A few ?'s

I have several questions that I'm hoping the boardies here could help me with...

First...I'm staying at Samsara. Haven't heard much about it on these boards, and it has very mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. Sounds pretty cool to me, and I consider myself pretty easy to please. All I'll be doing really is sleeping there anyways. If anyone has experience with Samsara, I'd love to hear it. Pretty please.

Second (kinda random)... I'm all pumped up to try the ackee and saltfish for the most important meal of the day. However, I'm a long time fan of Banana Pancakes...does anyone know where I can find them in Negril?

Last ?...If I'm staying on the cliffs, how is walking from there down to the beach?

That's all I've got right now, most of my other questions I have already found answers to (thank god for this forum yall are amazing)....but I'm sure the closer I get to take off, I'll come up with a few more.

First...I'm staying at Samsara. Haven't heard much about it on these boards, and it has very mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. Sounds pretty cool to me, and I consider myself pretty easy to please. All I'll be doing really is sleeping there anyways. If anyone has experience with Samsara, I'd love to hear it. Pretty please.


I havn't stayed at Samsara, but have been there a few times. he food IMO is only okay. They have live music son Sunday night. If you are easy to please, this place will fit the bill. They have a nice pool and gardens. The cliffs are only aobut 10' high, so getting in the water is no problem. Lots of good places to eat within a 10 minute walk.

Second (kinda random)... I'm all pumped up to try the ackee and saltfish for the most important meal of the day. However, I'm a long time fan of Banana Pancakes...does anyone know where I can find them in Negril?

A number of places make bananna pancakes. Big Roy makes great ones, he is down on the beach road near Legends (Samsara sister property). It used to be called Selina's, but I can't recall the new name.

Last ?...If I'm staying on the cliffs, how is walking from there down to the beach?

Too far for me to walk to the beach. A cab ride is less than $1.50 US. Samsara provides a free shuttle to Legends and back, so ask at the desk for the times.

Regards,

Bob

Along with Selina's, Bar-B-Barn and Kuyaba both have great banana pancakes; additionally, the latter two have delicious pineapple pancakes (only time I eat them is in Negril ... lol!!)

I have walked way many times past Samsara from Negril Beach Club Condo's down on the beach and from Xtabi back. You have to be alert but it is not bad if you are paying attention. There are some blind curves so check before you round them and walk on whatever side of the road has the most walking space away from road. I enjoy the walks.
As for opinions on Samsara, I have not first hand stayed but have met many who have and it is safe but very budget from those I have heard.

The last time I stayed at SamSara was 10 years ago so I won't be of much help there. Closer to where you are staying Jenny's has great banana pancakes. For Ackee and Saltfish head up the road in the other direction to Jus Natural.

When I stayed at SamSara (I stayed there for 11 years) I always walked to the beach...but that was before the road was finished being paved so the traffic wasn't as fast. I believe I'd still walk it - its about a 1/2 hour walk from there to say Legends (their sister property). Speaking of which, SamSara has shuttle that went between their property on the cliffs and Legends on the beach. That might work for you.

Jenny's has great ackee and salt fish, great food period. Also check out Sips and Bites, near RockHouse. Both have decently priced good yardie food. As for the walks on the cliff be careful .

Samsara is a really nice property pool is nice and clean jacuzzi there ,loungers,the view from the upstairs dining area for breakfast is amazing watching the sun come up and just looking out to the ocean.They do a free beach shuttle daily leaves at 10am returns at 4 jump on that.Jennys a little cafe is within walking distance and serves delicious food at low prices.
You will like it there.It is not a party spot at all rather a nice laid back place to be safe and chill and relax with a great view.

Selina's is now Cafe Goa if you want to try them on the beach.

rjonson: Sounds good. I did pick up on the universal opinion that the food is only ok, so I opted against the AI plan. From everyones responses it sounds like good food is just a few steps away. nice. As for cliff jumping, love it, which is the main reason I chose not to stay on the beach. Didn't realize cab fare would be so cheap down there from Samsara. Everything sounds good...thanks

Lynntt: Did you say pineapple pancakes??? I might have a new obsession.

Shellyk: Thanks, I didn't think it could possibly be as bad as some have made it sound lol. I will be cautiously enjoying the walks. haha I'm assuming night time, Im best off taking a cab right?

Ok, we have 3 for Jennys and 3 for Selenas-now cafe Goa (thanks LuvinNegril)....gonna have to try both

Tictoc I'm looking forward to the chill vibe on the cliffs....it will be nice to be able to leave the "party" when I'm ready. Thanks for your review it sounds lovely.

Appreciate all the responses

*I just returned Wednesday*
Tizzy, I just returned and I stayed at Xtabi which is within walking distance. You will have to catch a taxi to the beach. There will be tons of taxi drivers up and down the street all day.....When I wanted to hang out with my friends on beach, I just walked out my resort and offered them 2-3 J's to take me to the beach...take it or leave it

I met some people that were at Legends and Samsara was their sister resort.they jumped on the free shuttle to Samsara...I walked over and partied with them.....I don't know about the rooms but the pool area was nice and the food was delicious. I had a blast watching them jump off the cliffs.

I didn't try the ackee but I did have the saltfish on the beach. I can't remember the name of the place but it's located on the beach....

Just a caution: the $1.50US fare to the beach is a route taxi fare. Route taxi is local shared transportation that runs on a route. Drivers stop to pick up and drop off passengers along the route in an effort to operate at full capacity. In Negril there is the Beach to roundabout route for $100J and you can catch roundabout to west end for another $100J.

Before I get in the red plate taxi, I'll say something like "$100J to Roots?" just to make it clear that I'm not looking for a charter (private ride). Route taxis are required to display their route, usually painted on the side doors.

