Unsure about Jamaica....HELP
Jan 8th, 2006, 05:46 PM
#21
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The island's beauty and topography and its food and products are about the best in the Caribbean. The Blue Mountain coffee, the Jamaican rum cream are wonderful. It really has more of its own identity than a lot of other places. I LOVED Dunn's River falls. Bypass the tourist groups and guides and try to pretend you are there all by yourself. I loved it.
The economy is bad. There are huts and goats running everywhere and people washing their clothes in the river. My 60 year old mother in law was offered drugs. I wouldn't have felt too comfortable walking outside of the resort at night. We stayed outside Ocho Rios a few years ago. If those things won't bother you, then go. I loved it and will go back.
Oh, and we never found a great beach like on some other islands, but I'm sure they are there.
The economy is bad. There are huts and goats running everywhere and people washing their clothes in the river. My 60 year old mother in law was offered drugs. I wouldn't have felt too comfortable walking outside of the resort at night. We stayed outside Ocho Rios a few years ago. If those things won't bother you, then go. I loved it and will go back.
Oh, and we never found a great beach like on some other islands, but I'm sure they are there.
Jan 11th, 2006, 12:56 PM
#22
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Jamaica holds a very special place in my heart because I got married there in 2002. I've been to Jamaica twice, and my husband and I love it. The people are friendly and the local food is fabulous. There is a lot of beauty to be seen there also, but you'll need a good guide (guided tours are offered at all the resorts). Most people who have negetive comments about Jamaica have never even been there, or they went on a cruise. Never listen to cruise-ship tourists. Be sure to learn some of the culture either before you go, or while you are there. Jamaicans dislike tourists, but they love informed travelers. It's all about respect Mon! If I did have anything negetive to say about the country is that tourists are constantly harrassed by locals trying to sell them ganja, braid their hair, or sell them some other hand made trinkets. They are NEVER rude, and a simple "No thank-you" will suffice, but after several days of this, everytime you leave the resort grounds, it get's very annoying. Also, if you have never visited a Caribbean Island before, be ready for a culture shock. You will not see the beauty right away. Jamaica is a very dirty country compared to many other tropical destinations, and you have to get past that before seeing the true beauty of the island and the people. Jamaica is one of those places you'll either love, or you'll hate. Go with an open mind, and an open heart and I know you'll love it.
Jan 11th, 2006, 01:38 PM
#24
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I'd love to hear from the original poster. Wouldn't you ?
I'll preface my remarks by saying that I have had cold/flu since my return from Jamaica on 1/29 and yesterday had the much dreaded fall on the ice. So, I am a GRUMP
!!
But even when I am not a GRUMP, it bothers me, that people will post and those that care will respond in a helpful and unselfish manner. That's what brought me to Fodor's. Unfortunately, I sense a change in the *mission* of this board.
Whatever happened to "thank you" for taking the time to help me ?
Yes...I am a GRUMP today.
Marion
I'll preface my remarks by saying that I have had cold/flu since my return from Jamaica on 1/29 and yesterday had the much dreaded fall on the ice. So, I am a GRUMP
!!But even when I am not a GRUMP, it bothers me, that people will post and those that care will respond in a helpful and unselfish manner. That's what brought me to Fodor's. Unfortunately, I sense a change in the *mission* of this board.
Whatever happened to "thank you" for taking the time to help me ?
Yes...I am a GRUMP today.
Marion
Jan 11th, 2006, 02:26 PM
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Marion, I sympathize with you. I took a tumble today too. Rain on top of ice makes for a very slickery surface, as I used to say when I was a wee chile.
Sorry about the flu--that's no fun. But at least it's bookended with months in Jamaica, no?
Sorry about the flu--that's no fun. But at least it's bookended with months in Jamaica, no?
Jan 11th, 2006, 02:39 PM
#26
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Hi 'Grump'
sorry to hear about the fall
and I hope you feel well soon.
Perhaps the info posted here will help someone else and on the bright side! No-one has resurrected the long 'How safe is Jamaica?' (or whatever it was called) post in quite a while
When do you leave?
sorry to hear about the fall
and I hope you feel well soon.Perhaps the info posted here will help someone else and on the bright side! No-one has resurrected the long 'How safe is Jamaica?' (or whatever it was called) post in quite a while
When do you leave?
