Discussion
Rather than break in on Flying Toilet's thread I thought I'd start one of my own.
We've just booked to go to Jamaica on the 22nd Feb for 9 nights, we couldn't get the full duration in one hotel so we booked two, four nights in the Couples Negril and five in the Sunset at the Palms, Negril, they're both on Bloody Bay so it shouldn't be a big problem to change over.
Both hotels are all inclusive and look pretty good quality, it will be interesting to see how they vary, Couples has a few more facilities and restaurants but Sunset looks a bit quieter and more chilled.
Our Daughter is a Senior Flight Attendant for Virgin Atlantic so Virgin Holidays very kindly gave us a nice discount off their brochure price and by using part of her flight allowance as well it's actually going to be a pretty reasonably priced trip, we may even get lucky and get upgraded on the flight as well.
Has anyone been to Negril or either of these hotels? We will definitely be doing some scuba diving but can anyone give any advice for anything else that you must do around there or for any excursions that should be taken as I just can't lay around on a beach for too long without extreme boredom setting in.
We've just booked to go to Jamaica on the 22nd Feb for 9 nights, we couldn't get the full duration in one hotel so we booked two, four nights in the Couples Negril and five in the Sunset at the Palms, Negril, they're both on Bloody Bay so it shouldn't be a big problem to change over.
Both hotels are all inclusive and look pretty good quality, it will be interesting to see how they vary, Couples has a few more facilities and restaurants but Sunset looks a bit quieter and more chilled.
Our Daughter is a Senior Flight Attendant for Virgin Atlantic so Virgin Holidays very kindly gave us a nice discount off their brochure price and by using part of her flight allowance as well it's actually going to be a pretty reasonably priced trip, we may even get lucky and get upgraded on the flight as well.
Has anyone been to Negril or either of these hotels? We will definitely be doing some scuba diving but can anyone give any advice for anything else that you must do around there or for any excursions that should be taken as I just can't lay around on a beach for too long without extreme boredom setting in.
We went to sunset at the palms last year, Absolutely loved the place , co chilled it's unreal, foods good , staff are terrific & a five dollar tip at the begining of the night will keep you topped up with Appletons rather than the cheap stuff, Ys falls are a must & the rum tour at Appletons distillery was terrific especially the journey home after the sampling . Sunset is not on the beach so you have to cross the road but it's beautiful
Edited by Black can man on Saturday 2nd February 02:25
Thanks very much for the info Black can man, we're looking for chilled so Sunset sounds perfect, just a couple of questions though.
YS Falls and Appletons Distillery both sound great but how long does it take to get to them as my wife is not too keen on doing too much travelling around?
Is it best to take US or Jamaican Dollars also who and when did you tip and what currency did you tip in?
YS Falls and Appletons Distillery both sound great but how long does it take to get to them as my wife is not too keen on doing too much travelling around?
Is it best to take US or Jamaican Dollars also who and when did you tip and what currency did you tip in?
Honestly, it's an incredible country and we are desperate to go back after visiting in 2011, people are friendly, the place is so chilled and it really is paradise.
We are 99% on booking the place you hinted at in your OP, just want to get back but will be watching this thread with interest as we have thought of Negril as we stayed in Falmouth last time.
I would take US Dollars, we took mostly Jamaican last time but everything is priced in US and they prefer US it seems and it did become a hassle at times and I felt we might of over paid for some stuff as there conversion really did vary...
In regards to day trips, we did a couple to the falls, Bob Marleys house and to Dolphin Cove, all were brilliant for different reasons, just the roads out there are mental as are the drivers. Like our bus driver said, we don't drink and drive, we smoke and fly!
If you do head out on day trips, be ready to tip everyone, the driver, the tour guide, anyone that helps you. It's a big deal to them.
We are 99% on booking the place you hinted at in your OP, just want to get back but will be watching this thread with interest as we have thought of Negril as we stayed in Falmouth last time.
I would take US Dollars, we took mostly Jamaican last time but everything is priced in US and they prefer US it seems and it did become a hassle at times and I felt we might of over paid for some stuff as there conversion really did vary...
In regards to day trips, we did a couple to the falls, Bob Marleys house and to Dolphin Cove, all were brilliant for different reasons, just the roads out there are mental as are the drivers. Like our bus driver said, we don't drink and drive, we smoke and fly!
