Greeting from NoLa...

[PamelaPaige]

So, after several failed attempts over a few years the Time Has Come... Our first Reach (swoon)! With 6 kids between us, our crazy life, etc it is Hard to Vacay! We jumped the broom a few weeks ago and had planned to go to the mountains, but Issac got in the way of those plans. Sooooooo, if we are postponing the honeymoon, Why not just go to Negril as we originally planned!?!? It means tightning the belt a bit more, We are cutting out parading this year. I mean, we can parade every other day of the week... It is time we start Our Roots in JA So, aiming at May, but entertaining the idea of trying to get in with The Boardies in April.

And now we come to... Hubby (giggle) is pretty solid on BlueCaveCastle. I however have fallen for Home Sweet Home (Thanks Guirigay&SweetiePie). I know that they are right next to each other, etc. I love the colors and openness of HSH also the shade factor on the porchs, He is smitten with the cave access at BCC. So any other opinions, factors, food, service, etc that would come into play would be highly appreciated! All the reviews I have found for both have been stellar...

Also, I am a pretty avid photographer and would love to spend a day shooting the Real Negril. From what I've read here, I feel that the best route to go would be to find a respected driver, etc to help with that. Any ideas?

Annnndddd... Would appreciate any advice on the Poboy, My Bad, Sub situation... I'm an avid PoBoy fan and sampling the Subs in Negril is going to be a Highlight. Lol....

I've loved the trip reports, advice and info that I have gathered from this group... Awesome Vibe

[Guirigay]

My opinion on the positives and negatives of BCC vs HSH.

HSH pro's
Great Cliff setup
Pool
Hot tub
All rooms AC though we never use it
All rooms have a sea view
Charlie was a great on-site owner - He has sold though and I'm not sure when new ownership takes over
good value - we paid full price $110 a night in early february. I've heard you can do MUCH better than that at HSH in non-peak periods.
great location

HSH cons
little more weather-beaten than some of the other cliffside resorts
kitchen is good but there are a lot of great kitchens in Negril
restaurant/bar tab is separate from hotel bill and must be settled separately in cash

BCC pros
Nicer grounds and buildings
Teddy's Hideaway - a GREAT restaurant
Your staying in a castle
the cave
great value from the prices I've heard
great location

BCC cons
No pool
No hottub
so so sea access
AC only in some rooms?

I think you'd be happy at either one.

Shooting the Real Negril? Now there is an opening to a long winded philosophical discussion. I'll try to answer that like this - Find your groove, shoot your groove and what you get will by default be real.

Annnnndddd... get a good ride in from Mo Bay, every little ting gonna be alright.

[TizzyATX]

From now on I'm referring to them as Po-boys

HOpe you make it in April, but regardless you will have an amazing trip I have no doubt. I have never stayed at either property you mentioned but heard nothing but good things about both.

Anyways glad to have you on the board and looking forward to hearing about your first Jamaican exprience. BLESS

[takinitslow]

I am a beach person but last year i decided to stay at HSH for a night to see what the cliffs had to offer. It is a really nice place i would reccommend it to any one.

[kim&betty]

hey pam, sent you a pm.

[Mike_D]

What Guirigay said is pretty much spot on. We stayed at HSH back in April and will be staying there again this month. Both BCC and HSH are great - what sealed HSH for us was the A/C in every room and the pool (There may be days when the water is too rough to swim in, off the cliffs). Some rooms at HSH are a little worn, but the higher priced "suites" are very nice. In addition, HSH doesn't really have an active bar scene - it has more of a restaurant that serve drinks. However, I believe that BCC doesn't have a bar at all.

Another "pro" for HSH is that it has it's own on-site driver (Chris). Chris can be used for airport transfers, excursions or just trips to the beach.

[MoFromMonroe]

We are staying at HSH in Nov. for 3 nights. Since we had to prepay our 3 nights we were a little concerned after hearing that it was sold. I emailed Charlie who assured me that the new owners were not taking ownership until Jan or Feb (I forget which month). BTW it was guiryguys report that lead us to book there and Mike D is currently doing a trip report that started at HSH. Take a look. Don't know when you are booking but would be happy to let you know what our thoughts are when we get back. It will be our first time on the cliffs but have been to Negril many times.

[Guirigay]

Another "pro" for HSH is that it has it's own on-site driver (Chris). Chris can be used for airport transfers, excursions or just trips to the beach.

Thanks Mike, I feel terribly remiss in not having mentioned Chris as a serious pro for HSH. Stand up guy who will make sure to take care of you and your needs and a good bargain at $60 for two from Mo Bay to HSH. We'll be using his brother Percy most likely in December and April and definitely hope to see Chris.