Non-complete AI. Is it possible? If so, how do you folks do it?

Hello all. Been doing the AI's in Negril for a while now. We have taken Lembert's tour twice and REALLY enjoyed it. We think it's time to get off the reservation and get into the real world. Would like something on the beach. Are there any places that have a partial AI, let's say breakfast and drinks (not at the same time <grin>)? How do you go about lunch and dinner, go for a walk or get a cab? Any information will be truly appreciated!!

Good for you! I think you'll love non-AI Negril :)

I can't say whether or not any places offer breakfast and drinks included, but many places include breakfast. A couple examples I've personally stayed at are Country Country and Sandy Haven. I'm sure there are more breakfast-inclusive places on the beach, but I can definitely recommend those two. Not sure what your budget is, but Travellers may offer breakfast too? And maybe Coco la Palm?

Included breakfast isn't a must-have for us as there are lots of places to walk to for food, but it is convenient :) We always get a room with a fridge and stock it with Red Stripe, juice and Ting to mix with rum. We still have a few drinks a day at the hotel bar, but save $$ by mixing our own. And having it on-hand for sitting out on the veranda is a must! It's also nice to have a fridge to store fruit and leftovers in.

There are many options to walk to for meals and drinks from just about any location on 7 mile, excluding Bloody Bay (from what I hear). For dinner, if you want to venture further than walking distance, some places off free pickup at your hotel. Just tip the driver. And then they arrange for your ride home, which you normally pay for. Some places offer roundtrip transportation. If you're going further than 2-3 properties away and it's dark out, it's a good idea to either walk on the sidewalk across the street or get a cab.

Here's a great map that is very helpful - http://travelsinjamaica.com/negril-map-of-everything

Many stay at a budget AI like Grand Pineapple, use them for breakfast, drinks and some other meals, go out for others.

We recently stayed at CoCoLaPalm. They put $200.00 against your credit card and this gives you signing privileges at the bar and restaurant. You can increase this from the start or top up as you go along. This way you don't always have to have cash on hand. You can specify how they are to notify you once you have used your hold and you can go to the front desk at anytime to check your balance.

For lunch you can sit on your lounger and have it come you. The beach vendors have lots to choose from or you can have lunch delivered to you by the staff. If you want to venture out there is lots of choice within a short walk. CoCo has a great happy hour from 5 to 7 and the meals at the restaurant are very good.

For a first non A/I it would be a good place to go to.

I agree, for a first non AI it would be perfect...It comes with a continental breakfast included, that can get upgraded to full breakfast for a few dollars more, if you would like more.
It has a couple excellent pools, and a nice Jacuzzi hot tub, for some late night relaxing. The grounds are lovely, and the security and staff top notch.
Like OUV11112 said, sit in your chair, and lunch will come to you. Dean's pork, the pattie man fruit, baked goods, juice, ice cream, you name it.
They have a beach bar and grill that will deliver right to your chair.
Best in the West is a great chicken place, right across the street, and also Mikey's store is right there to get beer, pop, water, snacks, etc.
It also sits on the prime spot of the beach, so easy to walk to all the little huts and places along the beach, so fun to stop at.
Get out of that AI, and really experience it all !

We had a wonderful stay at Treehouse and the breakfast was included and it was a full breakfast and so very delicious! And it goes to 11 am I believe, which is great for people like us to don't want to rush out to get breakfast. For the rest of the meals, we sat on our loungers and got some patty's and then had a nice dinner either at Treehouse or out at 3 dives (fantastic!) or Catcha Falling Star/Ivans. Have a great trip!

IMHO Charela would be an excellent place to start.....it is top shelf, well managed, nice part of the beach, etc It was my first trip outside of an A/I

Thanks for all of the advice so far. It's really helpful. So, after paying for your room, airfare, and transport to the hotel, what are you spending on average for your week's stay?

very hard to answer...really depends on how much you drink and what you will settle for as far restaurants and food....for instance....Charela has a very nice restaurant but it is pricey......while other places on the beach are far more reasonable...BTW They do have an A/I special arrangement

We ditched the A/I after 2013. We have gone to Negril about 12 times since, we have tried a bunch of different variations from basically what my boss lady calls "Jamaican Camping" to what I call "A/I lite". Here are my recommendations for good places to stay on your first non A/I visit.

NEgril Treehouse- Includes breakfast and you can get a fridge in the basic room to store beer.

Travellers- You can include breakfast with a GROUPON on just purchase thru resort. Fridges are included in most rooms now, just make sure you are booking a superior room or above. The breakfast is the among the best we have found on the beach. Their deck is right on the water so the vibe is hard to beat.

How we do it, You can buy a bottle or two of liquor on arrival at the airport, I grab a bottle of Appleton Dark and maybe another depending on mood. We use Joe Cool to get to resort, I have him stop at one of the Chinese Markets on they way and we buy a case or two of beer. It usually costs about $24 USD for a case of beer, give or take a buck or two. We also grab some snacks, so essentially our room is stocked with beer, snacks, liquor and ginger beer. You can also buy some juices for mimosas, all this is done very cheaply.

The rooms at Negril Treehouse or Travellers and both on par with basic rooms at the A/I. This is the best way we have found to do it. If you stay at either of these properties you can either stay on property all day or leave, totally up to you. This is a great way to explore Negril and then ultimately decide how to tailor your own vacation!

Good luck!