If you do head out on day trips, be ready to tip everyone, the driver, the tour guide, anyone that helps you. It's a big deal to them.
I've only passed through Negril but it looks very picturesque. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun.
With regards to money. I've found that most places even take sterling but I prefer to pay in Jamaican dollars to avoid the exchange rates.
@ Flying Toilet. Which Bob house did you visit? I've been to the New Kingston one and the Trench Town one. I've not been to his one in country yet but that is next on the list.
With regards to money. I've found that most places even take sterling but I prefer to pay in Jamaican dollars to avoid the exchange rates.
@ Flying Toilet. Which Bob house did you visit? I've been to the New Kingston one and the Trench Town one. I've not been to his one in country yet but that is next on the list.
Dunns River Falls
Bobs house in Kingston
Blue Mountain coffee plantation
Those are the main things I remember about Jamacia when I went. Oh and the amazing beach NYE party, well I remember going to the party, don't remember much after my 2nd or 3rd firewater.
Would love to go back. Fantastic place.
We stayed in Mo Bay, and wandered round to Ochos Rios, Negril, Kingston and a the Blue Mountains.
Claire
Bobs house in Kingston
Blue Mountain coffee plantation
Those are the main things I remember about Jamacia when I went. Oh and the amazing beach NYE party, well I remember going to the party, don't remember much after my 2nd or 3rd firewater.
Would love to go back. Fantastic place.
We stayed in Mo Bay, and wandered round to Ochos Rios, Negril, Kingston and a the Blue Mountains.
Claire
Miguel Alvarez said:
@ Flying Toilet. Which Bob house did you visit? I've been to the New Kingston one and the Trench Town one. I've not been to his one in country yet but that is next on the list.
I went to the one in the country, where he grew up as a child. It is also where Bob, his mother and other relatives are buried. Bob and his mother are in a mausoleum and it is an incredible trip, the journey on the 'one love' bus up through the mountains is exhilarating and scary at the same time, views are incredible and well outweighs the fear! I recommend it highly and can dig some pics out if needed.
Couldn't resist, you bought back some good memories so here are a few pics.
The bus:
The stop on route at the Tin Roof Bar for jerk chicken, patties and a Red Stripe or 3...
The top of the mountains on route.
The entrance, via a giftshop, not that traditional huh?
Marley fans who moved here to pay tribute daily with his music.
Bobs bedroom, not his original duvet cover though I reckon....
Rained a bit on the way back so we stopped for some more food and drink, but was bone dry again 10 minutes later...
Then back at hotel beach for a few more Red Stripes and Caribs...
Want to see any other photos of our trip guys just shout...
The bus:
The stop on route at the Tin Roof Bar for jerk chicken, patties and a Red Stripe or 3...
The top of the mountains on route.
The entrance, via a giftshop, not that traditional huh?
Marley fans who moved here to pay tribute daily with his music.
Bobs bedroom, not his original duvet cover though I reckon....
Rained a bit on the way back so we stopped for some more food and drink, but was bone dry again 10 minutes later...
Then back at hotel beach for a few more Red Stripes and Caribs...
Want to see any other photos of our trip guys just shout...
Edited by Flying Toilet on Wednesday 6th February 12:41
Flying Toilet said:
I went to the one in the country, where he grew up as a child. It is also where Bob, his mother and other relatives are buried. Bob and his mother are in a mausoleum and it is an incredible trip, the journey on the 'one love' bus up through the mountains is exhilarating and scary at the same time, views are incredible and well outweighs the fear!
I recommend it highly and can dig some pics out if needed.
Haha some of the roads are a bit nerve wracking. That sounds good. I've told the missus uncle that's on the list of stuff to do next time I go. I recommend it highly and can dig some pics out if needed.
ETA - They are some amazing photos. One of my highlights has been watching Usain Bolt at the national stadium. My photos unfortunately are not that good.
Edited by Miguel Alvarez on Wednesday 6th February 12:54
The mountain roads can be seen in my photo above from the top of the mountain. That narrow gravel road going up is how we got to that point and that bus was pretty big for the roads.
As for having to reverse back down a few of those mountains to give way was mind-blowing! Great day out though and loved it.
As for having to reverse back down a few of those mountains to give way was mind-blowing! Great day out though and loved it.
Im flying out on Sunday to get married, were staying at the Secrets Wild Orchid. Originally we had booked through Virgin at La Source in Greneda, but it closed suddenly back in Oct so we re-booked (with a very sumly discount) in Montego Bay.
