Westend Virgins

[BIG SHINY n Rootsy]

We are thinking about taking some good boardie advice for our upcoming trip and trying a few nights on the Westend. (Possibly Seastar?)

Although we have been to Negril several times, we have never stayed "off the beach" so I was hoping to get some "Westend" tips from the pros.

We are somewhat familiar with the area but have never spent a lot of time up in the cliffs. (usually just trying a few of the different bars)

So, please tell me......what are some fun things to do during the day up there? (we can't sit at the bar ALL day)

Also....if we try Seastar, are there some cool places to check out within walking distance? (i.e. ON the actual cliffs?) We absolutely love the sand and sea, but we really want to experience something new this trip as well.

I'd love to hear any advice, comments, suggestions, and/or tips.

Thanks!
BS

[SandT CHI]

Do you have any must haves? For example, a pool, bar/restaurant on property, a/c? Our favorite thing is snorkeling in the morning. If you go out early enough the beams of sunlight are awesome to watch the fish swim thru. The cliffs make it shadowy closer to the cliff. I can also jump off the cliffs for hours. If you are not as mobile it may be tough to get out of the water on some properties also.

[mbdelong]

My wife and I are also staying on the West End for the first time in June. This will be our third trip to Jamaica but first time on the cliffs. We are staying at Tensing Pen for our first 3 nights and then at the Riu Tropical Bay for ten nights. I talked a friend into coming down and also my sister and her boyfriend. Does anyone know if Tensing Pen will allow guests on thier property? He will buy drinks at the bar but we would like for him to be able to chill with us at Tensing as he will be staying at the Riu . Im so stoked about the cliffs. We plan on chilling, swimming, snorkeling, drinking and trying restaraunts like Ivans, LTU Pub etc. We have a friend from Jamaica who is going to take us to the Tosh Masoleum , YS Falls and the Pelican Bar. Later on in the week to break up the AI monotony . Just a side note . We recently went to Ton Sai beach in Krabi, Thailand and it has a very Jamaican vibe to it. Posters of Bob everywhere , Halie Selassie and lots of spliffage to be had without fear. I cant wait to go back to Jamaica. Out of the 26 countries I have been fortunate to travel to Jamaica is hands down my favorite. Can anyone tell me where Jenny's is and how much $ are her Special cakes?

[Big_frank]

You know I never stay anywhere but Seastar and I've told everyone who will listen why that is. It's the best value, cleanest, biggest room with Air, flat panel t.v. nice balconies/veranda hammocks, swim up bar and big pool. It's value for money and a great restaurant too.
Lots of neat places to go near Seastar. Walk up to LTU for really good food and views of the sea. Hammock Park isn't too far.
Visit the Lighthouse, out of town Pastries for patties. Ahbees is a hop skip and a jump, Ivans if you want to spend, Negril Escape has great sunset views and good drinks and food. Lots of places to go. Ras Roddy's for Ital. is nearby. Seastar Lane is totally cool and safe. Wise Choice store for liquor, beer, mix and snacks

[saeyedoc]

Personally, I like staying right on the water when I'm in JA. The only place we've stayed on the West End is The Caves, which is great, but ridiculously expensive. Rockhouse is a great property, but a little too fancy for our tastes. Xtabi might be nice, I've never stayed there but have been for drinks. Same with Catcha, we've had dinner there and it's a great property with really good food. Everyone I've seen comment on it loves staying there. Depends on budget I guess. Seastar is popular as a good value with fun vibe there, but it's not on the water.

[mbdelong]

Sorry. Not trying to hijack thread but if someone knows about my friend hanging out with us at Tensing Pen and Jenny's cakes it would be helpful.

[Vinny Bogan]

My two cents is "Stay at The Castle" "Stay at The Castle" "Stay at The Castle" "Stay at The Castle"

That may be four cents, but I've been staying there for years and I love it. Quiet, but with parties close by. Great food onsite "Teddy's Hideaway" and a fridge in your room so you don't end up spending a fortune on the little things. I've been there with friends, girlfriends, family of all ages and everyone enjoyed The Castle.

It's a great home base. The beach is 5 minutes away, All the West End must sees are walking distance, or a quick taxi run. The cleanliness is impeccable, the staff is warm and attentive, the management treats you like long lost family.

I could go on, but you get the picture . . .

[groove16]

Sorry. Not trying to hijack thread but if someone knows about my friend hanging out with us at Tensing Pen and Jenny's cakes it would be helpful.

i never stayed at tensing Penn, but we bought a drink there last trip and was able to swim and jump from the bridge....

Jennys special cake is about 10.00, i think.....jennys is a good ways away, toward to bottom of the cliff road...aubies also has special cake and it is almost across the street from tensing penn.....

[mbdelong]

Thanks. Ill make a note of that.

[SandT CHI]

If you don't need a pool or a bar on site I would stay at Blue Cave Castle also. Such an awesomely unique place. Not having a bar for us is actually a plus because you can save a ton of money on drinks. We don't do all the fancy drinks so it works for us. Having teddy cook breakfast and eat on your balcony or in the yard next to the sea and having no wait for that early morning cup if coffee is awesome. Just walk right over to the stand and fix yourself a cup. Almost everything you'd want a short walk away also.