Jake's

Jamaica

This property can be booked by these companies.
hotels.com:	(800) 439-4013 or Online

Know Before You Go!

Have you visited Jake's? We'd love to know what you think...
Please write a review with as much detail as possible. Tell us about the amenities, facilities and staff.

Click Here to post your review for Jake's.

*We thought it was a terrible place for a honeymoon.* Visited: December 2003
Posted by john7
	Being marketed on the Island Outpost website, we were led to believe that Jake's was the equivalent of the Caves or Goldeneye, but our experience there added a miserable coda to an otherwise wonderful honeymoon. My wife booked our honeymoon in Jamaica at The Caves (can�t say enough good things about that resort) and Jakes, but once we arrived at Jake's our impression of the place was so bad that we stayed only one night before bailing out and heading back to Florida. We checked in the afternoon of 12/26 and quickly knew we had not done enough research. The location in Treasure Beach was mediocre- miniscule beach (the public beach at the adjacent Jack Sprat's was no better) - murky water, and strong undercurrents. Security was poor- non-guests milled about, and the door of our cabin ("deluxe sea front cabin" Seapuss 1) was secured by a padlock and chain, causing the door to hang open 6 or 8 inches. At the restaurant were several stray dogs begging for food at tables, and my wife started getting flea bites on her leg as soon as we stepped up to the reception desk to check in. There were chicken bones on the pavement around the pool area (dropped by one of the stray dogs no doubt), cobwebs in the room, no hot water for the shower, mildewed towels, etc. I could go on and on with small complaints, but most importantly we didn't feel safe at Jakes. Between the non-guests wandering the paths of the resort at night and the lack of confidence our door and windows inspired, we were anxious about spending even the single night we did. There weren't even phones in the room to call the front desk. Within the first hour at Jakes, we made arrangements to cut short our stay and head back to the states. All in all, we were there for less than 18 hours. If I were a 19-year-old backpacker paying $25 per night, I wouldn't have been as upset about my experience there. However, on our honeymoon and paying $300 per night, plus $225 in transfers getting to and from the resort's isolated location, I feel like a victim of false advertising.
1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Room with a view - and not much else* Visited: December 2003
Posted by susan1
	Jake's is a mellow, friendly spot in a remote part of Jamaica. The plusses are that Treasure Beach is very mellow compared to the big resort towns in Jamaica - there aren't a lot of vendors pressuring you to buy things. Also, Jake's staff is very nice. Most (not all) of the rooms look out directly onto the sea. But be warned - if you don't enjoy camping, you may not enjoy Jake's. It is all open air - including your shower, which may actually be on the outside of your room. There is no air conditioning. Many of the rooms only fit the bed. Depending on your room, you may not have enough light at night to see very much at all. The "Jamaican Antiques" advertised to be in your room weren't in ours (Jellyfish). Furnishings consisted of a simple wood platform bed, cheap nightstands, rusty desk lamps, a few built-in shelves and a couple of small pictures. (Because the rooms are like little shacks/huts, there are ants and mosquitoes in them.) The sheets are not very comfortable. But you do have an in-room CD player with remote, a coffee maker and a mini-fridge (not stocked - and there aren't a whole lot of places to buy things with which to stock it). If you enjoy paying $150 a night (or more) for a rustic experience, and the 2 1/2 hour drive each way from the airport, you may enjoy the relaxing vibe. But be prepared for the barking dogs at 7:15 a.m. each day. The restaurant is pleasant enough and food pretty good, but selection is small and they tend to run out of things. Celebrities do stay at Jake's - that part is true. During my stay, Roger G. Smith was there. He was in HBO's "K Street" and several movies. I wouldn't have known except that a friend pointed him out to me.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*This resort is totally and shamefully oversold.* Visited: October 2003
Posted by sweeneymeena
	We decided to spend our honeymoon at Jake's (October 13-17, 2003). I am Jamaican and my husband is Texan. I was looking forward to showing off more of my country to him and had yet to show him the South Coast (where Jake's is located). What a disaster! First, we saw no road signage to direct us to Jake's once we turned off the main road; a necessity as Jake's was in a very remote, albeit lovely, part of Jamaica. Second, the rooms looked nothing like what was portrayed on their website and in the glossy magazines and other such media. In fact, the photographers should be commended for making silk purses out of sow's ears with their photos of the rooms. As it was our honeymoon, we booked the most expensive villa, the Seapuss. It was a total letdown and disappointment when we were introduced to our room, particularly after our long day's journey. I thought it was nothing but a standard issue shack complete with chain and padlock in lieu of the standard door lock and latch. My husband remarked he felt like he was going into the tool shed for a lawn mower. Immediately we started phoning around for an alternate venue. We expressed our shock and displeasure the following morning, and the staff was very accommodating and offered us a choice of two other rooms: the Abalone (upstairs) or