Jamaica- Negril or Ocho Rios?
 

Considering trading our timeshare next year in Jamaica in either Negril or Ocho Rios. We have the option to trade at very nice all-inclusive resorts in either location. The issue- we are NOT good bus riders and I know it's a bit of a trek to either location from the airport. Which location entails the least treacherous, twisty bus ride? If not by bus, has anyone used a good car service?

I used Clive's shuttle from Montego Bay out to Negril. They have modern smaller vans (not a "twisty bus ride"). It takes about 90 mins. I love Negril but have never been to Ocho to compare the two.

Go to Negril. The beach there is so much nicer than Ocho's, and it has a (slightly) less touristy feel than Ocho, which is where cruise ships come in. You can hire a wonderful car service through your hotel, or getting recommendations here online. The road really isn't that bad from MoBay to Negril. It is half highway, half through little towns and pineapple plantations, beautiful ocean views for some of the ride.

Wow This is a tough one both parishes have their strong points . Negril is famous for their beautiful beaches however if you are looking for alittle more adventure I recommend Ochi rios

they are quite different. both require a scenic trip from the airport, and as others have said, the buses are modern and most drivers are good. your hotel can help set that up for you.

ocho rios has more of a high-end, resorty feel to it. it is the destination for most cruise ships stopping in jamaica. it is also convenient to visit Dunn's river falls, too. Higher end shopping, and more refined restaurants.
negril is the hipper, more rustic, more native location. there is a large concentration of AIs at bloody bay which is not connected per se to the 7 mile beach (which has suffered some erosion but is still a beautiful stretch).
of course, getting out of the resort is up to you, but negril has a lot of atmospheric bars and restaurant on 7 mile, and also on the cliffside (where the uber-touristy rick's is - btw, sunset is everywhere on the west side, you don't have to go there! try Xtabi) negril has the sunset, a wonder every night.
people are nice but savvy, it's a sustainable economy so no one is starving, but people live simply.
enjoy!

I had Christmas and new year in Negril - it was lively for this period but everyone I speak to says it's normally very quiet - Ocho Rios is meant to be a bit nicer, prettier- better beaches.

I'm not sure how a beach could be much "nicer" than the 7-mile one at the heart of Negril??