Staying at Roots Bamboo - Tips/Advice

[narjee]

Thank you all for your responses, they're so helpful and prompt. Red Stripes all around on me. :P

I get so anxious and excited like a little kid before Christmas when planning my next adventure to a new place. What's even more exciting this is the first time that I am going back to a West Indies country since I immigrated from Guyana 20 years ago. It's going to be nice bruckin' out some rantid Creolese (guyanese patois) widout de man dem tinkin' all me ah chat a "wah wah wu wah bah boo bah". It's really to bad that I didn't jumped onto this board earlier before going out and booking a place, definitely lots of wisdom here.

So my ultimate decision is to wing it. I'll stay at Roots for the first night and not lose my deposit. Wake up early the next day, scope out some of the spots and pick our final resting place. I figure this will be a good way to jump right in and see what all these places have to offer. Maybe some face to face bargaining might reward me with a more favorable rate, I've had some good success pulling this exact flex in Mexico.

Have any of you ever done something like this? I am going in the last week of February, will I run into a bunch of no vacancies if I don't book ahead of time?

[Seveen]

I say wing it --- I've done this several times --- found one of my favorite spots this way --- there are also some nice spots on the cliffs

let me dig around and see if I can "the map" of Negril so you can see all the places to stay and eat

you may also want to check out some trip reports to give you ideas for excursions, places to eat and drink

and yes I've winged it during Christmas, New Years and Emancipation --- always found a room - or a recommendation

I don't think Negril is ever "sold out" --- our preferred places may be -- but not the whole city --- and since you've never been before - you have no preferred place :-)

[Lady Jane]

Negril maps http://media.tripod.lycos.com/2567851/2007898.pdf

[kmon]

I toured Rayon a few years ago. It is lovely! And, across the street from one of the nicest stretches of the beach. You would be in the middle of everything at that location.

[Fred Stripe]

I just found Moms place last reach,, bought my wife back to look at the rooms. Very nice.I would actually ask for the cheapest rooms on the 1st floor way in the back.They will know...More privacy.

But??? If you can get CoCo for similar price,for her it would be better.

[chris55]

I have friends that have stayed at Rayons for years and love it there. We are at The Rondel and we are first timers. I've heard very positive reports about the place and cannot wait!! Good luck with your trip!

[KidRick]

I have friends that have stayed at Rayons for years and love it there. We are at The Rondel and we are first timers. I've heard very positive reports about the place and cannot wait!! Good luck with your trip!

Stone cold big fan of Rondel... Location, rooms, poolS and staff! You have done well in your choice esp for a first time visit. Great jumping off point to anywhere you want to go. It's where we took our kids a couple years ago and where we have had some off the chain guy trips... Very nice...

[chris55]

Stone cold big fan of Rondel... Location, rooms, poolS and staff! You have done well in your choice esp for a first time visit. Great jumping off point to anywhere you want to go. It's where we took our kids a couple years ago and where we have had some off the chain guy trips... Very nice...

Thanks..it's kind of tough to pick a place from all the advice on here. Everyone has their favourites.. We are paying more then I'm used to for just a room but I'm told its worth it!

[KidRick]

In the end it is ALL worth it. You may come to realize , as so many of us have, that you can't afford to NOT go :-)

[Drifter141]

Hi everyone.

I was hoping to get a little clarity regarding people's opinions about staying at Roots Bamboo. Has anyone actually stayed there before, and if so, have they had any bad experiences, or do they know anybody who has? Or is it more in response to the OP's girlfriend feeling nervous because of her last experience in Jamaica?

I only ask because my wife and I are travelling next week for our third trip to Negril (can't wait), and have booked the first half of the stay at Roots Bamboo. As of now, we are feeling pretty confident -- we're off the resort kind of travellers and really enjoy mingling with the locals. The first time we visited we stayed in the middle of town (by the Burger King), and last time (November 2012) actually stayed at Alfred's and loved it! The number of vendors didn't bother us, and we found that there aren't too many repeat solicitations once they recognize you and you're upfront. And the noise from the live music doesn't bother us either. We won't be sleeping, we'll be dancing! We hung out at Roots last time when I think the Hurricane Band was playing, and had a great time. My wife definitely got some attention from locals when she was walking to the restroom, but again, and upfront and kind "no thanks" seems to do the trick.

So I guess one of my questions is, is the vibe/atmosphere of staying at Roots Bamboo similar to that of Alfred's? If so, all the better! And the staff at Roots have been very helpful and kind from my phone/email conversations with them.

And to Narjee -- I completely understand your girlfriend's apprehension regarding Jamaica if she had an uncomfortable experience last time. Here's hoping that it had more to do with the fact that it was girls travelling alone, because I echo an earlier commenter from personal experience that when it's a couple travelling, the locals respect that. And I hope that wherever you stay after that first night, you enjoy your visit. Negril is a real special place, filled with wonderful friendly people, great food and beautiful scenes.

And who knows -- maybe after your first night you and your girl will decide you don't want to leave Roots!

And while we're on the topic, does anyone know of any concerts that are going on at Roots or on the beach/cliffs the next couple weeks? I know there will be live music around Alfred's/Roots/Bourbon, but am wondering if there are any especially big acts since it's such a popular time.

Thanks!