Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: june 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : joanne and mick crawshaw(35,33)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

where do i start?this place is fantstic we have just come back from 2 weeks here and didn't want to leave.

the hotel is great and the huts are very romantic.there is loads to do if you want,water skiing,banana boat,snorkeling,kayaks and loads more which are all free.the entertainment staff are all crazy and really liven things up and get the guests to participate in the activities.my 18 year old son was taken under the wing by delmor and o'neil and had a great holiday.the staff at the main bar were great and friendly and were still going strong at midnight.

the food was good and plenty of it in the main buffet restaurant.there is a jamaican and asian restaurant aswell which were good.we met some great people out there,a couple who had the same wedding anniversary as us and their friends hello to all of you!!when we meet again mudslides all round!!! which brings me onto the swing bar one of the greatest places on earth because the 2 people who run it are so friendly you won't want to leave.tanisha works the bar from 11am to 6 30 pm and is just lovely.the star of the bar is george he is absolutely crazy and will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy and want for nothing even going as far as climbing a palm tree for fresh coconuts because we had never had any!!he is one of the nicest men i have ever met and can't wait to go back to see him.

the group of people we are keeping in touch with have all decided to meet up there again next year so if you recognise our names and were there in june we will see you next year!!!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: first choice may 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : 43 50

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we went to the royal decamerom for our honeymoon 28-05-07 and had a fantastic time. the weather wasnt good heavy rain most days but it didnt really spoil anything apart from the tan. the food is ecxcellent a very good choice if you go hungry its your own fault and drinks are refilled as son as your glass is empty.

the rooms were great could do with upgrading but it was lovely to wake up to the sound of the sea every morning, we had our own little bit of beach with sunloungers in front of our cottage and beach towels are supplied but i would recommend you still take one if you go in the rainy season. we went on several trips which we booked through our rep but after speaking to other people i dont think we got the best deal so speak to reception staff and other guests before booking. be warned the blue mountain trip is very scary the roads re very narrow, very steep and have massive pot holes we had to get off and help get our bus out of one. there is entertainment each night but it is a bit repetative but watchable. we had a great time and would definately go back its ok for adults and small children but i think teenagers would be bored.the staff work very hard and do there upmost to please and make your holiday enjoyable. the jetty bar is fantastic and this is helped by the barman george who is a great character. 

we would also recommend upgrading your flight loads of leg room and great food

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: Virgin April 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Two families,  (adults, teenagers 13-20, and 7yrs)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed here as part of a 2 centre holiday with Kissimee, Florida.
We had garden cottages which were lovely. Quite basic but clean, with air conditioning, clean towels whenever needed, fresh bottled water every day.
The restaurant and food are excellent, so much choice, plenty for all tastes, including fussy children! The snack bar was good too.

The entertainment was focused around the main pool and was a bit noisy for us, so we spent most of our day on the jetty, the swing bar is great, George is fantastic, cocktails endless!!
The beaches are rocky definately take beach shoes for kids, ours played all day on the beach and rocks they loved it.

Dunns river falls is a must, cheaper to arrange a taxi by the gate of the hotel, perfectly safe to do, they take you and wait until your ready to go back. Go early as it gets busier later in the morning. You don't have to have a guide and can climb by yourself, they try to make you have a guide and form a human chain, not for us, so we climbed by ourselves, much better. When you leave go out through the entrance, otherwise they will try to make you go past lots of hard sell stalls etc!

All in all a wonderful relaxing holiday for all ages, would definately recommend it.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson-march2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : peter 45,caroline47

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

on arrival at the accomodation we found that the cottage we had paid for was double booked and was not available until the following afternoon,i beleive this happens often,the next day we moved to our cottage which was very clean if just a little tired. we found all the staff very helpfull and friendly.the food was very nice and well presented with plenty of choice.we went on two trips,martha bray river and dunns river falls and the second trip we went to dolphin cove,both very enjoyable.the beaches at the accomodation are small but nice and clean,if you want a bit of peace and quiet try the adults only pool.entertainment was very good,we enjoyed battle of the sexes.we recomend the vip departure on the way home,it cost £15 each but was well worth it,we by-passed the check-in  queues and we were checked-in within 30min then went on to the vip lounge for free food and drink. you can book this with the rep at the accomodation.

if we go back to jamaica we would definately go back to this hotel.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Holidays - Feb 2007

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Candy and John Coombe ( 52, 53 )

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Great holiday. 

