Xtabi vs Negril Beach Condos vs Oasis - Budget Trip

[NOLAnmr]

Hi,

I'm planning to go to Negril for friend's wedding around Thanxgiving. Budget will mos def be an issue for me to make this trip. After some research on travel packages, it looks like Xtabi, NBC or Oasis are the ones we can afford. Can anyone give positives, negatives, comparisons, photos, thoughts or any other info about these please?

We got married in Negril in 2008 at CocoLapalm and spent some time after the wedding in Hedo and ended up at Seagrape Villas on the cliffs. Which, how that trip went with the wedding and all, I eally enjoyed the chilled vibe on the cliffs better than the beach. Of course, my budget is not what it was for my wedding so it looks like it will have to be 1 of these 3 resorts or any other better ones recommended?

I have been to Jamaica 2x, once in 2008 in Negril to get married and we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in Runaway Bay (SuperFun Resort) last year. Now we are going back to Jamaica for the 3rd time in just a few years and back to Negril for the first time sice we were married there. The time that we will be there falls on our third anniversary also. So I am relatively familiar with whats there and what to expect.

Now, since my budget is limited, I have to decide out of these places. I'm thinking Xtabi because I enjoyed the cliffs last time. Since it's non AI, are there many eating places and a grocery within short walking distances (wife can't walk too far). What about walking distance nightlife?

I'm thinking NBC b/c, maybe I do want to stay at the beach and don't know it. Last time I enjoyed CCLP's beach which was in a more chilled out area than NBC. I might have enjoyed the cliffs more after being there 2 weeks on beach, with wedding guests, wedding, AI and needed the solitude and rest. I did not enjoy the nightlife at Bamboo's though, the hassling was unbearable. I did enjoy Alfreds and The Jungle for nightlife. What food/grocery/nightlife are within short walking distance to NBC?

Finally Oasis looks great from photos. Sounds like it was just refurbished. It's on the cliffs but a way back from the water if I understand it. Price is right and I may even go AI (not sure) with this one because it may make my trip more affordable. Apperantly, they have a complimentary shuttle to go to cliffs and beach. Is anything within walking distance?

See my dilemma? I thank you in advance for your thoughts and advice.

PEACE,

Oscar

[marley9808]

Xtabi would definitely be my choice, it is still one of my favorites and I have stayed there several times. We even go there multiple times each trip when we are staying somewhere else. Rooms are great value, food is great, drinks great, awesome view, etc.
I have also stayed at NBCC and the beach there is very nice, restaurant is also nice, rooms are ok

I have never stayed at Oasis so cannot comment

But my choice would be Xtabi hands down
3 dives is right next door, there are lots of places nearby for food in walking distance and a grocery not too far down the road

[irieworld]

I second the Xtabi vote. I have never stayed there, but visit a lot. I just got back from NBCC--but word to the wise, when you book on Orbitz it says you are getting NBCC when really they put you in Mariners. Same shared property but way different accommodations. After this recent trip I would never go that route again. Room was sort of dirty and quite run down, whereas staying at NBCC (4 times) I always had a great experience. Near xtabi (walking distance) is the L and M store which has just about everything you could need packed into a small store. Also Just Natural and Choices are both nice places to eat, as well as Xtabi -- I ate there a couple of times when I stayed at Samsara a couple of years ago.

[Mr. Twister]

Xtabi rocks! Incredible value no matter what room you get!

[Katho]

Xtabi for sure! Plenty of budget friendly eats nearby, beautiful location, great staff!

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjubWTGh

[negrilaholic]

I stayed at Oasis before it was renovated and it was nice then, and remember how really good the food was. If they still have food that good, then AI would definitely be worth it.

It is back from the cliffs, but not that far at all, it is easy walking distance to the cliffs and to other places to dine and drink too.

I haven't stayed at the other two places, but have heard many good things about them, so you really can't go wrong.

[shellyk]

NBCC rooms I feel like beat Xtabi, I stay at NBCC but spend time at Xtabi bar each day. The beach view the pool, hot tub, Tv's all rooms have AC. The property is so central to everything. Alfreds is right next door, Bourbon Beach is right there. Jungle is just down the road. Food places are a dime a dozen within steps, grocery stores right across the street, cambio just down the street. My stay at NBCC is mostly due to location location location.

[Ohio_Buckeye_1]

You'll have to decide if you want the beach, for a little more, or the cliffs.
I wouldn't worry about walking from any of the places. Even if back from the main road, like Oasis, you just walk to the main road and catch a route taxi - very cheap.

My last trip, in March, I tried NBCC for the first time - it was great. As irieworld warned, make sure you are dealing direct with NBCC and not Mariner's - best way is to contact Jean Gaynair directly.
Her ph#s in JA are 876-957-4323/4754. But they also have a US ph# 954-840-7119 connected to them in JA using Magic Jack. Email is gaynair@cwjamaica.com
She is great and will work with you on price - I told them what I could afford, reasonable amount based on others in the area - and she was able to get me a great place at under advertised price - but I think that always works best in person and at last minute when they know the condo would go empty. At Thanksgiving probably have to pay advertised rate and reserve in advance.

I toured Oasis, the trip prior, and have to admit I was impressed. Great looking grounds, pool, and pool bar - and only place I've seen with tennis courts.
But if you are considering Oasis, did you look at Seastar - also back a little from the road, but better priced than Oasis and always gets rave reviews for their guest treatment - is my all-time fav.
NBCC has kitchens in all condos, and Seastar has in some rooms. There is a little market right at the end of Seastar Lane.

Another budget choice on cliffs is Catcha Falling Star Gardens. Not the main Catcha property, but they have added a new pool at Gardens. I have not been, but seen ads on this board for great prices and see good reviews.

Just my 2cents.

[yetta]

I would recommend Seastar or Catcha Gardens...nice price with good vibes. I do love the beach yet like to stay on the cliffs. Many options for you...just one opinion. Have a great time what ever choice you make! Enjoy!

[Plain Jane]

@shelly..... I agree

Even though I was booked at Xtabi (cliffs), I spent most of my time with my friends at NBCC (on the beach) - NBCC had 2 beds, small sofa and a nice sized kitchen ( a plus)Xtabi was great too but it would have been nice to have a phone in the room ( NBCC has one)

@Ohio - I agree - Jean was not there but Tulian was just as nice! I'm hoping to stay at NBCC on my next trip....