Hi! Newbie to Negril & Forum

[ChicagoDub]

Hi All! I'm going to be getting to the beach December 8th-20th on my own and staying at the Coral Seas Beach Resort. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, I've done my fair share of travel and now live in Chicago for many years. I'd love to meet-up with some of you folks some day/night if you'd be up for it, so I could maybe learn more about Negril/Jamaica or just to experience the time together?

I'd love to know what Coral Seas Beach resort is like to stay in, it was well priced so I'm not expecting much? Is it in a good part of Seven Mile? I was told by one person that 'it's nice' but doesn't inspire confidence and I really have little problem moving should it not live up to being a decent spot.

I have a fella called Kingsley James (recommended on here I think!) who's company is picking me up from Mobay and also giving me a tour one of the days, but other than that I plan on just taking it easy and having some fun on some of the nights out.

All advice or just friendly welcomes, are well welcome!

Cant wait to be there soon!

[yetta]

Welcome Chicagodub! I have been going to Negril for many years and you will not be disappointed! Just be yourself and have an open mind. There are so many wonderful people and places to visit. Kingsley is a truly great guy! Out of over 20 trips, he was our driver probably 80% of the time. He is a very nice man, trustworthy and very informative! He will take good care of you. I have never stayed at Coral Seas but I'm sure you will be pleased. I am generally a cliff dweller even though I love the beach. Explore the beach and please take time to explore the cliffs. A totally different vibe! Negril is full of adventures....take time to take to discover the road less traveled. The possibilities are endless. Take note where the locals eat and you will be more than satisfied. Enjoy to the max! Will be arriving on the 14th...hopefully, we may meet. Blessings sent!

[ChicagoDub]

Cheers Yetta! Appreciate it, I'm going to be checking in here a good bit so yeah by the 14th I should have the lay of the land! Are the cliffs pretty accessible or is there a lot of private hotels up there? Blessings back to you!

[rickme]

I think that you are staying right across the street from me (I am at the Yoga centre). You are at the end of the beach closest to Negril, but still close enough to all the beach venues. Your hotel has changed names several times ( coral seas-sunset on the beach- back to coral seas) I hang out at their beach most of my visits to Negril. I have not stayed in that place but have stayed at its sister property (Coral Seas garden) and have visited their cliff-side property. The rooms are simple and clean and safe, the beach is awesome and food is good ( I prefer the local vendors and restaurants to hotel food - you should wander across the street for a meal at the yoga centre; it's old fashioned hippie cuisine)

I am leaving on the 9th, maybe we will run into each other. Enjoy

[plongdin]

You will be in good hands with Kingsley And are in a great location to explore negril - if you walk into the center of town, it will be cheap and easy to catch a red plate taxi to anywhere on the cliffs. Xtabi and Negril Escape are two great places to visit. There is a whole different vibe on the West End - I have yet to meet anyone who visited Negril that didn't love it!

[MikeyNYC]

Take the one love bus pub crawl with Lenbert. Runs on sun, wed and Friday. Great way to see places on the cliffs that you might not otherwise get to.

[yetta]

Cheers Yetta! Appreciate it, I'm going to be checking in here a good bit so yeah by the 14th I should have the lay of the land! Are the cliffs pretty accessible or is there a lot of private hotels up there? Blessings back to you!

On your ride from the airport, talk with Kingsley regarding the cliffs. He will fill you in on all you need. Discuss "route taxis" with him also, that way if you get the urge to hit the cliffs you will not be paying a crazy price to travel. Private rides are available at decent prices, but from personal experience...the first time I was in Negril, on the beach I might add, I paid 20 US just to go mid beach to the craft market. I didn't have a clue!!! One of our friends at the resort found out and laughed out loud....then filled me in on more reasonable forms of transportation. LOL

As mentioned above, Xtabi is always a nice place to start. Grab your snorkel gear and have lunch or at least a drink to pay your thanks for snorkeling there. It is quite a nice bar and the access to the water is easy. Negril Escape is also nice. Head down Seastar Lane and have lunch or dinner at Seastar. Nice atmosphere, pool, etc and beautiful grounds. If you really want to head west, stop at Out of Town Pastries for some homemade patties, etc...then head to the Westender. A very different side of the cliffs!

Keep checking the board, there is a wealth of knowledge with some very well traveled boardies. Have a great time!!