This should post on Trip Advisor site in a day or so. Thought I'd also post here for any that might be interested.
Where to begin? A little history maybe. This was my 16th or 17th trip to Negril. My first being in 1975, and then not having returned until 2004 (Life happens). Each trip has been unique and contained diverse experiences of its own. It’s been a few years since I have reviewed any place I have stayed, mostly because I’d felt there were enough competent reviews out there and I would just be repeating what had already been posted. Having said that, I feel such is not the case with Caribbean Sunset Resort.
Having absolutely no extra cash at all, this trip was entirely budget driven. As I scoured the internet for some way to make this trip happen (even my old favorite White Sands being out of my reach) I came upon Caribbean Sunset Resort. The price was great (My entire trip for 10 days including air came to $654.60) the location unique for me (right in the middle of town) and I thought the site looked fine. Then I started doing my research. Whoa! I’d never seen a place with reviews so all over the map as this one. They covered the gamut from “If you want a nice, clean, no frills place, this hotel should be fine” to “ This is the worst hotel in Jamaica”. So now I’m a little concerned. So I looked further. I asked on Trip Advisor (usually a good source for useful information), I joined Negril.com (have been a lurker for years but never had anything useful to add), and waited for responses. Out of the four or five I received, no one had personal experience with the resort, and almost all comments were negative. So after some thought (it’s only a room, you only sleep there) and a big breath, I decided to book and let the chips fall where they may. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I’d made in a while. What follows is MY experience with Caribbean Sunset Resort.
Driving up to the resort office I could see this was exactly the resort pictured on the site (an issue brought up by another reviewer). Maybe not quite as new and spotless looking as the pictures, but no problem there. The front desk person(s) (I dealt with two guys at the desk for my entire trip) were helpful and friendly. Since I booked a standard room, I was not sure if it contained a safe, so I asked. They said it did, but it may not be functional. As it turned out, it wasn’t, so I used the safe in the office. This was no problem at all, as I was able to gain access virtually any time I needed.
Upon entering my room (which was at the rear of the property, #303), the first thing that struck me was that it was COOL. Only the fan was on, but at 2:30 in the afternoon the room was not hot at all. I love the heat in Jamaica, but when I get back from a day at the beach, I need the room to be COOL. This was a good sign. I found that during my entire trip I only needed the air on after my showers and on low at night to sleep. Contrary to other posts I’ve read, the air worked fine. It would not freeze you out of the room, but was more than sufficient.
I was also surprised to find I had a mini fridge. Bonus! I kept that stocked with Red Stripe my whole stay ;>. The room itself was clean and more than functional. It had a couch (Which took up a little more room than needed, but still a nice touch), a 25 inch flat screen (with premium channels) and sufficient closet and drawer space for anyone. After my first day there, the cleaning staff adapted to my schedule and had my room finished before my return. I had a patio with a table and chair where I could sit at night before I went out, survey the property, and listen to the sounds of the town.
The bathroom seemed to be a work in progress, with the tile on the wall appearing new. So new in fact, that they had yet to install towel racks. Again, this was no problem, as there was plenty of counter space next to the shower to put them. The mirror had yet to be installed on the wall, but sat quite nicely on the counter also. I have been to many resorts in Jamaica, but none has had the availability of hot water that I had here. As a matter of fact, it took me a little while to learn the mechanics of the temperature control to turn it down. Contrary to other posts I’ve read, there was no “black mold” and no great proliferation of bugs (this IS Jamaica and you’ll always have a few ants or a lizard now and then ;>).
Any reservations I had about the location of this resort were quickly put to rest. I found that after a short (but steep) walk down the hill I was at the center of life in Negril proper. This resort is located right up the hill directly across from Burger King. You are a $200J cab ride from anywhere on the beach, and anywhere on the cliffs. Talk about convenient! Only once did I pay more than that, and that was at 2 in the morning, when it was starting to rain and I didn’t feel like negotiating. One thing to note. When taking a cab back to the resort be sure you tell them “at the top of the hill”. While not a long walk (2-3 min.), if you are over 30 this hill can be a b****. Coming down, not so much, but going up…man.
The walk to, or through, town is more than interesting. Those that have a problem on the beach with vendors, are more than likely going to feel the same way about the walk through town, Which in all reality takes about two minutes. You’ll be approached to change money (the cambio is RIGHT there) to buy beer, to buy food, almost anything you would be approached on the beach for. I found, as I find on the beach, that after a couple of days this all falls off. No problem mon. I also found it quite interesting (and relaxing) being able to just sit on the wall and watch Negril go by.
Unfortunately, there is little, if any mingling between guests. The reason for this is that both the restaurant and bar are mostly closed. This seems to be because of financial problems with the ownership. They have a half built building in the back of the property, but having put their money there, do not seem to have the needed funds for the amenities that are already available. This should be an easy fix, by just getting their priorities where they should be. You notice this also in their grounds and façade of the building. Nothing major, but things that could be nicer with just a little work. Again, something I attribute to the financial situation.
The resort, according to the front desk man was fairly full, though for the reasons stated above it was hard to gauge. Most of the guests were (or seemed to be) locals or Americans with either family or other ties to Jamaica. I neither heard nor witnessed any complaints from anyone during my stay there.
What am I forgetting? Oh yes…the pool area. This is another area that could benefit from relocation of resources. It is a great space, but under maintained and utilized. Contrary to other reports, the water is not green. There is an algae (or something) problem at the deep end of the pool, but the water itself is crystal clear. There is a lack of functional pool chairs (2 working, 2 broken). Again, all of this is an easy fix, and if I were a pool person (not so much in Jamaica) I’d have no problem using the area at all. From the bar (which I took my own beer to and would just hang out and talk to the staff) you could see the ocean and it was quite relaxing.
I would not hesitate to return to this resort in the future, and would highly recommend it to any who are adventurous enough to try something new and a little different.
In closing, and to reiterate my reason for writing this review. For the first time ever, I found I was carrying a hard to define feeling of concern toward my trip to Negril. This was something new and disconcerting to me. I attribute it mostly to giving too much weight to reviews and opinions of those who either have no first hand experience with a given place or situation, or have unrealistic expectations. I am totally aware that Negril has changed over the years. Especially the last 5 - 10 years. I know there are more pushy vendors. I know there is more opportunistic crime. But I also know that YOU (me) and your (my) attitude and demeanor, carry a huge weight toward the total experience and eventual outcome of your time spent in Jamaica (Negril). To go to one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in the world, and spend $31 a day for a room, and NOT expect a few bumps is just plain stupid. We all need to examine where we go and why we go there…and take a deep breath.
I hope this has been helpful on some level to someone.
Respect
Kirt
Originally Posted by Seveen
was having keyboard problems and didn't mean to post yet. Just wanted to say that after the reviews, including this one, I would have to say that it's not even close to being a place I personally would consider, but that's just me.
