A cautionary tale, especially for returners

[Fred Stripe]

Yeah,whatever you do DONT tell us the hotel name. If I was in NYC and this happened I wouldn't hesistate ONE second to tell the name? I just don't get it.

So,if I eat at a restaurant and get very sick,we can speak about but do not tell the name of the restaurant????

I wonder if there is Another victim in the same hotel next week,same room maybe and you never told us the name.

I don't get it.

[MoFromMonroe]

Sorry this happened to you. It is definitely a good lesson for all of us. We have stayed on upper floors and not locked our balcony door. Won't be doing that anymore!

[Accompong]

We were on the third floor, and the hotel name is not important-this happened to them, too. Until we saw the videotape, my husband thought someone was in fact watching our room. It was random.

Sorry to hear of this happening to you and, I agree that the hotel name is not important to divulge. When you concentrate the wealth in an area like Negril hotels, you are going to have robberies. Locks are made to keep your friends out because a burglar will do whatever it takes to get to your stuff and even arm themselves if necessary. At least you were not harmed personally and that is what really matters.

It is important that you don't paint all of Jamaica with a broad brush concerning future visits. In 30+ years of travel to Jamaica, I have been robbed twice. Once of my wallet in the Kingston Bus Yard by a pickpocket and another time by a break in at a less-than-desirable guesthouse in Port Antonio. Both occurred more than 20 years ago and I just make better decisions now (I think).

There are plenty of places around Jamaica where you can have a great time and be very secure at the same time. The problem with Security Cameras is that they are mostly "after the fact" devices as almost no properties pay a person to watch them 24/7.

Again, sorry for your loss and I hope you don't give up on Jamaica.

Peace and Guidance

[Bluez]

Thanks for the heads up... I will def be vigilant about locking up. So sorry this happened

[Maryann]

When you concentrate the wealth in an area like Negril hotels, you are going to have robberies.

I respectfully disagree. When staying somewhere, especially as a female solo traveler or someone traveling with children, excellent security would be my #1 priority in a motel. If a motel can't provide that, I would never stay there.

[deanna]

Because tourists have stuff to steal - doesn't make it right.... Sorry to hear about your experience.

I agree with Nikki. How so terribly frightening and sorry this happened to you! Thank God nobody was HURT! While on my trip February 15, my girlfriend and her husband were staying at Rondel. My friend is very streetwise and has been traveling too Negril for years, however two days before I arrived-she decided to go take a Sunset walk while her husband was in the shower-got lost in the moment of taking pictures with her iPhone-some guy jumped out at her stole her iPhone by knifepoint, the police were called and a report was filed thank God she was not hurt, until this day she is kicking herself in the butt because she knew better not to be doing what she did. You can never let down your guard while traveling traveling-thats why when ever I travel anywhere I keep everything locked up even while I'm sleeping. I just hate these scumbag thieves!!!

[negril#1fan]

Deanna, where on her walk did this happen? Sadiekat, thank you for sharing ur horrible experience, we all benefit from ur post...

[MoFromMonroe]

Hmmmm Rondel....... Did anybody look at previous posts for Sadiekat. It doesn't take much to figure it out. Just saying because I agree with Fred on this. It needs to be told. Maybe if it is the hotel will do better with security.

[negril#1fan]

I sort of thought Rondel, given the 3rd floor and spring loaded locks on patio doors...

[Accompong]

I respectfully disagree. When staying somewhere, especially as a female solo traveler or someone traveling with children, excellent security would be my #1 priority in a motel. If a motel can't provide that, I would never stay there.

I certainly understand that you would want as much security as humanly possible. My only point is that there have been stories here all the time about Security Guards who were patrolling and could not prevent a burglary and even the most expensive hotels have an occasional burglary (sometimes and "inside job" and sometimes a person not supposed to be on the property).

I still think you can't stop all the burglaries regardless of the measures taken to prevent them.

I guess that is why some don't get reported because the people are too ashamed to admit it happened to them or shocked when it does happen and there was (what they thought) sufficient security only to learn that it was just an illusion of security.

Again, I respect your feelings and I still think it can happen anywhere at any time.

Peace and Guidance