One Love Bus Response to Bella Donna Overpricing

First and foremost one must understand the reason for the One Love Bar Tour

It part of a movement recapture the glory the West End community once had and;
To spread the love to the ordinary/marginalize folks struggling to make ends meet in a very hostile hospitality industry by actually holding them by the hand

I am conscious that the responsible thing to do (if one cares and is aware of sustainable community development) is to factor these folks in the equation
These folks (for them to succeed) must adjust and most don’t have the tools, knowledge and other necessary resources

Bella Donna for example is very ordinary, trying hard to survive and maintain some dignity
My investigation suggest that because Bella has to be making and tending to pizza in her very ordinary kitchen , very basic oven too , doesn’t have a camera or other means to monitor happenings in the bar, where a new staff (that oftentimes don’t calculate well and lack basic service training) is tending to the visitors

The true is that (although Bella is far from been perfect) it is not her policy to overcharge

She has taken full responsibility and has agreed to refund all those who were overcharged and will;
Place a bold price list for all to see

Her rest room facility offered to guest is now among the cleanest on the tour as oppose to a years ago when I could not say the same thing (measured improvement observed)
Bella has shown remorse

In my books everyone deserves a second chance when they show remorse

Without a bias she has this uniquely Italian/Jamaican flavored pizza that is getting good reviews

One love

Lenbert

Great post. Thanks.

Agree...we all are only human. Second chances are fi sure. Being a strong supporter of the West End...I applaud any effort to make every likkle ting irie. Keep the Love Bus rolling and bring the good times on!!! Much respect for following up on things. :)

Bella Donna was one of my favorite places on the tour. Lots of character to the establishment and she is a sweetheart. I am glad that she will still be part of the tour.

And a BIG thank you Lenbert. You are the Best :)

I was on one of the bus crawls where they were charging $5 a beer, and the bartender couldn't have been any slower... but the location is nice, the pizza was good (if not anything like NY pizza) and we chatted with Bella Donna for a minute and she seemed like a nice woman. I would go back, just wouldn't pay so much.

I also understand the need to make a buck and survive, these businesses need not only to treat visitors well but need to do some marketing! Web sites, better signage, promotions, that kind of thing. When I'm in Negril I always try to find a new place I'd never heard of, and it's easy. Negril is covered in bars, hotels and restaurants that get absolutely no publicity and have no web presence, and in some cases hardly have a sign in front of their business.

Does Bella Donnas rent rooms? When I asked to use the restroom I was taken to what looked like a hotel room that was very nice, and the bathroom was nice and clean.

I liked Bella Donna's place and thought all the staff was great. On our August Bar Crawl I thought the pizza was free and it wasn't until I returned to the states that I was told otherwise.

I just hate how folks travel to Jamaica and are constantly looking for the cheapest in everything they eat, drink and do. Who cares if you pay $5 for a Red Stripe.....come to the DMV area and you will pay $6+ for an import. I have no idea how much was "over charged" but I'm sure those same folks would have paid more back home for fresh pizza.

It's a free service to be driven to several bars so who cares if you pay extra on drinks and food.

See you in 2 weeks Lenbert!

Speak for yourself. I am always looking for the cheap beer/pizza etc whether I am at home or not.

In Philly, a lot of bars have what is known at the "Citywide Special" $5 Shot and a beer. :-D

I really enjoyed Bella Donna's as well when we were there in November. We did pay the $5/beer....whatever, her courtyard was beautiful and so was she. We would gladly go back.

Gotta keep it real here. As a single repeat tourist with a scooter, I get around a lot in Negril, and Bella Donna was not honest with me -- and it was not even during a pub crawl. Though I did not make a big deal about it, she shorted me on a meal deal. I had paid in advance for spaghetti with MEAT sauce and a veggie side -- 15 dollars or 1500j I think -- and when I arrived later in the day, all I got was spaghetti with tomato sauce and bread. No meat, no veggie.

It was not fair, and it was not what we had agreed upon, and I told her so right at the time. Bella Donna offered no compensation, but since it was minor (and the food was GOOD), I let it go. But she did lose a potential lifetime customer that day, and I think it's only fair to bring it up since the rightfulness or her pricing (and the subject of refunds) and her integrity has been put out there.

