cjs2011

We are looking to visit Negril in August but have been told by a couple people this is a bad time to go. Has anyone visited in August and if so, what was your experience?

Also, what are the best AI's? We want one that is fun and laid back (keep in mind that we are in our 20s). We have been looking at Couple's Swept away and Sandals. I have read amazing reviews on CSA but we think the rooms look sort of mediocre. Any other resorts you would recommend? Thanks!

KVR

August is the prime start of hurricane season. It will also be hot and humid. We've been to Negril and Ocho Rios the first week of a December and the weather was perfect. If you decided to go in August, just buy the travel/hurricane insurance that you can cancel your trip for any reason.

I'm not a Sandals fan after staying at 2 of their properties, though not in Jamaica. Sunset at the Palms or Couples Negril are the better AI choices in that area. Neither are lux and have generally basic accomendations compared to the Secrets and Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay and Mexico. Sandals Whitehouse, about an hour outside of Negril, gets the better reviews. Their location is very isolated if that matters to you.

If you are interested in Ocho Rios, look at the Jewel Dunn's River resort. One of the better AI hotels we've been to.

mrcamp

The Grand Palladium, Montego Bay is about 45 mins from Negril and not bad at all. Was there 2 years ago. The Hilton Rose Hall, also in Montego Bay also has very good reviews. It caters more to families though. Actually going there in a couple of weeks.

suze

I was in Negril in July two years ago. It was hot hot HOT and extremely humid. It rained a few times. I guess it depends your tolerance for the heat and humidity if you'd like it or not. If you can go not in the summer would be nicer weather.

Sorry don't know about AI resorts, we (a group of friends) stayed up on 'the Cliffs' at Tensing Pen and Mirage.

cjs2011

Thanks for the advice! We are going in August because it is our anniversary, so that is why we chose that month. Everyone warned us when we did our hmoon in August and went to Mexico and the weather couldn't have been more perfect, so hot and humid is not a concern to us.

As for you that said go to Mobay, what do you think of the city. We had chosen Secrets Wild Orchid and were quickly steered away from Mobay by people who have gone there. They say it's just a big city and that we won't get the true Jamaican experience. True or no?

KVR

"They say it's just a big city and that we won't get the true Jamaican experience. True or no?"

Yes, I think that is true. Most people stay in MB if they want to party or stay in the really nice AI complexes there. There are some off property excursions to do in that area, but you'll find more in Negril and Ocho Rios.

With the exception of those AI complexes in MB, you will not find lux resorts like in Mexico in Jamaica.

Weadles

I'm a huge fan of Negril and love hot weather, but I would never again go there in August. It was way too humid even for me, and occasionally rainy. But worst of all, there were tons of sand fleas and strangely (?) yellow jackets along the shoreline, and not just at dusk. Can you possibly postpone your anniversary a bit and go at a more pleasant time?

And BTW, I totally agree with the advice above about Montego Bay. If you want a more "authentic'" Jamaican experience, go to Negril, or better yet from what I've heard, Treasure Beach.