XTABI vs SAMSARA (non-AI)

OK, I think we may be ready to book 11/25-12/2 by tonight and after lengthy research it has come down to Xtabi's Superior room (cheapest w/AC) or Samsara's Superior room (non AI, cheapest w/AC). I'm a baby about A/C, sorry. Thoughts on both resorts and those particular rooms please? Also, better location of each with eats, drinks, entertainment, etc... within walkin distance? Any other info comparing, contrasting these 2 resorts and rooms will be greatly appreciated. Or any other info, pics, etc... You guys have been so much help already. FYI - I have been to Jamaica twice before so I kind of know what to expect and it has come down to these 2 options. I've walked the grounds at Xtabi before but the free shuttle between Samsara and Legends (cliff/beach) has me pondering Samsara...

I thank you in advance!!!

Oscar

SamSara has 2 pools, jacuzzi, spa service & a Daily Sunset Happy Hour ~ a bit more bang for your Ja$

I've spent a lot of time at both, including having stayed at Samsara in an AC room (god what a deal a few years back, like 55 per night with pool view and HUGE balcony), and I think the customer service might be a bit better at Xtabi. That's important cause they're otherwise very close -- but Xtabi also has better food and drinks by a touch, too, so that's another point in Xtabi's favor. You can go to beach, roundtrip, for about five dollars, and you dont have to wait for a shuttle at an appointed time, so if you went to the beach five times over a weeklong stay, that would be 25 dollars or so, maybe a bit more, so that's the value of the shuttle ....

We have stayed at both and I would vote for Xtabi. The food (to me) was better and so was service and especially the vibes.
There might be a little more road noise at Xtabi
Also I'm not sure what a Superior room is. Ours was ocean side with a great outdoor shower. At Xtabi you have good access
to the sea through the cave with the little beach.

Respect,

I have never stayed at Samsara, but I did stay at Xtabi. I think that I stayed in the same room you are referring to (A/C, across the road). I liked the room, it was spacious and my balcony still had a little bit of a view of the ocean. I did not mind walking across the road to the cliffs. The staff, food and drinks at Xtabi were great, but were a bit expensive for my tight budget. Still I was able to eat/drink there occasionally and there were lots of places close by to walk to (jus natural is next door).

While I can't compare it to Samsara, I would definitely consider staying at Xtabi again.

I had considered Samsara due to the prices and the shuttles. But.. I did a ton, I mean a ton of online investigation as the prices were insanely cheap at Samsara. I decided even for the bottom line price it was not worth it according to overwhelming opinion. Guest service and food were major complaints repeated. I am very much in favor of Xtabi, location cannot be beat for ultimate relaxation. The caves, the cliffs, the sea, the staff. Rooms and pool are nice as well. Food and drinks are a bit pricey but there are many cheap eats right there. You pay for the activities , view and ambience within your food and drinks lol. Taxi's right outside at the road and even for a nice afternoon walk I have walked there and back to Negril Beach Club Condos many times. I have many outdoor and bar pics of Xtabi on here.

I vote for Xtabi too!
I have stayed at both places. I stayed in the garden rooms at SamSara and I have stayed in the Superior rooms at Xtabi
My first trip ever was at Samsara but I have stayed at Xtabi 3 times now, so my vote is for Xtabi, it is just one of my favorite places, the view, the staff are friends, the drinks are delicious (*Donovan makes the best dirty banana I have ever had) The food is much better IMO, the french toast, I dream about
That view! The cliffs.....to be honest Xtabi is like a second home for us, even when we stay elsewhere we still spend time at Xtabi.

Just a little contrary opinion. I don't think food/drink differences matters very much since you are going non-AI, as I do. Now, if you were asking between two AI's, then my answer would be different.

I've never based my decision on the food at the hotel because there are so many places to try - I end up rarely eating at the hotel. Similar with drinks, but when relaxing by the pool or beach I do want a constant supply of something to drink. But even there, I'm the kind of traveler who buys a cooler and picks up beer, rum, and mixers from the Chinaman Shop to keep a good supply in the room and save on the drinks by the pool.

All said - most of my eating and drinking is done elsewhere than the hotel. Just something you should ask yourself.

I would suggest you base decision on the room amenities and price and also on the vibe of the staff.
I've stayed at Legends and shuttled to Samsara, and would stay there. I have not visited Xtabi so can't offer opinion for there.

FYI - We ended up booking Xtabi... Thank you for all your responses!

You'll be happy with Xtabi and we will be there at the same time, but will be down the road at Catcha Falling Star. Have stayed at Xtabi twice in the cliff side cottage. Xtabi has a better vibe than Samsara. Better snorkeling. The caves are great to snorkel and explore. Stayed at Samsara once and hated it the moment I stepped on the property. Would never go back. JMO.

I agree with a previous post, their french toast is heaven. They have a great burger too. 3 Dives is next door for jerk chicken. Just Natural across the street. L & M market across the street to the left. Miss Delsie is across the street with her trinkets, and she is such a sweet woman.

If you have arranged your airport transfer with Xtabi...be sure to ask for Kingsley. Kingsley rocks!!!!!!!! He is the reason we went back to Negril. He is the only driver we use. He will be more than happy to stop at Hi-Lo for better choice of things to pick up and keep at your place.

XTabi is awesome. My sister got married there and it was fabulous! The food is amazing and all the employees are sooo nice!