Trip report - 9/16/13 - 9/25/13

[HarryS]

Sorry, the title is incorrect. We were just there last week, April 16th-25th.

Sometimes I forget to mention the good in reviews, seems some people think I didn't have a good time. We had a great time, and are already planning our next trip. This was our third trip to Jamaica, we've spent about 3 weeks total in Negril so far, so we're not exactly newbies, and at this point know exactly what to expect going in.

We would stay at Samsara again, we enjoyed the property and the people were friendly...but there was a guy who I think may have been the owner, we kept seeing him everywhere, and at times it was a bit awkward, though I can't say exactly why. My wife thought so too? Anyway, The leak in the bathroom ceiling should have been handled differently. It was also a great value, no doubt. There was something worth eating every meal, I didn't go hungry by any means.

The jerk chicken stand at the Riu was OK. He brought out big tubs of cooked chicken that he then heated on the grill. You put on your own sauce. Had it one day and then didn't think it was worth the wait to stand in line in the sun with no shade. If this is the only jerk chicken you encounter in Negril then yes, it's quite good. Also tried some of the sausage, lets just say you shouldn't bother.

The main reason we stayed at the Riu was it was too good a deal to pass up. We paid less to stay at the Riu than at Samsara. My wife had also hoped it would be more like the adults only AI's we've stayed at in the past (such as the Jewel in Ocho Rios where we spent a week in 2010.)

When we booked at Catcha, I originally reserved a room with A/C but they moved us to Moon which was a much nicer room. I knew going in that we wouldn't have A/C and didn't say anything thinking I'd see how it went. My wife loved the room and didn't mind the heat so it was OK with me. We're looking at going back but staying in one of the suites next time.

We toured a couple of those smaller properties and plan on staying at them, our next trip will probably include a few nights at Seastar and Xtabi.

I still have lots more to say about places we visited, people me met, and have pictures to add, as soon as I have the time.

[Mike_D]

...but there was a guy who I think may have been the owner, we kept seeing him everywhere, and at times it was a bit awkward, though I can't say exactly why. My wife thought so too?

I have heard similar things from other trusted boardies and reviewers. Because of this, I'm reluctant to try Samsara despite the low rates. I have heard that property has a weird vibe because of the management, which carries through to the employees. We often stay at lower-budget, rustic resorts, but like to make sure that the staff (and the food) are top notch.