It will be my first time to Jamaica, and the first long haul flights for both of our families.
We are staying for 8 nights and then flying over to Antigua to stay at Galley Bay for our Honeymoon for a further 14 nights.
I've not looked at any activities/tours yet other than a local golf course, although the £140 each pricetag was putting me off. Im mainly looking forward to drinking plenty of Red Stripe & Rum, I've lost 8kg since early Dec so im planning on making the most of it!
It will be my first time to Jamaica, and the first long haul flights for both of our families.
We are staying for 8 nights and then flying over to Antigua to stay at Galley Bay for our Honeymoon for a further 14 nights.
I've not looked at any activities/tours yet other than a local golf course, although the £140 each pricetag was putting me off. Im mainly looking forward to drinking plenty of Red Stripe & Rum, I've lost 8kg since early Dec so im planning on making the most of it!
We booked all our tours/excursions with http://www.chukkacaribbean.com/tours.php?lang=eng
They have deals with the hotels so will take you to and from the hotel for each tour and you can haggle a bit too.
They have deals with the hotels so will take you to and from the hotel for each tour and you can haggle a bit too.
Just booked our third trip to Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios. Couples is a great chain of hotels and I believe the Negril beaches are far superior than the Ochi side. We chose Sans Souci because the beaches are private and one doesnt get the vendors wandering around with the hard sell (although I am told that a polite 'no thanks' does the trick and they are happy to wander off with a pleasant 'irie!'. 
Be aware that at Couples the drinks are premium anyway (I always ask for my drinks over ice rather than put through the blender so they are like an alofrolic slush puppy!). Also, Couples does not allow tipping of staff at all, so they wont expect it as others do. They are well paid and love their jobs.
Do the Bob Marley house visit (as detailed above). We took a private car (recommended by hotel), paid £100 US for most of the day and got a great fellow who knew plenty about the places we drove through. Some of the roads are rough but then have you driven around some parts of South London lately?!
You are going to love Jamaica. You will need to lose any British expectation of super high quality finishes at Couples but the rooms are very caribbean and they are clean. There are natures little ones - insects, very small lizards etc - all of whom might visit occasionally but go with the flow and remember, it's the tropics! Enjoy the sand gravity....it really is a fact! It is hard to raise one's work weary bones from the sunbed!
By the way, Kenwood Travel did an offer recently that upgraded from economy to Club (BA) for a measly £344 a head (return fare). I bagged two of those thanks! Club class - my kind of travel!
Be aware that at Couples the drinks are premium anyway (I always ask for my drinks over ice rather than put through the blender so they are like an alofrolic slush puppy!). Also, Couples does not allow tipping of staff at all, so they wont expect it as others do. They are well paid and love their jobs.
Do the Bob Marley house visit (as detailed above). We took a private car (recommended by hotel), paid £100 US for most of the day and got a great fellow who knew plenty about the places we drove through. Some of the roads are rough but then have you driven around some parts of South London lately?!
You are going to love Jamaica. You will need to lose any British expectation of super high quality finishes at Couples but the rooms are very caribbean and they are clean. There are natures little ones - insects, very small lizards etc - all of whom might visit occasionally but go with the flow and remember, it's the tropics! Enjoy the sand gravity....it really is a fact! It is hard to raise one's work weary bones from the sunbed!
By the way, Kenwood Travel did an offer recently that upgraded from economy to Club (BA) for a measly £344 a head (return fare). I bagged two of those thanks! Club class - my kind of travel!
TeeRev said:
Thanks very much for the info Black can man, we're looking for chilled so Sunset sounds perfect, just a couple of questions though.
YS Falls and Appletons Distillery both sound great but how long does it take to get to them as my wife is not too keen on doing too much travelling around?
Is it best to take US or Jamaican Dollars also who and when did you tip and what currency did you tip in?
Us Dollars , we bought nearly all our Jamaican dollars back home, forget the black river sYS Falls and Appletons Distillery both sound great but how long does it take to get to them as my wife is not too keen on doing too much travelling around?
Is it best to take US or Jamaican Dollars also who and when did you tip and what currency did you tip in?
te, just get your self to the YS falls & Appletons , it's a 2 hour trip from negril i'd say Tip in us dollars fella, you're gonna love it
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