Can't decide which city to go to, Ocho Rios or Montego Bay. Which is safer, less crowded, better shopping, better beaches? We are thinking of staying at a Sandals All-inclusive for a major anniversary. Any ideas?

Sharon,<BR><BR>Montego Bay is going to be one of the most crowded areas because it is the main city in Jamaica. They have much better shopping than Ocho Rios though. The beaches are ok in both locations. Negril is going to have the best beaches in Jamaica and be the least crowded.<BR><BR>If you are looking for a nice Sandals to stay at, I would suggest Sandals Negril or Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay. Both are fabulous resorts.<BR><BR>Let me know if you need details.

We met some very nice people on our trip to Montego Bay last year and they were staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean. They raved about it and said it was wonderful.

Sandals MoBay is a more lively resort. So the answer depends on if you like that or if you like something a little more laid back, in which case Ocho Rios may be a better choice for you. Both are safe resorts, not overly crowded, but MoBay has the better beach.

Keep in mind that with the exception of the small "Sandals Inn" in MoBay, the Sandals resorts are not in the cities of Ocho Rios or MoBay. They are a few to several miles away.<BR><BR>Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, after Kingston (the capital). No Sandals in Kingston yet (why not, Butch?).<BR>

Sharon, As a frequent visitor to Jamaica, I prefer the Ochi area to Mo'Bay as it is not quite as 'city'. The hills and scenery are lovely, there are some nice beaches, and good shopping. You will have a longer drive from the airport, however(1 1/2hrs), but the ride is along the coast and a nice way to do a little touring. Mo' Bay has nice beaches too, but is definitely city. IMO, both are pretty safe for tourists. I read alot of positive comments about Sandals Dunn's River(more active, nice beach & pool) and Sandals Ocho Rios(supposed to very nice gardens). Hope this helps.

We have been to Sandals in both MoBay and Ocho as well as Negril (too bad that was not one of the choices - best area of the three!).<BR><BR>I feel Ocho is a better area. It is a tad safer, as MoBay is a larger city. Beaches are good in both area's but Ocho has excellent shopping and closer to more things to see and do off the resort.<BR><BR>As far as the Sandals, really depends on what you are looking for. We jsut got back from Sandals Ocho and can not stop raving about it. It is the prettiest Sandals we have been to - jsut very lush, tropical, bright flowers, verylaid back but still enough activity to keep people busy and involved, good evening entertainment and again, just lovely.<BR><BR>Sandals MoBay is far more active. Beach is much bigger, pools are small and tons going on day and night. Royal is more laid back, quieter, prettier (I think!) and really a different atmospherre then MoBay. Dunn's Sandals in Ocho Rios is one I would not visit again - just a personal thing. If I was younger and looking for a very active, party like vacation, then it would appeal to me but as comparing it to other Sandals, just one big deck and pools.

Based on one experience, I cannot recommend Grand Lido Sans Souci enough. It is a beautiful resort on a private beach set back in a cove. Since you will probably want to do all-inclusive, the food was amazing as well. Be sure to be there for their Thursday night dinner out on the lawn.

Just my opinion we did not like the Royal Caribbean, much to boring. Older crowed, if reading and relaxing is your kind of vacation then thats the place for you.

If it's a major anniversary, consider<BR>some major indulgence as well as pleasure at places outside the usual tourist track. See 'Goldeneye' (islandoutpost.com), 'Hermitage' or<BR>' San Michelle' (bluefieldvillas.com) or<BR>one of the luxe private and truly all-inclusive villas ( many in Port Antonio, your best destination on island)at lacure.com, a canadian broker of pricey if spectacular world-class properties that can easily price-out comparable to Sandals -- with considerably more privacy and style.