Samsara?

[HarryS]

You get what you pay for here. There's a reason the prices are so good. The food is basic and made from inexpensive ingredients. The drinks are bottom shelf and the Red Stripe on tap is nothing like in the bottles, which they charge extra for.

The rooms are basic, the A/C works, we had an issue with water leaking through the light fixture on the bathroom, if you were sitting on the toilet you got wet. Repeatedly complained and were told it would be fixed. It was not. On our last day we were asked to check out early so they could then fix it. What?!

The cliffs are nice, there were plenty of loungers, we liked the beds on the cliffs as well. Lots of access to the ocean. The pool was clean, but the hot tub was not... the water was a funky green color.

The owner spends lots of time around the property. We found him to be strange, his presence almost creepy. Got the impression the staff is not comfortable when he is around.

Took advantage of the shuttle to Legends, was able to eat lunch there and drink at the bar, no problem. Same issue there with the Red Stripe on tap - not the same as what's in the bottles... however that seems a recurring theme everywhere we went that had it on tap and in bottles.

[Ktans]

We stayed at Samsara on a Groupon over Thanksgiving last year. Overall, we had a great time, but I don't know that we'd stay there again. The breakfasts were good, but the lunch reminded us of cafeteria food. We ate breakfast at Samsara and did the Jamaica dinner at Legends, but ate elsewhere for lunch and dinner(LTU/jerk chicken stands, patties at the roundy round place, Seastar a couple/few times, etc).

The "hoverer" when we were there was a hired consultant, not the owner, and he was a bit creepy. The drinks included in the AI were not good. No matter what concoction I ordered, I was disappointed.

They did not provide pool towels which really surprised me. We overpayed for the typical non absorbent Jamaica themed towels sold at the on-site gift shop. I normally bring our beach towels, but thought they would surely be provided at an AI with a pool. The pool was itself was nice, but the loungers are old and 2 were broken. The room was comfy, and we met some awesome people.

Overall, I'd say we got what we payed for as far as the food and room was concerned. The view is beautiful, and given the rough seas, it was nice having a pool (that was a first for us). If I were in better shape, I'd go back to the penthouse suite at Blue Cave Castle (those stairs nearly killed me last time!). Teddy's an awesome cook and the vibe there is perfect. If I weren't addicted to the ocean, I'd stay at Seastar. Again, awesome food and fantastic vibe.

[brihinds]

I prefer Jamaican owned and managed properties. Search Samsara and read the reviews. Everton 's, Seastar, and Greenleaf on the beach are all Jamacian owned and managed. They treat their staff and other Jamaicans very well and are very accommodating. You can swim at Xxtabi from Everton 's Cotton Grove, Seastar provides a daily shuttle to and from the beach and have a great pool, and Greenleaf guests are allowed to utilize all the facilities at Cocolapalm. All have well stocked stores near by and you will be treated with respect and dignity.

[Marko]

You can swim at Xxtabi from Everton 's Cotton Grove

you don't need to go to Xtabi from Croton Grove.....just go across the street to Pee Wees and jump in!

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Marko]

the Red Stripe on tap is nothing like in the bottles, which they charge extra for.

Same issue there with the Red Stripe on tap - not the same as what's in the bottles... however that seems a recurring theme everywhere we went that had it on tap and in bottles.

that's because it's not Red Stripe beer.....
most places pour the inexpensive Real Rock draft beer made by Big City Brewing CO LTD in Kingston......
and it's the worst beer mi ever tasted......seriously......
don't know if they are still in business.....hope not......lol
but in the 2000's most places that served draft in Negril poured that chit....
just horrible mon........

Cool Runnings, Marko