When my wife and I travel as a couple we are more often in Negril that any other part of Jamaica, but we have been to the north coast many times. We visited Jewel Runaway Bay without kids when it was JamaicaJamaica (late 80's), several times when it was called Breezes Runaway Bay. Since Jewel took over we have been twice with our kids (teens) and we all loved it. No matter where you go with kids it's a different sort of vacation that what you'll have without kids, but it's a very nice resort. It is located on what I think is the nicest piece of beach on the north coast, far better than most of the others we have seen on that side of the island. The small reef just literally a few feet off the beach is a great place to see some fish with a mask and snorkel, especially if you bring some bread to feed them. We spent time there every day. The tennis program is well run and we all enjoyed that a great deal too. We like the food and rooms just fine. The manager, Scott Robbins, is very good at what he does and he is the most approachable and friendly GM I have encountered at any of the larger A-I resorts we have been too. A friendly and visible manager is something we all come to expect at smaller non-A-I hotels in Negril, but he is notable for that compared the the other GM's at larger resorts in my view. There is a lot to do, plus decent entertainment, and a nightclub (not a great night club), but plenty to keep us busy and happy. Vacationing there puts in a good position to enjoy Dunn's River Falls and we enjoy getting out of whatever hotel we are staying at so when in that area Scotchies is a must for lunch one day.
The water park is popular and I usually play golf right across the street at least once or twice while there. We would go back for sure. We have taken our kids to all three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica (when there were 3 that is...) to Riu Tropical Bay, and a few others and we feel Jewel Runaway Bay was a great vacation for the price. If you see Scott Robbins (and you should make a point of making contact... great guy!) please tell him that Roy and his family from Virginia send their regards! Also... get some eggs cooked to order by EggBoy at breakfast... he has an amazing geographic ability... you'll have to experience that for yourself to know what I mean.
Have a great trip!
Roy