Great Trip Report.
Couple of things:
The second time you use negrilonestop they give you a 5% discount on your booking. While they don't have Blue Cave as a client, they do have a great hotel in Treasure beach called Treasure Beach Hotel for $71.50 (with your discount and includes all taxes) which was clean with A|C, TV, 2 pools, a great view of the ocean and good swimming right out front. 15 days there would be less than $1100.
We have been going to the Castel for a few years and tend to book the cheaper rooms. In June you may need A|C, but you wouldn't in November or December. Rates rise dramatically all over the Island about December 20th. Prices go down significantly about May 15th.
We tend to get cheaper rooms as long it is in a area we like. We eat out every meal but only eat 2 meals per day. Also, we eat most of our meals at places Jamaicans eat (think 3 Dives, Jenny's, Choice's) and not tourist places like Rock House or most places on the beach.
Negril beach can be a hassle if you are looking for something more laid back. We are headed to Treasure Beach for a week in November (this is our "beach time") and then back to Blue Cave for 2 weeks.
Another way to save money is just use route taxi's. We will actually route taxi back and forth from negril to treasure beach, saving about $100 each way. We travel very light, as exessive baggage will cost more in a route taxi.
So, a trip can be done much cheaper if you plan well.
Regards,
Bob