Negril
 

I am an adult single woman planning a trip to Negril with a girlfriend. The last time I was there was 20 years ago, but I remember the locals being quite agressive on the beach. I'm afraid I am short on patience and don't want my beach time incessently interrupted by vendors. Can anyone give me a report on the present situation? Does it make a difference where you stay? I appreciate any information.

I have been to Negril 2 times over the past couple of years and I am returning in in April of this year for a 3rd time. I can speak to what I know and say that on our first trip it was in mid April, we stayed at Idle Awhile, and we absolutely loved the place. Most of the boutique places are small enough that its very easy for those who man the security to watch over the guests and ensure a good balance of having vendors pass by, perhaps slow down and show that they have juice, fruit, cigarettes, and other things for sale, before encouraging them to move on. I admit to have been asked more so when I was on the waters edge or walking the beach, but when actually lounging on the chairs it didnt seem to be an issue. There were some vendors that we all wanted to come by, such as the patty man, or one of the couple of guys who would come by and sell fresh squeezed juices every morning. They would stop out front and look for us and simply wave without approaching us. They seemed to have a balance for not wanting to inturdue yet still wanting to make themself available. I can also say that a firm but polite and definitive NO THANK YOU was sufficient 70% of the time and at other times it needed to be said a second time. The key was a polite yet unwavering NO. I found that those who had been pestered were more often those who have a hard time saying NO. On our second trip we went in high season and to my suprise we were not getting asked as often if we wanted to buy things. Now I must also admit that yes, there were times I was asked if I wanted to buy drugs, but those who asked did so by getting to the point quickly and they were able to tell equally quickly that there was not going to be a sale from me. In order to be of better help I suggest you provide more details on your intended travel plans. I can speak to what my experience was at Idle Awhile as well as what it was like when hanging out at CoCo La Palm, and many other small places. How you are approached is different from when you wander around as compared to when you hang out at your favorite spot and once you have determined where and what you want in terms of acomodations you can get better feedback from those who have stayed at the place you are looking at. I did make a comment to one of the drivers we hung out with on both our trips about how our second trip seemed to have less of the "Lets hit up the tourist and sell them stuff" experience, and he commented on how we acted more like we belonged there than do many tourists. Other than you providing more feedback, the only other thing I can say is that you will have to get a feel for the comments you read and see who matches up to have a similar sense of whats acceptable and what isnt. Im not an All Inclusive kinda guy, and I like to engage with people, talk locals that I meet as well as other guests, so while I too dont like to be harassed, I do like to not cut myself off from people. Each person is different in what they are looking for. I would be interested in knowing the opinion that others have of how Negril is today compared to 20 years ago. Good luck in planning an excellent trip.

Our first trip to Negril was this past November. I, too, had read about very aggressive vendors. It really was pretty much a non-issue. There were lots of vendors, but, a polite 'no' and off they went, usually with a smile. We spent lots of time walking the beach, we were never hassled.

If you really don't want to deal with vendors at all, consider staying up on the cliffs on the west end.

You will get approached for pot, by male prostitutes,for guided tours, for scooter rentals, and everything from mangoes to baskets to mushrooms just about anywhere you go. And lots of people go there for some of those very reasons! Just embrace it and view it as a chance to mingle with the locals. After a no or two you will be left alone. For the most part its just nice people trying to make a buck like everyone else. The beach is the worst, but the cliffs are almost as bad. Our favorites on the Cliffs are Xtabi and the Castle. The constant sales pitches can get annoying, but we have always felt safe there, and go back every chance we get.

Yes it makes a difference where you stay. I spent the day at Charela Inn (sister to Mirage where I was staying on the cliffs) and the vendors don't/won't, aren't allowed(?) to approach onto the beach where the hotel's loungers are set up under palm trees, unless you wave them over.

I was there in July last year for 10 days, the first 5 days I was solo before a group of friends joined me. Completely different from jferrier's experience quoted above, I was NOT once <approached for pot, by male prostitutes, for guided tours, for scooter rentals>.

Just was not an issue. People seemed pretty respectful of a woman alone. We got more of that once my friends arrived and I was out in groups with them.

I do agree that the Cliffs are more low-key than down on the beach. Take a look at Tensing Pen, Mirage, Catcha Falling Star to see some of those options up that way.

As far as the changes in 20+ years... I was in Negril in 1975, 1983, and 2010. Other than the road being paved, more fancy resort developments down on the beach, more people with electricity, and prices being higher... honestly I didn't think it was all that different (as far as the overall atmosphere & experience, the welcome by the local people, etc.)

There's also a very active & helpful forum for Negril at www.tripadvisor.com