I feel crazy booking a room for February 2006 in March 2005, but they were almost entirely booked up, so I felt like I had to grab the chance. I read so many great reviews here and on trip advisor. I am just having "buyers remorse" already! Call me cheap, but I have never spent more than $150 on a hotel room before!! Eeeek! Tell me it's worth it. It was between Idle Awhile and Country Country. We have never been to Jamaica before. I've lurked around here the past few weeks soaking up everyone's Jamaica stories and while not all of it was positive we are still going to go for it and I can't wait! If anyone has any positive input or advice about Negril I would love to hear it!

Thanks!

Chandra

I haven't stayed at Idle Awhile, but we spent a day there in January, and if I were planning a second trip to Negril, it is absolutely where I would plan to stay. It is a lovely hotel, with beautiful gardens, and excellent service. The spot on the beach is perfect, right in the middle. I don't think you can go wrong with Idle Awhile! Excellent choice.
Kym

Forget the Xanax -- Crack open a cold Red Stripe and toast yourself -- you made the right choice -- (but check out the restaurant at the CountryCountry,too). Go to the Discover Jamaica or Jamaicaholics bulletin boards on jamaicans.com for an inside track on the runnin's.

I have stayed at Idle Awhile (last year), and I just can't say enough good things about it.

The room was one of the most comfortable and relaxing we've ever stayed in, and we have been to some very posh (and some not-so-posh) resorts in the Caribbean.

It's like the rest of Jamaica. Kind of hard to put a finger on exactly why you like it so much, but the people sure do have a lot to do with it.

For example, I made a big mistake and had conch for lunch. It was out of season and they did not tell me that (we ate at a restaurant down the beach - not at the hotel).

I got an upset stomach and did not feel well enough to go out for dinner that night. At Idle Awhile, they found that out and whipped me up a special fresh batch of soup that was delicious and literally the only thing I could have eaten. It was not on the menu - they made it just for me. So kind.

In the morning, when they saw my husband getting coffee, they asked him how I was, and when he said I was still feeling poorly, they went out into the garden, HAND PICKED me fresh mint leaves and herbs and made me a special tea that immediately settled my tummy.

What nice people and what a nice property. I would say you have made a very good choice and RELAX. You are going to have a great time!

(I saw Country Country while there, and it looks like a cute property, but you made the right choice!)

Friends just stayed one night at Country, Country and said it was dirty, poor service and they would never stay again.

I have never read a bad review of Idle Awhile. We've wanted to stay there twice and both times it was booked solid...so I have only walked by it and talked to people who've stayed (who all loved it).

Our 4th trip to JA will be in May, and have been going through the same thing as you. Have done the AI thing in the past and had pretty much commited to Swept Away, but have now decided on 4 nights at Idle Awile and 4 nights on the cliffs. Thinking of Xtabi but still looking. If anyone has suggestions, I would be greatful.
In any event...enjoy your vaca.
John

I like Xtabi. Other unique hotels in the area....Rockhouse, Tensing Pen, The Caves, Villas Sur Mer....and IMO the best deal for the money (as well as the best view) in Negril is the penthouse at Blue Cave Castle, though the other rooms are great too.

My husband and I have been to Negril nine times. We stayed at Idle last March and would gladly stay there again. The staff and accommodations were wonderful. Relax - you'll love it!

Indiboo...what type of room did you have and how was it equiped...refridge etc. Also...what type of power source for plug-ins?
Thanks so much for your help
John