Thanks everyone for the information. It was extremely helpful. I think its worth staying nearby on the cliffs and we have always liked Xtabi.
We bought a white noise travel machine (its very compact, but does the trick well). We might consider using that for the noise blockage. I'd love to say I'll be awake anywhere near midnight, but that never seems to happen nowadays. I used to hate being that person on vacation who was the first to rise with the sun, and early to bed, but I'm good with that now. Negril mornings are beautiful. So for us a garden room might be better for us.

And who knows if there are any cottages left by the time we finally decide to make that jump we might just bring ear plugs and drink more rum.