Will I like Negril?
 

Hello All,

My DH and I love Isla Mujuers, Mexico and have been there twice. We go there because it is a good bang for the buck and fun. Accomodations around 100-120(off-season), airfare from Portland, ME around $420, cheap good food & drinks.

We wonder if we would also like Negril (and Treasure Beach and Jamaica in general).

We are young 50's and like the beach, beach bars, pools, good local food, bars, the occasional trinket shop, ocean views. We are not into sports and other than sitting on the beach or around the pool reading, we like to sight-see...maybe a coffee plantation and the Pelican Bar.

We were thinking of splitng our time in Jamaica between Negril and Treasure Beach.

We are looking for a non-AI in Negril (preferably with a pool if on cliffs)for no more than $150 per night. Acomodations must have a balcony or other private outdoor space. In Treasure Beach we think we might like to stay at the Taiano Cove.

I would love any and all thoughts on if you think we would like Negril, where to stay in Negril, anyone been to Taiano Cove and thoughts on cheap airfare to Jamaica.

I meant Isla Mujeres, I'm not typing well today!

I've been to Jamaica many times, and Treasure Beach and Negril on several of those.

I have not been to Isla Mujeres though I know many Negrilphiles who go, and I have been to Cozumel.

I think treasure Beach would give a the no-hassle relaxed experience, quiet near deserted beaches, fishermen coming in with their catches, quiet country roads and everyone knows everyone else.

Negril however, has a nicer beach if "nicer" means clear water, no waves, white sand and a lot of activity - jetskis, glass bottom boats, etc. And bars, restaurants and hotels all on sand.

The cliffs in Negril are quieter than the beach, and there are a lot of resorts that would suit your wants and budget. Catcha Falling Star and Blue Cave Castle are two I have stayed at and will again (this fall in fact), neither has a pool though Catcha is adding one.

On the beach Nirvana is a great quiet spot, a private retreat from the beach craziness.

I have heard great things about Taino Cove. When in TB we stayed at Mar Blue and absolutely loved it - if you can find a deal for $150 a night there you'd do well to take it, the food, room, setting, hosts are all really 5 star.

I echo everything the previous poster said about Mar Blue. It was a wonderful oasis in an area of Jamaica that not enough people take the time to see.

The Rockhouse on the Cliffs in Negril has a swimming pool and their lowest level accommodations might be within your budget. It's been a while since I've checked the rates at that place, but there's something about that hotel that really attracts me. www.rockhousehotel.com

Rockhouse websites shows
summer rate studio $150
winter rate standard $160
+10% service +8.25% GCT

so fairly close to your budget; you can look at the photos to see which have balcony or patio