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My wife and I will be going to Negril in mid April. We are looking at staying at the RUI resorts. Does anyone have any comments about the RUI resorts? Also, what is the best way to call back to the US from Jamaica? Should we look into cell phones or calling cards? We probably wont make too many calls, approximately 10 minutes worth of air time.
Thanks for any input and we look forward to being in paradise for a week!
Most on here avoid all inclusive resorts and stay at the non AI hotels. As for calling home, many hotels and/or drivers you would hire to transport you to/from airport and your hotel will loan you a phone and all you need to do is top it with minutes. You may need to give a small deposit. You can also purchase a phone with minutes in town.
Personally I'd hold off pushing the button until you fully explored all of your options. You've come to the right place for information about traveling to Negril. Welcome to the board!
they are very nice - but after you figure out the best meals are inexpensive and local, and youll be paying for food twice.. i recommend a nice non ai hotel on the cliffs, and you will see what you have been missing on other vacations before.. Welcome
The RIU is nice.
Buy a phone at Digicel...any cabbie will know where it is.
It will cost you $35ish and that price includes a decent top up (credit/minutes).
If you go to Jamaica once/twice a year, it's worth it to have your own phone.
Hi, though I have never stayed at the RIU's, I have spent alot of time on Bloody Bay where they are located and talked to many who have stayed there. Many seem to really love it, but some have voiced issues with the fact that they felt like they were in jail: same food everyday, same little strip of beach (RIU's are not actually on Negril's 7 mile beach). If you want to be "ON" resort all the time, I am sure it is a good choice. If you are interested in getting out and about, it may not be the best as you will have to hire a taxi to get you to the 7 mile beach area where there are restaurants, bars, etc, approx. a 10 minute drive, not really a walking option IMHO. If you go to the hotels tab above and then click on the beachmap, you will get an idea of the location...couples is on the very top of the map, and the RUI's are before that. I understand that you do have the option to walk from one to the other, and there is a stretch of beach inbetween them; just one or two hotels, and lots of local vendors selling things along the beach. No proper restaurants, bars.
Although many on the board prefer to go non All Inclusive, I did it on my first trip and didnt mind it, although I was on Negril beach at Grand Pinapple. Best of both worlds for me as I was travelling alone and on a budget.
I stay in contact with my family by email when in Jamaica, doesnt cost a dime...:)
I think you will love it no matter where you stay!
We went to Negril for the first time last November. We stayed at Sunset At The Palms which is on the same beach as the Riu's. The Riu Club Hotel is at the end of the bay and the water had quite a bit of seaweed in it when we were there. The water in front of the other Rui was much nicer. We have been to a few Riu's over the years and have always been pleased with the quality of them. That being said we really enjoyed being at a smaller place like SATP that had unique rooms, there was never a line up for anything and the we had more opportunities to interact with the staff.
We are going back to Negril at the end of March and are going non A/I. It will work out cheaper that going back to SATP and we will be able to experience more of what Negril has to offer.
Whatever you decide to do you will have a great time. If you do stay at one of the Riu's make sure you go the original Office of Nature for a lobster meal. It is on the beach close to the Riu Club Hotel.
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There is nothing wrong with staying AI. I have before, and might would so again. I just like the freedom of going to different places. Bloody Bay is really nice, btw.
I understand the allure of an AI for some. We prefer to get out and about and we like 7 mile beach so that is where we choose to stay. It's certainly personal preference but Jamaica has so many sights to see (and MUCH cheaper than a hotel will charge) and so many great restaurants. Read a lot and decide your own comfort level and then enjoy!
Don't let people get you down. Although I have never stayed at an AI, I can understand why, as a first timer, you might want this. It will let you get the lay of the land for your next trip IF you leave the AI and look around.
That being said, I would agree with Orchid to check out the hotel listings here and then decide. Grand Pineapple seems like a good place (it's next door to where I stay - non AI) and right in the middle of the beach too.
Here's a beach shot for you as a teaser :D
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We would like to spend at least one day on 7 Mile Beach. Any recommendations on resteraunts and favorite stretches of the beach?
I may stay at SATP next reach...I'm not a fan of AI...but the price is good(as I would be flying out of Toronto). I still have to crunch some numbers...but that's what it's looking like.
You'll probably get a different answer depending on who you ask. I would recommend starting at Cosmo's and walking your way towards town. You can stop wherever you like if something catches your interest. A lot of places will let you use their loungers, bathrooms, etc. Just make sure you buy a drink or something to eat.Quote:
Originally Posted by zenser
As far as the A/I option you will see that a lot of folks will try and talk you out of it, myself included. You have all sorts of cool hotels to stay at and tons of food options. Check out negrilonestop's web page for great coverage of a lot of different hotels. They do not have every hotel listed, but a good sampling and they have pictures and videos so you can gain perspective.
I stayed at the Riu (the older one) my very first trip. I loved it... until we went to Country Western Horse Stables for a tour and I realized there was a whole other world outside of the Riu:o Needless to say I'll never do a A/I again... trip # 6 coming up in July to celebrate the BIG 40:eek:
Everyone likes different parts of the beach...I would ask your driver to take you to SunBeach (beach bar and restaurant). I would make that my first stop for a drink (food is OK, depending on who is the chef that day...lol). Its usually a busy spot since anyone can access the beach from there. I would then turn right, stop at Wild Parrot. Just stayed there a couple of weeks ago and the food was EXCELLENT!! Try the lobster pasta. Keep going and there are lots of places to stop: Treehouse, The Palms, Country, Country, Seasplash all have nice little bars. Also, some vendors along the way. This is definately my favorite part of the beach, so I am biased...lol
My other restaurant recommendation is Kuyaba, great spot for dinner, but in the other direction.