What is it that you look for in a room/resort when you go to Negril?

This year there is going to be a small group of friends coming along with my wife and I when we head to Negril in January.

Part of the group has been to Negril before but never stayed anywhere but the all inclusive resorts on Bloody Bay. I am trying to convince them that there is a different(cheaper) way to experience Negril other than staying in an AI as there are so many good bars and restaurants on the Seven Mile that AI is a bit of a waste of money. So out of the four couples we basically have three that are good with staying at a non all inclusive resort and one that isn't so thrilled about it.

I have stayed in several spots on the beach and I don't require rooms like what you see at the Riu and Couples resorts. I just need a good clean and a secure room that has some air conditioning and a fridge. I am a bit worried that my level of comfort isn't going to match up with theirs.

So what do you think? What is it that you look for in a room/resort when you go to Negril?

On the beach,POOL and room safe. Breakfast included with room rate. That's it for us, we are SO EASY!

LOL....I am hoping couple number four comes to that conclusion on this reach as well! :)

A pool is not important to me with the novelty of the beautiful warm sea. Being beach side is important (tried across the road last time which didn't cut it). Fridge, important. Love small, Caribbean charm (Country Country, which includes a great, hot breakfast) although cost is important, need to get a deal. Staying at Coco for 2nd time coming up, lacks the small and Caribbean charm criteria for me, but found deals I couldn't ignore. Security. The rest is all around as mentioned.

Cleanliness, great beach, pool (I love the ocean, but hubby prefers the pool), happy, smiling staff, fridge, secure.
Cocolapalm cuts it for us every time. We tried a different hotel on the beach last reach and spent the whole time sad that we weren't at Coco.
Sure hope you convince your friends to give it a try. I couldn't imagine doing Negril at an AI, you would just miss out on so much.

Comfortable chair (2)...A/C........Lockable and secure doors, patio doors
Ask if locals are allowed on grounds
NO BUGS or signs of BUGS......( we turn down all bedding, spray a mild bug spray and Lysol, wash all eating utensils in boiling water, disinfect toilet and surrounding areas)

Must have safe, cold fridge

My requirements

Clean
safe
Bar
Beach
AC

Fridge
Porch with shade
In room safe
Clean
Good bar close by

A safe, a fridge, and security.

The Mrs. is a little more picky than I am, but over all here is what we look for:

balcony or patio w/ocean view
direct access to the sea
clean, comfortable room where everything works
A/C
If there isn't a bar/restaurant on-site, then one (or more) within walking distance.
A pool is preferable

balcony or patio, safe, and fridge are the amenities I look for. free wi-fi is important as well. otherwise, just want reasonably clean and functioning.

I like strange women in my room when my wife is out & about.It's a bit Xtra though.

with that many people --- A/I may be the way to go --- i can see you "herding turtles" lol

YOU just break out once in a while and maybe you can get them to look at some non-inclusive places this time for next time

or take a tour into the countryside . . . see if they can handle it :-)

Prefer cliffs, but occasionally stay on beach. Good price, clean, ac if summer yet not as important in winter visits. Good beds, safe, patio or balcony, pool if on cliffs, small frig. and prefer smaller resorts. Must have....a good vibe and pleasant staff!

Fred, I suspect ANY woman in a room with you -- would have to be strange. ;)

Tagging on Seveen's post....a great, small AI is Grand Pineapple (awesome beach area).

Being on the water, either beach or cliffs, is usually important to us but thinking of staying at Seastar for a couple of nights our next trip. We have to have a patio or balcony and the place has to be safe, any reviews of theft or unsavory people hanging around is a big turnoff.

Coco la Palm was our first non-AI and we plan on going back. Great beach area, decent rooms, and close to plenty of places to eat and drink.

I used to be the same way... Would only do the AI route. I really think what we have seen at Tensing, the spa, and other places is superior to rooms at couples, sandals and the like. It's cheaper, too. We have an entire cottage at tensing in a couple of weeks, and it's cheaper than where we will stay Ina. Single room at couples for our second week.

I like a bit more luxury when I am on vacation, but so long as it's clean, has a safe, and air conditioning... I am happy.

