Just Back From Negril
 

I’ve never been to Jamaica before – nor had I ever been to an all-inclusive. After much research (on this site and others) my buddy and I decided to go to Breezes Grand Negril. I’d been given the impression that Negril was a fun, happening area. Perhaps it is, but our resort was on Bloody Bay – not seven mile beach. Bloody Bay was a bit boring – no nightlife. Our resort had some nightlife but most of the clientele were quite elderly. In order to go to seven mile beach, we had to cut through Hedonism II and they didn’t really like it when we did that (they had to escort us through, lest we stay and join the frivolity). If there really were beach parties on Negril beach at night, we didn’t have any easy way of getting there – it didn’t feel particularly safe to be wandering about at night.
Even the location itself was a bit disappointing. Fodor’s gives Negril beach a gold star but – much like the seven mile beach in Grand Cayman – I wasn’t that impressed. It’s overdeveloped. True, the sand is like talcum powder but there aren’t any waves. There is no charming village to visit – everything is on the beach and you basically have to stay at your resort.
I don’t mean to offend anyone with this. I know people are passionate about Jamaica. Perhaps my expectations were too high. If I go back, I’d want to see Ocho Rios or other parts of the country.

Pun intended. You completely missed the boat on this one. Years ago, Bloody Bay was a very quiet snorkeling spot. A resort or two were built there, but with limited access ( unless you have a car) to the best that Negril has to offer.

There are reggae clubs and restaurants all along the heart of Negrils' Seven Mile Beach. You just weren't anywhere near them. Parties sometimes go into the early morning at least, although I don't go anymore because I'm old.

It also sounds like you didn't get up to the cliffs, which is a shame, because there are plenty of good restaurants/clubs there, too. And many of them have amazing views. One of them even has a spot where you can swim through a cave right into the ocean. Many of the restaurants are reasonably priced.

Lastly, there IS a town of sorts, with a grocery store, pharmacy, ATM. And an upscale mini-mall along the main road, as well as a straw market, which I always avoid.

Anyway, sorry you had such a bad time. You really got steered in the wrong direction.

BTW, I think Negril has the best beach on the island. Ocho was a huge disappointment. Vastly overrated in my book, and cruise central on certain days.

Thanks for the feedback, Weadles! I mean, my friend and I had a good time. A vacation is what you make of it. But we definitely chose the wrong location. I still don't know where I would stay. I am not part of a couple and we didn't want someplace that was mostly for families with kids. I relied on Fodor's Gold Star to choose the hotel.

I did go to Rick's Cafe but that was crazy with tourists. I didn't even get to cliff jump! Pretty view though.

One thing that was great was the Scuba diving. This was a surprise because Jamaica isn't considered a great scuba destination. We got our Advanced certification there and we agreed that it was some of the best diving we'd ever seen.

I would've avoided Rick's Cafe and had you go to some of the more local and beautiful spots on the cliffs. I am glad to hear the scuba diving was good. For a long time, the reef was in bad shape and the whole area was overfished.

If you ever decide to try it again, post back for suggestions about where to stay that would be more fun and less family-oriented.