Had to pass on ivans this eve was told no longer welcome unless we book. boo hoo.
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Had to pass on ivans this eve was told no longer welcome unless we book. boo hoo.
There's a wedding there...maybe that was the actual issue!
When I stopped by for a visit in Feb they told me no outside guests during the day any more. Out side guests were still welcome for dinner though.
I'd say that would be the polite thing to do. I suppose that's why the main gate is closed and guarded 24/7.
That is what it is now, outside guests after 5 for dinner and the bar only.
After 5 policy seems right to me.
I thought it has been like that for a long time? I have no problem with that at all.
Better that way, if you ask me...we made a reservation for, and had the shuttle bring us to Catcha...no crowd/beautiful!!
I can understand why Catcha set that up, and support their reasoning. But when I stayed at Seastar, that made my trip--being able to swim in the sea at Catcha ( maybe 4 years ago or so). Seastar guests had privileges there and that made all the difference for me as I want easy sea-access when I go to JA and prefer swimming in the sea to a pool. Also I was there during off season--so I think my business at Ivans was appreciated--I never saw more than a couple of guests around.
I know that last trip, Vincent said he had to pick us up at Catcha. We were not staying there, but we asked the guard at the gate if we could get picked up there and he told us to check at the desk. They said no problem...which we really appreciated. We bought a drink while waiting and enjoyed the views until Vincent showed.
I understand they have their rules but I was really thrilled to be able to be picked up there for our snorkel trip. I have been told however, that if the sea "roughs up" that the resorts have to allow one to exit through their property. Vincent said that they indeed can not allow folks to just wonder in, etc....but if you have to exit from the sea...you are allowed to leave through the properties....not hang out or swim, etc...
If one wants to stay at catcha they should....its great...but if you choose to stay somewhere else but want to use another property as yours you shouldntcexpect that...think of this u go to new York city stay at the holiday in would you expect to go to the ritz to use the pool or would you call for a restaurant reservation or stop by the bar
I'm staying there... so I am completely fine with their policy. Makes me feel safer. If all you have to do is make a reservation... make it.
Well said, garysteph!
Thank you.. thank you very much! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by marley9808
Wow, I'd imagine that may change some folks mind about Seastar no matter how wonderful. I know different strokes....but access to the sea is a must for me, I have NEVER been in a pool in Negril. That is the ONLY down side about The Oasis on the west end.....
No problem!
Also, South Carolina? I grew up in Myrtle Beach and went to Coastal Carolina University! :)
Yep... good ole SC. North Augusta here... complete land lock! MB was where we always went for vacation until we moved to St. Augustine for a couple of years! It's hard to go back to SC beaches when you've experienced FL beaches! I can't imagine what Jamaica is goong to do to me!Quote:
Originally Posted by marley9808
Irie_Dawta
Not a problem for this Seastar Fan - there is a shuttle every day to the beach if I want the ocean along with plenty of other options if I need to enter the sea
Why would it "change some folks mind about Seastar"?Quote:
Originally Posted by Irie_Dawta
Seastar has never hidden that it's not on the sea & offers an incredible & affordable vibe that is rare to find anywhere elsewhere in Negril!
Catcha Falling Star's policy is the same as it has been.
Catcha Falling Star for quite a few years now, has only allowed their paying room guests access to the property during the day with access to outside guests after 5pm in the restaurant & bar only.
In Tattoo's case...there was a wedding going on & access to non-room guests that evening was limited to reservations only...not really a big deal.
There's also other properties available to visit that have open access to non-room guests...Xtabi for example.
when I stayed at SeaStar in Feb........I just took a 5 minute $100 Route Taxi down to Pee Wees........
and swam and snorkeled in da morning........sometimes I didn't even buy a drink at Pee Wees......
and other times I took the SeaStar van down to the beach and dem stop where you want.......
so if you are staying at anyplace on da cliffs..........getting to da wata is no problem at all........
really a non issue for anyone on da Cliffs........
Cool Runnings, Marko
I think it is really is personal preference. I love to stumble out of bed in the morning, throw on my suit and jump in the sea, without having to get a cab, walk a distance, or coordinate with a van. I also love having my first cup of coffee gazing at the sea. Seastar is awesome, and they are famous for repeat guests and wonderful hospitality, and I enjoyed my stay there. But I found that for me, being on the water is a key component in what I look for when on vacation. Either way, Jamaica is sweet and has something to offer for almost every kind of traveler.
I think Chris and Francine at Seastar Inn have used a good business strategy: they knew they were up the street from the Coast, so they systematically have tried to outperform other hotels in just about every important aspect except for the view: Exceptionally low prices, fantastic home-cook food and top-notch fruity mixed drinks, a POOL in a neighborhood where not every property has one, down-to-earth service with little extras.
It's all worked out well, enough so that the Seastar Inn has made some key physical improvements -- plus the Saturday shows have helped the hotel's reputation.
My only concern is the place is getting TOO popular -- There are only a handful of rooms, and that's part of the charm.
