Just returned from a five day stay in Negril, Jamaica. It was our first trip away from our toddler, and we had a very nice relaxing time. We didn’t do much other than lay around and enjoy the view and read books uninterrupted, but that was exactly the point of the trip for us.

Hotel–we stayed at the Rockhouse in the cliffs. The villa was wonderful and the hotel is in a great spot, but the service was not good at all. I admit, when I am spending $250 on a room, I want to feel pampered (more than two small towels with holes, etc.), and at the Rockhouse, it was clear we were paying for the privilege of sleeping in the room and laying out at the pool, and that is it. Service at the restaurant was just slow during the good times–at other times it was much worse. At dinner, we would have to refill our waters, and would never receive some things we had requested. A dessert was so bad I had to spit out the first bite, and the waitress wasn’t concerned at all. At lunch by the pool, the cook disappeared for 45 minutes at 12:30 in the afternoon, so everyone was kept waiting with no explanation (bartender said he would be back in 10 minutes). Also, the hotel just raised its menu prices on all food and drink. Fun drinks were $4.50-$5.00, but most are now $6.00, with some at $6.50.
One warning: we stayed in villa number two, which was wonderfully situated jutting out over the water. BUT, it is very close to Pirates Cave, which has become the sunset party place with the demise of Ricks. Kind of like having a frat house next door for one to two hours an afternoon. We were willing to put up with it for our view, but it was a bit bothersome.

Restaurants: We ate dinner at the Rockhouse, 3 Dives, Xtabi, and Normas. The food was great at all four places, but, as said above, service was bad at the Rockhouse (and avoid the key lime pie) but very good at Xtabi and Normas. My husband is still amazed at the two lobster dinner for $20 at 3 Dives.

Beach: We spent the day at Idle Awhile, and had a great time. Lovely property and gardens, and an excellent beach restaurant with super nice service (amazing drinks for $4.00). We walked the beach quite a bit, and it was very obvious in some places where there was still hurricane damage, although it seemed to be more on the AI end of the beach (Swept Away stands out). It was so fun to see the different properties I’ve read so much about. Coco La Palm definitely seems like the place to go with kids.

Snorkeling: We had a nice trip with Errol. $30 for us to go out to the coral reefs. It was my first time snorkeling, and it was so much fun.

Thanks for all of the help planning. If I had to plan the trip again, I would probably split my time between Idle Awhile and the Rockhouse. I hope I don’t sound too negative when talking about the Rockhouse–honestly, I think my expectations were just too high, and if I were to go back, I would know better what to expect. I am happy to answer any questions.
Kym

Thanks for the review!

I'm glad you made it to 3 Dives. I love their food and the laid back feel of the place, and the price is hard to beat. I also really enjoy any time we can spend talking to Lloydie and Paula and the bonfire there has become kind of a tradition for us. I keep meaning to get to Norma's, will have to make that a priority next time.

Interesting to hear about Rockhouse villa you had, they've kind of traded the Pickled Parrot sunset craziness for Pirate's Cave sunset craziness, I guess.

Thanks for the Rockhouse review. We've thought of staying there but can't see paying $250 for it....Blue Cave Castle has always been nice for us and at $50-80.....hard to turn down

Idle Awhile I have tried to book before but it's always been full...for good reason, I guess.

KDR -
It's great reading about your trip on this COLD 5 degree day in New England! I'm glad you had a good trip.

I'm interested in your comments as I have just planned a first trip to Jamaica with my husband and two young teen daughters. We are staying at the Rockhouse for half of the trip and down at the beach for the other half.

I was dissappointed to hear the service and food wasn't good during your stay. I guess I never read about a similar experience so I too have had high expectations for Rockhouse. Some of the things you describe aren't overly picky issues but pretty basic! Did you really have only two towels for the villa with holes in them? That's pretty bad!

Do you have any recommendation for a villa request? I'm not sure they even take or honor requests but we aren't going until July so perhaps we have time for a request. We have a villa with a loft. Did you see any of these?
I would not really want to be so near a "frat scene" if it can be helped.

For our beach stay, we chose Beaches as my kids wanted to experience the mega resort concept. Idle Awhile looks great on their website and of course postings about it are really positive. I can't say Coco La Palm presents so well on line. I know everyone raves about it but the rooms look pretty basic. I have wondered though if that would be a better choice than Beaches.

I've taken notes on restaurants as we will try several when we stay at Rockhouse. I had always thought the restaurant there would be one of the best - who knows! Maybe you hit a bad week - new manager,new chef????

If you have any other info to share I would love to hear it. Had you been to Jamaica/Negril before? We plan on spending some time away from the resorts with a guide driving around getting to learn about people, places & things.

