Oh the Choices. Need some help chosing the ideal place to stay.

[oiboy]

Will be traveling to Negril for the first time in early December. I'm a 35 year old guy and have been to many AI's with my wife over the last several years though never to Jamaica. Unfortunately she does not have any vacation left for this calender year and I need a break from my pretty grueling work schedule. What's important to me in order of importance is I want a resort / hotel that is not couple centric where I will feel like some sort of outcast, I would like a nice beach (been to the Mayan Riviera, Grand Cayman, and Southern Thailand and like soft white sand, and clear and shallow water to wade in) I would like nice authentic food. On our last trip to the Mayan Riviera we spent an inordinate amount of time off resort eating at small hole in the walls and liked the food much better than the bland food served on resort. I do enjoy nightlife and would like to stay somewhere that doesn't look of feel like a ghost town after 11pm. I have shortlisted the Grand Lido, RUI Negril and the RUI Palace. I would also be open to a non-AI but the pricing with airfare is coming up as par or a bit higher for a non-ai. I'm afraid if I book the wrong resort I'll end up with 50+ people or among groups of couples and feel really awkward.

[Crusher]

Those AI's in Bloody Bay are mostly for couples and some families. I don't know if that's what you are looking for. As well the beach isn't the same as it is on the Long Bay side. There are a couple of AI's on the beach that you might want to try. Fun Holiday or Grand Pineapple.

[Patricia]

Legends on the beach offers an A/I option with exchange privileges at their "sister" property, SamSara (cliffs) ~ www.negrilhotels.com

[BostonBob]

Hedonism

[oiboy]

Those AI's in Bloody Bay are mostly for couples and some families. I don't know if that's what you are looking for. As well the beach isn't the same as it is on the Long Bay side. There are a couple of AI's on the beach that you might want to try. Fun Holiday or Grand Pineapple.

both fun holiday and grand pineapple are booked up on the dates i want to go.

[MikeyNYC]

If you say you like the local food and want to wander off site, why are you focused on AIs? Is it the "luxury" "security" or something else?
Most here are non-AI types and can offer a wealth of knowledge on great places to stay and eat other than all inclusive.

[oiboy]

If you say you like the local food and want to wander off site, why are you focused on AIs? Is it the "luxury" "security" or something else?
Most here are non-AI types and can offer a wealth of knowledge on great places to stay and eat other than all inclusive.

I would actually prefer a non AI . I just found that when I add together non charter airfare and hotel I'm over the AI price. Westjet flies from canada to mbj ut the airfare is running almost 1400 on the dates I want. While a full chartered AI would be closer to 1800 all in.

[oiboy]

I just figured out I can get an all in Airfare for under 600 so I'm in for non-AI. Any suggestions? I want to be in the thick of things prefer beachfront for rooms. Need a super clean place with AC.

[Mtig]

I would have to say the middle of the 7 mile is best. Coco la palm, charela are great spots. Perfect beach area.

[Gman]

Check Apple or Funjet for a package at a non AI. Coco la Palm is very nice in the middle of seven mile.