Jamaica - Spring 2013
 

HI
The wife and I are thinking of doing a week in Jamaica come Spring of 2013. We have never been. I am looking for some advice on places to stay. Can anyone help?

We are not really into all-inclusives much but we would like some place nice. We would like to be VERY close to the beach and would like a pool ideally too. What we are looking to do essentially is to relax, get some sun but be near some decent restaurants and nightlife too. We are also into doing a adventurous day trip or 2 also.

What is the best part of the island to stay?
What is the best time of year weather-wise?
Recommendations on lodging?

I'd head to Negril. Fly into Montego Bay and arrange a shuttle for the 90 minute drive (we used Clive's, would recommend).

Look at Idle Awhile or Coco la Palm, smaller properties right on the beach.

Also, consider a few nights up on the Cliffs. Catcha Falling Star is lovely, there are others.

It's like two vacations in one. We could lie in bed in the mornings and watch the dolphins.

We stayed at places without pools, I think the three mentioned above all have them.

Agree with the recommendations above. Idle Awhile doesn't have a pool, but COCO has two- one adult, one for adults/kids. Neither pool is very large, but they're fine for a quick dip.

If you are interested in either property, try to book soon. The spring months are very busy in the islands because of spring break and school vacation ( Easter/Passover) times.

Mid-April is our favorite time to visit Jamaica because it tends to be less crowded than March, and usually has great weather.

Both Idle Awhile and Coco are on the best part of the beach in Negril. Idle Awhile has slightly more upscale accommodations than Coco ( although the upstairs jr. suites are very nice), and tends to attract a quieter crowd.

Coco draws a lot of vacationing families and some of the ground floor units are in serious need of a re-do. But the upstairs units are spacious with nice balconies/terraces overlooking the pool or beach.

Neither property is luxurious, but both are comfortable enough and reasonably priced.

A good alternative is Ocho Rios. You can stay at Fisherman's Point which is next to Island Village Plaza in Ocho Rios.

From here, everything is within walking distance: restaurants, attractions, entertainment spots and the beaches. The last time i checked the price was $85 a night for the room. There is a nice pool there.

Everything is within walking distance, even Dunns River Falls and Dolphin Cove.

One word... Negril!!

Idle Awhile or Coco la Palm or Charela Inn on the beach.

Definitely check out Tensing Pen or Catcha on the Cliffs. I know you said near the beach (and these are a short taxi ride away) but they are very unique situations, garden settings on dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.

Hi,

It depends on what you are looking for. If you want peace and natural surrounding and nothing too touristy then Portland, St. Thomas and accommodations that side of the island is best suited. If you are looking for tourist town then accommodations in Ocho Rios as alot of the major attractions in Jamaica are within walking distance or a short drive.

Good Day Danlotec,
Suggestions are very great that I see but I would also like to fine tune some of the details. Negril would be one of the more ideal area for you to stay but there are a few factors. Once you fly into Montego Bay it means that a shuttle must be arranged for you to get to Negril. Negril is very quaint and would be a relaxed area for you. Imagine seven miles of white sand and this is where most of the hotels are situated in this area. The only drawback is that the restaurants are not in walking distance compared to the Ocho Rios where the restaurants are in walking distance of any hotel that you may stay in the town. in Ocho Rios, you would get more action as everything is central, yet not crowded or noisy.You could hit me up for further details

It's not big deal to arrange a shuttle from the airport to Negril. It's $30 per person and takes 90 mins. I arranged mine online in advance with Clives.

Depends where exactly you stay but there are lots of restaurants walking distance from most of the hotels along 7-mile beach.

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