Old timer bringing 14 year old 1st timer question...

Hi all! Sure wish I could have made it down this past week and meet all of the great boardie's I've come to know over the years and of course meet all the new ones! I had to create a new account with the board as I have been mostly a lurker since the new site was manifested a couple years back. Anyhoo- with marriage, a baby and other life things I have not had much time to get back home. Funny how life can get in the way of living...

Jamaica is home to my husband who was born and raised in Westmoreland. We are working on getting our 9 month old son's passport so he can meet his family down there, till then, I want to bring my 14 year old son to Negril this summer as a mom and son getaway. He's never been and is tired of hearing me, his older sister and step-dad chat about it constantly. My question is where do I take him? Previous reaches for me have been varied. First times were Negril Gardens (now Grand Pineapple) White Sands, Coco La Palm, Fun Holiday, Travellers, and my favorite, Tropical Fantasy- the cottages rented by the owners of the Boat Bar- which is where I have stayed countless times in over...Jah knows!! how many visits. Should I stick with a known spot or try something new? He is a comfort-based kid. Loves his wifi, tv, air conditioned, ipad, ipod, digital world- but there is no way I am taking him to an AI spot or any of the places down by Bloody Bay. Just not my cup of rum punch, if you know what I'm sayin. Sure, he'd love the catered life, the nice restaurants and fenced in feel of those big places- the full mini bars and endless food and all the other horrible, I mean.. wonderful things about the big resorts. But it's my money and so I get to decide. End of story.

Suggestions anyone?

Always have to throw Negril Treehouse into that mix:

Nice variety of rooms. Rooms with separate bedrooms, rooms with 2 bathrooms (my favorite), kitchens, etc. much bigger selection of any place that I have seen in Negril.
A/C, WiFi, tv's - hotel has back up generator. (last trip everyone on beach was dark due to outage, not us)
Little farther down the beach than you're use to staying, it looks like, but a very nice area. Beach is great this year.
If son wants to jump on water trampoline - Margaritaville is close.
Nice beachside pool.
Close but not too close to any of the music venues so you won't be kept awake half the night, several nights a week. Close enough you can still walk down to see the shows if interested. Lots of super food nearby (country country, Norma's, Sheretta's) and on-site food is great (Allan's lunch jerk).
Always feel safe on property.
Usually other kids running around. - Staff is excellent with them.

Just my opinion!!!! Let us know where you decide!

I too recommend Treehouse. Perfect balance between the compounds and the cabins!

Awesome guys! Thanks for the suggestion- I really like the reviews on Tripadvisor

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

I too recommend Treehouse. Perfect balance between the compounds and the cabins!

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That is funny and so true! Compounds indeed...

My husband is a Westmorland man too. I like to have some beach time, we have stayed at Rooms on the beach loads of times now, good standard of basic modern. No free wifi though, and it is always quiet, not seen any teenage groups on my stays either. He might be bored there.
All our other stays are usually on the cliffs in private villas or in country with the fam. We spend majority of our social time on the cliffs though, and there are some great places to hang out. You know negril well obviously, do you want to try a new place?

Is your boy a beach lover, think that will make a difference.

For what it's worth We are gonna try the treehouse next time as it gets such good reviews on here, and has the family vibe, which I prefer.

Hey OBay!! I'm sitting here thinking......dang I wish someone woulda taken me to JA when I was 14.....then again.....:rolleyes:
LOLOL

I think it's awesome ya'll are going together to Jamrock, and no doubt he'll "get it", and always remember his first trip with mom. Not sure I can offer any actual suggestions since I've only stayed in a couple beach spots. Country Country was badass and CCLP was nice, though not really my style. Nirvana is my favorite so far down on the beach end

Hi ladies! Thanks for the comments. I do not know if he's a beach boy yet Westenders - he's never been! I plan on keeping him entertained with lots of day trips, and since its only for 4 nights, I think I will be ok.

I am sad however, NTH rate for the time we are going is $190.00 a night- only a suite is available and that is just way beyond my budget! I've always wanted to stay at Country Country Tizz!

I know you will have a great vacation wherever you choose to stay. If this was me, I would consider many different factors (in no particular order) cost, food, safety, enjoyment for a 14 year old as a first time trip and for yourself. I'm sure there are many other things to consider, however I know kids want lots of fun and excitement. You may want to have a bit of both. Some of these great places can be a little shall I say pricey, which may limit your choices. Do your research and you will choose wisely.

Are you, by chance coming the first week of August?

TreeHouse was recently on a couple deal sites, groupon and what else? Look for the thread...

I also think Treehouse would be a great place. Very comfy couches in lobby with Wi-Fi. Nice rooms with cable TV and if you get one with a kitchenette you can do drinks, snacks etc. breakfast buffet is included. And the people there are great.

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Originally Posted by mmtripoli@earthlink.net

Are you, by chance coming the first week of August?

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Goodness no! Husband suggested, I said If I am going for ATI week, I will not be bringing my son. Now, if it was a girls only trip I'd be completely down! We are looking at the first week of June.

I didn't think about groupon... will do some more research. Appreciate you all so much!

I was just surprised that NTH only had a suite available during the off-season, unless it was ATI. I believe they have a big wedding booked either in May or June, maybe that is when. Seems like I have the exact opposite problem - I always want the suite and they only have the standard room. I'm just teasing. I get one of two rooms every time, but I always give plenty of notice.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by mmtripoli@earthlink.net

I was just surprised that NTH only had a suite available during the off-season, unless it was ATI. I believe they have a big wedding booked either in May or June, maybe that is when. Seems like I have the exact opposite problem - I always want the suite and they only have the standard room. I'm just teasing. I get one of two rooms every time, but I always give plenty of notice.

Good luck!

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Ha! Right? I think you are right- must be a wedding that week. I can be flexible though- so maybe I will change my dates. I was wanting to do beginning of June mainly for the reason that my son heads to his dads for the summer and with high school this year, his August will be full.