Tensing Pen?

Okay, Almost all of our reservations have been booked for our trip to Negril in April (thanks guys for all of your help! We just booked "Seasplash" this afternoon. So excited!)

Now we just need to find a hotel for 4/19 and 4/20 (the actual date of our 10 year wedding anniversay) Once we do that, we can finally sit back and just relax.

We want to stay somewhere very special and romantic on the cliffs for these 2 days. We've been debating between Citronella and Banana Shout because they both offer affordable cottages right on the water. I can't imagine what it would be like to wake up on the morning of our anniversary with a direct view of the ocean right outside our bedroom window....

But we keep going back to Tensing Pen. (especially after seeing all of the beautiful pictures Lorax2 posted in a Trip Report) I just love the look of the resort and I'm so drawn to it. We can only afford one of the cottages in the back near the road, but I'm wondering how much that really matters in a place like The Tensing Pen?

Can anyone share their experiences at Tensing Pen? What room did you stay in? What were your feelings about this place? Would you recommend it as a good place to celebrate our anniversary?

How were the other guests there? How was the staff? (I'm worried they might be a bit stuffy because the whole resort has a kind of posh look to it) Do they have WIFI there? How is the food at the restaurant?

And you're probably going to laugh at my biggest concern...

The Dogs.

I loved Gentle "Ben". The golden retriever at Catcha Falling Star, but in general I'm very fearful of big dogs and "Tensing" & "Sugar" look really scary. Should I be concerned? I don't like dogs that bark loudly and growl a lot. - stop laughing at me. lol - Unlike my Lionfish Phobia ,This is actually a legit fear. I was attacked by a pack of German Shepherds at age 8.

Thank you guys for any info you can provide on Tensing Pen. We truly appreciate your help with this! Last month was incredibly heartbreaking for us, but we've been smiling non-stop since we pushed the button on this upcoming trip.:)

-Daisy

the dogs are NOT scary at all, they are really awesome to have around and are mild mannered- I wouldn't sweat that at all.

I haven't actually stayed there but, a dear friend of mine's husband was the manager there several years ago, and we toured the grounds. OMG, it is off the hook beautiful! If I had the chance to book, I would definitely do it!!! After 26 plus trips, Tensing Pen would be a dream come true. We generally stay for longer visits, so it wouldn't be financially wise for us....but, if I had to bucks to stay there....no question..I would do it in a heartbeat. You guys are young and trust me, time flies by so quickly. Do it!!! This is advice given to me by my 86 year old father...my rock.....and he speaks the truth.

My first reach was in my early 40's....but looking back, I would have loved the chance to stay there. I have read your posts and I can feel the love you both have for Jamaica. For me, it has changed my life also. Take the leap of faith and do it mi sista!!! I don't think you will regret it. And for me, I will live vicariously through your posts and have total joy in my heart for both of you. After what you guys have been through recently............you deserve it!!

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Delicious food, amazing gardens, spectacular views. I sent you a private message with more info. citronella and banana shout sound wonderful too.

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Tensing Pen is AMAZINGLY gorgeous. As you know, that was where we stayed for our honeymoon. We had the Rock Cottage II and of all the places we have stayed so far in Negril, it was the nicest room on the inside. The property is gorgeous, the rooms are nice, the food is good, the grounds and the views are amazing. It is just a really great property. Oh and the dogs, though big, are gentle giants. Most of the time they lay under the table or coffee table in the lobby or any of their other "spots" unless they make friends with you, then they won't really bother you....but if they make friends with you, they may come visit on your porch or at your table when eating, but they are very calm. Never even heard them bark....I would say there demeanor is very similar to sweet Ben.

