I agree but wasn't sure how else to put it other than "more authentic"Originally Posted by Papa Georgie
I agree but wasn't sure how else to put it other than "more authentic"
Blue Cave Castle '12, '13 '14 '15 '16 Catcha Falling Star '13 Boardwalk Village '14 '15
I just find an AI to be a generic experience, meaning that except for little bits and pieces, you could be at any tropical location. While Negril is not "authentic", you do get to rub elbows with locals moreso than at an AI.
Also, non AI cons listed, I don't consider cons, personally. But I do agree with the conclusion. It depends on what you're looking for, and whether or not you enjoy researching. If you want marble lobbies, feel it's too much work to explore local grocery stores for booze, etc, and to try out the great restaurants there, AI is probably right for you. I like to eat at a mix of restaurants, a few higher end and the local places - that is one big draw of the non AI stay for me. While I would enjoy good food at an AI also, after sampling some of the non AI options, I would feel I'd be missing out at an AI...sacrificing. I also have no interest in drinking brands of alcohol from home. I drink Jamaican rum, rum cream and red stripe, all of which can be bought cheaply at local stores. I love the freshly squeezed local juices, and love that by purchasing them, I'm directly supporting a local's family. Much of the food served at AIs is imported, especially the big chains like RIU. I like that the small local places purchase ingredients locally. You'll see locals bringing fruit, fish etc to the smaller restaurants. I watched a documentary on all the stacks of food brought in by ships, destined for AI's. In that respect, staying at smaller non AIs is much more authentic.
Either non AI draws you, or it doesn't. No one is going to convince you it's cheaper/better. All you can do is read about people's non AI experiences and see if it draws you, or even impels you to start researching the "perfect" place for you. If you read non AI restaurant recommendations and you can't help but start making your own list of "must try" places YOU want to go, then you'll soon find yourself booking your non AI vacation. If you don't feel it, and it sounds like "work", book the AI package.
Keep an eye out for a WestJet seat sale - I think they fly direct 3 days a week during busy season and you should be able to do better than $750 PP.
TandJ - another thought - book a 1 week package to an AI and have them extend the return flight by a week. Then book a non-AI for the 2nd week. You still get the advantage of the cheaper package airfare and you get to try non-AI...
I have been watching WestJet since June for a decent price on our direct flight from Winnipeg, leaving April 12...the prices are insane $1890.00 for 2 . Never paid this much! There has not been a seat sale yet and according to my agent, the seats are booking up fast. We may not have a choice but to pay this inflated price. Option to go through T.O is there, however price will be about the same after paying for flight to T.O ,and there is a forced overnight because of the flight times. It's also a pain in the*** and cuts into the vacation time. Impatiently waiting for a better price !!!
nicollet, i've been watching the prices for the same dates from winnipeg . . . insane . . . a little cheapr if i leave on the 9th which i may do . . . what happened to the sale prices on west jet?
I know...this is nutso! We were looking at the 9th as well...might as well go early and spend that $300 on 3 extra days in JA. Might not be able to take advantage of that , hubby has trade show in Saskatoon in the beginning of April. My agent friend sys wait a little bit...she's pretty sure WJ is going to throw down a sale....(I'm getting impatient!!) Where you staying?
i stay at bar b barn, love it there, the rates are really cheap $60 single $70 double including a full breakfast . . .i've been staying there for years, great bar, centrally located, love the staff . . . will do my last week in april there, first in portland. i'm keeping an eye on the wj . . . can you post it here and i will do the same if it pops up? lucija kampic on facebook.
Yes for sure! let's hope it's soon
Way back when...Xtabi's then room 3 on the cliffs was a wood frame with a tin roof and much
more "rustic" than it is now, we entertained and played music with our golf caddie from Negril
Hills whom we befriended. When he walked into the place the first thing he said was
"Wow, you are living like Jamaicans!"
Now maybe he was expecting something much more upscale from us "rich American golfers",
and it was his way of being polite.
Most likely he didn't understand "shabby chic".
Kind of made us feel "authentic" for a while though.
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