Looking at a trip to Jamaica in March for a 3-4 night getaway from our 3 small children. I have read great reviews on Tensing Pen, Rockhouse and the Caves and am having a hard time deciding. Are The Caves worth the extra $ over the other 2? Anyone know the differences? We are very laid back, but love great service. We love to go on sailing trips, so we are not big resort people. Small luxury is our style. Any insight on these 3 resorts would be greatly appreciated.

You do know that the rates for The Caves include all meals and drinks, right? That's part of the reason they're so much more expsensive than Tensing Pen.

I've not stayed at either, but it's my impression that Tensing Pen is not especially service oriented--it's more for the independent traveler who wants to book everything for him- or herself. I don't mean to imply that the folks there are unpleasant in any way--just that it's not a full-service sort of place.

Both look lovely to me and I would be pleased to stay at either one. Not that that helps you, unfortunately!

Tho the 'vibe' is similar, the food/service levels are far superior at The Caves than Tensing Pen, both great
'bohemian' and idiosyncratic choices in Negril. Without question, The Caves however is well worth the extra bucks.
If small luxury is your style, you'll not be disappointed. Nowhere else in Negril compares.

How about Rockhouse? Is it as nice? How is the service? Should I worry about being bored at the caves since its all inclusive and a small resort vs rockhouse where you end up going out for meals? Thanks for any other input

Rockhouse is good -- but nowhere in same league as The Caves which can't really be described as an AI at all. If small luxury is your style, only The Caves will fulfill that. Stellar food/service. You'd not think you were in Negril even (a big plus point in my view).

Just returned from a stay at Tensing Pen (2nd visit) and I have also stayed at the Rockhouse. I much prefer TP over Rockhouse now that they have a pool and bar area. Breakfast is included, which consists of fruits, cereal, toast, fresh squeezed juices, muffins, eggs and bacon, if desired. (You pay extra for the bacon!) They now cook dinner for the guests every evening with 2 different entrees. I think the dinners ran about $25.00 each and were very good.

Have never stayed at the Caves but have viewed the property. I think you are paying the extra money for the great food and service, not necessarily the accommodations. Both properties are beautiful.

Are they searving a decent lunch or just the tuna or grilled cheese I heard about? Are there plenty of places close by to grab a bite if necessary? I didn't realize they had a bar now. How is the service at TP? Any room recommendations? We could do the Pillars or Rock (something)I. I think a few garden rooms were available too, but we want the water. Thanks!

Lots to eat nearby. Grocery store right across the street, jerk chicken o nthe road, and 3-4 good restaurants a short stroll away (Seastar, Rick's, LTU Pub, Lighthouse Inn...)

Yes, there are a lot of good restaurants close to TP...we were only there 3 nights this trip so we had dinner there once and it was wonderful.
I did have the tuna sandwich one afternoon as a snack and it was $7.00 for 4 halves...I thought it was pretty tasty but nothing special. We had a lot to eat for breakfast, especially when we had omelets, so I never felt the need for lunch.

The people that worked there were very friendly and helpful, but they are not waiting on you hand and foot. When we stayed there after New Year's, they were almost full, but it always seemed fairly quiet as there are a lot of places around the property to hang out by yourself. The pool area is mostly sunny after 12:00 and I am always looking for shade. Anytime you would want a drink from the bar, someone would appear to man the blender and the drinks were good. I think the banana daquiries were $4.00 but they needed a little more rum in my opinion!! They also have great music playing in the bar that you can hear down by the pool which I really enjoyed....nothing loud or annoying, just good reggae tunes.

I think that one of the Rock cottages is near the new pool, so it might not be as private as you would like. Not sure where the other one was located, but they are all right out on the cliffs. My friends always stay in the Pillar rooms and they are very cool, but not large and the bathrooms are small and get kind of warm. But the view of the water from your bed and balcony and the sound of the waves hitting the cliffs are fabulous.

I stayed in the Patio room this time and although the water view through the foilage was limited, I liked the room and it was very private. They also have this new Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy there (Sugar) that I fell in love with and she followed me around the whole time. Please take her a chew bone....she destroyed my sunglasses. I have some pictures if I can figure out how to post them....Lori