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FONT]Would YOU push the button?
R/T airfare & 7 days at Legends for $880.00 or
R/T airfare & 7 days at SamSara for $1,000.
R/T to/from airport to either hotel included.
Beach or cliffs doesn't matter since I can transfer between both.
Time is getting short for my dates of travel and I guess I need a "nudge."
I've been debating this with myself AD NAUSEUM.
HELP! Reservation is on hold until TOMORROW at 3:30.
This would be my first trip, traveling solo, birthday present to myself :cool:.
"nudge" :)
Respect
Kirt
Beach for your first trip plus it is cheaper. Then you can still do your free transfers to Samsara. Just my opinion.
You don't really expect anyone here to try and talk you out of it do you? :cool:
Legends/SamSara are a good intro to Negril. Very lo end A/I so you can get out and sample all Negril has to offer and upgrade on your next trip.
I agree with Roy, go with Legends.
Just do it!
Thanks to all for the encouragement, but after the day I'm having today - no more "nudging" required.
Cost really isn't the MAJOR factor, more along the lines of asking myself these questions:
Is this a good deal?
Is Legends a decent place to stay? I don't need luxury - basic, clean, safe is all that is required.
How's the restaurant there (Legends)? Definitely not doing A/I, but if they serve a decent snack/beverage, that would be nice when "sand gravity" kicks in (and I know it will)! :D
All comments/advice appreciated!
I would be crazy to think anyone on THIS board would try to talk me out of it. :cool:
As I said Legends/SamSara are definitely low end. Nothing wrong with them but nothing fancy. Both are basic, clean and safe. Food is ok but not great and the drinks leave a lot to be desired such as using actual fruit instead of flavored syrup. SamSara is nicer than Legends and they have an excellent restaurant across the road called Ciao Jamaica. If price isn't a big deal I would stay at SamSara and shuttle to the beach.
Ive heard samsara was nicer and more quieter than its sister resort. Many have told me legends is a hotspot for the younger crowd.
You will not be spending much time in your room, so base your decision on the outside.
Do you want to walk out of your room and have solitude and quiet with a majestic view off the cliffs of the sea?
Or do you want to walk out to the beautiful white sand beach, which will have more activity/people watching.
Choose the one that appeals most to you, because it will be an effort to travel to the other if the gravity sets in.
My wife and I are beach people, 16 times and only 3 nights on cliffs during a split trip a few years ago. I would stay
a few nights up there again if I were going for at least 2 weeks.
Stayed at Legends several yrs ago non AI, didn't eat any meals there and drinks were $$$, I think it is to encourage you to do AI. No fridge in room unless
they have added them, so I would check to see if you can rent one.
Yup, fridge is important so you can take your own drinks to the beach. Yellow bird is 4 properties north of legends. Very nice beach and great drink specials. A handful of cocktails for 2 for $400j, from 9am-6pm. You can hang out there very easily when you like. I haven't stayed at Yellowbird but did go a few times in April for drinks. You can use their lounge chairs with purchase also. Make sure you order a dirty banana, yummy!
I think Samsara would have better rooms, a great view, but quieter. No patty vendors, juice man, fruit lady or roaming musicians like you'll find on the beach. Granted you can shuttle there during the day, but it's not the same as just being there. First time, and going solo, I think the beach is the better option...better access for various food & drink options and more people around. Unless you're looking for quiet and relaxation being #1. There's great food and drink places on the cliffs but a solo first timer may take more time to get comfortable exploring off resort there. Much easier to walk the beach, and a lot of people will walk by you when sitting on the beach.
I stayed at Samsara on my first trip. Like everyone said, it is budget but it is plenty comfortable and I imagine Legends would be much the same.
The difference is going to be the vibe. You're going to have an easier time meeting people and moving around on the beach. Lots of activity and you will not have any trouble finding good food and drink. The cliffs are going to be more quiet and chill. Both very appealing.
If I was going on my first solo trip, I would probably choose the beach.
Oh yeah....PUSH the BUTTon!
Going solo, the beach is the way to go, cliffs to quiet when your by yourself.
well? did you push the button?
Hey ya'll!
Thanks so much for the advice! I appreciate it VERY much.
I'm going to split my time between the cliffs & beach. Because of the stresses of my job and HIGH interaction with people, I'd like to have a few days to myself to decompress - be quiet - do NOTHING. So, the cliffs for 3 days and beach for 4 days. The best of both worlds, right?
So, pushing the button has been delayed again (sigh). BUT, this is a good thing. I'll be able to pinch a few more pennies together to stay in nicer accommodations. I know, I know - I said basic, clean, safe but a refrigerator and microwave in the room is nice. Top contenders for the cliffs are Catcha & Xtabi. For the beach CoCo LaPalm & Country Country.
Smaaart. True dat- best of both worlds!
Tip- you may want to do the beach first, then move to the cliffs. Going on vaca is exciting and you have lots of energy in the beginning- perfect for the beach... after 4 days move up to the cliffs and just chillax.
Not very experienced on the beach, but my vote for cliffs would be the Blue Cave Castle. Love this place!
enjoy
Beach Cocolapalm - Cliffs Catcha . A perfect combo. Enjoy your vacation!Quote:
Originally Posted by KCJazznBBQ
You're going to love any combination of those properties but I agree with Murph about doing the beach first for the exact reason he gave. Both times I've stayed on the beach it was at the end and I wished it was flip flopped
jamaican me jealous ;)
Country Country, and as Murph suggested, Blue Cave Castle. Neither of them has a microwave in the room (at least not that we've had), but both have refrigerators. Also, beach first, cliffs last.... in my opinion. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by KCJazznBBQ
OK, ya'll - I hear ya! Beach first, cliffs last.
I've done MORE research and still leaning towards Coco LaPalm & Catcha.
TIZZY - no YOU jamaican me jealous. I've read your trip reports girly. You know how to get down wit it! :cool:
Definitely hope our paths cross one day (along with MANY others on the board).
Maybe at Boardie Bash 2014?
I've stayed at Legends a couple times and had a blast. It's a quiet(ish) resort but that may depend on the time of year. I've had lunch and breakfast there and the food was AMAZING! The first time I stayed there it was for a friend's wedding and most guests stayed on the cliff side. Me and one of my gf's stayed at Legends. But another of our gf's who was also travelling alone stayed at Coco Lapalm. She didn't have any complaints either from what i recall. But i found the location of Legends to be perfect.
I believe only Catcha has a micro in room out of those you mentioned.
I've stayed 2x at Country Country and once at Coco. CC is my fave b/c I prefer the much smaller property with beach cottage feel and lovely gardens, great included breakfast. Coco's deluxe room was "nicer" by North American standards, but loved the more intimate, charming caribbean style at CC. Coco has many more guests around and a much livelier bar scene.
Note: I'm assuming you're a woman? If so, local men will want to be your Jamaican friend and want your phone # back home. Enjoy chatting with them (if inclined) but don't give your phone # no matter how well you think you've gotten to know them...they will call wanting you to top up their cell phone, need new shoes, want toiletries, are behind in their bills, etc., etc. Working people there do work long hours for low pay so tip as best you can while there, but don't give out your # unless you are prepared to sponsor them financially.