hanara

I am a student of 4th and last year of University and my friends want to go to Jamaica - last student travel - i would like to know if Jamaica(Ocho Riu) is a safety place to travel in this kind of student's trip.

Weadles

I'm sure you'll be safe, but there are better places to visit in Jamaica, like Negril or Treasure Beach. Ocho is where the cruise ships pull in, and it's not nearly as interesting or beautiful as other parts of the country.

JAGIRL

Are you asking whether <font color="green">Ocho Rios</font> is a safe place to visit?
Or are you asking if <font color="green">Riu Ocho Rios</font> is a safe hotel?

What kind of vacation are you guys looking for? Partying? Relaxing on the beach? Exploring the island? Peace and Quiet?

If you're looking for peace and quiet then Treasure Beach or Portland might be best. If you're looking for partying and night life then Negril would be my suggestion.

hanara

The trip is already confirmed to Ocho Riu, we are going to Ocho RiU Park Hotel. We are looking to sun,beach and party but i am afraid of any problem of crime our the inexistence of security.

liza

The Riu Ocho Rios is an enclosed, fenced all inclusive hotel. There is security. I wouldn't think any kind of crime will occur there except for the odd tourist - on tourist theft etc.

I also wouldn't hesitate to get out and about, particularly with a private driver/guide or, less interestingly, a hotel tour.

If you are in the city of Ocho Rios itself wandering around remember that as a cruise ship port it attracts a lot of hustlers and vendors who can be pretty persistent. If you go at night, use caution like you would anywhere - don't wear expensive jewelry, don't get drunk and wander around alone, don't go off with a stranger to do anything, keep the big bills well hidden, etc etc.

Diana

I'd take day trips to other parts of the island. We've been all over the Caribbean, and Ocho Rios (the town, not the whole area) wins hands down as the most unattractive and hustler-ridden place we've ever been. I've never seen so many shysters per sq foot anywhere.

Yuck. Not even pretty, and a bunch of crummy bars and restaurants that cater to the cruise ship crowd.

We were staying at Jamaica Inn, and felt compelled to venture into Ochi, but aside from an amazing meal at the Jerk Centre in town and getting to see Veronica Campbell win the gold medal for Jamaica IN Jamaica, OR was a pit!

One MUST do thing since you are based over there, is a Blue Mountain bicycle tour. You get on bikes near the top and just coast down the mountainside looking at the coffee plantations and the waterfalls - amazing.

You'll be quite safe on the resort grounds. Have a great time.