Quote Originally Posted by JandMinJA View Post
There's a really good one on booking.com as we speak but I haven't been able to get ahold of anyone at Coco. They have a contact form instead of an email address and it's almost impossible for me to make a phone call during any sort of business hours. If you or anyone else has an email for them, please share!
This is the email that I have used when dealing with them in the past: reservations@cocolapalm.com
I have emailed them today to confirm that they received my reservation from booking.com but haven't heard back yet.
I do know that when emailing them while planning the wedding, sometimes it took a day or two for response.

Quote Originally Posted by love2travelchic View Post
I just went to book CoCo for Aug and they had all these addt'l fees that are not added to the total...what are they anyone?
10% VAT
USD 2 city tax per night
1% service charge
Those are typical charges when booking a hotel in Jamaica.
Value Added Tax = 10%
10% Service Charge = Is either added to or included in when booking a hotel.
New tax brought in last year (I think) of $1 per person per night.

Quote Originally Posted by JandMinJA View Post
Speaking for the 3 hotels I'm a part of and all the hoteliers I deal with at brand conventions, etc., the answer is an emphatic NO! Not at all offended. In fact, we PREFER it. It's just smart business for us to match any rate you see. Now are folks in Jamaica offended? I can't answer that. I always feel like I'm being a bother when I ask (I am NOT good at haggling), but at the same time, I know the facts, and I know it's better for them and me if I book direct. For that reason, I can't imagine them being offended. On the other hand, maybe there's a cultural taboo I'm not aware of... Maybe a few vets around here could chime in on this one...
I too prefer to book directly when dealing with small locally owned properties, saves them some money. We have tried to book directly with Coco before quoting prices found elsewhere but there was no willingness to match those prices.
I love Coco but it was beginning to get out of our budget zone, but at this price we can afford to stay there.