Now with all of that being said, I will offer this:
I think for your 10 year anniversary you should go for something right on the water. There are 2 reasons I say this
1) There is just NOTHING like that sound being right on the water. I sure wish you could have Sagi for your anniversary. But I am thinking either Banana Shout or Citronella would be similar.....that sound is amazing, that view is amazing, that feeling is amazing....and you will never forget it...Magical. I think that is the experience you should have on your anniversary. Though Tensing Pen is a BEAUTIFUL property and you will surely remember it, I don't think it would be the same feeling if staying at one of the rooms further back from the water.
2) I think you should stay some place smaller, more private, and more attentive. Now the staff at Tensing Pen was fine....but they were no comparison to the staff at Catcha, which you have experienced already. We were there for our honeymoon and no one even acknowledged it. We tried to engage in conversation with the staff and it was quick chat and then done. Nothing at all like Catcha. Now I have never stayed at Banana Shout or Citronella before, but they both look great and I think it might be more romantic at a smaller place like those. We felt just a little ignored at Tensing Pen but of course we didnt mind, we were on our honeymoon and we were in a beautiful place and we had a great time. But I just think the two of you deserve more than just a great time, and since you have experienced Catcha already and will again this trip, I just don't want you to be let down by a so-so experience at a nice property, you know what I mean?

That's just my $.02

And just so we are clear...I love Tensing Pen...it is a beautiful property, I just wanted to share my experience and perspective. I think you two deserve a MAGICAL anniversary as wonderful as the both of you are....and honestly I think you will have it no matter which place you choose! :)

Monk - Thanks for heads up. They looked a little scary in the pictures I saw on Trip Advisor. It's good to know I can cross that concern off my list.

Yetta - Awww, Thank you so much Yetta! We're so excited about the possibility of staying at Tensing Pen! It's a dream come true to be able to celebrate our anniversary in Negril!

I was surprised to discover that the prices aren't too bad. The Garden Cabin is only $110 per night, and there are about 3 other cabins in that general price range but none of them have ocean views. They are tucked in the back. The ones up front are way out of our budget.

Sweetness - Those are beautiful beautiful pictures! thanks so much for sharing them! The food looks so delicious, all the tropical flowers on the resort and the room looks AMAZING- Like something out of "The Bachelor" lol

Thank you also for your PM and the information you shared. It was truly helpful and so appreciated! I have a few other questions that I'll PM you later on.

Marley - thanks for the info you shared, it really gave me something to think about. You brought up some points that I also read in a few Trip Advisor reviews. A few people mentioned that same thing.,. feeling kind of ignored by all the staff working there. So I'm not expecting same warmth that Andrea & Mauvette showed us at Catcha. On one hand, that's kind of disappointing but on the other hand, we might not mind that so much. We'll be really focused on eachother for those two days in particular. :o

You brought up my biggest inner debate. Do I want to forgo Tensing pen resort, for a smaller resort like Banana shout and Citronella with less amenities but with a killer view for the price range we can afford. Something more quaint and personal. It would be so awesome to experience being on the edge of cliff with a view of the ocean from our room once in our life, especially on our anniversary

But then I look at that infinity pool at Tensing Pen... and the pictures sweetness posted...

Ahhhh I don't know! I know I can't wait too long to make this decision because all of the rooms will book up and I wont be able to stay in any of these places.

I asked Markus and he said that he wants me to choose "I'll be happy anywhere, honey, as long as you are there with me" Which is very romantic but not so helpful in this situation. lol:D

LOL, Markus and Raul will get along well....that is EXACTLY what he would say to me! Ha
And much like you I research and think and debate and weigh options on ALL of my decisions! lol

You are absolutely right though, the infinity pool as well as pretty much the entire property are breathtaking. Go look at some of our wedding pictures in the (Day after photo album) most are taken at Tensing Pen, and even though it was JUST after TS Nicole, it was still beautiful and those are some of our very favorite photos.

So with that perspective and after hearing your responses, I say book the room at Tensing Pen. If you don't mind being somewhat ignored, then that is great. Go lay in the hammock hut, go take a dip in the pool....jump off that bridge, you will love it. And the room (even if in the Garden) will most assuredly be one of the niceset rooms you ever stay at in Jamaica....even the lounge chairs are amazing. So you are right, if this is your only chance to stay at that resort, go on your anniversary, and then go to Banana Shout or Citronella on another trip...I mean I think either way you go you will be happy.....there really doesn't seem to be a wrong choice...so that's good.