Not a BIG deal, but something I remember .....

Not going to pay $5 for a beer period! At the MLB game someone said to paid like $12 for a beer, here in KC and in St.louis at a MLB game you pay $8 a beer and that is 24 oz. so $4 a beer. So what I am saying is why is it that people keep trying to justify paying so much for a beer? Pub crawls should be like happy hours on wheels other wise just find a spot with reasonable prices and stay put...this whole thing makes me want to stop drinking and have a sub.

It's all about tolerance.

To put things in perspective, I sometimes pay 14 dollars per beer in Los Angeles at night-club type places or other entertainment venues, and though I am not crazy about the idea, at least they give you the deal you paid for and reluctantly agreed to.

Bella Donna or anyone else has a right to sell beer for 5 dollars if the price is clear in advance, and you get what you pay for.

What I really do NOT like is Negril folks that take advantage of tourists by use of deception.

Negril is the greatest vacation spot in the entire world, and I love the place, especially the people. But there are some bad apples, a few more bad apples, frankly, than what is acceptable to particularly discerning tourists. But if you go in with a mindset of simply go-with-the-flow, and you purposely budget for getting taken for a few bucks once or twice a week, then it is all Irie.

No problem, mon. I've been saying it and hearing it for years. But some Negril businesses might mean "no problem for ME that is."

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

It's all about tolerance.

To put things in perspective, I sometimes pay 14 dollars per beer in Los Angeles at night-club type places or other entertainment venues, and though I am not crazy about the idea, at least they give you the deal you paid for and reluctantly agreed to.

Bella Donna or anyone else has a right to sell beer for 5 dollars if the price is clear in advance, and you get what you pay for.

What I really do NOT like is Negril folks that take advantage of tourists by use of deception.

Negril is the greatest vacation spot in the entire world, and I love the place, especially the people. But there are some bad apples, a few more bad apples, frankly, than what is acceptable to particularly discerning tourists. But if you go in with a mindset of simply go-with-the-flow, and you purposely budget for getting taken for a few bucks once or twice a week, then it is all Irie.

No problem, mon. I've been saying it and hearing it for years. But some Negril businesses might mean "no problem for ME that is."

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The problem is that greed has become universally accepted. Most everybody most everywhere believe that they are entitled to cheating, stealing, etc... because everywhere around them it happens. Insurance companies boosting premiums 8, 10, 20% in one shot, oil companies gouging anytime they can, politicians, police, investment bankers, you name it cheat and steal. I happen to believe in Karma and that one day I'll be held accountable for my deeds good or bad. It isn't Bella Donna or Negril or Jamaica it's what is ruining the world everywhere, Greed.

"Place a bold price list for all to see"

This one little thing will be a major improvement for all businesses. I myself do not like walking in "blind" to the cost of things; more time I will observe for a bit and get a feel for what the place is charging. A. to make sure I can afford it and B. to make sure there is no discrepancy in pricing due to one's complexion or perceived "status".

As a veteran worker in the service industry I keep an eye on quality of service, cleanliness and yes a decent restroom is a must!

Lenbert, We can hardly wait to do the crawl on June 5th!

More than once I have asked, "How much for a well cold Stripe?" I wouldn't pay $5 for a warm Red Stripe anywhere in the world!

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

"Place a bold price list for all to see"

This one little thing will be a major improvement for all businesses. I myself do not like walking in "blind" to the cost of things;

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I like price lists too, but if there isn't one I simply ask before ordering.

I don't really get the big deal here, were people told red stripe would be $3 and then charged $5 or something?

Anyone seen the 5 babes from canada from my bus pub crawl? ,,

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

It's all about tolerance.

To put things in perspective, I sometimes pay 14 dollars per beer in Los Angeles at night-club type places or other entertainment venues, and though I am not crazy about the idea, at least they give you the deal you paid for and reluctantly agreed to.

Bella Donna or anyone else has a right to sell beer for 5 dollars if the price is clear in advance, and you get what you pay for.

What I really do NOT like is Negril folks that take advantage of tourists by use of deception.