the Seapuss II. The former was much nicer, yet an oven (no a/c), the latter, one notch better than its counterpart. We decided to stay in the Seapuss II and try to make the best of it. The only way I could do this was to spend as little time as possible in the room, trying all the while not to feel taken advantage of from the room rate we were charged. The running toilet and merciless crashing surf did nothing to take my mind off things as I tried to get a good night's sleep. Everything about the rooms looked shoddy and threadbare - from the torn and resewn mosquito nets to the worn towels and upholstery. Otherwise, the staff was very nice, the food was good Jamaican fare, particularly the banana porridge, conch soup and pizza at Jack Sprat restaurant on property, and the arranged tours were great! With regard to staying at hotels, etc, I have run the gamut, including stays at several Island Outposts, of which Jake's is undeservedly a member. Jake's Island Outpost membership weighed heavily in my decision to book. I felt that was a big mistake. I'm downright shocked that Chris Blackwell put his seal of approval on Jake's - shocked! Jake's was fine for what it was, a "shacky", Bohemian lime. It was definitely not for honeymooners or those accustomed to getting a value for their money.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*It is a shack.* Visited: May 2003
Posted by kimberelyb
	Jakes is a a shack. The grounds are dried, the pool was full of debris, the beach was unswimable. My room was terrible and the bathroom was the most disgusting part. I like to stay in simple, nice places in Jamaica, but this is neither.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*A great place to chill out!* Visited: April 2003
Posted by dfernando
	If you are looking to relax, find some peace and quiet, get to know some locals, and aren't looking for room service, this is the place! It is not where you will find lots of night clubs, spring break action and five-star amenities. As someone who usually cherishes luxury hotel comforts, this was a welcome change with no let-downs. It has all the conveniences and boy, what a location! The design is fabulous. Rooms are clean, beautiful and the deck in our cottage put us right over the waves. The food is excellent, too, with an "oh so relaxed" beachside cafe. Try the rum punch and get to know the friendly staff and locals who hang at Jake's. We will definitely be back and recommend Jake's to our friends! It is a great value for money, too.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*This is a great home away from home!* Visited: March 2003
Posted by managers2002_coventg
	I recently stayed at Jake's with my husband and in-laws. We all had a wonderful time. The rooms, the food and the staff were all fantastic. Tanya and Colleen, at the reception desk, were particularly friendly and helpful. It was a very different Jamaica than what I was used to seeing on the north coast. It was more laid backL with not so many people, which was good. But the downside was that the beaches were not so pretty with clear, blue water.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Jake's is a secluded Bohemian paradise.* Visited: March 2003
Posted by rach_mexico
	We went to Jake's having heard a lot about it, not really too sure what to expect. We were absolutely blown away by the place. It was rustic and quaint rather than posh, and the rooms varied enormously in style and comfort from what we saw- we were in Tiki-Tiki 1 which was the cheapest. We had an opportunity to move, but having settled in, we felt this was fine. It was quite basic, but right by the beach and perfectly adequate. The older rooms on the other side of the property had far more character, some we saw were beautiful. The layout allowed for complete privacy, yet we met the most interesting characters at Jake's, so we didn't want to cut ourselves off too much. The setting was beautiful, the staff and villagers we met were all fantastic. Dennis did a fantastic boat trip down the Black River and to the Pelican Bar. We will definitely return. It was a place I will never forget.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Hip and rustic with a little tiny attitude.* Visited: November 2002
Posted by tamienglehorn
	We attempted this with a six-month-old, which was just a little too much. If we had gone alone as a couple, I think it would have been really great and relaxing. It was not exactly a good place for little ones - although the staff was great and very willing to accommodate. If your kids are old enough to not wander off the cliffs at the pool and can stand a little heat (no air conditioning in most rooms) and have a sense of adventure (river ride anyone?) then go for it. It certainly beats the same old high rise near the airport (where we stayed for two nights). Don't plan on spending much time on the little beach and be ready to ward off the local artists trying to sell you until the sun goes down - pressure sales meet pressure cooker sales. I had a massage and aromatherapy session with the woman in Treasure Beach and she was amazing. The food was incredible and we are definitely as big foodies as is possible living in Seattle. Oh - don't plan on quick service, though. Everything at the restaurant was very laid back, which to me made the experience even more lazy - nice. There was one staff person who was a bit rude to me when I requested the last night be taken off the bill as we left one night early (too many mosquito bites and restless nights in the heat with a baby). The owner worked it out politely with us - she was a great hostess. Overall, if you like to be pampered and are a high maintinence person, don't go to Jake's. If you are into earthy, hip relaxation and something less cookie cutterish - this is a great spot. Keep in mind the drive from the airport (our driver was great) is a long and bumpy one (2-3 hours). I'd suggest for travelers from far off (ie: West Coast) to stay a night in Montego Bay on the way in and out. And don't forget your mosquito spray - it can make or break the experience... have you ever seen a six month old with too many bites? They are very tiny and it was a bit sad.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*A great place to chill out.* Visited: October 2002
Posted by kkingjaques
	This was a really cool and laid-back place. They had a wonderful staff, and I always had a good meal. It was not posh at all, but if you need a great place to unwind, this would be it.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Our children loved it, and so did we.* Visited: February 2002
Posted by stellask
	I had read about Jake's and chose it for a change of pace after a five-night stay at a super-luxe resort in Montego Bay, where my husband attended a conference. Unlike most guests, we chose to rent a car and drive ourselves to the South Coast. It was difficult to find, but everyone we asked directions of knew it and was very helpful. We were completely charmed once we arrived, by the picturesque setting and air of tranquility that hung over the place, as well as the friendliness of the staff. We stayed in downstairs Abalone where a rollaway bed was provided for our kids. The rooms were uniquely done, on the rustic side, but clean and comfortable. I had a little concern that a resort known as such a hipsters' hangout might look askance at children, but it was completely the opposite. Jason, the owner, made it clear that kids were viewed as welcome additions and all the staff seemed to feel the same. Our daughters (ages seven and three) were delighted with everything, and the chef was happy to make them plain pasta and other dishes if they didn't like the spicy local cuisine (my husband and I loved the regular fare). We all enjoyed the pool, and the small size of the beach area is actually a plus with children. A large swimming beach could be found just a short walk down the road. All in all, the whole family had a great time, and we hope to return.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*possibly gave wrong e-mail address* Visited: February 2002
Posted by stellask
	recently changed addresses, now wondering if I provided the correct one in the review I just posted for Jake's. Apologies if I didn't, see below for right one.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*"Shabby chic" - funtastic and healing!* Visited: October 2001
Posted by maurnenstr
	I came to Jake's at night, tired, hungry and looking for a refuge from stress. Wow! Jake�s was fantastic. The architecture styles are unique, beautiful and absolutely non-plastic. This is a very hip place for R&R. I enjoyed the outside shower and the incredibly �real� food. You simply have no idea how different a vacation on Jamaica can be until you go to the less frequented south area of this Island. If you are looking for the usual cookie-cutter lodging, then you may want to stay near airport. If you want to enjoy Jamaica and an alternate (to home), but beautiful lifestyle (and not simply other tourists), go to Jake's. The folks are kind and fun. Yes, there is no air conditioning, but it is not so bad and air conditioning just would not really fit with this real island setting. It was very, very clean, and fairly rustic, but in such a beautifully artistic way. Give yourself this experience. They also have a great bodywork guy, Joshua Stein, who will come and do his excellent massage therapy upon your summons. This is also a very economical area in Jamaica to stay and play. Also very important, it�s safe! So go to Jake's. I plan to return with my family soon.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*A shack it is* Visited: July 2001
Posted by kimberelyb
	They say Jakes is the "chicest shack in the Caribbean." I say it is a shack. I went to Jakes after spending 10 days at beautiful resorts in Negril (one of which was hut style, so I�m not too snobby for rustic resorts). As soon as I entered I was sorry I came. It was dry and desert like (opposed to the lush Negril foliage) and very sparse. The beach was non-existent and the ocean was rocky and rough. The pool was murky and covered with debris. Then we saw our room. It looked like a room in a barn. It was small, the paint was peeling and the furniture was inadequate. (This was the room beneath the room in all of the pictures.) There were no screens on the windows. The most disgusting room was the bathroom: a toilet, decrypt sink and a thing coming out of the wall for a shower (no curtain, just right next to the toilet). After I cried for about 10 minutes, we decided to go back to Negril the next day. We did have a good dinner there and met nice people (a couple from Kingston and a couple from Kansas). Jakes would not refund us our deposit.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Second time was even better than the first!* Visited: February 2001
Posted by burgesshowell
	Jakes continues to be a welcome respite for the winter weary. Abalone Up is in incredible room and awesome place to view the sunset and stars. Seapuss, however, is still my favorite room. Trips to Sunny Island and Black River with Ted were an adventure. The food is very good; I am now addicted to fritters! Sally and Jason are warm, friendly and eager to accommodate. This place is a keeper for us. And, our round-trip transportation from the airport was $100 plus gratuity for 4 people.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

*Jake's is an island paradise--you won't want to leave!* Visited: June 2000
Posted by nadgirly
	I spent two nights at Jake�s and I did not want to leave. For me, it was a time where I totally forgot about the hustle and bustle of Kingston and just relaxed and enjoyed the sea breeze, great food and good company (including "Peanut" and the cats). I did not want to leave and I'm planning another trip there soon. Love it, love it, love it!
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Did you find this helpful?

Other Popular Properties

More Villas

	Coral Cove Resort - South Coast Area A small, all-inclusive upscale resort on a private beach and cove in the quiet fishing village of Little Bay near Negril. We are an ideal location for weddings, honeymoons and...		Treasure Beach - South Coast Area Treasure Beach is an eco-friendly quiet resort set among sabal palm trees in lush vegetation. Provides an ambience of privacy and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of...
	Coral Cove Resort - South Coast Area A small, all-inclusive upscale resort on a private beach and cove in the quiet fishing village of Little Bay near Negril. We are an ideal location for weddings, honeymoons and...		Mandeville Hotel - South Coast Area In the heart of Jamaica there is an oasis� a restful stopover for weary travellers, a base for business people and a friendly family retreat. At the Mandeville Hotel our...

Every hotel, resort, b&b, and villa. That is our goal. Did we miss your favorite hotel or villa? Do you own a hotel or villa? Please let us know. Click Here!

Did you find something offensive on our website? Please let us know. Click Here!

Jake's Overview

A lot of positive things have been said and written lately about Jake's, the little resort on Jamaica's undiscovered southwestern side owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. One of the hotel's key selling points is its location. Although the southwest shore isn't as green and...