Agreed, as far as leaving the resort and all that.Originally Posted by Patricia
But AI's rarely allow visitors, and are generally more "secure." Many travelers enjoy those features.
I've done both, would do AI again, but not in Jamaica.
I like to leave the resort a lot, but once I've paid at an AI it doesn't make much sense.
I've done both AI and non-AI many times. If you like to eat and drink a lot, plus a nice room and zero beach hagglers, then RIU Club has a lot of advantages .... If you drink fewer than six cocktails per day and would ordinarily spend less than 60 per day on food and snacks, then financially it's probably not worth it ....
For a family with kids or groups of 10 or more, an AI can be convenient if you don't want to endure a bunch of two-hour dinners, etc. I can see the value in both ways.
I agree completely Brasi, particularly in Negril.I've done both, would do AI again, but not in Jamaica.
What I dont like about AI is that if you meet people and want to bring them back to hotel for a drink the security get really Pissed and mostly make them leave.At the Rui last year I brought a friend back and was going to buy hime a beer and they wouldnt let me.Told him that He was not welcome on the beach and made him leave.I was going to buy the beer for pete sake.Will not stay there again.
I understand certain precautions. When I stayed at Sam Sara, I was told no outside guests in the room past 10:30pm or there would be a $20 extra person charge. Ok - as a solo female traveler on my first trip to JA, I appreciated the security and I understood their desire to discourage the gigolo presence. But to not be able buy someone a drink on the beach or at the resort bar? ARROGANT! Who's country is it anyway? I don't that would not be tolerated in the US, not when someone is there as a guest - or at least I don't patronize those kinds of places. That is why I have no desire to spend my money to support a foreign conglomerate when I can spend my money where it will benefit more locally.
BTW - I met a new friend on my first trip and I was able to bring him back to my hotel for a lovely dinner and drink. Nobody questioned it once.
Last edited by SweetSue; 04-01-2012 at 02:01 PM.
I hear what you are saying and that is my main point about the cookie cutter AIs. Less experienced travelers are very likely to feel more comfy there as are those with younger kids....the cookie cutters tend to get more (generally) new travelers...heightened security sets folks at ease...I guess...LOL
I can also SORTA understand if a property has a "no overnight guests...or pay for him/her" policy, as this discourages random/ill-thought-out hookups with nefarious opportunistic characters of questionable backgrounds. But to me, the practice of not allowing a REGISTERED local guest on site for a beer or meal...is tantamount to, well...dare I say it? I won't bother but...
You might be able to pick up what I am saying. It's redonkulous. It's a shame.
All of my past experiences in Jamaica is with AIs. This trip I decided to do the non AI because I am taking my niece and wanted her to see all she could of Negril. I decided this because I know going to an AI would mean we would spend most of our time there. Don't get me wrong I loved the AIs and had one of the best time of my life ever at Hedo, but that was because it was Hedo. I have always left the resorts to investigate my surroundings but always end up going back to the resort. I would get the why pay for food and drink when it is free just down the road attitude. Sorry I can be a cheapskate at times. For this reason I don't believe I have ever gotten the true spirit of Jamamica. And I want that spirit for myself and my niece this time. However I do have very high expectations. I expect to eat awesome food on our own and to find those places where we can just have the greatest times of our lives. After reading the threads on here I am sure Negril will not disappoint. If the people in Negril are half as friendly as those on here I don't see how it will not be a great trip.
Rickejm - if you don't already have a good idea of the restaurants/bars/places you'd like to go to, spend some time reading reviews. My one & only (so far) trip to Negril, I read & planned for a long time (helped pass the winter!). I planned to go to a couple of places certain nights b/c of entertainment etc., the rest of the time, did what we felt like, but I had a really good idea of the places I'd like to include in the mix -turned out great. Doesn't mean you can't stumble along great food/fun, but reading & planning helped out a lot. As you've been before, you likely have already heard a lot to come up with your own "like to try" list.
Enjoy!!!
I agree! (with everyone)!!!!!!!!!! To each their own, indeed!
While I personally don't like the AI experience for myself, I can also appreciate that many people do. And I think it is great that Jamaica can make everyone happy! The AI-ers and the non-AI-ers.....Jamaica can make us all happy....Out of Many, One!
Not often can you say that these days!
One Country.....Two very different experiences, MANY MANY MANY people......and still everyone is happy! LOVE it!
When I go to Jamaica I run a tab at coco or where ever I am staying for the week. I can pretend I'm at an AI but only really pay for what I am eating and drinking. I then also have the option to eat and drink any place else too! Best of both worlds.
Praise Jah
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