Samsara?

You get what you pay for here. There's a reason the prices are so good. The food is basic and made from inexpensive ingredients. The drinks are bottom shelf and the Red Stripe on tap is nothing like in the bottles, which they charge extra for.

The rooms are basic, the A/C works, we had an issue with water leaking through the light fixture on the bathroom, if you were sitting on the toilet you got wet. Repeatedly complained and were told it would be fixed. It was not. On our last day we were asked to check out early so they could then fix it. What?!

The cliffs are nice, there were plenty of loungers, we liked the beds on the cliffs as well. Lots of access to the ocean. The pool was clean, but the hot tub was not... the water was a funky green color.

The owner spends lots of time around the property. We found him to be strange, his presence almost creepy. Got the impression the staff is not comfortable when he is around.

Took advantage of the shuttle to Legends, was able to eat lunch there and drink at the bar, no problem. Same issue there with the Red Stripe on tap - not the same as what's in the bottles... however that seems a recurring theme everywhere we went that had it on tap and in bottles.

We stayed at Samsara on a Groupon over Thanksgiving last year. Overall, we had a great time, but I don't know that we'd stay there again. The breakfasts were good, but the lunch reminded us of cafeteria food. We ate breakfast at Samsara and did the Jamaica dinner at Legends, but ate elsewhere for lunch and dinner(LTU/jerk chicken stands, patties at the roundy round place, Seastar a couple/few times, etc).

The "hoverer" when we were there was a hired consultant, not the owner, and he was a bit creepy. The drinks included in the AI were not good. No matter what concoction I ordered, I was disappointed.

They did not provide pool towels which really surprised me. We overpayed for the typical non absorbent Jamaica themed towels sold at the on-site gift shop. I normally bring our beach towels, but thought they would surely be provided at an AI with a pool. The pool was itself was nice, but the loungers are old and 2 were broken. The room was comfy, and we met some awesome people.

Overall, I'd say we got what we payed for as far as the food and room was concerned. The view is beautiful, and given the rough seas, it was nice having a pool (that was a first for us). If I were in better shape, I'd go back to the penthouse suite at Blue Cave Castle (those stairs nearly killed me last time!). Teddy's an awesome cook and the vibe there is perfect. If I weren't addicted to the ocean, I'd stay at Seastar. Again, awesome food and fantastic vibe.

I prefer Jamaican owned and managed properties. Search Samsara and read the reviews. Everton 's, Seastar, and Greenleaf on the beach are all Jamacian owned and managed. They treat their staff and other Jamaicans very well and are very accommodating. You can swim at Xxtabi from Everton 's Cotton Grove, Seastar provides a daily shuttle to and from the beach and have a great pool, and Greenleaf guests are allowed to utilize all the facilities at Cocolapalm. All have well stocked stores near by and you will be treated with respect and dignity.

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Originally Posted by Patricia

Wifi is FREE @ the bar :rolleyes:

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You can pick it up from T-1, too. :cool:

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Originally Posted by brihinds

You can swim at Xxtabi from Everton 's Cotton Grove

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you don't need to go to Xtabi from Croton Grove.....just go across the street to Pee Wees and jump in!

Cool Runnings, Marko

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Originally Posted by HarryS

the Red Stripe on tap is nothing like in the bottles, which they charge extra for.

Same issue there with the Red Stripe on tap - not the same as what's in the bottles... however that seems a recurring theme everywhere we went that had it on tap and in bottles.

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that's because it's not Red Stripe beer.....
most places pour the inexpensive Real Rock draft beer made by Big City Brewing CO LTD in Kingston......
and it's the worst beer mi ever tasted......seriously......
don't know if they are still in business.....hope not......lol
but in the 2000's most places that served draft in Negril poured that chit....
just horrible mon........

Cool Runnings, Marko

Lot of mixed reviews about this property....some REALLY positive and Some on the EXTREME end of negative.

My take: I stayed there on my first trip to Negril. For a VERY budget minded traveler it's totally adequate. I paid something like $49/night.....any more than that and it would not be worth it. Now that they have raised their rates and knowing what I know now about other properties in the area, I will not be staying at Samsara again....imo there are too many wonderful possibilities on the cliffs....it's a no-brainer.

The good: I can't really rave about anything....everything was just "ok" as far as the hotel itself. I enjoyed myself very much but I will enjoy myself wherever I am. The AC blows cold (but I'm pretty sure they nickel and dime you in order to get the KEY to turn the sucker on). The location Is good and there is a free shuttle to the beach. The cliffs, view, sea access, FANTASTIC, but that's basically anywhere on the cliffs. :rolleyes:

The not so good: I booked a King cottage. Verified this TWICE over the phone before arrival. Our arrival was delayed by a day and when I called to make sure there would be no problem with the room etc, I was assured that everything would be just fine. When I checked in, the girl at the front desk seemed put out and surprised that we were a day late. ???? They showed us to our room....not cottage....a "superior ocean view" room. The only thing we had a superior view of was a huge palm leave lol. The room was comfortable enough to not complain. The door/lock bothered me a bit. The door didn't really "close" and I don't know how else to explain it. The only think keeping the door shut was the sliding lock mechanism....which had clearly been manipulated at some point.... I don't know, just didn't seem real secure. The food was not ok by me, and I didn't not eat more than one meal on the property, but did eat at Ciao Jamaica twice as it was delicious. Note that it is not included in the AI plan, and neither are Red Stripes or any decent liquors. The staff was not very friendly or warm or helpful. The bar was dead. NObody seemed very happy there. NO VIBE whatsoever.

My biggest concern...

While I never encountered the owner personally. I have heard and read plenty of ridiculous stories about abusive mistreatment of guests. While I usually take negative reviews with a grain of salt.....these are just too outrageous and consistent to ignore. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume that the attitude of his staff might be a reflection of the environment that he has created there? Anyways, you might read some of those and just be aware....he sounds like a live wire

jeez sorry for the long winded post lol

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Originally Posted by TandJ

Hey all,

So now wifie and I are considering samsara for 2 weeks.

What's the consensus opinion-wise? What rooms are best? Kinda like those treehouse thingies - what are they like?

Are you able to take advantage of the facilities at Legends?

Any tips, suggestions, or whatever???

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Not a fan of Samsara.....as for legends...what beach remains is just flooded during the day; in both places food mediocre as are the drinks.....they have deals with travel agents which is why they survive

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Originally Posted by ed kennedy

...as for legends...what beach remains is just flooded during the day...

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What beach remains at Legends? Well, this picture taken today before the webcast at Café Goa shows it quite clearly.

Two rows of beach loungers and plenty of beach in front of it....

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