Grand Pineapple vs. Beaches

Hi After 8 long years away my family and I are planning a return trip to Negril next spring. Last time we had booked at Beaches Sandy Bay but we were upgraded to Beaches Negril. My son was 10 at the time and we really had a great time. We loved the water activities and we were OK with the food. I think we'd be happy again at Beaches (seems like it's even better now with more food choices), but it's so darned expensive. Plus I would like to try out some of the other eateries that are often mentioned on this board. Also, now my son's 17, and I remember that the nightly entertainment was really geared towards younger kids. I am considering Grand Pineapple, but I'm afraid we'll be disappointed comparing it to our time at Beaches. Can anyone offer any comments on the dining and activites at GP? We enjoyed snorkeling, banana boat rides, waterskiing, kayaks at Beaches. Does GP offer these as well? Also, last time we arranged a trip to Rick's through Beaches. Is there a recommended driver we can contact? THANKS!

We stay next door, and I think your stay at GP would be different. They have some stuff for watersports - I think kayaks, a Sunfish or two, a paddleboat or two - but not nearly as much as Beaches. I also think the evening activities are aimed at older/younger people - your 17 year old probably won't be impressed.

That said, there are boats that park at either side of the property for snorkeling or other charters, there is usually somebody with a Hobie cat looking for customers just north of the property, and you're in the lively area of the beach. You'll be right next door to Alfred's concerts, and a short way from Bourbon Beach.

I wouldn't worry at all about finding a driver for Rick's - there are always taxis around. Just use a red plate cab. Any time I want to go to the west end, whichever taxi driver I get is eager for me to take his phone number to call for pickup.

i think you'd be fine at GP --- as mentioned all water activities are available and there is music on the beach at night -- you may want to also plan a day trip to some place like the falls or black river and pelican bar --- might want to attend a webcast or two -- my favorite is Canoe.

I think the location of GP lets you experience AI and dig a bit more into Jamaica

Just an FYI..GP is currently closed for renovations..to be re-opened in November..per their facebook page. you can still book at GP..but Sandals corp will move you to beaches..We were at GP in June and really enjoyed it, but for a teenager..dunno...like was said..they have a few things there to do...but not much to keep an older teenager too entertained.

my 17-year is fine as soon as he hooks up with a friend . . . Jamaican or tourist

met one of my best friends through a child to child hookup

Depends how much you and your son want to do motorized water sports. GP doesn't include anything motorized, but as mentioned, seadoos and parasailing is readily available at extra cost anywhere on the beach. The difference in cost between the 2 resorts would probably allow for a lot of motorized rentals. It is entertaining to lounge on long bay beach and watch all the people, locals, tourists, strolling vendors and musicians. As mentioned, Alfred's next door has live music about 3 nights a week. If you're up for it, you could take him to the jungle for dancing. I don't know how much he'd need to be entertained, but at his age, I'd think he'd prefer live reggae bands over Beaches entertainment geared for kids.

Beaches would be a lot more flashy than GP, so comparing would be difficult. I think you need to try to let go of comparing properties and realize that you now have different needs and this is a new adventure. (or not, if your needs remain the same) Depends on your son too. My 17 yr old is not the "Beaches" type. He has long hair, plays the guitar and isn't terribly active. For him/us, Beaches would be a waste of money and hanging out on long bay and visiting the cliffs is way more his thing (as mine).

I thought Beaches had closed and was being reopened under a new name.

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

I thought Beaches had closed and was being reopened under a new name.

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You're probably right - I can't keep up with those AI changes/new names! Is it changing focus away from younger kids as well?

Yes, I think it is going to be an upscale adults only resort but I can't remember the name.

Ras - Beaches Sandy Bay is the one that closed and is reopening - Beaches Negril is still there and still family

We stayed at Beaches when my kids were young, loved it and always felt I got my monies' worth because they are eating machines. When my oldest turned 15, we had to look for something else since the price for her then went up to the price of an adult. We never stayed at Grand Pineapple (back then it was called something else), but we then started going the non-AI route. Found rooms with refrigerators to stock up on drinks and food. The places the kids liked the most - then - were Crystal Waters Villas and CocoLaPalm, for different reasons. Coco had the breakfast vouchers, pools, big beach, great location and Crystal Waters is located next to Margaritaville (noise never an issue) and they liked hanging out on Margaritaville's water trampoline and we all loved the food that was freshly prepared by the staff there (I paid for groceries). Water activities can be arranged through the motels or on your own. Of course, I had to pay and they couldn't go as often as they wanted, but the snorkeling adventures and boat trips were much better and more customized. As they got to be older teens, they stopped missing Beaches and loved these other places as much as - or more - than Beaches. Now they are grown and two are beach lovers and two are cliff lovers, but I'm glad we got away from the AIs.

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Originally Posted by melicaru

Hi After 8 long years away my family and I are planning a return trip to Negril next spring. Last time we had booked at Beaches Sandy Bay but we were upgraded to Beaches Negril. My son was 10 at the time and we really had a great time. We loved the water activities and we were OK with the food. I think we'd be happy again at Beaches (seems like it's even better now with more food choices), but it's so darned expensive. Plus I would like to try out some of the other eateries that are often mentioned on this board. Also, now my son's 17, and I remember that the nightly entertainment was really geared towards younger kids. I am considering Grand Pineapple, but I'm afraid we'll be disappointed comparing it to our time at Beaches. Can anyone offer any comments on the dining and activites at GP? We enjoyed snorkeling, banana boat rides, waterskiing, kayaks at Beaches. Does GP offer these as well? Also, last time we arranged a trip to Rick's through Beaches. Is there a recommended driver we can contact? THANKS!

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The size of the hotels is a very big difference. GP is much smaller.... only 1 restaurant too. But it's more centrally located for the night life.... personally, if the prices are almost the same, go for Beaches, u will get a lot more for yr money.

St. Anthony's Kitchen

GP and Beaches are both owned by Sandels. If you stay at GP you can use the water sports at Beaches.