Staying at Roots Bamboo - Tips/Advice

[jennnn]

I give Roots thumbs up. I have stayed there several times and had nothing but great experiences. I just returned 3 weeks ago from a 12 night stay there. I am a 40 year old white american girl basically from the boons too I have stayed at Roots by myself some trips and with boyfriend other trips. I always felt safe and I can't think of a single negative thing to say. The cabins are basic, but decent size, cheery, clean and priced great, in my opinion, for being right on the beach. On that note, the location on the beach is ideal. And most of the cabins have been recently updated. My very first stay there was very last minute, I just needed a place to crash for the night so I stayed in one of their very basic rooms...bed, table with mirror and a closet, $30 US at the time. You get a key for the bathrooms and showers which are conveniently located and more than enough stalls/showers...also very clean. When I decided to stay there for the rest of that trip I did move into a room with private bathroom and it was perfect. For me, my spur of the moment stay turned into a great find. Everyone from the ladies in the office, to the bartenders, waiters/waitresses, cleaning ladies, grounds/maintenance guys, to the few locals who are there every day ,to the many repeat guests....Everyone is very fun, friendly, helpful and polite. Everyone has always respected my privacy, but they are always there if you wanna chat, hang or ask questions,etc.

On the flip side, I can certainly understand how what appeals to me may not appeal to others. It is a very laid back/basic place, and it is public so it's by no means a 'guest only' place. Monday and Wednesday nights are live show nights so it is very loud until at least 2am, with many people(local & tourist) walking and hanging around the property. Certainly don't expect a quiet, private night on your veranda those nights. I love show nights and enjoy just people watching, meeting people and listening to the show from my veranda, but for some this may be disturbing and unappealing so I am just trying to paint a clear picture for those who would/wouldn't want this type of atmosphere. Roots does have a security guy and he does a great job! Even on show nights when there is A Lot going on in every direction he is totally on top of the whole scene.

Anyway, when I saw this post I took it as an opportunity to share my positive experiences at Roots. I am very laid back and have stayed in pretty much every type of accommodation in Jamaica....from All Inclusive resorts on the beach, to hotels/private homes on west end, to private homes up in the hills of Lucea. So being among local living is very comfortable/appealing to me. If someone prefers a plush, tightly gated resort type place then Roots is not for you, but if you are laid back, and just looking for affordable, clean friendly place I would highly recommend Roots Bamboo! Anyone want any more info, PM me and if I can help I'd be glad to.

And narjee, wherever you decide to stay I hope you fully enjoy your stay in Negril!! And now that you are on the board I'm sure all boardies would love a trip report from you

[narjee]

Drifter, that does help put a lot into perspective. As you said, the staff at Roots have been very helpful. They explained a lot of the pictures online are old, and show the cheaper priced ($30-40/night) rooms. It would be great hearing from someone who's had first hand experience staying there in one of the 'nicer' cabins.

Music late into the night doesn't bother me at all, I like staying up until sunrise a few of the nights. Do I ever have me some good stories to tell, and hopefully I'll have some new ones right from the jump as we arrive on a Friday at 3pm and I'll most def be playing sun catcher the first night.

I am really so astonished by the adventurous souls here and the amount of repeat trips to Negril. Something special must be bringing everyone back. I can't wait to be there and experience all these tremendous things I've read about, feels like my town.

Drifter, hope you have a great trip, third times a charm. Let us know how it goes at Roots, it'd be cool living vicariously through you before I go.

[Drifter141]

Jennnn - Thank you so much for the information. It looks like you have the same travel style as my wife and me! She was actually hoping to hear feedback from a female since it can be a very different experience than guys, and your feedback really confirms that we made the right choice to book with Roots. While it may not be for everyone, we really do enjoy all the activity that goes with places like Alfred's and Roots Bamboo on the beach -- there's always something going on!

One quick question -- do you know if Roots takes credit cards as far as paying for the rooms? We just want to know how much cash to have on hand.

Narjee - I'm glad you found some of my feedback special. We'll definitely give a report on our stay here and on other travel sites to give some updated feedback. We're staying in one of the $65 rooms too, so we'll be sure to take a lot of pictures to give a good sense to other prospective renters.

When are you travelling to Negril? My wife and I will be there until Feb 22, so maybe we'll cross paths! We're actually breaking up the trip and staying the second half on the cliffside at Blue Cave Castle, and are really looking forward to that part as well.

That's the thing about Negril. The accommodations really do run the gamut from camping on the beach to basic rooms to plush non-AI to all inclusive resorts. It's really whatever your level of comfortability! It sounds like you could be down with a place like Roots, but obviously when travelling with a couple it comes down to what works best for both people. So if your girlfriend would be more comfortable in a different setting, then you'll most definitely be able to find something that is perfect for the two of you!

[jennnn]

Drifter141.... After just re-reading your original post on this thread I am quite sure you and you wife are going to be very happy at Roots! If you loved Alfred's I can't imagine you won't love Roots even more and I have a feeling this will be your first of many stays at Roots.

