September in Negril at RIU-nightlife

Hi everyone, will be going back to JA (been to Mobay about 5years ago) but this time I will be staying at RIU tropical bay in Negril. Is this resort close to any nightlife? It will be my boyfriends first time to JA, and I want to have a good time. I've read countless reviews of resorts where it's pretty much crickets and lights out by 9pm. Hope this is not the case with the RIU tropical bay. Any suggestions, tips greatly appreciated. Also, has anyone ever took an excursion to Kingston from Negril, if so about how much was it? I love going off resort and experiencing the island and spending time with the lovely people of JA.

It's about as far away from the nightlife as you can get. In fact, it's technically not even in Negril. You'll have to taxi in to town, which isn't a problem, just not convenient. Don't let the drivers parked at the AI tell you what the rate is, go to the road an grab a route taxi.

You should call Seastar Inn and be transported for free to their Saturday night buffet and live entertainment event. You'll experience the west end of Negril, see a great little resort in an authentic Jamaican neighborhood setting and be completely safe and well treated. There are some videos of this 'experience' on you tube. Search Seastar entertainment, drummers, webcast, buffet. You'll see what it's like.

How old are you and your boyfriend? Seastar is an OK suggestion. But i think it's really more.for the older people. Buffet dinner and entertainment is over before midnight. It's a nice time. But might not be what you're really looking for.

Thursday nights is ladies night at Jungle. You'll hear about it at the resort. Get there around 11ish. The party kicks up around midnight.

Friday nights. You can do margarittaville. I belive that is there night for 20 or 30 dollars all inclusive with a DJ. Or you can try Alfreds ocean palace.

Saturday should be bourbon beach. But they are under new management. So I am not certain. You could do that after Seastar.

Don't use the hotel to call you a taxi. Outside the gate. Ask a red plate to take you. Should be no more than 10 dollars each way on the beach road. 20 dollars each way to the westend.

Respectfully, if you like going off the resort, and experiencing the island etc. You should have stayed elsewhere other than a huge AI. just sayin'. Have fun

Everything above is pretty good info, I don't doubt. We've been doing the AI thing for too long ourselves... not that it wasn't worth it, because the AI's have their own attraction to many. Next April, we're doing the AI thing again, but only for half our stay. We're staying for a full week 'pon d'beach to try that style out, plus it helps to pay for a longer reach.

I would strongly recommend that you take the cab into town for an afternoon to try out the cliffs. I'd also recommend that you find a way to get out of Bloody Bay for an afternoon... perhaps drop off early in the afternoon south of Swept Away and then wander further south as far as you can along the beach. The myriad of Mom&Pop places... resorts, hotels, bars, restaurants, shops... is astounding!

We're really looking forward to out April reach to see the beach from a totally different perspective!

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

But i think it's really more.for the older people.

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Flip.....Say what???????

Empress, Enjoy your reach at RIU Tropical Bay. Yes it is on Bloody Bay and not Long Bay, but it is a great introduction to Negril.

My journey started at an All Inclusive (Sandals Negril) back in 1992. Learn how to use Red Plate Route Taxis. Ignore Flip, Seastar Saturday night buffet is fun for all ages and a great introduction to the West End.

Read Trip Reports on this site and you will learn about great day trips from Negril. A trip to Kingston is a long all day trip and if you are only staying a week, then you might want to reconsider and do a shorter excursion.

Go to www.RealNegril.com for the webcast schedule. There are several webcasts every week and even one from Seastar Inn Saturday night.

Enjoy,

VVHT

One thing you should do is take in the One Love Drive Pub Crawl. The One Love Bus will pick you up at your hotel in the early afternoon; you will visit about 6 establishments on the West End (Cliffs) and return you to your hotel shortly after sunset. The bus is free, but the driver does take tips (suggested amount $10.00 US per person. You will need to take some cash to pay for your drinks and/or food while on the pub crawl. You will meet some fellow travelers and see some great bars with great views and atmosphere. It's a safe way to see a part of Negril that you probably wouldn't otherwise see and its a lot of fun. Here is a link for info on the pub crawl.
http://negril.com/nt/nt103013.htm

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Originally Posted by captaind

Flip.....Say what???????

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I think the word he was looking for was MATURE! :p

No. I meant what I said. You're generally going to find a crowd there that's 50 plus. It's fun and I enjoy it. But that might not be what they are looking for.

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Originally Posted by Accompong

I think the word he was looking for was MATURE! :p

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Not when I'm staying there.

And I concur with Flip's generalization about Seastar. A good time for me is to hang out Thursday night, and than head out with someone staying there and bar hop. Hit the Jungle for a bit after hanging with the geezer's, maybe finish it up with an Egg and Cheese Sandwich at Mi Yard or Jenny's.