Thanks,
Karin

Hi KDR - Glad you had a good trip! I too am disappointed to hear about the Rockhouse. We are staying there for 2 nights in February then moving to the Idle Awhile for 3 nights. We stayed at Sandal's in Ochos Rios 4 years ago and service was terribly slow in the restaurants. We thought it was a all inclusive thing...maybe not. Did you transfers work ok with Soloman? (I believe you used him.) We booked him for our airport transfers. He is quoting us $10 to transfer us between hotels. Did you take a taxi to Idle Awhile and do you remember the cost? Thanks!

I'd like to hear more about the damage at Swept Away - I was there years ago and the beach was breathtakingingly wide and beautiful. I hate to think that it has been too badly damaged.

I'll try to answer all questions!

Karin: I didn't see any of the villas with lofts, but I don't think there are that many, so I don't know how much choice you will have in making a request. There may not be an easy answer--our villa was on the edge of the property, so isolated in the resort, but next to Pirate's Cave. Others in the middle of the resort might get more restaurant and pool noise. Hard to tell. And yes, we only had two small towels in the villa, although it was a hand towel that had a hole in it. We learned to take back fresh pool towels with us--not fluffly, but at least big. We didn't walk by Beaches--it is very far up the beach in the AI section. I agree that Coco La Palm isn't fancy, but it is on a great section of the beach, more in the middle of everything, which I prefer. I am sure your teenage girls will enjoy Beaches. It was our first time to Negril and Jamaica.

Tweeter--we did use Soloman, and it was fine. He was on time at the airport, and on the way to the hotel he stopped and helped us put some minutes on the cell phone he lent us. For us, with a toddler at home, the cell phone was an amazing perk of using Soloman--for $10 I was able to call home every day and know that my mom could reach us in case of emergency. Soloman did send his uncle for our return trip b/c he got a trip to Kingston, but he called the night before to let us know, and David is very nice. We did cab to and from Idle Awhile, and paid $7 + tip.

Cartera--It is hard for me to say too much, because I never saw Swept Away before the hurricane. But at several places, we couldn't walk along the water line and had to walk on a sidewalk up on the property b/c there wasn't enough beach to go around trees, etc. It just seemed to be more pronounced at SA.

Liza--You didn't have any questions, but I think you hit the nail on the head with the switch from Pickled Parrot to Pirates Cave. The afternoon booze ships come to Pirates Cave now. I guess they will go back to Rick's when it is rebuilt? I think you are making the right decision to stay at Blue Castle--it looks so neat and is such a good deal! Since this was a rare trip for us, we didn't mind splurging, but would do it differently next time.

Happy travels everyone! Kym

I'm glad you enjoyed Negril. The lobster dinner at 3 Dives has spoiled me because it is so much more expensive here & no view like the one there. Wasn't Soloman great? We would not take a tour without him.

We stayed at Beaches in May & it was ok. The best thing is the free access to snorkeling & watersports. The food was so-so but the best bet is the made to order area in the Mill. It was our 1st trip to Negril & we felt it was a good way to check things out without going hungry or broke. Next time we would probably stay at Coco LaPalm.

The most amazing things to me were the attitudes of the people we met & the colors of the water & sunsets. The Jamaican people were incredible but I guess my outlook would be better if I had such peace & beauty to live in. The water & sunsets are even better than any pictures. When I look at the pictures we took it still amazes me.

Have fun & eat some lobster for us!

I wouldn't consider any place on Negril beach "fancy". If that is what you are looking for, Negril isn't for you. The AIs might be considered "fancy"....if you are into AIs. Coco La Palm's accomodations are in the upper echelon of Negril's lodging options, without question. Their rooms are clean, spacious and equipped with mini-fridges. They bought and remodeled the Silver Seas next door many years ago and that makes up the Coco Inn where most of their "standard" rooms are located. The property around the courtyard pool mainly consist of their Jr Suites and "superior" rooms. They have 5 awesome beachfront rooms....right on the beach....and were remodeled within the past couple of years. The staff at CCLP is excellent....a big reason why we return year after year, as many other guests do.

I'd have to say Moondance Villas are fancy, for Negril or for most anywhere

...but the truly fancy places in Jamaica tend to be along the north coast, near MoBay or Ochi or Portland.

This message/question is mostly for Caribbean Soul if you don't mind me barging in here....?

You seem pretty familiar wity Coco La Palm..? My wife, 11 & 17 yr old children and I have "suite E" reserved for a week later in the spring. It's a two bedroom unit.
Do you know if it is located in the "annex" or where it is? Is it in an OK location overall? Also......you seem to like the beachfront rooms alot...should I be looking into those?
Would they be connectable? Thanks for any infor you might have.

