I recall you mentioning that you are living in the NorthWest. Where abouts? Much of what you said spoke to me and as a result I have booked a week at Idle Awhile in mid April. Do you have any fovorite places, both in terms of spots to visit, excursions, and restaurants? I just booked 5 flights on US Airways at a total of $552 each, round trip. Not having travelled there before I dont have a frame of reference as to whether this is the norm or what. My current issue is wondering where else to stay now that I lengthened my trip by coming in 2 days earlier. I think the cliff areas look awesome but it seems that everyone suggests the Rockhouse as not good for a 7 year old, but I wanted to see if that pretty much goes with all the places up there or are there others that would be suitable. Hows Tennsing Pen? Thanks man.

Hi Eastside! I live in the Bothell/Woodinville/Mill Creek area and work in Bellevue. Your airfare seems pretty reasonable. We have paid around $450 in the past but have not traveled to Negril since last June. I have recently been looking for airfare for later in the year and come up with the exact airfare you have quoted. I think you made a great decison in both Negril beach and Idle Awhile. It is on the best stretch of Negril beach in my opinion. You are walking distance to most restaurants along the beach. I have three little ones and the beach is perfect for them. I have been traveling to Negril since 1987 and have stayed on the beach every time. We go up to the cliffs occassionally, but there is no place really suited for children. Even my wife and I alone we stay on the beach. More to do and we love the Negril beach scene. Lots of beach bars and great people watching! You have several very good restaurants within a 15 minute walk. Places I recommend are Norma's, Sun Beach (casual on the sand dining), Chill Awhile (Idle Awhile restaurant) & Country Peppa, to name a few. There is a great jerk hut across the street from IA called Best in the West. One of the top 3 in Negril according to negril.com and I can attest to that ranking! Local fare during the day also includes a beef patty or two from Norman who pushes a bike up and down the beach with a cardboard box of various patties. We get fresh squeezed OJ from Rose and Milicent (fruit stand on the beach) in the mornings.

We typically stay at Coco La Palm which is right next door to IA. The accomodations at IA are much nicer, but we have this thing for the staff at CCLP that keeps us going back. If I suddenly had a couple extra days, I'd probably just try to book them at IA. You'll get many people telling you to split your time, cliffs/beach, but the hassle involved in moving places when you can take a cheap taxi to the cliffs and hang out for the day, buy some drinks and order some food, at a number of the small places on the cliffs, doesn't seem worth it to me. If I were to stay on the cliffs (West End), I'd stay at Catcha Falling Star without a doubt. You would want to keep a close eye on the 7-year old, however as these places are literally built on the rocks.

Let me know if you need a reliable, safe driver for transportation to and from the airport. He does tours, as well. He has a great van and a small bus for your group. We have been using him for the past 7 years. I can put you in touch with him via email. Have a great time planning your trip to Negril. I think I have been bitten again with this post and only booking a trip back will cure it. Thanks man!

Tell you what, Im going to hit every one of those restaurants you mentioned! I looked into Catch a falling star a few days back and discovered they were completely booked. They must be nice to be booked solid 3 months in advance.

I have heard you can save some money planning ahead rather than going through your hotel to make arrangements (not sure if this has been your experience or not). I would love a great reference for a driver. You guys must like and trust him to have used him for 7 years. That would be awesome to reference you when I see him. Im sure he'd only appreciate that your good words of his service resulted in a referral and at the same time Im already feeling that I have a connection through you to the island. I toyed with the idea of renting a vehicle as the novelty of driving on the other side of the road seemed cool however I changed my mind when several people told me that roads are not exactly marked so I would have quite a frustrating time.

What a small world it is that you live literally next door. I live in Sammamish and work throughout Seattle and Bellevue (where my clients are).

I too am inclined to hang out on the beach area but since Im paying to take my folks with us as they havnt had a vacation in forever, I want to take them into consideration for this as well.

You can reach me at my email [email protected].
My wife just called from Barnes and Noble and said she literally bought every book they had on Jamaica. Nice!

Not that we are excited or anything

Check your email. Glad to have been of some assistance.

Eastside - you have received good information, I don't know that anyone on this forum that knows Negril as well as CS. Perhaps Weadles?

I believe that the Rockhouse only takes children over 12, so that's out of the plan.

CS - I feel the bite, we have friends going to IA in May and I'm tempted but the Purple House is keeping us rather busy

CS, I got your email. Thanks again. We will definitely call him in advance to arrange our pick up and any excursions. When I get there I will crack open two red stripes and leave one on the table for you.

I gotta tell you today was certainly a day that has me eager to go to Negril already. I love living in Washington, BUT, im a tad tired of seeing the snow flurries. I was just talking to my wife telling her that it will be equally interesting to see what its like to come back to Wa after 10 days in Jamaica. (My wife's nudging me to ask another question). Are there beach toys available to pick up down there near IA? (Certainly not going to pack up a bucket).
Thanks man.