I'm in my 30's and love Seastar, haven't met many that do not. I do prefer the shows I saw a couple of years ago that leaned more reggae. RIP Steven West. Seastar's rooms are great and the service is outstanding.

Yes Seastar does seem to be a more elderly crowd but when we have been there they seem to party like rock stars so its worth a shot no matter what the age!(Then again,we are elderly!)

We got off the AI train because it is too easy just to stay in one spot when you go. Nice places, no doubt... We did Couples for a decade before discovering the cliffs. Riu is really off the beaten path though. There is a ton of stuff to do in Negril, really for all age groups. On the subject of age... I am still in my 40's, and I've met folks in their early 70's there that could party me into the ground.

Kingston is really a long trip. There is enough to do in/around Negril that a trip of that nature might be something you use once you have seen Negril a few more times.

As far as night life in the resorts, we have done 7 different AI's, in and out of Jamaica. I don't think I've ever really seen anything approaching a real party. Shows, yes. But a club like atmosphere... Seems like people are too filled up on resort food and booze to do much past 9-10 pm :)

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Originally Posted by billndonna

Yes Seastar does seem to be a more elderly crowd but when we have been there they seem to party like rock stars so its worth a shot no matter what the age!(Then again,we are elderly!)

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Again, that is why I used the word "MATURE", you know like acting like an adult as opposed to a frat boy. Even frat boys grow up (some do) to be adults. It's definitely worth a "shot" even if your view of Jamaica is distorted by looking through a shot glass. In my opinion, if you want to just get drunk all the time then save your money and do it at home because a pilot is an expensive "designated driver".

That is why I would recommend getting the free shuttle to the Seastar show and enjoying yourself until it shuts down and then get dropped off at the Jungle and play it by ear from there. That way if you are not into that scene, you can get a taxi back to the AI and if that scene is what you want, then you can party until dawn.

Nothing personal meant to anyone just my view of things through bloodshot eyes! :)

Peace and Guidance

I am going to stop going to Jamaica because I can just drink at home.

Thanks for the tip.

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

I am going to stop going to Jamaica because I can just drink at home.

Thanks for the tip.

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Attachment 38443

Can't get these back home...

Nice. Uncle effin....... Johnny,

older and geezers and elderly, Oh My! I'm feeling a little seasoned....

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

older and geezers and elderly, Oh My! I'm feeling a little seasoned....

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I prefer....perfected :p

Flip my friend that was cold blooded brother, brutal dude.

What a young wippersnapper you are,:cool: wait til I see you again.

Jamb

When I'm in Negril, I'm 21 !!! :)

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Originally Posted by Jambarney

Flip my friend that was cold blooded brother, brutal dude.

What a young wippersnapper you are,:cool: wait til I see you again.

Jamb

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Looking forward to it! You should try and make thanksgiving!

I don't know if young man Flip has ever taken a second to look around at the visitors to Negril these days, but I can assure him, a majority have some grey hair (or roots).

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Originally Posted by Big_frank

I don't know if young man Flip has ever taken a second to look around at the visitors to Negril these days, but I can assure him, a majority have some grey hair (or roots).

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Was not meant to be an insult. Just stating what I have observed to be the case throughout the 7 or so shows I have attended.

Like, I said, I enjoy the shows. I wouldnt have gone to 7 of them if I didnt. I just wanted to make sure they knew what they were going to see. As well as give them some other options if it wasn't their speed. It was merely meant to help the newb, not insult frequent visitors of Negril, I have no problem with hanging out with people older than myself. I do it regularly.

Flip, you are taking your beating well! :)

One of the primary reasons to attend the excellent show at Seatar Inn is so you know where to go for the "AFTER" party.... Also, the buffet is awesome!

I have found the turn that this thread has taken to be HILARIOUS!

It also reminds me of a story from Roots Bamboo last Wednesday. My friend and I are both in our 40's (look in our 30's, feel in our 20's - LOL). We went with 2 of our local friends who are also close in age to us. Great live music that night! Many different artists mixing it up with the band (Frank on the horn). I use to go out dancing regularly in Negril, but during the last 10 years - have not found the energy for late night merriment. On this reach, my first-timer friend REALLY wanted to see some music, so off we went - much to the amusement of my other friends. I spent the whole night on the dance floor dancing with one of my friends and a variety of other local characters. So much that my friends were videoing me on their phones. I'm convinced it is because I am such a good dancer, not that I was making a fool of myself!!!lol

This one younger (mid-20's) tourist in particular took an interest in my "dancing" and started to follow me around the dance floor - a lot. When I mentioned it to my friend he had the nerve to say to me "Who that boy? He is young enough to be your son!" OUCH! That was painful!!! Not sure that I spoke to him again that night. Of course it is true - I have a daughter who is 24 - but man, that was a complete buzz kill. Maybe I had just forgotten while dancing, for however briefly, about aging.

