Mr. X does Negril (2010) with No Reservations

[Mr. X]

Mr. X Does Negril (2010) with No Reservations

Chapter 24 (cont) – Review of Seastar Inn
September 6th, 2010 – Monday – (Day 3)

Drinks
I found the drinks to be well made. Usually pay way more for way less. Happy hour 4 to 6pm. 2 for 1 drinks. Just so happens this is an ideal time for me to want a drink or 2 or 4. I am not normally a frozen drink person but I am on vacation in the tropics. Now is the time for frozen drinks. Don’t really know what’s in a purple reign (rain?). Pretty good. Dirty bananas. Lots of good drinks. Lots more research for the future.

We introduced ourselves the first time we went to bar and I guess they remember us (and you). We never have to pay. Usually tip when we leave bar to bartender or server. Someone new they ask our room number the first time and they write it out long hand. Room 10. 1 Red Stripe. Probably 1 page per work shift or whatever. Point being I love not having to pay all the time and they are not going to have a computer glitch and mess up my bill. If you are just going to pound down red stripes or dirty bananas then of course it is going to be cheaper to buy at store and put in refrigerator. But you already knew that. We are on vacation and want to have other people make us drinks we never had before. If I was a “drinker” I would supplement with a case of beer or whatever in the refrigerator. Rest of trip we are going to be staying on the “water” and paying higher prices. After trip I figure when you factor in happy hour 2 for 1’s, size, quality Seastar Inn mixed drinks cost me about 40% less overall. Not a big deal unless you are drinking alcohol on vacation and have a budget.

Food
Off the menu only had 2 breakfasts. Food quality and quantity was excellent. I ate buffet on Saturday night so I know the food is excellent. Need to eat more meals at Seastar Inn when I go back. I figure due to the size and quality of the food I will order less food and so every time I eat at Seastar I am saving money and making my stomach happy. Talk about win win. This use to be one of the things that kept Jamaica from being perfect for me. Finding quality reliably food at the hotel with low prices is convenient.

Overall Cost
Considerably below normal vacation prices for me. Especially in a tourist town. Other places may get you in with a low internet or package price and then nickel and dime you to death. If I got to pay for coffee and refills then it’s going to affect my budget. Free Wi-Fi. No nickel and diming at the Seastar Inn. In fact it’s the opposite. Don’t really know what the opposite of nickel and dime. We forgot to tell you about the tax on this and surcharge on the Johnson Rod. No surprises. No extra charges at Seastar Inn. Includes tax everything. If you are on a tight budget these are the things that can make a huge difference.

Seastar Inn Employees
Staff was great and made us feel welcome. Attentive without being overbearing. It’s the owners that make this place. Mrs. Seastar (Francine) took my wife to some family events. Mr. Seastar (Chris) despite having a lot going on was extra nice to me and our guests for no apparent reason. (Turns out they treat most everybody that way).

Wow the Seastar Inn sounds perfect!
Life is not perfect.
The Seastar Inn is not on water. For some this is a deal killer.
If it was on the water it would cost 5 times as much and always be booked up.

I felt a comfort level that I don’t normally feel at a hotel.
No doubt for me that I have a home place in Negril at Seastar Inn.
So you stay at a place 2 nights and its ur home place?
Explain? Can’t really.

I had very high standards for the Seastar Inn. Exceeded all expectations. Later when looking at total costs of vacation I spent less money on drinks, food and lodging at Seastar Inn. By staying here it allows me to stay at some other places that are above my budget. Low cost with very high value. What part is confusing to you?

Anybody who has been to Jamaica over the years has had to endure certain things different as part of the tradeoff. So many things such as adequate hot water, backup generator when power goes off, etc. etc. If you have experience these things over the years then you will have a far greater appreciation for the Seastar Inn than just meets the eye.

I did not just wander upon the Seastar Inn.
I was directed.
I read hundreds of trip reports and comments over the last few years.
Directed by people (Negril.com) who go to Negril regularly and have stayed in many places. For many people this is their home place. Now it’s my home place. (Assuming they are not booked up!)