resort. There was no minibar but you definitely don't need that. The 24 hour unlimited room service is just that. You will have access to food and any type of drink whenever you want at the drop of a hat. <BR> <BR>The yacht was unavailable the entire time we visited. It was out for repairs. <BR>HOWEVER, the beachfront villas (the proximity to the water) definitely made up for everything else. The water sports were unlimited and the snorkeling was AMAZING!!! We saw sting rays and incredible fish. We went diving and the staff was very helpful. The grounds and the beaches are wonderful and the fact that it is an adult resort was something else we appreciated. <BR> <BR>So what more can i say. I think you will have a wonderful time. You've made a pretty good choice. I would return to GLN, but not right away. There are so many other places to visit ;-) and I've been to Jamaica 7 times, this was the 1st at GLN. It will however always be a special place for us. We met dozens of couples who have returned EVERY year! it's a big deal to be a repeat visitor. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

kyra

Thanks for all the info. Y'all make it sound wonderful. I'm really looking forward to it!

madelaine

Hi Kyra, <BR> <BR>Perhaps my experience was atypical, but I found GLN overpriced for what they delivered and the attitude of management totally unacceptable for a high-end resort. The bathrooms in my two rooms were dirty (foot prints and hair), but more galling was that the resort got my reservation wrong and several managers refused to do anything about it, including giving me written confirmation of what they claimed I had booked. The attitude was pretty much "you've prepaid , so @#$%! you". Also I was not thrilled that their US reservations office didn't tell me there was major construction happening on the beach that seriously affected the atmosphere. The beach is great, the balconies tiny, and like everything else, the yaht is unlimited use, assuming the water isn't too rough. <BR> <BR>have a good trip, <BR> <BR>Madelaine

mary

My fiance and I are going to GLN for our honeymoon in mid-march. I've read so many different views about it that I'm starting to get nervous...we've never been to Jamaica or to an AI, did we make a mistake?

Sam

I don't work in the travel industry. I have no reason to defend GLN. We have been to Jamaica a dozen times, mostly at the better A/I resorts, such as Sandals and Grand Lidos. I found the Grand Lido Negril staff were very courteous. Many of them try very hard to please the guests and often walk extra miles. Rooms are not perfect, somewhat dark to our taste due to the darker colour drapes and mohogany furniture. Overall it is a luxury resort. We plan to go back GLN the third time this fall.

redd

Our visit to Grand Lido in Negril ranks very low on the list of the beach destinations we have visited. Upon arrival, our bathroom was dirty and the bedspread stained. We asked to be moved to another room and were assured that we would be moved, along with our luggage, to a new room. After being at the beach for 4 hours nothing had happened. After 4 - 5 more telephone calls, with the final being to the manager, we were finally moved. The second room was somewhat better, but there were ants in the bathroom. Also, do not count on getting fresh squeezed orange juice of edible daquiris or pina coladas at that property.