Negril is the greatest vacation spot in the entire world, and I love the place, especially the people. But there are some bad apples, a few more bad apples, frankly, than what is acceptable to particularly discerning tourists. But if you go in with a mindset of simply go-with-the-flow, and you purposely budget for getting taken for a few bucks once or twice a week, then it is all Irie.

No problem, mon. I've been saying it and hearing it for years. But some Negril businesses might mean "no problem for ME that is."

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Gerry I disagree if it is done with malice or intent then is plain stealing or robbery,(not saying this is the case). Ive always had smooth runnings at bella's and yes it is a big deal to people who dont have the resources to let people take from them. problem has been adressed and im sure being embarrassed is restitution paid in full. Enough said
back 5 mins and same ole **** .

Just because people need the money doesn't give them a right to price gouge. The people who are saying, "whats the big deal?" are probably thinking, "I'm on vacation, what's a few more bucks? I'm here to enjoy myself"... but there is a difference between charging a fair price and price gouging. And then on top of that, should I still tip the bartender? Now we're at $6 a beer! Sure, if you've got a beautiful, private spot on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, you can charge a bit more. But a bar down a side street with no view to speak of, it's price gouging and taking advantage of the tourists. Those beers cost them less than a buck each. Why should there be a 500% markup? $30 for a six-pack?

I realize that times are tough, and that they need to make a buck... and I like going out of my way to spend money with the locals when I visit, and many times I will CHOOSE to overpay by leaving a very large tip... but when my store has a bad month I don't start charging everyone double to make up for it!

Hey Lenbert ! Peace Mon' Good explanation of your intentions of the tour and your investigations of the "over-pricing" topic. When we were at Bella Donnas with you, she sang a really nice song for all of us. She was very cordial. Lenbert, keep up the good times, you are to be commended. Maybe you should have a title like "Minister of Tourism" or something. Keep smiling, mon' Your friend Todd "Rock'n'Roll Farmer". PS Cold & rainy in Minnesota today ! 50 degrees.

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The people who are saying, "whats the big deal?" are probably thinking, "I'm on vacation, what's a few more bucks? I'm here to enjoy myself"

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That's valid too, but I'm saying "I'd rather buy a beer where it costs less so I won't buy one here."

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Originally Posted by ohliz

That's valid too, but I'm saying "I'd rather buy a beer where it costs less so I won't buy one here."

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Easy to say, harder to do when you've already had a half dozen red stripes and you're thirsty!

I don't drink alchohol, but I tip the same as if I did (for good service)

Once at a beach hotel bar I ordered a Ting and then asked for water and was informed that I "couldn't fly on water here". Uum, I beg your pardon, but as a guest of the hotel I think I can "fly" on just about whatever I like. Needless to say, no further tip, and no further business. Countless trips later, they just watch me walk on by....

?? Hmm wondering which hotel this is ??

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Originally Posted by Bob-n-Sandra

Not going to pay $5 for a beer period! At the MLB game someone said to paid like $12 for a beer, here in KC and in St.louis at a MLB game you pay $8 a beer and that is 24 oz. so $4 a beer. So what I am saying is why is it that people keep trying to justify paying so much for a beer? Pub crawls should be like happy hours on wheels other wise just find a spot with reasonable prices and stay put...this whole thing makes me want to stop drinking and have a sub.

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Ummm....I am a season ticket holder for both the Cards and the Rams....could you point me towards the 8 buck 24 oz beer?

They don't exist at either stadium. When was the last time you were at Busch? You can't get a beer bigger than 16oz.....a 12oz is 8.75....at the Jones Dome....it is 12 bucks for a 24 oz beer....

There is a small shop next to AhhBees.One morning my wife and I were going to AhhBees for Burgers and he wasn't open yet.We went inside the little shop,it has a couch a couple chairs and a small bar.There is an old Rasta in there and we decided to get a couple coffees and wait for Aubie to open.I ordered the coffees and he went and made them.They were very good coffees.When it was time to leave I asked him how much I owed him,he said $10.I said you got to be fu#@ing kidding me.He just looked at me with a blank look on his face as if I was an idiot.I guess I was since I didn't ask how much a coffee cost.So he got his $10 and we left.This **** is really too bad as they were really good coffees and if he hadn't ripped me off he would have made the $10 many times over as I spend at least five weeks a year there and I really like quality coffee.I don't think they even realize that by doing this to people they are losing more money than they ever get for the one time ripoff.

