Have you ever been to Jamaica?
 

So, have you? Where did you go (city)? Where did you stay? Did you like the hotel you stayed in? Was it clean? Where did you kick it while you were there? What would you have done differently had you known?

I am planning a trip down there for this winter (between Christmas and New Year's), and there is SO MUCH information on the internet, I'm just not sure. I'm leaning toward Negril, only b/c a friend went last year and had a really nice time where she stayed and stuff. But there is just so much info... no packages, though. I need a package... I paid a little under $900 last year for the Miami Soul Beach Music Fest, and that included airfare, 5 days at the hotel, and 3 concerts (9 performers), and transpo to and from the concerts. So I'm looking for a package deal!!!!

If you got some insight, you betta share it! :) :cool:

Yes,
I stayed in Montego Bay and traveled to Negril and Ocho Rio (Spelling?). I loved it!!!1 It was one of my first trips out of the continental US. I even wrote about it on the student advantage site a while back.

I am in the middle of teaching a class but I will give you more info at a later time

I went to Ocho Rios on my honeymoon 6 years ago. We had a wonderful time. We stayed at the Jamiaca Rennasiance (sp?) and had a room overlooking the beach. Seeing the sun set over the water was amazing. The JR was all inclusive which really helped with the price. They hotel was nice, but if you are looking for super plush it is not the place. If I were giving out stars I would probably give it a 3 1/2 on a 5 point scale. There were 4 or 5 resturants on the property, several pools, tennis courts and a some water sports. All of which were included in our fees.

Have you checked with Air Jamiaca? They usually promote several all inclusive vacations w/ their air fare. They typically offer several hotels at different prices depending on your needs and $$.

All inclusive has it's advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, you are not worried about how much stuff costs, on the other hand, if you are cheep like me :p you may not venture out as much because everything at the hotel is paid for!

Regarding city....I think it depends on what you are looking for. Mo Bay is the city and most likely you will fly into there. As honeymooners we were looking for something a bit more subdued, so we opted for Ochos Rios to be near Duns River Falls (a must no matter where you stay!) and some other natural attractions, although I heard Negril has the prettiest beaches and some of the wildest nightlife.

Just be aware, if you stay anywhere other than Mo Bay you will be at the mercy of your hotel's van drivers and they are like :eek: :eek: :eek:

As LadyAKA mentioned, some folks will take in the sites near all of the major cities, it's jsut a matter of whether or not you want to get on that bus again!

Nope, I have never been and I really want to go.

Ideal, you could take me with you 'cuz you know we like "Whitney and BobbY." :D

We've got something in common!
 

Girl, maybe next time, lol, it's all about me and Loverman this time. :D

Eclipse, girl, thanks for the info!!! I'm not worried about drivers, lol. If you've ever taken a cab in Miami, you'll know why. Now, if they worse than that, then we might hafta think about that!!! Wildest nightlife? Welp, that secures the city we're going to, because we are all about relaxing and kickin' it!!!! I'll check with AirJamaica and see what they talkin' 'bout. I'm going to a Sandals meeting tomorrow, so we'll see. I'll let yall know what I find out. Classylady, maybe you will get hooked thru this thread, and you'll be there too.

Actually, if you want to know the truth, lol, it would be cool to have a Winter GC Jamaican Jubilation!!! :) Yeah, that'd be pretty tight!!!

Re: We've got something in common!
 

Sandals is the couples resort, so if you and "Loverman" want some quiet r & r is just might be the place. No children.....no singles..... :eek: :D

Sneaking cause I'm at work :rolleyes:

Another thing about the bus drivers.....unless you are used to the cab drivers in Miami dodge chickens, goats and little children all while driving 90 miles per hour on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD you ain't seen nothin' yet! I was praying "Lord, if you get me offa here alive I won't get on another bus until it is time to go back home!!!"

LIVESTOCK??????
 

HEEEEECK NAW!!! No livestock, lol. Wrong side of the road, maybe, lol. But no livestock. Um, I wasn't planning on seeing any livestock on my vacation. You got me messed up over here! Chickens and goats?? LMAO!!! Lawd....

goats, chickens, small children...I saw it all.

I went to Jamaica - Ocho Rios - on my honeymoon 6 years ago. We stayed at Sandals - an ALL INCLUSIVE resort. The resort itself was nice and the staff very courteous and prompt. If you travel off the resort boundaries be mindful of the locals...they're very willing to sell you anything and offer to take you to unknown parts of town. BEWARE!!!

Also whatever U do...don't drink the water!!! My husband experience severe stomach nausea and cramps for one week after our honeymoon...:eek: