Jamaica - Villa Rentals

Riu Montego Bay - All Inclusive, hotel review Visited: April 2012

Posted by nursenurse24

I found broken glass in my food.

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Golden Clouds, villa review Visited: January 2012

Posted by KimDelorme

Having never stayed at a villa before, I had no idea what to expect. In fact, out of our group I was the one who was really pushing to stay at a hotel instead of a villa for our holiday. I was outvoted, and it was the best thing that could have possibly happened. Golden Clouds villa was absolutely incredible. From the moment we pulled up to the gate to the moment we left, the staff treated us like stars.

We had the all-inclusive package, which made it very simple to figure out who owed what. If you've ever gone on vacation with friends, you can really appreciate knowing exactly how much everything will cost before you leave on your holiday.

We had 15 adults in our group and some of us didn't drink much and others drank a lot. Having the liquor as a separate tab meant that you didn't have to pay for what you didn't drink.

The food was out-of-this world. I usually stay at all-inclusive hotels, so I'm used to the idea of having all my meals included. What I wasn't used to was having my own private chef who made the most amazing meals you could ever possibly imagine! Our entire group was completely impressed by Ms. Blossom and her amazing cooking.

The rooms were beautiful as well. They were each done in a different style and had all the modern amenities (air conditioning, flat screens, etc.), yet still had an old world charm and elegance.

We went on a few excursions while in Jamaica. I usually go to Mexico (love Cabo!) on my holidays, so Jamaica was something different and quite exotic. The locals were very friendly, and there were a lot of interesting places to visit. I would definitely go back to Jamaica, and I would absolutely go back to Golden Clouds!

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Chippewa Village, hotel review Visited: January 2012

Posted by StephanieC

This was not our first trip to Chippewa Village and love Negril, but had been some years. It was my father and brother's first time out of the country, we were excited! It had gotten significantly and visibly more run down and by the 2nd day the "guard dogs" of the property that we were told by the owner John to be friendly to, attacked my Dad's arm and gave him several puncture wounds and he was bleeding everywhere. John ran for the peroxide and this did not seem like the first time this had happened. He supposedly consulted a doctor and said salt water would do the trick!?!?!?!?
There was no apologies, no offer of a refund or any medical attention provided??? My dad then felt uncomfortable and decided to switch hotels to Parrot Cottages across the street and incurred all new fees. This put a damper on our trip and we still had to fear for our safety while he kept the dog roped up on the premises??
The list of things broken or run down is endless and don't expect running water, AC, comfortable beds, screens for bugs, dish soap, light bulbs, lights outside the villa at night or any accommodations. It felt more like everything surrounding us was a liability. We were barked at by John and it seems he is sucking the money out of this place. Definitely better places to stay in Negril and we were literally chased out by all 3 dogs biting the bumper of our taxi :( Cujo was not our idea of a good time.

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Paradise Hill Jamaica, hotel review Visited: August 2011

Posted by mwhitemarsha

This place was a total sham! The furniture was old, dirty and full of ants. The rooms were dirty, the beds stunk, and there were no bedspreads on the beds.

In addition, there was no hot water for bathing. Let me not go into the condition of the bathrooms, it will only make you sick to the stomach!

The owner and his helper were constantly in and out of the house, resulting in no privacy whatsoever!

All the amenities that were advertised were non-existent. There was no such thing as front desk service or babysitting service.

Also, the closest thing to civilization was Whitehouse about a half an hour away.

The view was to die for. The house was perched on top of a mountain and I could see the beautiful Caribbean Sea for miles. However, the condition of the house and the actions of owner were atrocious!

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Jack Tar Village Montego Bay, hotel review Visited: December 1969

Posted by Anita

My sister and I were here for a week, and we had so much fun. It was my first time out of the USA. Everyone was so friendly!

The food and service were great. The shows were awesome and funny.

I am taking a trip this year and want to stay here again.

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Couples Sans Souci All Inclusive, hotel review Visited: November 2011

Posted by FlagRez

My wife and I just returned from Couples San Souci on November 19th, 2011 after eight great nights. This was our second trip to this resort and third to Couples (Tower Island was the first).

