4th trip to jamaica, first time NOT at an AI

Due to arrive in negril in nov. Staying at treehouse, first time trip not being at an all inclusive. Our transport is included by Kenny tours. Wondering if any one has ideas for us upon arrival. Such as exchange money or not?? At treehouse or elsewhere?? If anyone knows if driver will stop at a store on the way for intial stock up on red stripe, rum, water, pop snacks etc. and if they will stop, what's the best place for that stuff?? And I guess in general any ideas on places to eat and drink, near treehouse . ANY words of advice or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated 😀, thanks!!! Definately looking forward to soaking up some real culture and adventure on this trip!

Enjoy your trip, read through the forum and you will find most of the answers to your questions regarding the many places to eat and drink. Your driver will stop anywhere you want him to, the MegaMart in MoBay is a good place to get started with liquor, beer and food. Change your money at the Cambio but not at the airport for a good exchange rate. Have Fun

Let the adventure begin! Welcome to the Real Negril! You're gonna love it - and never go back to AI!!! Good advice from Packrat - read through the forums. You can stop at Mega Mart or trip down to Hi Lo in Negril when you get in. Treehouse is a lovely spot! Can't wait for our trip staying there in Feb!

Follow the webcasts, and you'll meet a zillion boardies with a zillion ideas. Not sure where you're from, but if it's Canada (especially Canada) or the US, beer and liquor prices are cheap even in the places people tout as expensive compared to home. So you can't lose even if you pay the highest price in Negril, IMO>

Many Boardies have said it and it's true - Never had a bad meal in Negril! Go out of Treehouse and walk and see what there is. There are twice as many good places to eat as there are opinions on this board! And that's saying something! Personally, Canoe is "don't miss", Sky Bar, Swordfish, .. and on the beach? The list is endless! Walk. When you feel the need for Red Strip (or rum punch), stop, look, see which place in the next 4 or 5 or 6 appeals to you, and pull up a beach chair and order a drink! If you don't like it - move on to the next!

Oh - and take the One Love Pub Crawl! It's uber fun! If you can't find Linbert's number on the board, PM me. And follow the webcasts! You can't go wrong.

Amusez-vous bien! It's impossible not to!

And to quote Packrat again- HAVE FUN!

Fantastic! You are in for a treat....ask and you shall receive is my motto....definitely read through this forum, you'll be planning your next non AI stay before you even arrive pon di rock! Do not exchange your money at the airport....and don't let anyone outside of the bank exchange your currency to JA. The staff at Treehouse will be a great resource. Enjoy!

I'd suggest you make a stop at Jerky's in Montego Bay for some delicious jerk pork or chicken. There is a Scotia Bank right next door (atm is free if you use a Bank of America card). The Mega Mart is right there too.

DON'T eat an entire pot brownie, a 1/4 will do - though our days of that are done.

This is so cool . Your first time non-AI. We started out that way, I guess quite a few do, but our first time non-Ai was at Cocolapalm. Since then, we have not done AI . Have stayed at 4 other places. Will be at Treehouse in Dec. and Feb. Enjoy yourselves. Myrna's little {likkle} grocery store on da beach is a good place to stop. Just keep exploring mon' Have FUN

Unless you need groceries to cook with, don't bother with MegaMart, it gets crowded and will take some time to get through there. There are plenty of small stores near Treehouse to pick up what you want, or you can go into Negril to one of the markets there. Your driver may be able to change enough money to get you started, or just have him stop at a Cambio.
If the timing is right, have your driver stop at Bigga's in Green Island (town before Negril) for the best jerk chicken.
There are plenty of places to eat within short walking distance of Treehouse.

Going in nov too for me and my wife's first non AI trip also. Been 3 times and looking forward to a more "real" experience. Can't wsit

You should love Treehouse, you will not miss the AI thing at all once you step out on faith

Love doing Negril non-ai.

Eat your meals at a different place every time, on the beach, across the road form the beach, up on the cliffs or in town. So many places to enjoy! Pub crawls on the beach or up on the cliffs (or both) or off the Cliff road, or again, in town.

Enjoy!

The only thing i add is a hearty endorsement of Bigga's....not to be missed! Congrats on ditching the AI...you will never go back.

You may be pleasantly surprised, RN. We stopped doing AI about 5 years ago, decided last year to do a week at couples... And hated it. I wish you a fantastic trip.

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Originally Posted by Rn71klp22

Due to arrive in negril in nov. Staying at treehouse, first time trip not being at an all inclusive. Our transport is included by Kenny tours. Wondering if any one has ideas for us upon arrival. Such as exchange money or not?? At treehouse or elsewhere?? If anyone knows if driver will stop at a store on the way for intial stock up on red stripe, rum, water, pop snacks etc. and if they will stop, what's the best place for that stuff?? And I guess in general any ideas on places to eat and drink, near treehouse . ANY words of advice or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated ��, thanks!!! Definately looking forward to soaking up some real culture and adventure on this trip!

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Greetings from the Owner,
Thanks for choosing to stay with us. My name is Gail Jackson and I live on property. Your vacation experience is top priority to me. We have taxi service on property , 24 hr snacks and drinks at the front desk. I also teach Stand Up Paddleboarding 3 times per week. Our breakfast is served from 8:00 AM until 11:00AM, complimentary coffee/tea is included. If you would like a coffee maker or hair dryer we have them at the front desk. Relax and email me, I drive too for Freeeee downtown to do my errands.
Negriltreehouse@gmail.com

Gail

Don't worry mon' ... evryting gonna be alright! Gail & The staff at Treehouse will take of you !

Thanks for all the helpful responses! And thanks Gail for making me feel comfortable before we even arrive! We booked the pub crawl right after we made the hotel reservations, lol. Can't wait to arrive!

No offense but it is good when even to slow learners come around! lol you will really enjoy your stay. The food alone!

Kenny's will stop on the way to Treehouse. Last time we stopped in Lucea at a grocery for supplies. Ask Treehouse for a mini fridge 5$/day. They also have lots of ice. Bring a soft shell cooler. They exchange $ at a good rate at front desk. Enjoy your Buffett breakfast. Lots of good choices on menu at Treehouse and on site fruit and patty vendor or stop one of the beach vendors at lunch. Close by is Juicy J's with inexpensive Jamaican meals, Ossies for outstanding jerk pork, and of course Best in the West for famous jerk chicken. Chef Allen's (singing chef) Jerk chicken is a must, at the jerk pit on the beach, at Treehouse. He's almost famous!!

Go next door to Country Country for dinner one night...delicious food.

Mark & Deana,
I am giggling at your 1/4 brownie tip. So true! I learned the hard way!

You will love Treehouse and Gail is the finest hotelier in Negril! You can change money at Treehouse for a decent rate but a cambio will give you a better rate and have more cash available.