Going to Negril, Jamaica on Spring Break '09..Where should I stay?

Question

Hey guys, my boyfriend and I booked a flight to Montego Bay, but want to stay in Negril. We're unsure on where we want to stay. We're not on budget but we DON'T want an all-inclusive hotel considering we plan on leaving the resort to explore other areas. We are looking for a 2-3 star hotel preferably quiet, close to the beach, Rick's cafe, Margaritasville, and places where we can go clubbing. I looked at some like: Rondel, Samsara, and White Sands, are they ideal? I already looked on Tripadvisor.com, but still unsure. Please suggest ideas...(leave only helpful responses please, I am aware that Jamaica can be a dangerous place like any other location on this planet.)

Answer 1

Stay at Riu....and dont get the all inclusive plan because you will want to eat off the resort and not be limited by your hotels food plan. Do however get the drink plan if your hotel offers it and you want to drink. Dont stay at Samasara or Legends, they are sister properties (Legends-beachside and Samasara-cliffside) unless you like very basic and not very modern amenities.  Negril is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and you will have a wonderful time. It is romantic and Jamaica has a very laid back.."no worries" attitude which you will adapt to quite quickly. Make sure you dont change your money at the airport , but do it at the cambios in town and dont be pressured into buying useless junk you dont want. Be firm and politely say...No thank you! and if you really want to get your guy randy for the night, have him drink a "viagra" at Ricks- you wont be disapointed. Also....Make sure you eat at "Sweet Spice" Its the best food in Negril by far. Have fun and take this with you, it will help you do the dollar conversions instead of trying to figure them out in your head.

http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet

Answer 2

RIU is too far from the action on the beach.. You would need a cab too often, and there is no way of staying there without being AI..

Anyway as for the places you mentioned.. They are all decent places. White Sands is very basic but really has the best beach area. It's close enough to walk to the nightlife, but far enough so you don't really hear it.. Surrounded by great places to eat and drink, and has daily 2 for 1 specials.  The rooms are decent, nothing special at all, but for me the price is right, and they are clean.

Sam Sara is nice as they are upgrading it and you get the free shuttle to Legends, which is on the beach. Also the cliffs are a very chill, quiet area.. Nice for bonding time with your honey during the day and a short cab ride at night to the clubs.

Rondel is nice also, decent beach area and close to nightlife.. Rooms looks nice and clean. It's the closest, of the resorts listed, to the nightlife.

All the resorts listed have a pool, Sam Sara and Rondel also have hot tubs, Sam Sara now has a spa..

Everything is relatively close in Negril. It's good if you don't mind walking.

Check out

http://www.negrilinfo.com

Lots of info on nightlife, restaurants, etc..

Have a great time!!