Although we had been here before, I always looked for reviews about the Au Naturale side, but only found limited comments. Since there is plenty of information about the textile side, I thought I would take this opportunity to give detailed information about the "other side" since I would only be repeating all of the great things everyone else had to say about the rest of the resort.

The Au Naturale side is perfectly secluded from the rest of the resort with a natural mountainous barrier in between. If you would like to conveniently take advantage of all it offers, you may want to stay in blocks A, B or C since they are the closest. Once there, it is impossible for other resort goers to see you unless they want to join you.

The beach itself is small, but not much smaller from the main resort. It is nice to stroll along it, but walking into it can be a bit challenging since there are many small rocks to walk over. Bring water socks if you can. You can also take lounge chair cushions out there and just float.

There is a river that flows into the ocean which borders the beach. This will bring some cold water in which can be quite refreshing. There is a vacant hotel visible from the beach, but I think voyeurs would be hard pressed to really see anything. Locals may come along the river on the public side to try to sell you something. Simply wave them off, and they will not bother you. There are plenty of cabanas and lounge chairs along the beach and I never saw all of them taken.

After 5 p.m. be prepared for the gawkers. This is what we called the people who are allowed to come from the textile side to see the "sun set". We always said we will show them a "moon rise". They will come over with their cameras and this is the only time photos are allowed (unless you get there early in the morning when no one is there). We really didn't like the idea they could come over dressed the way they want, but we could not visit their beach "dressed" the way we want.

The pool is very nice and has a grotto, which is fun to walk through. Water splashes down from the top and makes a great way to cool off. Although the pool is not large, we were able to get a volley ball game going. Unfortunately, this took some prodding from the staff (not quite sure why).

The pool also has a swim up bar which seats about eight people. Seating around the pool is plentiful with plenty of umbrellas. We never had a problem finding a lounge chair in the shade.

The bar is a full bar offering every imaginable drink. My only complaint was that it was not always ready to go at 10 am (hey, it's 5 O'clock somewhere!). This was not the fault of the bartender, but those who stock it. We had a couple of days that we had to wait about an hour for ice. One of the days, out of eight, it ran out of ice and beer around 4:30.

Lunch started at 12:30. Hamburgers with all the fixings were served every day along with nachos. Each day a variety of three different dishes were offered - fish, jerked chicken, vegetables, rice and the like.

We only went to the main resort one time for lunch just to see what they had. After that, I did not feel it necessary to return. The food on the au naturale side is just as good.

The activities director was present every day with a variety of trivia games. They were fun to play and could result in a free bottle of rum, so I highly recommend participation. Other than that, you are pretty much on your own. But who needs an activity director when you have friends and a good bartender?

You cannot go wrong with the au naturale side of Couples. The only thing you could do wrong is visit it on the last day of your vacation. I can't tell you how many people we spoke to who said, in the past, this is what they had done and completely regretted it. Had they discovered it the first day, they would have been there the entire time.

One common reason is the people. Everyone we spoke to said the people on the au naturale side are much more friendly. This is the primary reason we go there. It is very easy to strike up a conversation and make friends with people who are not pretentious or phony. You are who you are.

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Grand Lido Negril, hotel review Visited: November 2011

Posted by semcpa

It's been four days since our return from Jamaica, and I have intentionally waited to vent, so I can do so in a polite manner.

With that said, to say we were disappointed in an extreme understatement. We had a beachfront, one-bedroom suite on the Au Naturale on David Parker's reservation number #5982560. When we arrived at the resort, we were basically told that David Parker's reservation/confirmation was not worth the paper it was written on. According to them, we were only guaranteed a one-bedroom suite, period.

After arguing with the desk clerk, she offered us a one-bedroom(not a suite) on the A/N, with no price adjustment! I asked when our one-bedroom on the A/N side would be available, and she said not until Monday. I was already felt misrepresented, and was being offered two nights in an inferior quality room.

On Monday I asked when our one-bedroom on the A/N side would be ready and was told not until Tuesday! I very politely told the clerk that we had been told it would be available on Monday and I went back to tell my wife how bad we were being ripped off.

I waited 30 minutes to cool off and went back and requested to talk to the General Manager due to the circumstances. The clerk went through the door behind the desk and after approximately five minutes came back and said she would have room #2077 available to us that day.

