Still confused about Negril Beach Club (hotel)

[SoloTraveller]

Hi,

I have reserved 8 nights in Feb with my wife and 7 year old son. It will be our 3rd trip to Negril as a family and 7th for me. We love it there.

I have two different reservations, both that I can cancel. White Sands beach side ($120/night US) and Negril Beach Club Hotel "standard room" for $74 a night.

I've stayed at White Sands before and liked it -- it's our favorite hangout spot/bar on the beach. However the price difference is significant.

I've read a ton of posts on here about Negril Beach Club but most of it deals with the condos. What I've been able to learn about the hotel is it's hit or miss. I have very little sense of what to expect. Can anyone help me understand what the HOTEL is like? It would be nice to save $350 on hotel costs, but not at the expense of an unpleasant experience.

Thanks
- ST

[JaBinky]

Wow, by too many of the responses to Jamerican71's post concerning loud music and pricey food and drink, I don't know why anyone would spend their precious vacation time and dollars on anything that sounds like too much of a crapshoot, especially as you want your young son to be happy. But that's just my opinion.

[ohliz]

Loud music was at the bar, I thought?

Pricey food and drink, who cares, there are tons of places in walking distance.

[Carrie]

Hello. I am a newbie owner and you are correct that there are many variables. There is the hotel part, private condo rentals … I am just getting a grip too. I think the bar and food is fantastic. They have many changes, but Naila and her staff are fantastic. There was a crazy fun private party while I was there, but it was a one nighter. My most recent visit is November 2016.

[SoloTraveller]

Loud music was at the bar, I thought?

Pricey food and drink, who cares, there are tons of places in walking distance.

---
Exactly. And we don't normally hang out much at the restaurant/bar where we stay -- part of that was the last two trips were Travellers and Negril Palms and we didn't like the food/bars there that much.

This is actually a downside to the White Sands plan: Our nomal day in Negril involves walking the full length of the beach, stopping to swim/drink/eat often. White Sands might keep us in one place more than usual and we'll gain 20 lbs (instead of the usual 5-10

[Jamerican71]

You are not alone with the confusion about Negril Beach Club ---- (1) Hotel is managed separately and (2) condos are individually owned and managed by Jean. Everybody on property shares the same amenities. You will rarely be in your room - only to shower and sleep.

I stay in the condos and even those units are hit or miss as some owners have put money into improving their units and others not so much. For the hotel, just ask to see your room first. I would also email Jean and see what rate you can get that is equivalent to a "standard room". Jean manages different sizes of units -- hotel unit (no kitchen), studio, 1 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms.

I rarely spend money at the bar and restaurant so don't let that review sway your decision.

The beach front at Negril Beach Club is very large and the property is in a good location. It is also very safe.

[Crusher]

I have stayed in the hotel rooms on the bottom floor facing the garden area and although they are nothing fancy the rooms were comfortable and clean. We have rented from Jean the last couple of years but this year I had some points to use on my travel card and booked a studio through the hotel. Will be interesting to see what we end up with. I would email Jean though and see what she has and explain your situation as she tries to tailor the room as much as she can to the folks who are renting it. Her staff keep the rooms quite clean but some of them can be a bit rough around the edges depending on the owner and their commitment to keeping up the place. I enjoy it as its close to town and lots of other cool spots to eat and drink.

[ohliz]

Add to all that confusion, some owners offer their condos on Airbnb