Ah we all live and learn. Was told a local housekeeper made the best coconut pie. I asked her to make me one. Well she came the next day with two because "they were small" How much?? 20$ each. She growled something as I refused the second one. But hell it was great pie.

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Originally Posted by Stuart Love

There is a small shop next to AhhBees.One morning my wife and I were going to AhhBees for Burgers and he wasn't open yet.We went inside the little shop,it has a couch a couple chairs and a small bar.There is an old Rasta in there and we decided to get a couple coffees and wait for Aubie to open.I ordered the coffees and he went and made them.They were very good coffees.When it was time to leave I asked him how much I owed him,he said $10.I said you got to be fu#@ing kidding me.He just looked at me with a blank look on his face as if I was an idiot.I guess I was since I didn't ask how much a coffee cost.So he got his $10 and we left.This **** is really too bad as they were really good coffees and if he hadn't ripped me off he would have made the $10 many times over as I spend at least five weeks a year there and I really like quality coffee.I don't think they even realize that by doing this to people they are losing more money than they ever get for the one time ripoff.

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Your experience is exactly why I will not eat at sharks. Was out one morning, gentleman there asked me if I wanted breakfast... Ended up charging me $10 for an egg and plantain sandwich. Have not and will not go back.

There is a bar on the way in from airport to Negril...I think the name is apple something 15min before riu hotels that has a bar and a goat out in front ...the buses are stopping there from the riu hotels and is charging 5 dollars for warm beer he did not thank anyone very angry type person...it is just the idea for first time people to the area...feel for the new people that were ripped off...did you notice the honest people will post prices...

Wow, does no one else ask how much things are before ordering them??

people should go to the hotels that are honest that post prices...

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Originally Posted by ohliz

Wow, does no one else ask how much things are before ordering them??

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WOW,are you kidding me?$5 a cup for coffee is to be expected.RIPOFF...plain and simple

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Originally Posted by Stuart Love

WOW,are you kidding me?$5 a cup for coffee is to be expected.RIPOFF...plain and simple

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Starbucks....Caribou Coffee...pretty much every coffee house in the US has $5+ coffee.

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Originally Posted by ohliz

Starbucks....Caribou Coffee...pretty much every coffee house in the US has $5+ coffee.

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Very true,I agree with you...but this is far from a high end specialty coffee shop where prices are CLEARLY posted,and every other shop in the vicinity charges $1.50-$2.00.It's not a problem,they just lost any future earnings from me with this shady practice.Many places on the West End that serve great coffee at a reasonable price.I am never too old to learn..lol

$8.75 for a 20-ounce draft of Anheuser-Busch beer (43.8 cents an ounce) and I believe that the price I paid last year at Royal Stadium was $8.75 for a 24 oz. can. My point is the Pub crawl should be happy hour prices or at least normal prices, not we have a bunch a people coming in jack up the prices. Look again when you buy a beer at the game you can get 20 oz. draft for sure and the little carts of the 24 oz. beers in cans unless they have changed. Go Blues!

Gee, I went to the MOON once and paid $450 dollars for a beer???? The spin is getting like my Maytag washing machine?

Where do you buy beer in Jamaica for less than a dollar a bottle? Do the fridges and freezers in Negril run on air?

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

Where do you buy beer in Jamaica for less than a dollar a bottle? Do the fridges and freezers in Negril run on air?

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At the supermarket?

And yes, you can spend $5 on a drink at Starbucks, but a plain cup of coffee doesn't cost half that.

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Originally Posted by Bob-n-Sandra

$8.75 for a 20-ounce draft of Anheuser-Busch beer (43.8 cents an ounce) and I believe that the price I paid last year at Royal Stadium was $8.75 for a 24 oz. can. My point is the Pub crawl should be happy hour prices or at least normal prices, not we have a bunch a people coming in jack up the prices. Look again when you buy a beer at the game you can get 20 oz. draft for sure and the little carts of the 24 oz. beers in cans unless they have changed. Go Blues!

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No more 20oz draught at Busch for 9.75. No more cans at all. 16oz is the limit. I don't do the Blues. Rams prices are off the chart stupid. 7 bucks for a hot dog....