It was obvious that the General Manager did not want to show me at least the respect to talk to me. In other words he hid in the back, like a coward. I asked the clerk when the room would be ready and she said to give them 1 1/2 hours. I told her I would give her two hours and she told me to please not come back, but to call first to make sure it was ready.

When we got into #2077 (second floor, not the first floor as per our confirmation), we opened the doors to the large balcony and then we could not get them to close. We called the desk and they sent a maintenance man, who could not get it to close properly either. He said he would come back the next day to fix it; he never did, so we did not use the large balcony.

Let's discuss the pool. My pool at home is slightly larger than the pool at Breezes Negril, and I don't have to accommodate a hundred people! The pool situation is terrible! The hot tub (if you want to call it that) is about the same size as ours at home! And ours works! There was always a garden hose in either the pool or the hot tub. We were told that was because there was a leak.

It was pretty useless to try and get a lounger anywhere around the pool. Finally, four of our friends from Braco came up to us and told us we could have their loungers on the day that they left.

The service in the Grand Terraza was poor to almost non-existent. The lack of management in this area was representative of the overall management of the resort.

Unless you got there very early, every vacant table needed to be bussed. Every morning, no one would ask to seat us. So, we would sit at a vacant, dirty table for 20 - 30 minutes waiting for someone to remove the dirty dishes from the previous guests, clean the table and bring us clean dishes. In order to get coffee, juice etc. it was another 20 minutes!

As far as the food is concerned, they need to teach their cook how to cook eggs! Each cook would cook the eggs until they were brown, in spite of how you requested them! I literally had to tell the cook when to stop and put the eggs on my plate because I was tired of eating burned eggs after three days!

We requested our repeater voucher when we checked out and were told we would have to contact Monique Graham, via email. We asked about the three nights free that David Parker had told about for 2012 and were told we would have to contact David Parker.

In short, we got ripped off.

This was a vacation that we so looked forward to with a very positive attitude because we were going to a different Breezes resort, on a different side of the island. All of our prior eight visits had always been to Grand Lido Braco.

In summary, Breezes Negril was terrible, and you have to start with the management. This is an extremely, poorly managed property. The entire management needs a wake up call. As first time guests, we felt the entire staff came across as asinine buffoons, and the General Manager should be fired.

We were consistently lied to, and the resort misrepresents itself through its advertisement and promotions. There is no possible, explainable other reason to make such a horrible first impression on new guests. The owners of Super Clubs should be embarrassed. It seemed very apparent from our visit, why the owners are having a difficult time in attracting additional capital and investors.

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Negril's Idle Awhile, hotel review Visited: December 2010

Posted by ajackson

I stayed at Idle Awhile for the first time in December 2010. I had a wonderful time.

The staff was very friendly. The room was beautiful (beachy modern). We had a beach front room on the first level, and we felt very safe.

The food and drinks were excellent. My friend and I ordered the red snapper one day, and it was so good! It's almost been a year and I want to return again for my birthday, but I am very disappointed to find there is no availability. Next time I'll make sure I book well in advance!

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Nirvana on the Beach, hotel review Visited: August 2011

Posted by rex419

First of all, I was greeted immediately upon my arrival (Rocky's is best transportation service!). The ladies were very pleasant and up-lifting. They had big smiles and made me feel very welcomed.

Rainbows is right next door, and has amazingly good jerk chicken and fish. They also serve other types of good home-cooked food.

We stayed in the owners' villa, which was right on the beach. It was unbeatable. The good man, Shine, was always looking out for us at night time and giving us good advice. Both Shine and the gardener were two exceptional people who left lasting impressions and gave me a new found hope in humanity.

I absolutely loved everything and enjoyed spending time with every person I met at Nirvana. We had the time of our lives!

Places you should visit include Nine Mile, Mayfield, and the Black River safari. Also, remember to use Rocky's for safe and reliable transportation.

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Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa All Inclusive, hotel review Visited: August 2011

Posted by specialkb3

My family and I had a awesome week-long stay at the Grand Palladium Jamaica in August 2011. It was everything the website posted and more.

We loved the place, and everyone was very friendly. The place beautiful and kept very clean.

