Oh the Choices. Need some help chosing the ideal place to stay.

Will be traveling to Negril for the first time in early December. I'm a 35 year old guy and have been to many AI's with my wife over the last several years though never to Jamaica. Unfortunately she does not have any vacation left for this calender year and I need a break from my pretty grueling work schedule. What's important to me in order of importance is I want a resort / hotel that is not couple centric where I will feel like some sort of outcast, I would like a nice beach (been to the Mayan Riviera, Grand Cayman, and Southern Thailand and like soft white sand, and clear and shallow water to wade in) I would like nice authentic food. On our last trip to the Mayan Riviera we spent an inordinate amount of time off resort eating at small hole in the walls and liked the food much better than the bland food served on resort. I do enjoy nightlife and would like to stay somewhere that doesn't look of feel like a ghost town after 11pm. I have shortlisted the Grand Lido, RUI Negril and the RUI Palace. I would also be open to a non-AI but the pricing with airfare is coming up as par or a bit higher for a non-ai. I'm afraid if I book the wrong resort I'll end up with 50+ people or among groups of couples and feel really awkward.

Those AI's in Bloody Bay are mostly for couples and some families. I don't know if that's what you are looking for. As well the beach isn't the same as it is on the Long Bay side. There are a couple of AI's on the beach that you might want to try. Fun Holiday or Grand Pineapple.

Legends on the beach offers an A/I option with exchange privileges at their "sister" property, SamSara (cliffs) ~ www.negrilhotels.com

Hedonism

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Originally Posted by Crusher

Those AI's in Bloody Bay are mostly for couples and some families. I don't know if that's what you are looking for. As well the beach isn't the same as it is on the Long Bay side. There are a couple of AI's on the beach that you might want to try. Fun Holiday or Grand Pineapple.

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both fun holiday and grand pineapple are booked up on the dates i want to go.:eek:

If you say you like the local food and want to wander off site, why are you focused on AIs? Is it the "luxury" "security" or something else?
Most here are non-AI types and can offer a wealth of knowledge on great places to stay and eat other than all inclusive.

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Originally Posted by MikeyNYC

If you say you like the local food and want to wander off site, why are you focused on AIs? Is it the "luxury" "security" or something else?
Most here are non-AI types and can offer a wealth of knowledge on great places to stay and eat other than all inclusive.

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I would actually prefer a non AI . I just found that when I add together non charter airfare and hotel I'm over the AI price. Westjet flies from canada to mbj ut the airfare is running almost 1400 on the dates I want. While a full chartered AI would be closer to 1800 all in.

I just figured out I can get an all in Airfare for under 600 so I'm in for non-AI. Any suggestions? I want to be in the thick of things prefer beachfront for rooms. Need a super clean place with AC.

I would have to say the middle of the 7 mile is best. Coco la palm, charela are great spots. Perfect beach area.

Check Apple or Funjet for a package at a non AI. Coco la Palm is very nice in the middle of seven mile.

Charela Inn would be a good choice, they have some new rooms & great section of the beach but not any nightlife. . Tree House (includes breakfast) could work also and Gail is a doll and I have always liked Idle Awhile as well. You are only a short walk down the beach to a great variety of local food and a low cost cab to the Cliffs, many places have music/shows at night. When we are in Negril we are early risers and enjoy the deserted beach and nice walk to find breakfast so we rarely out and about at 11pm partying. All above are non-AI and beachfront hotels.

Well if you want AI that doesn't roll up the sidewalks at 11 i would agree with Bostonbob on Hedonism.The party almost never stops and there are people there of all ages,been 10 or 12 times ourselves.For beach dwelling nob AI i think Coco is a great choice and you can go to the Jungle night club,Alfreds and Bourbon Beach for some great late night partying.Stayed at Fun Holiday also and it sounds not quite what your looking for.Really lots of good choices.

I would check out Firefly. Best part of the beach and close to Margaritaville if you get desperate for food which I doubt you will.
Lots to do nice location walk to almost anything. You'll never AI again.

A friend of mine stayed at Rooms on the Beach last month... went solo while his bride did an AI with her sorority in the Bahamas. There are a few night spots very close by, such as Alfred's, and although I'm not sure, they might offer a meal plan or AI option. Might be worth a shot.

I stay at CoCo LaPalm 3 -4 times year,but when [I] come down by myself in January,my choice is always Merril's 2.. 1) Cost- they don't hit you up for a big single supplement 2) location on beach is great 3) rooms clean-staff very pleasant 4) Good security 5)never a complaint about water pressure-air cond.- 6) Food is decent drinks are good 7) Again Price...Even though all inclusive,you dont feel bad about having some meals-drinks down the road. 8) Always a good deal thru Apple if you are looking for a charter flight...9) people of all ages + some singles....Going again this year Jan 10 days

I don't think Funjet or Apple run packages out of Canada. Unless they have something out of TO. Where are you from Oiboy? Are your dates before or after Dec 15th? Prices at non AI are quite a bit lower before Dec 15th. A few Canadian travel sites offer a couple of non AI packages. Sometimes at Coco La Palm, Rooms, Country Country. I wouldn't pick the AI option at Legends/Samsara, not known for their food. Unless something's changed recently, Rooms does not have an AI option. They offer a very basic continental breakfast. You would also need to pay for wifi and rent a fridge if they have one available. Negrilonestop.com offers some good deals at several hotels prior to Dec 15th. It's a good site to look at pics, amenities, prices, videos and locations of several non AI hotels. You can call them and get their recommendations based on your wants. They're very knowledgeable of Negril. I suggest booking your flight and staying non AI, just add a room fridge to your list of wants. You can self serve your drinks on the beach and in your room/balcony.

