Has anyone been to either of these places lately? Which would you recommend? What did you enjoy about the accomendations? What do you wish you had packed that you didn't.<BR>Thanks! Planning to go Jan. 2003

i've been to jakes several times and love it. do keep in mind though that it is very rustic and not quite as polished as it appears on the website. <BR><BR>that said, if you like funky, hippy-like dwellings it is a wonderful place. i would recommend these rooms: abalone upper or sea puss. do not stay in the new cottages off the property. abalone upper is the one featured on the homepage of the website and is the most private. sea puss is right on the cove, very romantic. keep in mind there is no real beach, but the real fun of the place in my opinion is taking boat rides out from the cove to other places: sunny island, a patch of sand in the middle of the ocean about 1/2 away (then stop at little ochi for lunch for the best seafood), black river tour to see the mangrove/crocodiles, and there are some deserted white sand beaches no more than 15 to 20 minutes away, toward black river as well. bring casual clothes, no need for anything other flip flops! oh and it can be buggy at times, but in january shouldn't be too bad. the front desk sells bug spray, sunscreen, etc. and every room is well equipped w/ mosquito coils. be sure to use the mosquito nets, it's best to tuck them in before sunset when the bugs come out!<BR><BR>never been to tensing pen, but have been several times to the rockhouse, which is similar in design and in the same area - www.rockhousehotel.com. they have an excellent restaurant and the setting is gorgeous!<BR><BR>have fun!

I would recommed rockhouse over tensing pen. I stopped once years ago and the smell from raw sewage was terrible. I'm not sure what the problem was, maybe the problem has been fixed. At the time it was a little too communal for me.

Stayed on the cliffs 11/01, walked thru Tensing Pen. Loved the place - great vibe and did not notice any bad smell (as stated by another poster)! Loved it so much that I have booked the Great House villa there for a return trip this 11/02. Enjoy!

Beachlover:You recommend NOT staying in new cottages at Jake's off property -- which ones ? and why? Thanks...

Would also go with the rockhouse- very cool place. Never tried Tensing Pen but would skip Jakes. The southcoast was lovely and was glad to have seen it but wasn't impressed with Jakes. The first poster had it right in that it is way more rustic that pictured with very laissez-faire attitude (staff). What would I take if I went back? Everything! (food, drinks, ice, towels, a mop, broom, lamps,) I mean it I felt like I was on Survivor with a few more things.

tivertonhouse: i only recommend not staying in the new cottages if C.B. is choosing jakes for the rooms shown on the website. i'm sure the new cottages are acceptable, especially for a family for instance as they're much larger and more private. but i've seen them and although they've made an effort to repaint them and remodel them, they just aren't the funky, cool structures that make jakes so special. it would be a shame to travel all that way and not get what you expect is all...<BR><BR>don't get me wrong i'm a big fan of the place!

beachlover/thanks

Thanks everyone for your replies. For anyone who has stayed at Tensing Pen, Jake's or the Rockhouse, which rooms would your recommend?

CB:If you're thinking South Coast, see the Treasure Beach community Web site at treasurebeach.net and the Where to Stay section. There are many,many choices at every price/style level and you'll find that area villas with staff,airport transfers and food included are quite often lower-priced.<BR>It also depends on the size of your travel group;for two people or a single going for the first time, the second story suites at Jake's and some of the more private properties like Treasure Cot worth a look. The Web site will give you a good idea of the entire area which is markedly different from any in Jamaica, esp.Negril.

Rockhouse is great! The villas along the water are awesome, but cost more than the other units. If price is a factor, ask for an upper level studio room near the pool, there a very nice as well and also have a/c. You can ask and receive some very good info at:<BR>www.jamaicans.com - the Westside Wanderings chat forum. And, www.negril.com - the chat forum.<BR><BR>good luck!

Jake's definitely...hands down. It's rustic and romantic and wonderful and different and just so...*sigh*. <BR>It's off the beaten path and will take some doing to get there no matter which airport you're flying into but if you're looking for a laid back, peaceful vacation, Jake's is where you want to be. Sitting out by the beach at night and listening to the ocean is just the best!! MAKE SURE TO BRING MOSQUITO REPELLANT THOUGH cause those mosquitoes mean business!!! <BR>There is no beach but there is a salt water pool right next to the friendliest bar ever. They also have a restaurant and the food is pretty decent. <BR>Note that each May or thereabouts Jake's plays host to a literary festival - Calabash festival- which is worth attending if you happen to be in Jamaica at that time.However rooms in Treasure Beach are usually booked months in advance for that weekend.