Jamaica is the ghetto of the Caribbean..

Riviera Maya, Aruba, Punt a Cana blow it out of the water!

However CR rocks!!!! It has it all and then some!!

The service in Jamaica is sub-par.. However they do make it easy to get whatever drugs you want and most people who go there want that to be part of their vacation.

Had to post...I highly disagree.
I absolutely loved Jamaica. I'm completely drug free, and a simple "no thank you" gets the point across. I thought the service was great when I went, the food was great, and the atmosphere, views, and scenery cannot be beat!
I was offered drugs and seen similar "ghettos" wherever I've traveled...I can't wait to go back to Negril!

Well I guess I'm too late joining this conversation. For Jamaica I would have tried to talk you into going to Negril (instead of Montego Bay) for a less intimidating experience, with lots of small beautiful hotels, on a 7-mile white sand beach & up on "the Cliffs". certainly no need to "stay on the resort".

I have been to Jamaica twice and Costa Rica 4 times and must agree that each country has their certain charm. One thing that I noticed about Jamaica is that there are much fewer children. This could either appeal to you or turn you off. If you choose Jamaica, check out the rockhouse

http://www.rockhousehotel.com/escape.php

My wife and I wanted to get married here, but they were booked up 8 months in advance.

Another amazing place is The Caves:

http://www.islandoutpost.com/the_caves/

I love reggae and there is tons of live music going on all the time in Jamaica. Also, there aren't any big waves to speak of. You can literally lay on an inflatable very close to the shore and not have waves breaking on you.

Cheers!

Looking forward to our trip to CR next week and bring in the new year at Montana de Fuego in Arenal area. 2 nights in San Jose, 3 nights in Arenal and 3 nights in Manuel Antonio. This forum has been a great help in planning our trip.

I've been to Negril, Jamaica 3 times and shocked to hear comments about it being dirty and dangerous lol.. theres a lot of guys in dreads that are high, but you shouldn't be scared of them. I've biked alone into the mountains and everythings fine, you just have to realize people exist off of your tourist dollars, so as long as your buying something and having a good time, nobody cares.

I found this thread because im currently thinking of whether to return to Negril for the 4th time, this time bringing my girlfriend whos never been, or go somewhere different such as Costa Rica. The zip lines look very cool! I would like to stay in multiple places so if anyone has any suggestions on where to stay for cheap that would be appreciated!