Here are a couple of our favorites from the day after our wedding take at Tensing Pen

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I'd go Banana Shout...TP is beautiful and all-but I feel BS or Citronella would be a better choice-My vote for BS..Milo is a cool guy that was running the place...

We're at Citronella from 16/04 to 21/04 and read every review and pm'd so many peole who've stayed there. Everyone tells us it's a secret paradise and although not 5*, ticks all the boxes. There's a couple of great videos on YouTube. :cool:

Clarity, hope I can help you make your decision here...
As for the other guests, I can't speak for everyone but I found the resort very quiet and the other guests mostly kept to themselves (honeymooners & couples on their anniversary). Also Tensing has a high number of repeat guests, with
some people returning since the 70's...you generally don't see many people unless you are in the restaurant.

Quiet Paths....

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The staff is great, they are very helpful but stay out of the way unless you need them...It's kind of funny, they seem to be around when you have a question or need help but otherwise you don't see them :-)
Razor at the bar is great (always sharp, never dull...ev'ry time mon).
The restaurant is excellent...self serve coffee in the morning...continental breakfast in the morning...we only ate lunch there once because we were always somewhere else, but dinner is fantastic! you are there for two days, treat yourself.

Restaurant...

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Breakfast

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Lunch

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The dogs (Tensing and Sugar) are VERY sweet and gentle...I never heard either one of them bark or growl...
They mostly do this...

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All the cottages at Tensing seem nice...they are all tucked in here and there around the property...Some are more private than others but I think any one you choose will be great.
The only negative reviews i have ever read involve the South House and barking dogs from the property next door...I personally didn't hear any dogs while we were on the property.
Here are some pics of some other cottages...

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oops...having problems uploading pics. I'll try and post some later :-)

--Dave--

Let's try again... more Tensing pen cottage pics...

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I say...Just do it :-) you guys will love it.

--Dave--

I am in the same boat as you, just a few days later. I was going to book Tensing Pen, but they are completely full. It's either Citronella or the beach for me. For alone time I would give Citronella the nod. Hettie and Chad's report offers up some info on Citronella. I like the fact that they only have a few rooms and they are spread out, so again the alone time that you really want would in my eyes be found at Citronella. You guys can be social the rest of your trip, use these two days to stayed wrapped up in each others arms.

i'm hoping for a "made in jamaica" baby <grin>

Nothing like the pillars at Tensing Pen for a young couple.
You can be all be all by yourselves, even if the resort is filled.
They will serve you for a private dinner at a remote location for your anniversary.

You will not be disappointed.

I second what Marley said about the sea view from your room or porch, IMO nothing equals that. Waking up in the morning and gazing at the sea with coffee on your porch--ahh.

Lorax2 - Thank you for the beautiful pictures and info. I showed them to Markus and he was completely floored. Tensing Pen is GORGEOUS!

Also, the tensing pen dog looks really sweet and harmless in this picture. All my fears have completely dissolved after looking at that shot

Marley - Love the pictures from your honeymoon, so beautiful! And you're so right, there is no wrong choice here as far as hotels in Negril go. I feel blessed to even have this decision to make in the first place!

Suzengrace - you're right about Milo at Banana Shout, I met him when I toured the property and he's really nice! He even offered to give us a good rate and I have his card.

Spottycatz - If we chose Citronella, you would be there at the same time as us! It would be great to meet you guys! What cottage did you book?

Irieworld - I know, It would be so nice to have that view...

Me no sen - Thanks for the info on Tensing Pen, I also feel that we wouldn't be disappointed there. It's just so beautiful! I'm also excited about checking out the snorkeling in that area. It's an uncharted stretch of ocean for us and we're curious to see what we would find exploring those waters. We love to snorkel and it's got a great snorkeling cove

Booger - Tensing pen was entirely booked???