Mi soon come.
Sorry, but I dont recall saying, even remotely, that Seastar hid anything. Please dont put words in my post as I am not speaking negatively about Seastar - no need to get defensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
All Im saying is IMO (I am entitled to that, yes?) that it might change some minds because not everyone goes to Jamaica for the same reasons. Some people actually want to spend lots of time in/around the water. Having to go have a drink/food somewhere for access or to wait for a shuttle to enjoy the water is an inconvenience, IMO. Am I speaking from personal experience, yes, and even though I had transportation, I didnt like it - but thats me and as I said in my post, DIFFERENT STROKES....as in different strokes for different folks as in not everyone will feel the same but thats what makes the world what it is.
I guess thats why the west end and not on the sea really have no bearing on my stay, as the last two stays on the beach, I never went in the water once?!
Wow, now ya see, that is just unimaginable to me, lol! Not that anything is wrong with that....different strokes:)Quote:
Originally Posted by poolguywindsor
I could go to the sea (beach or cliffs) and sit/swim/snorkle for hours and hours on end....just me, the ipod, and an unmentionable illegal sumting. Someone recently posted a thread about what makes a good vacation. For me, the more time I spend at the sea, the better the vacation. So easy access is a must for me!
Have to agree with Irie Dawta. I can't imagine not being on the beach and going in the water every 5 minutes. I'm not a swimmer so I would not get in the water on the cliffs where I can't touch bottom. We are still going to try the cliffs for 3 nights in November but I think that is more than enough time up there for us. Again, different strokes!
Speaking of different strokes I cannot imagine doing what Clarity & Hubbyman are doing. Changing hotels every few days. I am already stressing because I have to change rooms after 2 days at the same resort. I like to unpack right away and be done with it.
I never said anywhere that you weren't entitled to your opinion...everyone is...including me!Quote:
Originally Posted by Irie_Dawta
I did not see one of your first posts saying that you stayed there "maybe four years ago or so" & that you liked the sea access that was offered at Catcha at that time.
I simply responded to the one post you made, as it could have seemed confusing to those that may have been thinking of staying at Seastar. Catcha has not offered access to Seastar guests or any other hotels' guests for years.
If I could miss one of your initial posts - someone else may have missed it also.
Well, for what it's worth: The last time I visited Seastar Inn, Catcha was very accommodating .... Maybe it depends what kind of mood the security guard is in???
Up until very recently Seastar's website shouted out the fact that you could have exchange privileges with Catcha. I'm sure this created some confusion as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
when we stayed at Seastar, in Feb. we had drinks at Ivans bar several times, and ate dinner there twice, no prob mon. Great vibe, staff and other guests where very freindly towards us, I would never consider using their sea access or pool, as that is the privilage of being a paying guest. I think next time we stay on the west end, as this was our first time staying on the cliffs, that we would prefer to be on the water. However i do plan on returning to Seastar, for drinks and food, and maybe another Saturday show, Cheers!!!
Booger...it's been years since that's been stated on there!
It was 2008 that it was last on the Seastar website.
It still says that their is cliff access at Catcha on the Negril One-Stop website under its list of Seastar amenities. I know it is an independent site so you have to take it with a grain of salt, but I can understand folks being confused - especailly since I was!
http://www.negrilonestop.com/seastar_amenities.shtml
Unfortunately...Negril One Stop is doing a disservice to all of their clients...Catcha Falling Star, Seastar and people that book through them.
Fixed...Much respect to Onestop!
I have trusted them for great info for many years now!
:)
Interesting, as I first went to Seastar's website last year. You sure about that?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
I didnt say that in a post.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
Booger, I am with you. I came up with the idea after first seeing it on Seastar Inn's web site. I asked Chris at the time, who said it was an "informal agreement" with Catcha .... Then, Chris said, Catcha eventually changed its mind.
Folks, if it makes you feel better, Catcha Gardens guest are equally unwelcome as anyone else under Catcha's (relatively) new policy.
NegrilOneStop has taken it off their amenities, I'm sure they didn't put that up maliciously. I've traveled through them several times and they have never done a disservice to us. In fact they were great the few times we have had issues with flights, etc.
Actually...my mistake was that I assumed (shame on me) that sea access was listed on Seastar's site before 2008 as I knew that was the last time there was a major change on their website.Quote:
Originally Posted by booger
I went back even further to 2004 try to actually find where it was stated that they had special access at Catcha & I couldn't find a thing.
You can check for yourself, Booger at archive.org.
Jajodi...no one said it was malicious. Wrong information..simply said...is a disservice...they've corrected it...done!Quote:
Originally Posted by JaJodi
Actually...I find this whole thread/the original post a bit strange.
Again...this is simple...Catcha Falling Star hasn't offered access to non-paying room guests for quite some time...I believe it's almost a couple of years or more when they became particularly strict about it. As Catcha became more popular they started to restrict the number of people on the property...it's their right to do so. And, it has nothing to do with whether you're a Seastar guest or not...it's all outside visitors to Catcha.