Jan 11th, 2006, 02:50 PM
#27
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I guess being a GRUMP, also means you need to have your LARGE print calendar somwhere close by ;-)
Of course, I meant to say that I returned from Jamaica on 12/29. I return to Jamaica on 1/29.
It's your choice...wishful thinking or yet another senior moment ;-)
The only ice I care to see should be in a glass, certainly not underfoot
I'd still like to hear from the OP, who probably resides in Charleston ? Is there ice there ??
Marion
Of course, I meant to say that I returned from Jamaica on 12/29. I return to Jamaica on 1/29.
It's your choice...wishful thinking or yet another senior moment ;-)
The only ice I care to see should be in a glass, certainly not underfoot
I'd still like to hear from the OP, who probably resides in Charleston ? Is there ice there ??
Marion
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:14 PM
#29
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marion,
you're not a grump, you're just noticing something that is much more common.
it is common courtesy when some people put such effort into thoughtful responses, only to have the OP vanish into thin air. It's like they're doing a hit and run!
you're not a grump, you're just noticing something that is much more common.
it is common courtesy when some people put such effort into thoughtful responses, only to have the OP vanish into thin air. It's like they're doing a hit and run!
Jan 11th, 2006, 05:55 PM
#30
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I am begging you...save your honeymoon and do not go to swept away negril!!!!!!
I read all the same types of responses when planning my honeymoon to CSA. I bought into it and was so sorry I did. I cried the first day we were here because I was so disappointed.
Here are the positives. The beach is beautiful, but that is where it stops. And, be prepared for jet skiis, motor boats, parasailers, vendors, etc. It is far from a quiet spot.
Negatives. I don't think I can put them all down here. It was so horrible we left after two days and got a cottage at The Rockhouse which is fantastic.
-Food is absolutely horrible. Even breakfast. Ate frozen yogurt for two days straight.
-Drinks are disgusting, so revolting that we couldn't choke them down.
-property is run down, nothing worked when we were there, no hot tubs, the pool was filthy. And, please know that the bathroom isn't totally separated from the rest of the room. I found that listening to my husband recover from an unsettleing meal was less than romantic.
-Service is non-existent.
-Management. It was very uncomfortable to be there as the employees were so unhappy with their working conditions (low pay, frisked on the way in and out of work, not allowed to take tips or anything else from guests etc.) This made my husband and I feel that we were contributing to something we just didn't want to be a part of and we vowed to never stay at an AI resort again.
-Activities. There are a lot of them but they are all booked up. Snorkeling means looking down at a barren, dead reef just a little way from the shore. You get the picture.
Please, if you really have to check out this resort do so, but don't do it for your honeymoon...you'll regret it.
I have specific and almost unbelievable examples of all of the above and you can read my review on trip advisor titled, "What are you people smoking" should be around May of 2004.
If you are still on the fence, email me. I'd be happy to speak to you on the phone even. This is not the place to start your life together.
And, for the record, overall I don't have much of an opinion on Jamaica. I could take it or leave it. I think we got off to a bad start with CSA but loved the Rockhouse. I'd try there or The Caves. The clifftop location is totally unique and romantic and you can always spend the day on negril beach.
I read all the same types of responses when planning my honeymoon to CSA. I bought into it and was so sorry I did. I cried the first day we were here because I was so disappointed.
Here are the positives. The beach is beautiful, but that is where it stops. And, be prepared for jet skiis, motor boats, parasailers, vendors, etc. It is far from a quiet spot.
Negatives. I don't think I can put them all down here. It was so horrible we left after two days and got a cottage at The Rockhouse which is fantastic.
-Food is absolutely horrible. Even breakfast. Ate frozen yogurt for two days straight.
-Drinks are disgusting, so revolting that we couldn't choke them down.
-property is run down, nothing worked when we were there, no hot tubs, the pool was filthy. And, please know that the bathroom isn't totally separated from the rest of the room. I found that listening to my husband recover from an unsettleing meal was less than romantic.
-Service is non-existent.
-Management. It was very uncomfortable to be there as the employees were so unhappy with their working conditions (low pay, frisked on the way in and out of work, not allowed to take tips or anything else from guests etc.) This made my husband and I feel that we were contributing to something we just didn't want to be a part of and we vowed to never stay at an AI resort again.
