Since 1983 I have stayed in a wide-range and variety of accomodations. I camped at the Lighthouse and Roots Bamboo; stayed in board cabins at JahBs, Jubas, Westport Cottages and several others as well as a number of budget hotels; Negril Yacht Club, etc. etc. and some midrange when I got a friends discount like Whistling Bird etc. but never have I stayed at a place quite like Seastar Inn.
It took me many trips and many years to come up with a "cost-benefit" standard that I now use as a yardstick when traveling. When you spend $20 - $50 per night you lower your expectations on what "benefit" you will get from making that choice. You know you might get exposed to the natural elements like indoor rain while tenting or sunlight through the board walls at a wood board house up to a hard bed, cold water showers and sometimes more unexpected "local action" than you bargain for.
Every once in a while you find a "diamond in the rough" and the benefits far outweigh the cost. In fact, on those rare occasions, you sometimes feel you are getting way more than you pay for.... this is Seastar Inn! This is a rare mixture of local flavor and a sort of "All Inclusive" that gives a firsttime traveler a great introduction to what we seasoned travelers refer to as the REAL Jamaica and a seasoned traveler the local flavor we have come to expect and enjoy and at the same time enough of an All Inclusive experience to satisfy our desire to be pampered at a budget price.
The staff here are truly a family and embrace the newcomer as well as the returning guests as a valued member of that family. I live alone and have a loner streak in my personality. If there are 10 workers, I will usually make friends with only a couple and might know the names of just a couple more than that. Here, the people are so genuinely friendly that is becomes difficult not to get to know each and every one of them to some extent. When I say "genuine", I know the difference between that and forced friendliness where it is given as part of the job description and not because they truly want you to have the best time of your life.
I have been here now 4 days and have only 3 more to go before I head to my home in Accompong Town. There has not been a single moment in all that time that I have seen or felt anything that even remotely made me change my first impression since my arrival. I have found a new favorite place to stay when visiting Negril. If anyone is looking for a perfect place to experience the warmth and friendliness of Jamaica....give Seastar Inn a closer look.
Peace and Guidance
