What should I expect at Grand Pineapple?

[cruizin'fun]

I am a newbie to both this site, and Jamaica. My wife and I go to Mexico every year, not all inclusive. We find a cheap hotel, and just buy food and drink at our leisure.
We decided to try something new for next years winter get away, so we decided an AI in Jamaica. After long hours of looking at reviews and options, we decided that Grand Pineapple would be our choice. We decided to go there for a couple reasons, one being good reviews. Another was, it seems close to do some scuba diving. And the last reason was price, it was in a range close to what we paid for 2 weeks in Mexico, but only one week in Jamaica.
My main reason for the post is to hear some feedback from people that have been there, and what to expect.

Thanks,
Jim

[DaRev]

Jim,
My wife and I loved it.. But then again, we have loved every place we have stayed in Negril! Grand Pineapple is slightly more "upscale" from the places we usually go.. We found the food to be really good - their service friendly, the beach amazing.. - In truth, you are close to scuba wherever you go.. One more thing.. as we have also been to Mexico as well - I don't think you will be going back there any time soon after you have been to Negril!!

[gregandkelly63]

Here was my trip advisor review.:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ECK_RATES_CONT

[rjonsun]

Despite what the Rev says we have been back to Mexico many times after visiting Negril.
It is easy to do the same thing in Negril that you do in Mexico as far as finding a reasonably priced hotel and buying food on your own. Decent hotels can be found cliff side in the $50 to $75 range which would be a similar price of a hotel on Isla Mujeres or Puerto Morelos. Local Negril restaurants sell very good meals in the $5 to $15 range, again prices similar to what you might pay in Play del Carmen or Merida.
We can do 2 weeks in Negril for about the same price as a Yucatan vacation. If we stay on Negril beach, it is slightly more expensive than Mexico, but not double the price. We don't do AI in either place.
Negril does have a good vibe, but can be intimidating to those not used to the beach higglers, something you seldom see in Mexico. Negril has a nice music scene, Mexico has some fantastic ruins and culture. Communication is easier in Jamaica as they speak English and tap water is good to drink. Sunsets way better in Negil.
Both places have good air service at similar prices from Philly.
the only difference is that we normally book our hotels in Negril in advance but never do when going to Mexico.
Regards,
Bob

[lisapat]

My trip advisor review(s) 2012 and 2013
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...h_Jamaica.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...h_Jamaica.html

[cruizin'fun]

Thanks for the responses. I see one post referred to Isla Mujeres, that's were my wife and I go every year.
Is there a dress code for eating? I know some places have one.
Is there stuff (markets or shopping) off resort that is close by?
I will have more questions as time goes on. My wife and I talk, then it brings up more things to ask.

Thanks,
Jim

[7milelover]

I have stayed at Grand Pineapple twice and will return next winter, again. There is no dress code other than shirt and shoes. Negril is totally casual. There is so much shopping nearby, you will have no problem. The staff is extremely friendly and the hotel is nice, but not fancy.

[cruizin'fun]

Other than 3 meals a day, is there snacks? What about drinks? Do they have Coke or Pepsi or something else? Are the alcoholic beverages brand names that I would know?


Thanks,
Jim

[squarestatejeff]

You can order a burger and I believe some other sandwiches throughout the day if you want, and they bring out some sandwiches in the evening in case anyone wants a late-night snack.

If I remember correctly, they have a self-serve soda machine with coke products and ting. I was happy with the alcohol offerings, but stayed mostly with rum and tia maria. I can't tell you which of the brand-name whiskeys and vodkas they offer that we are used to here in the states. That said, it seems like they had similar offerings to most of the resorts on the rock, though.