(I think the other poster meant to say she offers 2 or 3 Hundred Jamaican, not sure anyone would do anything for 2 or 3 Jamaican dollars...)

@gold.... yes I said 2 or 3 J's .......to me it's the same as saying 200 - 300 Jamaican Dollars .....

"2-3 J's to take me to the beach...take it or leave it

You do mean 200-300JMD...right?

You don't "have to" take a taxi to the beach - not at Samsara. as TicToc mentioned, they provide a free shuttle bus that goes back-and-forth at 10 AM and 4 PM, to Legends on the beach, which is their 'sister' property; and guests can utilize the amenities at both hotels.

also it CAN be walked easily, if you are fit and enjoy walking..... the traffic can be crazy sometimes; and i wouldn't walk it after dark, but during the day I walk from beach-to-cliffs or cliffs-to-beach all the time - takes about 30/40 minutes; i'm an avid walker and love the exercise. Some people find that between the heat and the traffic, it might be a bit too far for their comfort - but in any case it's eminently do-able if you enjoy walking; it's also a great and fun way to check out all the spots along the way, meet and chat with people, etc.....

Jennys is the spot. like a Mom n Pop place back hone, great Jamaican and American Food, clean, prices are on the low side..."and dont forget a take home slice of "special cake"...for those late evening moon watching, very nice-mellow feeling...and NO Hangovers.....lol


A short walk from SamSara towards the Beach on Morass side of road.......

If you go to Jenny's Cakes, also try her daughter's unique little place next door - C&D Country & Western Roadside Pub.
The sign says "10 Sq. Ft. of Texas", because it's such a likkle bar, but has a kitchen behind the bar and she makes some good food.
Connie is a very nice lady.

The pic is from St. Patty's Day pub crawl, I don't look like that every day - LOL.
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Good stuff guys, thanks so much!

Funny, last night found the travel book I got a couple months ago....opened it up and just laughed....glad for this site and everyone here who shares what they know about Negril.

Tizzy - don't write off the travel book, lol. Definitely read it but fill in the blanks from forum members on sites such as this. The book will give you the basics (and depending on the book hopefully will be accurate) but a little bit of both types of information cannot hurt. Book-wise, I've always found the Lonely Planet books to be pretty good...I've met some of their writers over the years which means they were scoping out the "good spots", ;)

Shark's right across the road from Tensing Pen will make you Banana Pancakes and they are good. I was looking for Banana Friters and she said that she made then and her mother who wassitting with her ask what I orderd and she said it was a pancake. Back in the day they where very thin, oily and sweet, oh so good.

Rastagirl, you're right that wasn't fair of me...the one I have is actually the Lonely Planet Jamaica, and it was a big help in narrowing it down to Negril. Most def. has some good basic info....but this is invaluable!

Lane...my mouth is watering....banana pancakes....banana fritters....Mmmmmmmm

Quote:

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Originally Posted by doctoro

...Also check out Sips and Bites, near RockHouse.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by lane

Shark's right across the road from Tensing Pen will make you Banana Pancakes and they are good.

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I second both of those recommendations. Good food and good prices at both.
Also, Shark's has a nice selection of fruit and veggie juices - saved my life on a hot, hot, hot day.

Another good choice nearby is Eddie's De Bar - across the road from Sips and Bites and just a likkle farther out (walking distance) along West End Road. Great food and great vibe around the campfire at night. Two of the brothers from 3 Dives started their own place - and IMHO have the better food.

years back, there was a place called "Planet Jamaica"...cliff side road at the end of HeartBeat Cottages, across and a little up from Tayons........

was leased by some Italians.,had good food, nice place for sunset, quiet, lol maybe too quiet....soon closed.......

I have stayed at Samsara twice--once in 2006 and once in 2009. Not sure if you are staying cliffside or garden--but the last time I was there I initially booked in a garden cottage w/no ac, and that was in late Sept/early Oct and it was way too hot. I switched to oceanside which is where I was the first trip. As mentioned--I used the shuttle to get to the beach, or route taxis if I didn't want to stick to the 10 am departure, 4pm return from Legends. Last stay, I didn't eat any meals there (don't like the food). But I ate at Choices (right across the street and a good option if you don't want to go far). I ate a few times at Just Natural and Xtabi--both a short walk away. I also walked to Jenny's an Miyard and cabbed to Sips and Bites. All mentioned have great food and are nice places to hang out at.

I don't much like walking the road for long distances unless it is early (cooler temp). Also some spots are a little tight when cars zoom by. Sometimes I will walk part way and decide to jump in a cab along the way as I prefer doing long walks on the beach. Another place with great banana pancakes is country country. But I think you can get them at many places that serve breakfast.

If you have any specific questions about Samsara, ask away. Great sea and sunset views. The jacuzzi doesn't have hot water--but then many in Negril don't. When I stayed there I brought a cooler and bought ice at L and M store==a great little store across the street and to the left from Samsara's lobby entrance. They have liquor, beer, snacks, soap and much more. I bought my own rum, mixer and beers and saved some money that way.

Thanks Irieworld, I believe I'm staying in a "king cottage" on the cliff side. It's supposed to have AC, but after reading reviews it sounds like sometimes they don't put you where you wanted to be. lol Shuttle sounds good, that's a nice perk.

I didn't know there was a store across the street....THAT'S PERFECT, already got a good collapsible cooler I could bring. Great, thanks!

yes, the store was great -- I brought a collapsible cooler as well. It in not right across the street -- but a little ways down the road to the left. Short walk. I got cheese, tomatoes and coco bread there as well as drinks and other snacks. Many times that served well for lunch. There is also a fruit/veg stand up the road a bit in the other direction where you can stock up on fresh fruit.