Uhoh, I just received the same "No Rooms Available" message right now. (yikes!!) although there is instructions to call the resort directly because some of these rooms might still be available just not showing up as such on the website....

Seveen - haha, so are we...:)

At this point, I think it all depends on availability. I'll call all three hotels and see what is even available for our dates. I think the ultimate decision will boil down to that. Our trip is in six weeks, so the pickings might be slim. I know we'll be happy in any of these three hotels.

THANKS EVERYONE for all of your helpful feedback!!

I can't believe you are looking at trip number 3 in a little over a month! It seems like just the other day when you were going for the first time ever! So awesome. Let us know where you end up. Glad you have this trip to look forward to, and possible baby-making, woo hoo!

This just arrived in my inbox right now...




I am sorry to inform you that we have nothing available for the requested dates.

Please confirm if you are flexible with any other dates.

Tracey
Tensing Pen Hotel


Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:(:(

Well there goes that plan.

Booger - Tensing pen was entirely booked???

Uhoh, I just received the same "No Rooms Available" message right now. (yikes!!) although there is instructions to call the resort directly because some of these rooms might still be available just not showing up as such on the website....

That is the message I received as well. I checked other dates and they had availability, so I figured that the reservation system is doing it's job and the place is full. ;)

Citronella had availability that week last time I checked.

Thanks Booger, we're looking into Citronella & Banana Shout now...
I'm hoping something is available.

I have to confess, I'm deeply disappointed about Tensing Pen. I got Markus all psyched about it after showing him those pictures.
I guess it wasn't meant to be...:(

I'm sure we'll be happy where ever we stay...:o

Oh, no! That's too bad. I could tell you were getting your heart set on Tensing Pen.

Same thing happened to us on our first reach. I talked the place up to Sandie and when I went to book months out the couple rooms I wanted were not available. Good thing for me though I decided to go with Catcha and haven't looked back sense, well until this reach when I just lagged to book.

Banana Shout looks like a great value if you get one of the two cliff side rooms. $100 is not bad. If you get bored you can swim over to Catcha and sneak up the ladder.

i hear you can get Moondance Villas (true five star) for 180 per night, per room, if you're a walk-in .... might be worth it if you're looking for a super romantic spot. Also, take a long look at Westender Inn, i think it's 139 per night for oceanfront ....

gerryg123 - Thanks for the heads up on Moondance Villas, I'm going to look into that:)

Just wrote to Banana Shout and Citronella about their availability.

Booger - You're right, it's an easy swim to Catcha from BS - I remember Marley wondering if people can see her in the Sagi Shower from Ricks Cafe. I don't know about that, but it's a very clear view from Banana shout. When I toured the grounds and saw that, I had to giggle. ;)

Thanks everyone for all of your help! I truly appreciate it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Clarity

gerryg123 - Thanks for the heads up on Moondance Villas, I'm going to look into that:)

Just wrote to Banana Shout and Citronella about their availability.

Booger - You're right, it's an easy swim to Catcha from BS - I remember Marley wondering if people can see her in the Sagi Shower from Ricks Cafe. I don't know about that, but it's a very clear view from Banana shout. When I toured the grounds and saw that, I had to giggle. ;)

Thanks everyone for all of your help! I truly appreciate it!

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LOL, so true about the window in the shower....if you book Banana Shout, you'll have a real great shot of booger, who has already called dibs on our outdoor shower Hahahahaha ........wave, booger!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marley9808

LOL, so true about the window in the shower....if you book Banana Shout, you'll have a real great shot of booger, who has already called dibs on our outdoor shower Hahahahaha ........wave, booger!

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NO perving when I'm hitting up the shower. The waters not cold right?:D

LOL
Remember Clarity, you are only allowed to take photos of Booger's left leg! Hahahahahaha

wherever you end up will be perfect!

Hi Clarity, yup we're staying at the Roundhouse 16th through to 21st April. Good luck in your search.

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Banana Shout has a shower in the grotto !!!

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and plenty of ladders!!