This is a five-star resort and spa at a great price. I booked a spa treatment/massage, and it was great. My skin was soft for the whole day. I loved the oils.

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SuperClubs Breezes Runaway Bay, hotel review Visited: July 2011

Posted by billiedakid

I thought the staff was rude staff. I encountered drug dealers and locals pushing worthless junk on the beach.

Also, the drinks were watered down, and there was no fizz. Watch out for the bones in the food, too.

Bag handlers will chase you on the bus for a tip even if you don't want them to touch your bag. Bus drivers from the airport will take you to their relatives' place to buy junk or jerk chicken before taking you to the resort, too. It's a rip off - stay on the bus.

I have been to many resorts. I thought this one was dirty, and probably the worst resort I have ever been to.

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Negril Beach Club Condos, hotel review Visited: February 2011

Posted by tommyshelagh

Negril Beach Club Condos made my vacation so relaxing and unique.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I have stayed here two times already and plan to come back again and again.

Thank you to Ms. Jean and all the staff who made us feel most welcome.

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Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa, hotel review Visited: January 2011

Posted by

This was absolutely a great place to stay. It was not too small and not too large of a resort. In addition, it was very clean.

There were many restaurant options, and the food was fabulous.

We were treated like kings. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The staff was amazing. We were welcomed with a cool towelette and the rum punch drink of the day as we arrived off the bus.

They go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. We are planning on returning next year - that's how great it was.

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Firefly Beach Cottages, hotel review Visited: February 2011

Posted by marathonrunner

I came to Firefly for the fifth time last month and, as with all the times before, I loved it and didn't want to leave.

Firefly must be the most relaxing place on earth. It's the perfect getaway for a busy New Yorker. I love the quaint cottages, friendly staff, laid back beach bar and spectacular beach! I've traveled all over the world and have yet to see a beach that rivals Negril.

Each time I've stayed at Firefly I've stayed in a different room. Each one is unique and charming. What I like is that all the rooms have their own kitchen, so I can cook if I choose to, and they are always spotlessly clean.

However, I always spend most of my time relaxing on the beach with a good book or swimming in the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea.

Just writing this makes me long to return. I can't wait for the next trip to Firefly!

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Xtabi Club Resort, hotel review Visited: October 2011

Posted by beenthere

I cannot recommend this resort until something is done about the management.

They canceled my reservation because I posted a comment on a private Internet forum about the door not closing and the condition of the pool on our last stay. That is very unprofessional.

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Firefly Beach Cottages, hotel review Visited: January 2011

Posted by Ginette69

My husband and I brought in the new year at this idyllic spot on the beach.

Firefly was a beautiful spot with lovely flowers everywhere. We saw hummingbirds right outside our balcony. We were able to totally unwind and relax both in our clean, well appointed room, and on the beach or at the beach bar.

Breakfast and coffee at the bar were a must, and it was a pleasure to be served by smiling and sociable staff.

I would highly recommend Firefly. It is something everyone should experience. Once you do, you will probably go back again, like many of the guests who were there when I was.

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Home Sweet Home Resort, hotel review Visited: February 2011

Posted by sven58

I have been coming to Negril for many years, and Home Sweet Home
provides all that is necessary for a wonderful Jamaican experience.

The staff could not be better, led by Charlie (a true "Jamerican") and Tina(love at first sight). They will do whatever it takes to give you a wonderful vacation.

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Mirage Resort, hotel review Visited: November 2010

Posted by beenthere

This is a small place, with no restaurant or bar. They have 12 oceanfront rooms and the cleanest pool in Negril.

I loved staying here. The staff is great. It's an excellent value. I booked again for fall of 2011.

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Grand Pineapple Beach Negril, hotel review

Posted by beenthere

Depending on the price you pay, this can be a great place. We paid $45 per person for an all-inclusive beach side cottage. We loved the staff. Also, the colors of the buildings were nice.

It's in an excellent location. This is a Sandals budget type of place.

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ClubHotel Riu Negril, hotel review

Posted by beenthere

The only thing Jamaican about ClubHotel Riu Negril is the staff working here.

The beach is very bad, although it used to be the nicest pre-Riu's. Now it is swampy and full of sand fleas and sea weed. It is awful.

I hated it here, and left after one night.

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