To answer your question, Yes Roots accepts credit cards...I have used both Visa and Master Card there. Also, just wondering....which room type did you book? Did you book a certain cabin? Just asking so maybe I can help with cabin location (based on availability of course) just to further ensure you enjoy your stay to the fullest. Not sure if that even matters to you or if you know the lay out of Roots. Not that it's a big place or anything, but I just know for me I like to choose my cabin ahead of time, if possible, so just thought I'd offer info if your interested in that. .

I'm glad my feedback helped and if I can help any further before your trip just let me know

[Drifter141]

Thanks Jenn, that's great to hear! We are really excited about staying at Roots. We are staying in one of the cabins with private shower/bath and everything. Didn't reserve a specific cabin.

Do you have any recommendations for which cabin to book? It's great timing because I am going to call on Monday to confirm our arrival time and would love you thoughts on prime location!

[jennnn]

It's really about what your preference is.... When you enter the property from the road the office is straight ahead....then behind the office are basically 3 rows of cabins labeled by letters. The middle row cabins are the one's without private baths,etc....So you will be staying in either the left row or the right row. Each row has approximately 6 -8 cabins. The biggest difference is the right row is in what I would call the back of the property...more private, yet still just steps to bar and beach. There is really no view from the back row as a fence divides the beach from the property. But again, its a small property and its never more than 20 steps to sea view or bar.

The left row, front of property, has a lot more traffic so to speak...people walking by, staff going from kitchen to restaurant all day,etc. The restaurant/ bar pretty much prevents any real view of the sea from any cabin, front or back row, but from the front row you can see the sea a little bit and certainly feel closer to it. From what you have said it seems you like to socialize and enjoy the company of locals...in this case I would recommend the front row. Doesn't seem this would concern you, but just heads up, on show nights if your in the front row,especially in a cabin closer to the show area you will basically be sharing your veranda with who ever decides to sit on the ledge of it. I personally enjoyed it, but again, just doing my best to let you know what to expect.

If you want to inquire about a specific cabin this is how it goes..... Front row, very first cabin closest to bar is Cabin A...then it goes B,C,D,etc....as you go further away from sea/bar. I stayed in B last trip - loved it, but would probably go with C next time...just for the slight further distance from the bar...yet still right in the heart of it all. Of course it all depends what is available and no matter which cabin you get I am sure you will have a great trip!! I'm getting jealous with all this Roots talk, even tho I just got back

[booger]

I have never stayed there and never would. The hustle there my last couple trips has been too much. Too many punk a$$ hustlers for my comfort level, and I am pretty much good anywhere that I have been in Negril, both beach and West End. Some folks have made some good recommendations that I would seriously consider, especially considering your lady is apprehensive from her previous visit.

Have you considered the West End? When you going? That makes a difference as well regarding price of accommodation. Most places relax their prices either the middle of April or beginning of May till usually Dec 15th. If you could bump your budget a little you can stay at some great West End places. Blue Cave Castle, Moonlight, Catcha Gardens, Banana Shout, Seastar. These places have walls and security and provide a solid peace of mind. All sorts of good eats up their as well. And you can take taxi to the beach for cheap if you need your beach time. Or relax on Canoe's beach on the West End.

[narjee]

I get there on Feb 21, exactly 2 weeks. I can't wait to get to the tropics, I swear, old man winter is pissed off this season. Snow banks are taller than me here, and I'm not 4'12 either.

Since we get there on a Friday, we'll be up late, my plan is to wing the first night at Roots. Come Saturday, we're gonna troop around, see how we feel and land where the the vibe and mood takes us. My girls been reading these posts as well, so she's well aware of what she's getting into and is looking forward to checking out Roots. We're minimalist, frugal, we aren't BMW, Mercedes people, we're Honda, Toyota types, and spend at most 6hrs in the room each day. She can deal with the aggressive men and hustlers and understands foreign girls are always a hot commodity. Even I love hooting and hollering at the foreign chicks. Nice to hear their accents and a bit about their culture, and some of 'em are real sexy too.

Jennnn - Some amazing information and perspective you've provided. Also, what a great vivid review, reading it was as if I was walking through the place and can picture it come to life in my head. It does sound pretty cool, guess I won't be seeing any Picasso's on the walls there, but I might catch some goonies who look like they just jumped out of a Vybz video.

Booger - The west end and those cliffs do look gorgeous, some of the properties are just astonishing. Blue Cave Castle is unique, I am really feeling how that spot looks. But we are looking for a very beachy vacation, I think it would be better for us to be close to the beach, and do a day trip or 2 and some sunsets in the west end.

Drifter - You lucky man can't believe you'll be there in a week, I don't know how much of this winter crap I can take, I personally just want to be in Jamrock already. Are you taking it easy or planning to tear up your last Friday night? If you're tearing it up, let me know if you found any good parties popping that night, maybe we'll bump heads there.

[jennnn]

narjee...sent you a PM, but forgot to mention the irony in you making sarcastic reference to Picasso's....because I think the one person at Roots I hadn't mentioned to you is Rohan...He is the 'on site' very talented artist who paints right there on the property. There is a whole section on the beach, right off the restaurant displaying all his work. He is really amazing. The Jamaican Picasso. ha ha.

[Eco]

I stopped by the last two nights and the bothersome people are no longer there....at least I didn't see them. Memories of how bad it was in the past are still in my head but as for now looks like it cleaned up.