Negril can have that affect on you...

Take the advice on the cabs make a deal on the street and don't let the resort get involved. RIU is a nice place you will enjoy it but be sure to take a walk on the beach and stop in where ever looks inviting. Have a great trip.

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

Was not meant to be an insult. Just stating what I have observed to be the case throughout the 7 or so shows I have attended.

Like, I said, I enjoy the shows. I wouldnt have gone to 7 of them if I didnt. I just wanted to make sure they knew what they were going to see. As well as give them some other options if it wasn't their speed. It was merely meant to help the newb, not insult frequent visitors of Negril, I have no problem with hanging out with people older than myself. I do it regularly.

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I can vouch for that! LOL.

Flip...

Next time we're both at SS we'll have a "strut off" Only Mummers strut allowed.......

I marched for 20 years and I'll strut your ass off....even at 72....

"Oh dem golden slippers........"

You didn't insult anybody, just like to "flip" you some back brother.

November & Feb we are already booked but just not Negril, but there will be another time my friend.

Jamb:cool:

Thank you everyone for all the information. Lolol @ some of the responses. I'm in my 30s and he's late 40s but we do NOT intend to go to JA and just stay on a resort. I like the AI and still get off resort as well. Ive seriously considering changing my resort now, I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere and have to pay lots of $$$ just to get to a club or bar. Also, let me get this right, long bay is the happening spot and bloody bay is quieter?

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Originally Posted by EmpressJG

Thank you everyone for all the information. Lolol @ some of the responses. I'm in my 30s and he's late 40s but we do NOT intend to go to JA and just stay on a resort. I like the AI and still get off resort as well. Ive seriously considering changing my resort now, I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere and have to pay lots of $$$ just to get to a club or bar. Also, let me get this right, long bay is the happening spot and bloody bay is quieter?

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Yes, Long Bay is where you probably want to be. That said, it's long (thus the name, lol) so it matters where on the beach you are if you're looking for nightlife.

Didn't feel insulted Flip; just saying.

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Originally Posted by EmpressJG

Thank you everyone for all the information. Lolol @ some of the responses. I'm in my 30s and he's late 40s but we do NOT intend to go to JA and just stay on a resort. I like the AI and still get off resort as well. Ive seriously considering changing my resort now, I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere and have to pay lots of $$$ just to get to a club or bar. Also, let me get this right, long bay is the happening spot and bloody bay is quieter?

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I wouldn't say you're in the middle of nowhere, but Bloody Bay is all AI's and about 2 miles in total. Long Bay is the other 5 miles of "7 mile beach". There are some AI's on Long Bay, mostly at the north end (closest to BB). There are also many small hotels, bars and eateries along Long Bay. Because BB is all AI's you get fewer vendors, but I personally found the vendors (higglers) that were there more aggressive than on LB. We love the activity of Long Bay and the choices in restaurants etc is wonderful, but we don't go the AI route anymore either so that matters to us.

Maybe look at Grand pineapple. It's AI. But close to bourbon beach, Alfreds etc.

I only mentioned the Seastar Saturday Show because it would get you off your resort and way up to the west end for zero money. (tip the driver of course)
The evening might cost you a hundred or so with buffet and drinks. Plus you get there and back safely with responsible drivers.
Late night taxis from say the Jungle to RIU could be costly if you don't know what you're doing and who to ride with, but that knowledge is yours for the asking on this message board.
That said, if you are able to change your resort without a big penalty then there are AI options like Grand Pineapple that won't break the bank and it's right in the middle of the 7 mile beach and all it has to offer. Plus a cab to the prime west end spots is cheap enough. Lots of other places have inclusive options for extra money such as breakfast every day, or bar credits every day. It's all up to you.
I wouldn't recommend you stay on the west end because it's your first time and the beach is where you want to be for that.
But once you become hooked on Negril, you might want to change it up and stay non AI and maybe on the cliffs.

EmpressJG...
The best way to show this relative differences between Bloody and Long Bays is to check out the "official" Negril business map. Sometime in the last week our two someone asked that it be posted, so scroll down the list of threads a bit, our on the next page of topics.

The map is a really great resource in pdf format and I never leave home without it. It's a bit dated, with the last update put together in 2011. In addition to an overview, it provides a lot of detail about the relative positions and distances between establishments along the bay beaches, Negril's downtown, and the West End (Cliffs) area.

I just love this thing and keep the file on my desktop.

lol I hope so