Negril
 

I am trying to book a vacation for myself (32 yrs old), and my two sons 15 & 6. Which do you recommend in Negril? RIU Negril or RIU Tropical Bay? Or would you suggest Holiday Inn in Montego Bay? We like spending time at the beach, snorkeling, doing some excursions, shopping, and relaxing. My boys both like when they meet kids their ages. We are going to go Dec 21-28...for the holidays. Thanks to all who reply! Any help greatly appreciated!!

Try Idle-A-While or Coco La Palm, the latter prob.better for kids, instead of the 3 downscale places you list.

Well, I can only tell you my experience with the RIU Tropical Bay. We went the week after Thankgiving last year. We experienced a high volume of loud, obnoxoius, overbearing guests who apparently liked to get their drink on. We are not into the adult spring break thing, so really didn't care for it. Also, lots of women around the pool and beach topless. A few men in thong speedos. I didn't find the atmopshere very family/child friendly.

As for the hotel itself, it was nice. Too bad most of the guests weren't. We found the food very bad compared to other AI's we've been to and there is no refrigerated A/C in the rooms. Standing in line to make reservations for the ala cart restaurants was ridculous. They are a low budget AI hotel and you get what you pay for. Based on that experience and researching other RIU properties, I would never make the mistake and stay at another one.

melinda75,

I've been visiting Negril for over 20 years, and I don't think much of either of those properties. I agree with Tivertonhouse that either Idle-A-While or Coco would be much better, but it's probably way too late to book either of them for the holidays. We're going to Negril over Christmas, too, and I booked our trip ( sixth stay at COCO, which I love) in August.

You might want to try one of the all-in-one shops like NEGRILONESTOP.com to see what's available for that time period on the beach, if anything.

And no, I can't really recommend Holiday Inn in Montego Bay. TOtally different kind of holiday, and the beach doesn't compare well at all to what you'll find in Negril.

Good luck!

Actually, my husband just reminded me that I booked our Xmas trip in January- right after our last visit to Negril, and at the time, they were already booking up fast for the holiday!!