Beach hotel advice, please!

[WestEndGirl]

I'll be there between Xmas & New Year.
Normally, I'm a full time cliff dweller.
Thinking about splitting my stay this reach.

It seems lots of places are filled already.
Want to stay seaside.
Considering a stay at Rainbow Arch, Mariposa, Firefly, or Grand Pineapple?

So far, Rainbow Arch is my lead. I like the location & heard wonderful things about the food.
& almost nothing about the rooms!?

Any thoughts on these.....or other suggestions?

Thanks!

[Ras Walleye]

There is a Groupon deal for Negril Tree House that ends today. It is our beach home and a great value!

[Misti1]

West End Girl....I learn something new everyday. I never knew Rainbow Arch had food. Ok here is my take on the rooms...I have toured the place and there is this one room on the end that over looks the beach (somewhat, it is not a full on view, but sort of a side view as the place is built sideways) and it is real nice and clean and has a nice little kitchenette. The place is not fancy, pretty basic as a lot of places in Jamaica are, you know with just sheets on the bed and a pillow and a bed against the wall sort of thing. Nice and clean goes a long way though. So having said that, I bet for that time of year that room is " someone's" room they get every year and I would bet the farm that it is taken. The rest of the rooms are just the same, pretty basic, but clean. What I like about this property is it is small and you will not have to put up with a big crowd of people around you at all times. It is so tucked away that it is pretty quiet and most people walk by it on the beach without even noticing it. I also like the people who run it, nice folks. But you surprised me, I did not know they had food services, I thought it was self catering. I think you would enjoy it and also Treehouse is one of my top beach choices as well.

That time of year is a tough time, but not impossible to find a place. You might also want to check in to Bar B Barn, breakfast comes with your room and it is a homey place as well. BUT my one and only complaint is it is on the part of the beach where the dirty river tends to sometimes spill into the ocean. As far down as Treehouse, you will not have to deal with that at all. Nor at Rainbow Arch. I hate it when that river does that and it happened a lot recently.

Happy hunting.

[takinitslow]

Hi Westendgirl I stay at White Sands every year rainbow arch is right next door so I have toured many times. The rooms are minimal but nice kind of cabin like. Food is real good. And I think it is the best location on the beach.

[Melody]

Exciting times Westendgirl, love the hotel search! This will be a challenging one regarding availability and minimum stays. How long are you thinking of staying on the beach? I was looking for NYE only for a while and it was a bit frustrating to find a place that would take me for one night that was budget friendly. Interesting to find out about Rainbow Arch as it's been under my radar.

Treehouse's groupon does not include stays when you'll be there. I assume you've verified availability at the 4 places you're considering? I'm at GP after a stint at two places on the cliffs. (Four hotels in 10 nights!). I thought booking on their website that it's a minimum stay of 5 nights? I've seen them come up for a couple of nights on hotelscomined for a much higher price than what I paid. I only paid $143/night for a beachside cottage which is cheaper than Firefly and most other beachside places at that time. I was booked into Sunquest initially for NYE which was $120 for seaview room but cancelled after finding out Patrick won't be returning this year so don't know if they'll have a bar or restaurant, and I'm assuming nothing going on onsite NYE. I attempted booking the super secret cabin (private bathroom) at Secrets/Firefly...was told that they have a minimum stay of 3 nights but they'd make an exception as it wasn't updated on their website, but then they stopped replying to my emails...my NYE stay only made it difficult, settled on Travellers for a great price and happy that they have a NYE event.

Looking forward to seeing further comments about your shortlist. Keep us posted!

[Rasthai]

Melody, are you talking about Patrick's On The Beach? If so are you saying he is not coming back to that location, which would be shame, had good meals there, but hopefully he is coming back to Sunset After Dark?

[Lola]

The beach up toward Treehouse is the most beautiful area IMHO...

[kwhizz]

Just stay away from the Beachcomber Club and you will be fine!!!!!

[Wisconsin gal]

We stayed at sea wind last year. No frills but perfect for us before we headed to the west end (Catcha). SW has a nice beach, clean rooms and was safe.

[booger]

The beach up toward Treehouse is the most beautiful area IMHO...

Agreed. Country Country area is real nice. Only thing better is Nirvana, but you have to be a guest to enjoy.