Is Grand Pineapple right for me???

My husband and I are looking to come back to Negril in October. We like AI (I know most here don't) but the problem we have is we find that there's no night life after 10pm. We like to stay up, drink and party :) We'd like to be close to other places to walk to (like a bar, other options to eat, etc...) Anyone know if we book here if we will get what we want? Ultimately I'm already getting what I want, to be back in Jamaica! We were married in Negril at the old Beaches Sandy Bay in 2012. Anything anyone here can give me would be appreciated. Pictures, distance to local places....anything!!!!!!
Thanks in advance

Like most would agree....AI is nice but......There is night life in Negril. And very early morning hours if needed.(grin) You will see more of Jamaica by "going local" vibe. Walk up da beach hit up the bars and local eating places along the beach. If not hire a red plate to take ya'll out to da country ride for a day. Hit up local eating places and road side bars. Play some dominoes, play some cricket. Hit up a local river for a swim. There's TON's of stuff to do "out of the walls". IMO

I am at Pineapple rght now. Bars? Alfred's next door - 2 doorsteps and you are there!! Lots of bars and joints to eat at within 2-5 minutes beach and roadside. Pineapple needs some TLC, great staff, food buffet needs a complete makeover - and the bar selection is dismal. Beach is great. Other than high end AI this is as good as it gets for basic entry level AI.

Thanks for the update EdmontonGuy we are headed there in 3 weeks and look forward to enjoying the nightlife along the beach

I think the grand pineapple is in a prime location for daytime and evening entertainment. To me, the hotel is pretty quiet after around 10:00 pm but it depends on the crowd. The bar closes when it winds down, not like Beaches or Sandals. I liked Drifter's a few days a week, and at night Alfred's or Bourbon Beach- they have live music on offset days so you always have a live band no matter which night you go out. There are other spots for daytime music that I am going to explore in a few weeks. Grand Pineapple is an inexpensive option as far as AI goes, and you can't go here expecting a 5,000 dollar experience when you pay 1,200! It's not a Beaches vacation, although I find it more than adequate for my needs and style. Just know what you're getting into and you'll be fine. The price allows you to have the benefits and back up of an AI, but also gives most people flexibility to eat and drink at any one of the many local spots. There are many options for accommodations in Negril, but I think the grand pineapple is a good start if you've never been to Negril (which I know you have) or you just want Convenience. You can probably use your Sandals Select Guest points/credit to get $$$ off your trip. If that's the case, you can't really beat the price- I'm under $950 (single) for 7 nights on my second stay with rewards from my first stay. The food was good when I was ere last year, but hear frequent reports of the decline, as noted above. Breakfast is my favorite meal here, and I eat on my lounger on the beach! This time I'll get out for dinner at least a few times, but the buffet was as expected- a buffet... Warm food, as much as you want, a few choices each meal, always a salad bar, grain, meat, and veggies, soups, breads, and desserts. I like the grand pineapple but feel I will soon outgrow it. For now, the convinience of this basic AI is well worth it to me.

Thanks for the feedback!

I don't really think you can go wrong anywhere on the beach! Any place would accommodate your needs, but if you have specifics you want to know about just ask. One major aspect of the pineapple is that only a certain number of rooms have a queen size bed... Others have two doubles/fulls. I have no idea how many of each, but do note that this hotel accommodates up to four people per room, so it's a bit different than a Sandals or Beaches, or other couples style resort... Be certain to request a queen bed and do everything you can to ensure that it is the room you receive. I was asked which I prefer upon booking over the phone this trip... For me, I don't care and I wanted to leave the queen beds for those traveling with loved ones so even though I'm going solo, they put me in the 2 bed room. This could be the only thing I would see as a surprise and disappointment if I were traveling with my s. o. , pretty much everything else you can plan for... :)

We love the Grand Pineapple and some of the rooms actually have King size beds....ours did.
It is a very affordable resort. Food is provided if you want it or take a short walk and find something else....easy as can be.
I see many bad reviews of the Grand Pineapple and most arrive expecting a Sandals/Beaches resort and this is not the case. Just because it is owned by Sandals does not mean you should expect Sandals. We found it safe, clean, comfortable, affordable and right in the middle of 7 Mile beach. I would not hesitate to stay there again and again.

What they said! We have about 55 nights in the last 4-5 years. We love the Pineapple. Cheap enough that you can justify going out to dinner off property a lot of the time. Say hi to Derwin the GM from us. Just do it!!!!!!!

