Grand Pineapple vs. Beaches

We stayed at Beaches when my kids were young, loved it and always felt I got my monies' worth because they are eating machines. When my oldest turned 15, we had to look for something else since the price for her then went up to the price of an adult. We never stayed at Grand Pineapple (back then it was called something else), but we then started going the non-AI route. Found rooms with refrigerators to stock up on drinks and food. The places the kids liked the most - then - were Crystal Waters Villas and CocoLaPalm, for different reasons. Coco had the breakfast vouchers, pools, big beach, great location and Crystal Waters is located next to Margaritaville (noise never an issue) and they liked hanging out on Margaritaville's water trampoline and we all loved the food that was freshly prepared by the staff there (I paid for groceries). Water activities can be arranged through the motels or on your own. Of course, I had to pay and they couldn't go as often as they wanted, but the snorkeling adventures and boat trips were much better and more customized. As they got to be older teens, they stopped missing Beaches and loved these other places as much as - or more - than Beaches. Now they are grown and two are beach lovers and two are cliff lovers, but I'm glad we got away from the AIs.

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Originally Posted by melicaru

Hi After 8 long years away my family and I are planning a return trip to Negril next spring. Last time we had booked at Beaches Sandy Bay but we were upgraded to Beaches Negril. My son was 10 at the time and we really had a great time. We loved the water activities and we were OK with the food. I think we'd be happy again at Beaches (seems like it's even better now with more food choices), but it's so darned expensive. Plus I would like to try out some of the other eateries that are often mentioned on this board. Also, now my son's 17, and I remember that the nightly entertainment was really geared towards younger kids. I am considering Grand Pineapple, but I'm afraid we'll be disappointed comparing it to our time at Beaches. Can anyone offer any comments on the dining and activites at GP? We enjoyed snorkeling, banana boat rides, waterskiing, kayaks at Beaches. Does GP offer these as well? Also, last time we arranged a trip to Rick's through Beaches. Is there a recommended driver we can contact? THANKS!

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The size of the hotels is a very big difference. GP is much smaller.... only 1 restaurant too. But it's more centrally located for the night life.... personally, if the prices are almost the same, go for Beaches, u will get a lot more for yr money.

St. Anthony's Kitchen

GP and Beaches are both owned by Sandels. If you stay at GP you can use the water sports at Beaches.