To answer the original posters question. I look for comfy beds, oversized room with mini kitchen and fridge, free wifi, hammock on balcony/terrace, cable t.v. to watch Jamaica news programs, in room safe, poweful a/c, big pool with swim up bar, great security, beautiful grounds, excellent restaurant, room service, free breakfast, free beach transfers, and involved owners and caring staff. That's what I get each and every time at Seastar for an excellent price. It's not on the beach or even on the water but it's what I need for an enjoyable Negril vacation.
If you're thinking of visiting; you should act quickly because vacancies are limited from the looks of the room availabilities on the web site.

I just want a view of that beautiful Caribbean sea. So nice to wake up to in the morning and have that view. Catcha falling Star is the best on the cliffs in my opinion. Incredible views, delicious food and wonderful staff including Ben.

A clean room and balcony to sit on are the only huge requirements. Coffee pot would be on the list but I have a small single cup that I bring if the room does not have one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by browser59

Fred, I suspect ANY woman in a room with you -- would have to be strange. ;)

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Now wait one minute there....Don't make me get the CoCo Mafia after you.

In room safe
Security
AC
kitchen
Close to beach
Friendly staff
Clean

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaherring

I just want a view of that beautiful Caribbean sea. So nice to wake up to in the morning and have that view. Catcha falling Star is the best on the cliffs in my opinion. Incredible views, delicious food and wonderful staff including Ben.

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Oh yeah, you just reminded me of another thing I look for.............Resort Dogs!!!! To me, that adds icing on the cake. Gotta have my dog fix to help me adapt to being away from my lab. Plus, they add great security! :)

Clean
Secure
No bugs
fridge
a/c
comfy beds/decent linen

Plus
Jamaican Owned
in room Safe
microwave
Breakfast included in the room rate

I think the following would work if first time outside the "gates"
Rayon (not on the beach but access at Sunbeach) great staff and owner, clean, secure
Seawind (large rooms on the beach)
CocoLaPalm (nice wide beach front with shade)
Rondel Village (wide variety of room categories - clean, nice setup, secure)

AC
Balcony
2nd Floor
Comfortable bed
And - I like the AI - if it's at one of the small resorts - Legends - Samsara - Fun Holiday - even Grand Pineapple - We still like to hit the local restaurants - but having those drinks right there on the beach the entire time is great...

Also - being "Garden side" - that is, across Manley is not so bad either if you want to have some quiet away from the night life.. Being over there enables you to get away by yourselves and when you want some activity - it's a short walk across the way..

Of course the staff is important - But I can't think of one place we have stayed that the staff hasn't been friendly and wonderful.. Though Yvonne at Legends will always have a special place in our hearts!

I like:

ac
comfy bed
pool
good food
attentive service
good security
same workers who remember me
breakfast included if budget; exceptional food if AI
friendly fellow guests/good vibe
local friendly but not TOO local friendly
and, if possible, an ocasional topless sunbather at the pool

What I'm looking for in my yearly 3-4 weeks Jamdung inna acco in Negril, or any place in JA fe det matter:
Just a bed, a shelter, fan or A/C, some kind of a kitchen and an (outdoor) shower. Love to go "local"!
I do bring my watercooker to boil some eggs, make a cup of soup, noodles, instant macaroni or a nice (Dutch) instant coffee/thea. :p
All you guys seem to come from U.S.A., but a 2 way-ticket from up here cost like 1150 (!) US$, so mi do gotta cut my money somewhere.
It's OK with me. I love to go/do the way Jamaicans go/do! Surprising dem a lot of times, haha!
But I suppose Turkey/Spain is for me, what Negril is for you...
At the other hand... I pay like 1500-2000 J$ for a nite! Most of the time I am out anyways.

But the 1st time I travelled JA, I went a couple of days to Foote Prints, at the beginning of NMB.
And that was OK too. Fridge could be arranged, a jacuzzi wirt ocean view, a safe, balcony, free chairs pon di beach and security! After that I made my own personal JA guide, wich includes like 5 pages with low-budget-places (B & B, guesthouses, private villa-rooms), all ova Jamaica. And ofcourse this people remember me too! HAHA.

Guidance.

More love,
S.W.

Sista Whistle sort of sums up how I travel.

Me three, I have no interest whatsoever in AI's

Yeah having a kitchen this year will be a great addition. I am guessing that I probably will be renting condo's from here on in. I love to cook and that includes Jamaican favorites like curries and jerk. I am looking forward to it.

Two exists from the room in case I get into a "it wasn't me situation?"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

Two exists from the room in case I get into a "it wasn't me situation?"

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I am thinking we would get a long famously Fred! :)