questorfla

We are planning a trip in late August to Jamaica and have pretty much narrowed it down to Negril. Although I would appreciate it if anyone can suggest otherwise. It seemed that Montego Bay was just going to be too crowded.
Of the two resorts above we are torn between one or the other and simply cannot decide. Or maybe there is a better choice than either. We rules out Sandals due to the higher prices and the fact that they got lower ratings (oddly)
If anyone could offer some insights of their own experiences at either or perhaps one of the other AI's nearby. We are not the "wild" type (married for 19 years) but having the option of "au natureal" right at your door steps seemed interesting. And I don't want to sit around and watch TV at night. Both resorts got good (and some bad) reviews. Will be there for a week so would not want this to be a bad choice.
From what I can tell there are numerous things to do nearby. So the main things would be the quality of the rooms and food at the resort. Also I noticed that there is an optional "fly over" instead of the 1.5hr drive. But the fly was stated at 60 mins? anyway?
Has anyone tried it?
Any input would be greatly appreciated, I have never spent so long trying to decide on something and the indecision is driving is both nuts Also, is it worth paying extra for a room upgrade? Which is the best room to stay in at each resort?
As a final note, if anyone else is going between Aug 26 to Sept 2 would be nice to make a few friends before arrival.

KVR

We just had to make a similar decision. However, we've already been to Negril and wanted to go to Ocho Rios this time. Unfornatly, there are less hotels to choose from in Ocho Rios than in Negril. We were torn between Sandals Dunns River and the newly remodeled Couples CTI. I am not a Sandals fan after 2 other trips, but chose them over Couples based on their pools (go figure) and we don't care for the "au natural" concept that Couples promotes. I've also read that the included excursions at Couples are hard to book or get a spot, so that really didn't seem worth it.

In Negril, my first choice would be Sunset at the Palms. Even if the beach is across the street. It wouldn't be an issue to us. Second choice would be Couples Negril. If you can splurge on the suite. The bathroom looks amazing.

I wouldn't do the extra flight to Negril. You're really not saving that much time for the extra fee. By the time you wait at the airport, fly over, and get to the hotel it's basically the same time. What your missing is the driving, which is long, but not that bad. We felt is was like being on a tour bus and getting to see parts of the Island.

questorfla

Thanks for that. So I guess it is down to couples Vs couples.
Either Negril or "Swept Away". We had been looking hard at CSA unti I found out that it is not convenient to many other things. OK place if you happen to like what is going on right where you are. I am afraid to be "stuck" even at a nice resort .
I am also sure you are right about the flight. When you mentioned "splurge" on the bathroom, I had already figured on that due to the lack on anything but a shower in some. So which suite in particular did you mean? If I can request a particular building or suite what should it be?
I am extremely grateful for your input. Due to airline considerations I must make the decision tomorrow.

skinnyboy

We were at CN in August a few years ago. KVR is right about the flight vs. drive from MoBay - there's no need. The difficulty in getting a spot reserved for excursions, etc. shouldn't be too bad in late August. I'd recommend finding out how full the resort is and about what's offered and when and make reservations for most of the week as soon as you can.

We were placed in building 2 in a very basic room. It was a decent walk to get to the room, and we had a view of the trees. However, we didn't spend a whole lot of time in the room, so it wasn't a big deal. The rooms in buildings 1-3 and - I would imagine - 8 & 9 tend to be removed enough from the main area as to not be excessively loud in the evenings. Building 6 has to be the worst, as the live entertainment set up in the Cassava restaurant.

A few other brief notes: the staff, with only 1 exception, was remarkably attentive; the Otaheite restaurant must be experienced; I recommend the catamaran cruise; Building 9 is right next to the A/N beach, and the upper floors have rooms that look right down onto it; the week we were there, the A/N beach probably had an average of 4 people each day; the pool is large enough that the bar could be overcrowded and a volleyball game could be happening, and you could still be swimming without anyone near you; the beach is nice, but the water is incredible.
If you end up going to CN and have any specific questions, feel free to ask. Have a great trip!

KVR

We haven't been to Couples Negril, but if we did go I would splurge on the Beachfront Suite. If you look on Trip Advisor under guest photos, there are tons of pictures. We stayed next door to Couples Negril at the RIU. The location is good to get to a variety of shopping and resturants. We took a cab to Margaritaville, the craft market and Rick's Cafe. We did tours to YS Falls, Mayfield falls, Black River and the Appleton Rum Factory. We had a lobster dinner at Ricks Cafe that was very good and reasonably priced.

pwj155

in my opinion swept away is the best choice for an all inclusive, not au natural,but you can go toppless if you choose. negril has the best beach (7 mile) in jamaica and swept aways is great. we've been there twice. also been to couple ocho rios and couples san souci (small beaches).we also think swept is a better choice than couples negril just because 7 mile beach is much nicer than bloody bay. we are going to coco la palm in sept. for the second time,once you get comfortable with negril,i would really recommend trying a non-inclusive hotel. it's really fun trying the different restaraunts in negril and all the beach bars on 7 mile, and by the time it's done the cost is about the same.enjoy your trip, you'll have a great time whatever resort you choose. bring small bills, even though couples has a no tipping policy, there are people there that you will want to tip because they are so nice.