Ocho Rios vs Negril

[IRIEchic]

I was in Ochi for a couple days in December just to check it out. Different feel than Negril. If you wander around the tourist part of town e.g. where the cruise ships come in, there are many fine-dining and upscale shopping places, more so than Negril. If you wander over to the Jamaican parts of Ochi you'll find bustling open-air markets like a smaller version of Kingston's Coronation Market. And of course Dunn's River Falls is a short distance from Ochi - I rode my bicycle to the falls (very scenic). Unlike Negril which is basically just tourists and Jamaicans working in the tourist industry. Ochi has a significant local population and a local economy besides tourism. It was sort of refreshing being able to wander around without being asked every 5 minutes by some stranger what I'm "looking for". I kind of liked it but I suspect that true Negril-aholics would be disappointed.

Great report!
I'm considering trying them out for a few days as well only because I've never been and just curious!

[Irine]

We learned our lesson after just one trip back in 09, but some people just won't change their mind. My sister in-law comes to Negril and stays in an AI. We have picked them up and taken them to the Pelican Bar, up to Roaring River, Sav to buy spices, but she won't stay anywhere but an AI for "security". My brother just shakes his head. You are correct about the brainwashing. The sandals I spoke of was in Ochi rtitle, and I bet it is still run the same today.

The AIs in Jamaica seem to over-hype the "danger of leaving the resort", and guard em like prisons. why? cause they want you and your money to stay at the AI. Plenty of add on charges to be had by most AIs from tours to beach umbrellas. One of my friends' will never get outside a gated AI in Jamaica because his wife has been brainwahsed into thinking its a war zone.

As for Ocho v Negril - forget about Ocho. Total tourist trap.

[VVHT]

Stayed in Ocho Rios at Couples OR (now called Tower Island) late 1990's. We had been going to Negril since 1992 and wanted to try a different part of the island. The advantage of being in OR was the proximity to Golden Eye (for James Bond fans), the Blue Mountains and Dunn's River Falls. Had a wonderful time, but in the end we decided and I still prefer Negril, especially the West End of Negril.

Enjoy,

VVHT