35 years old and wants nightlife. Cross the Charela Inn off of your list. The average demographic in my experience is older than that. I would encourage you to stay at a place like Country Country and take your party off site at night. Hook up with a local Jamaican to take you out and show you the fun at night.
Negril One Stop is a good site to compare some of the beach properties.

Oiboy, definitely check out Bar b Barn. It's right next to Bourbon Beach, which doesn't even get started with music till around 11, so you don't have to
worry about that. It has a really nice bar, and a restaurant called Angelas with great food. The rooms are really comfortable with cable tv, ac, and fridge.
Breakfast is included with your stay, Nice beach area, good security. You can check out there website for pictures. Call hotel direct and talk to Denton,he
will fix you up if theres availability for you time you need. Reasonable rates, even in busy season. Enjoy , wherever you stay.

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Originally Posted by Melody

Where are you from Oiboy?

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I'm traveling out of Winnipeg on the 1st of December -8th

Thank you everybody so far for your invaluable suggestions.

Has anyone stayed at Legends or the Beachcomber club resort? Both offer both AI and EP plans. Wondering how the rooms are and the location / demographic.

We've stayed at Legends (and their "sister" property, SamSara) many times doing both EP & A/I ~ rooms are simply furnished & kept very clean. Good beach location, can get crowded due to folks from SamSara coming to spend the day. Have met people (couples/singles/all ages) from US, Canada, Europe...it's not the fanciest place on the beach, but works for us :)

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Originally Posted by Patricia

We've stayed at Legends (and their "sister" property, SamSara) many times doing both EP & A/I ~ rooms are simply furnished & kept very clean. Good beach location, can get crowded due to folks from SamSara coming to spend the day. Have met people (couples/singles/all ages) from US, Canada, Europe...it's not the fanciest place on the beach, but works for us :)

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Was the ai option worth it? I know its subjective but how was the food/drinks?

We've enjoyed the food served at Legends/SamSara. It's by no means gourmet, but fresh & homemade. Have never gone hungry or thirsty...3 meals buffet-style ~ A/I bar is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., beer (Red Stripe) on tap. A variety of mixed drinks available (on menu). The A/I option won't break the bank, so you can still go out & enjoy some of the eating/drinking establishments nearby.

https://www.facebook.com/samsaraandlegends

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Originally Posted by oiboy

I would like nice authentic food. On our last trip to the Mayan Riviera we spent an inordinate amount of time off resort eating at small hole in the walls and liked the food much better than the bland food served on resort.

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Have not heard good things regarding the value at Beachcomber. Considering your statement above, don't go AI at Legends, unless the price is comparable to other accommodation only deals. You would want to budget for meals off resort. There are so many great little bars, happy hours and reasonably priced good food walking distance to hotels. Sitting on the beach, vendors will walk by selling patties, jerk pork, fruit, juices, breads...no need for mediocre AI food. Take a collapsible cooler from your room fridge to your beach chair, and cold beer at many beach bars for the equivalent of $2-$3.

As an aside, have you looked at packages from Nov 29-Dec 6 from winnipeg? Those would be direct flights instead of the layover in TO

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Originally Posted by oiboy

Has anyone stayed at Legends or the Beachcomber club resort? Both offer both AI and EP plans. Wondering how the rooms are and the location / demographic.

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Do NOT stay at the beachcomber club, you will not be happy.

oiboy, fyi, westjet flies direct every wed and sat out of winnipeg.
for me, a1 packages are not affordable as a single. that a1 single supplement kiills any good deals.
just air is affordable.

I would look at Grand Pineapple or kuyaba.

Just an update I'm Jamaica Bound! Booked a sunwing flight from winnipeg from the 1-8th for 580CAD all in. Booked the Bar-b-barn for 820 for 7 nights. Comes close to AI pricing but I feel location is key for me. Now to find transportation....

May I suggest to you -
Luxurious Carib Tours

Very professional ..& great rates ..
ask them for a quote
& they'll reply within an hour ...

White sands...this will be the 3rd trip going solo w/o the wife for similar reasons. Always felt very comfy & can't beat the price. Good location, with lots to do & eat nearby.
We stay at CoCoLaPalm as a couple...best beach property but family/couple atmosphere (although you wouldn't be unhappy there). But as a solo traveler (38 years old ) White Sands has been a great choice.

I use shared transfer with Clive's solo, $30 each way and if no one is arriving at the same time it ends up being a private ride in a comfy vehicle. Enjoy!

oiboy, another winnipeger at the barn!!! i will be there during your stay . . . hope you enjoy it as much as i do!!

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

oiboy, another winnipeger at the barn!!! i will be there during your stay . . . hope you enjoy it as much as i do!!

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Not really from winterpeg, but its my point of transit from way way up north. =) But will toast to that anyways. Rum Punch on me!

sounds good.

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Originally Posted by Melody

I use shared transfer with Clive's solo, $30 each way and if no one is arriving at the same time it ends up being a private ride in a comfy vehicle. Enjoy!

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I use Clives also good choice.

Advice for anyone looking for a place to stay......Stay away from the Beachcomber club......They have good ratings on Trip Advisor but that's because Dominique gets all her friends to post Glowing reports......The place is a Dump!!......the people that work there are awsum.......but......the management has no clue about running a resort.....If you actually have water for a shower or to flush the toilet......that's out of the norm........At one time it was the best on the Beach.........but.....that was a long time ago.......again........Stay away if you want an enjoyable vacation