Hi Michael! I think you'll really enjoy Suite E. It is part of the "annex", but you are in a good location and close to the beach. There are standard rooms closer to the road and I was more or less making reference to those. With your family, there is really no other option at CCLP without having to get two rooms. The suites on the side you are staying were totally renovated in 2001/2002. We were there when they were doing the work. They have 5 actual beachfront rooms....one sits above the beach pool. Really only setup for a couple. The other 4 are located in one building (two top, two bottom). The top units are smaller with King beds....the two bottom units have two queen size beds, wet bar and big bathroom. Considering the ages of your kids, I'd keep Suite E. Hit their website for a map of the resort under the "accomodations" button. My wife and I, along with our 18 month old will be there in May....upper beachfront unit. As our family grows....we'll be looking into the Suites. When you are there, check out Rondel Village down the beach a ways....Irie Vibes is the restaurant associated with it. They have affordable villa accomodations, as well....worth checking out for next time....and I have heard wonderful reviews of Rondel Village. Make sure you try one of Michelle's awesome lime dacquiris at CCLP! You'll have a great time! First trip to Negril?

Thanks a ton Carib. Actually this will be our 2nd time to Negril but my 20th to Jamaica. Last year we broke the bank and stayed two doors down from CCLP at Moondance Villas. We liked it very well obviously, but really don't see the need to spend that kinda of $$ again. (same beach, same location, same local restaurants) So long as the accomodations are clean, spacious and and safe, I'm happy. We walked through CCLP last year and it looked the part. I just was not sure where Suite E was and was a bit anxious. You've helped me to relax over it though. Thanks again!

I cannot believe the beach is that narrow anywhere along Swept Away's property - that is sad - it was so wide and white and perfect. I'll put my two cents in with regard to Coco La Palm. Suite E should be fine for your family. We were put in one of the standard rooms past the art gallery by the road and it was unacceptable. The agent from Air Jamaica looked at the room and went ballistic (as ballistic as a proper Jamaican lady can go) - she didn't even know those rooms existed. They moved us after 2 nights - I still love the place. Michelle's Dirty Bananas are great too. Good restaurants nearby are Irie at Rondel Village, the Boat Bar, and the Italian restaurant at Mariposa - great service there too. I was disappointed in Kuyaba and Charela and they were the most expensive. I sat under the tree down by the water everyday at Coco - I hope the hurricane spared "my tree." After the second day, Derrick would just wave to me at breakfast and set up my chair in my spot. There were great people staying at the hotel that week and we watched the sunset with them every night - I don't think I would ever tire of watching that sunset. The prices have really gone up there in a couple of years. The cheapest standard room was $85 when we went - now it is $145

As much as 50% can be taken off of those "house rates" by using an online travel site such as beachdestination.com or expedia.com. We can usually get into a Jr. Suite for under $145 during low season.

Michael- A seasoned Jamaican traveler you are! My first trip was about the same age as your oldest in 1985 with my parents. In fact it was my first time in an airplane! I made the mistake of taking my wife there for our honeymoon in 2002....she is a Negrilaholic, now. Where did you travel to before in Jamaica and how do you like Negril in comparison? I have stayed in Ocho Rios and am familiar with MoBay, obviously.

Michael;

I was introduce to Jamaica about 1985 by my employers who have a villa in Runaway Bay. We've been fortunate to have that at our disposal many times as well as we've stayed at FDR and Heart over the years a few times as well. FDR was great when out chiled was younger and Heart is great for the $$. We've got many many friends on the north coast and quite honestly that is where my heart is. That said last year we just thought we'd try a different yet "Jamaican" experinece by visiting Negril. Needless to say we loved it. This year we have a couple of extra nights and thought we just might split our time between Negril and Runaway Bay. Thus having the best of both of Jamaica (IMHO) We've been fortunate to travel to quite a few other Caribbean Islands over the years. They all have nice things to offer. That said and for all it's challenges, Jamaica continues to call us back year after year. We love the people, culture, food and natural beauty of the the island. I can understand why it's not for everybody and quite frankly........I'm glad it's not.

Try Sandals Becahes next time you will love it... Service great and the staff is super. Its an AI so you wont have to worry about $$$.

Michael:
I couldn't have put it better myself. I actually lived on St. Croix for a few years after graduating college. We try other islands, but always find Jamaica in our heart....Negril in particular. Maybe some trip we'll add a couple of days and visit the Runaway Bay area.