I believe that the GP is one of the few properties you will find that has the "insurance" of an AI, without the feel of one. I mean, if you budget poorly you won't starve or die of thirst. The thing about it is...it's so inexpensive, and so centrally located to all the action on Long Bay..there is Drifters Bar and Bourbon Beach just a 5 min walk down the beach, Times Square for a shopping mall right there, the Shamrock store is RIGHT THERE for any needs you have that you might want. Smokey Joe has barrel chicken right there on the road, and Alfred's is NEXT DOOR for great night life, without worrying about walking home at night. What more could you ask for?. They have a watersports shack that gives you complimentary use of a hobie cat, stand up paddleboards, snorkel gear, kayaks, and they will fire up their ski boat if you want to water ski..yes, the equipment is Beaches/Sandals hand me downs, but SO WHAT? a bonus is, (depending on if you like that sort of thing)....if they are overbooked(which happens)...or so under-booked they shut down(which I don't know if that happens anymore)...they put you up at Beaches, for no extra charge... that's a $4,000-$5,000 vacation for like a third the cost...

No more sending to Beaches, but the GP is a great AI in a great location! My favourite place to stay on the beach.

I think this might be our place. We really want to be where the action is, or where we can just relax and I think this just might fit our needs. We want the all inclusive option but I also want to eat off site. I'm not picky about the room, I'll be in Jamaica. We realize we don't spend much time in the room so I don't need the all the fancy stuff the bigger AI can provide. Now to get the hubby on board. But you know what they say, happy wife = happy life, so if he's smart........

Hi Sophie2012,
As I stated earlier, we LOVE the Grand Pineapple!
On our last reach, we stayed in one of the Manor House rooms....great room...large comfortable...no complaints. We are usually early to bed and early up. The Manor House rooms sit directly above Norman Manley Blvd and you can hear the busy street noise in the mornings....not a big deal to us as we are up anyway. The Garden rooms are across the road and very quiet...crossing guards on duty to help with the traffic.
Manor House rooms and Beach cottages are on the beach side....just steps away from the beach.
The resort has a very chill vibe....activity and food just an easy walk or simply chill on the beach. Enjoy!

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

My favourite place to stay on the beach.

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Wow, that's interesting PGW. You've stayed everywhere! GP is one of the few places I've yet to stay (prefer the places further north) but maybe it's time to check it out.

I stayed in the garden manor last year and booked again for this year. Didn't have any problem with road noise or beeping or anything. Saved me a few dollars and really not ever in the room! Just my style.

Just know there are manor rooms on BOTH sides of the resort, cottage rooms on both sides. Review the website thoroughly before booking.

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Originally Posted by jamaicajeanne

Hi Sophie2012,
As I stated earlier, we LOVE the Grand Pineapple!
On our last reach, we stayed in one of the Manor House rooms....great room...large comfortable...no complaints. We are usually early to bed and early up. The Manor House rooms sit directly above Norman Manley Blvd and you can hear the busy street noise in the mornings....not a big deal to us as we are up anyway. The Garden rooms are across the road and very quiet...crossing guards on duty to help with the traffic.
Manor House rooms and Beach cottages are on the beach side....just steps away from the beach.
The resort has a very chill vibe....activity and food just an easy walk or simply chill on the beach. Enjoy!

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It would not hurt to ask the bar manager or GM before hand that if you bring the party will they stay open later. I have done this at a couple well known properties, and have had no issue keeping the bar open. If they know you will keep the cash flowing they are likely to extend the hours.

Not too likely at the pineapple. I've stayed there and you're lucky if the bar stays open until the posted hours.

Grand Pineapple is all inclusive... No cash flowing

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Originally Posted by booger

It would not hurt to ask the bar manager or GM before hand that if you bring the party will they stay open later. I have done this at a couple well known properties, and have had no issue keeping the bar open. If they know you will keep the cash flowing they are likely to extend the hours.

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A little trip down memory lane, from our last GP visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z49sPViT-RA

I have always stayed at CCLP and Seastar Inn as a solo traveler. What are your thoughts about a solo female traveler staying at GP?

Keep smiling,
TG

If I were traveling solo, I would not hesitate to stay at GP.

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Originally Posted by tranquilitygurl

I have always stayed at CCLP and Seastar Inn as a solo traveler. What are your thoughts about a solo female traveler staying at GP?

Keep smiling,
TG

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I'm solo, female, and going for my second stay in a few weeks. I loved it for me. I stayed on the garden side and had the best time. I went out every night and cruised around during the day. Used the route taxi, walked, etc. I recommend for single travelers because of the relatively small property and community feel to the place. Everyone I met was lovely!

Great, thanks for insight!

Keep smiling,
TG