-Activities. There are a lot of them but they are all booked up. Snorkeling means looking down at a barren, dead reef just a little way from the shore. You get the picture.
Please, if you really have to check out this resort do so, but don't do it for your honeymoon...you'll regret it.
I have specific and almost unbelievable examples of all of the above and you can read my review on trip advisor titled, "What are you people smoking" should be around May of 2004.
If you are still on the fence, email me. I'd be happy to speak to you on the phone even. This is not the place to start your life together.
And, for the record, overall I don't have much of an opinion on Jamaica. I could take it or leave it. I think we got off to a bad start with CSA but loved the Rockhouse. I'd try there or The Caves. The clifftop location is totally unique and romantic and you can always spend the day on negril beach.
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:08 AM
#32
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danadlite thanks for sharing that. I don't care for the large AI resorts (or any AI resort, for that matter) either, and partly for the reasons you cite with the employees.
But I've generally read good reviews of CSA.
I wonder if they are inconsistent or travelers have such widely differing expectations?
Marion, I agree when someone asks a question and gets responses it's only polite to say thanks. But I notice this q was this poster's only post here, s/he may have forgotten s/he asked and be on some other board chatting
But I've generally read good reviews of CSA.
I wonder if they are inconsistent or travelers have such widely differing expectations?
Marion, I agree when someone asks a question and gets responses it's only polite to say thanks. But I notice this q was this poster's only post here, s/he may have forgotten s/he asked and be on some other board chatting
Jan 12th, 2006, 03:34 PM
#33
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Hello all,
I did not post the question, but I have enjoyed all your responces. My husband and our three children will be spending a week in Jamaica this March. I do thank and appreciate your responces!
I did not post the question, but I have enjoyed all your responces. My husband and our three children will be spending a week in Jamaica this March. I do thank and appreciate your responces!
Jan 16th, 2006, 01:40 PM
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My husband and I went to Jamaica in 2003 and stayed at Swept Away Negril. The hotel was nice, but halfway through the vacation it started to rain and rained the rest of the trip. The bad thing was our room sprung a leak at the foot of the bed. hotel staff told us to use a trash can to catch the rain and it seemed that they didn't care that our feet got wet while we slept. They never offered another room or a discount for our stay. I would not plan a honeymoon there if you are the adventurous type. Upon arrival we were advised by hotel staff not to leave the grounds without them due to safety issues.We did leave grounds with a bus from the hotel and the towns people would hover aournd you wanting money and when you told them no they still bothered you. Which ruled out renting a car and site seeing. I did not feel safe in Jamaica.
Jan 16th, 2006, 03:30 PM
#36
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We have been to most Caribbean Islands, and have been fortunate enough to stay at some nice hotels, including several Ritz Carltons. Our favorite hotel that we return to time and time again is Swept Away. It is not for everybody, so you need to assess your needs. The rooms are nothing to write home about, but passable. For us, it has the most beautiful beach, probably close to the best service we have found at a resort, gorgeous grounds, very decent food, and the very best sports complex in the Caribbean, including free golf nearby and amazing tennis. It is low key for an all-inclusive, and we like it that way. You will never see sunsets like it anywhere, night after night. These are the things that we enjoy....your mileage may vary
Jan 17th, 2006, 05:55 AM
#37
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I've been to jamaica 9 times. It is my favorite place in all the world. I believe jamaicans to be the friendliest people in the Caribbean. If you go in with a bad attitude -- the will reply the same way. As far as crime, stay in tourist locations or with your jamaican guide if you do an excursion. It seems like every jamacian has a money making scheme on the side (carvings, shells, braiding, Ganja, herbs, etc.) Just say no thanks and they will take the hint. Definately go to Jamaica -- gotta love the Reggae!
Jan 29th, 2006, 05:55 PM
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I have been to Jamaica many times. First let me say, after staying at Sandals among others, we now return to Couples Negril over and over. We were there in Dec and are returning in mid April. Swept Away is just down the beach and is beautiful, also. We just prefer CN. No vendors, crystal clear smooth water, wonderful food, great staff. Swept Away is wonderful, too.You will have a great time. Go!!! Sometimes the only part of Jamaica someone has seen is the little bit whan they got off a cruise ship. There are NO cruise ships in Negril and it is nothing like Montego Bay nor Ocho Rios.
