Just back/ my report part one

[Big_frank]

Air Canada was late taking off from Toronto and late returning to Toronto. So far, nothing unusual here; but the wide bodied 767 gets big frank and Linda's vote every time.
I want a likkle more room; not much mind you; but a little more. Carry on luggage for us. I won't wait for luggage at the steaming hot Mobay baggage go round or in Toronto which is worse and even more chaotic.
We waited an extra hour in Toronto and then on the return, it was late from stormy Toronto and then they put us on the plane and fixed a leak in the water system which took another hour for a three hour delay.
The Air Canada/Rouge staff was great though. Cute uniforms for the three guys and three girls in our economy section and very patient people they are.

Back to Negril where we spent 10 days ending on Thursday.

We were met by Seastar Driver Henry, who is a really nice fellow and then waited outside at the airports 'Groovy Grouper' patio with a Red Stripe while our other passengers arrived via WestJet.

Then off to Negril.

But NO. First a detour to Ironshore (Montego Bay suburb), so one of our passengers could visit his brother who lived in a huge beautiful mansion.

The reason for the detour became clear once we departed the Second City and hit the open road to Negril.

A couple of giant spliffs were passed about between the 3 groups of us motoring down the pike on a great big cloud of relaxation. Henry really didn't say it was O.K. on the brand new Seastar bus; but one guest insisted it would be all right.

So the beautiful new Toyota Bus (55 g's in Kingston) got a bit smoky. Sorry Chris and Francine.

Always love the drive to Negril. Henry spotted his high school aged daughter in Hopewell and she came up to the bus window begging money like all teenagers do. Henry handed over some J's for dis and dat and we were on our way with wonderous scenery at every bend in the highway.

I was kind of hoping to spot Smith744 on the Lucea veranda; but he must have been elsewhere. Boy is that town busy at 5 p.m.

Negril never looked better when we finally hit the resort town's all-inclusive row at Bloody Bay; then the familiar landmarks and some un-familiar ones too. Traffic islands? Stop lights? Sidewalk? WTF?
Yes, an improvement and very nice indeed.

One thing I bummed about though. The Normal Manley Sea Park (public beach closest to roundabout) is closed. Supposedly for refurbishment but nothing is happening there. That pisses me off because we like to go there and chill. Now, you can't and it really looks run down which sucks.

Soon, we arrive at Seastar; and Garret hefts the bags to beautiful room 8 which is lovelier than our last visit almost 4 years to the day.
New bedspreads and original Negril (Rohan) paintings on the walls.
Flat Panel TV, nice Air, and new heavy-duty chair with thick comfy padding.
And guess what! our next door neighbors were the same folks we met 4 years ago. Lovely folks from B.C. who sing like birds and play guitars like I never could. Thank you Susan.

Upstairs in the big apartment was owner Chris' brother Paul. We have met Winnipeg's Paul each time we've stayed at Seastar and he's a stand up guy who loves Negril like the rest of us. Really enjoyed his company and knowledge.

It was bliss on the veranda with the tree frogs and neighborhood noises bringing back so many wonderful memories for Linda and I.
Delicious drinks and other party favours and even the area barking dogs were fine with us, and the neighborhood 'selectors' played eclectic; yet enjoyable tunes.

Observation: Security at Seastar is much tighter than our last visit. Security guards on the gate 24-7. Made us feel super secure.
Plus; I know Chris has a number of security cameras to keep guests safe.

Linda and I have been going to Seastar since there were only 6 rooms to rent (Chris and Francine lived in the other two).
Then slowly, additions and improvements were made starting with room 1 above the office, which was one story at that time.
Then they took over the former Beach Patrol residence behind the hotel. (Those are the refurbished less expensive rooms but still very nice)

Now 20 rooms with the 4 new units beyond the pool and Chris and Francine now live in their own home off property. However, these hard-working tourism professionals are there on site morning till night and sometimes beyond closing, entertaining guests at The Jungle or elsewhere.
You will receive personal attention from these great hosts.

Francine and the new baby are a treat for guests to observe. Beautiful little girl with mom and dad loving every minute of parenting.
Bea; Francine's mom; is still working hard in the laundry and there has been very little turnover in staff.

Most of the same great welcoming people are there and eager to help you.
We enjoy them all. The housekeepers and new to us; but are better than the previous cleaners and you can tell they are perfectionists; gathering flower buds to put on our pillows and towels.

Can you tell yet that we are big fans of Seastar Inn?

In the morning; we found that the free breakfast is 100 per cent better than it was 4 years ago.
There are warm muffins, hot hot Jamaican cornmeal porridge, bagels, toast, cornflakes, lovely banana bread, all the fixins like real butter, Jamaican coffee, sweet non processed sugar, jams, cream cheese, teas, etc. And if you want two eggs any style; 2 dollars!
Meat, home fries and extras are extra; but you really don't need more than the free stuff. Really!

The pool is great, and I love the new covered dining room and heavy duty chairs and tables that would cost a fortune in North America.

We enjoyed all the restaurant meals at Seastar including the buffet; but special mention to the fish fingers with spicy sauce and we loved Seastar Burger. It's huge and the Jamaican Coco bread instead of a bun was extra delicious, and you can get salad, soup, or fries with it for a grand total of 8 dollars. (It's enough for two to share)

The handmade drinks by Alvin and Randy are still extra special, and made the old fashioned way with a bartenders sampling spoon helping perfect the finished product. Linda loved the papaya daiquiri's and I enjoyed the white rum and Pineapple drinks and a few dirty banana's too.

[Bluez]

Good stuff, can't wait to read some more!

[callme2]

Nice report Big Frank

[davevols]

Wow, you should get a free night.
I've always thought a stay at Seastar would be nice, but 7-8 night stays just don't leave enough time to not be on the beach.
Your description might sway me to give it a try, sometime.
Thanks for the great start.

[kaycee]

Very nice trip report!

[Big_frank]

davevols. You can ride to the beach and back every day for free on the Seastar Bus. Leaves at 11; picks up at 4. (although we always cabbed it back)