We liked the idea of a beach front cottage as we had one in the Maldives two years ago. Our cottage was number 7 and situated in a perfect position for all the amenities although some people may think it was too near the nightly entertainment, however after a day in the sun we slept really well and the noise was minimal. The beach was kept very clean by the lifeguards. The down side of the beach was the amount of rocks in the sea which made swimming difficult, however we invested in some water shoes bought at a reasonable price from the resort shop which also came in handy when we climbed the Dunns River Falls ( a worth while trip and great fun ). Rafting down the Martha Brae is another trip not to be missed it was very relaxing. Don't bother buying the video taken on the day by the guides make your own as you will get the footage you actually want. The food in the main restaurant was a little repetative by the end of the two weeks, however we ate in the asian and jamaican restaurants which were open alternative nights. The food was good but the service was hurried as there were two sittings 6 30 and 8 30 and if you had the earlier time it felt as though you were being rushed to finish your meal. Watersports were good and I had a go at water skiing - not very successful but fun. The best bar has to be the swing bar on the jetty. It is run by George who was a great entertainer. His cocktails were yummy and there was a special drink called a Bob Marley (try one if you dare!!). 

We would certainly go back again but not for a while as we like to discover different places.  

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: First Choice - Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Nik, Denyse, Jak & George (40, 42, 15 & 10)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our holiday to Jamaica was a complete holiday from hell !!!

The resort ! there isn't one just one road which is being re-built and absolutely nothing there, you would not go out at night and even in the daytime you felt very intimidated. So your stuck in the the Royal Decameron.

The Royal Decameron - This is a complex which is definately past its best, we didn't get the rooms that we booked and the rep would not move us. The rooms were damp, the bedding was damp the shower was not fix to the wall so water just came out a hole in the wall and to complete our misery the rooms were in the staff recreation block so we had constant dancing above us so you could not go back to room during the day (not that we wanted to to).

The reception staff were very rude and un-helpful and the staff behind the bars were  arrogant to the point that they just ignored you and served somebody else. Apart from George at the jetty bar he was great and really made the effort.

The beach areas were man made and you could not go out past the rope between the breakwaters this meant that if you wanted to swim you had to do so in 4 feet of water or use the small pool area.

The food was ok but got a bit repetative not really what you would expect, although there was always plenty to go round.

The trips we went on, the dolphins were the highlight of our holiday, the Dunns river Falls were good fun although we went to a craft market first and were just dumped there by the tour guide the locals were very pushy in trying to get you to buy the goods and in fact would not let an american lady back on the bus until she had bought from almost every stall. The trip to the coffee mountains for a bike ride was a complete nightmare 8 hours return trip on a bus just for an hours ride down a hill which you had just been driven up "what a con"

So overall this holiday was not what we expected and the Royal Decameron is best avoided.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: first choice may 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 40,39

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

this hotel is great,after reading some reviews i was very worried.

But when we arrived they treated us great.we were in cottage 36 by the adult pool is was quiet and loveley.the rooms are cleaned dailey,the staff are very friendley and helpful.food is plenty you would never go hungry 3 restaurants all serving nice food.the beach is great and free sunbeds.there are loads of water sports to do and they are free all day as well,you do have to book them though. there is some seaweed on the beach but we are by the sea after all?we spent alot of time in the jetty bar,cocktails are fantastic and george the bar man keeps you entertained he was great.we met loads of nice people pat and mandy from reading,jimmy and debbie from liverpool we all loved it so much we are going back next year.this place is great we done a trip to the dolphins £100 each to swim with them absolutely loved it. it is 100%great.It should be a 4 star at least.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice april 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : jean macnaught-east yorks +family ages 17-51

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

everything about this holiday was fantastic first choice rep godfrey kelly best rep we,ve ever had staff at royal decameron are the best especially the entertainment team rocky,kirk o,niel,and the beautiful sadica,del and maria are the nicest gang of young people you are likely to meet .we only went on two trips dunns river falls <spectacular> and blue mountain bike ride <great> and very informative even if you dont take the bike option like me.food fantastic,people everywhere we went very friendly we,ve fallen in love with jamaica and its lovely people next year a definate .

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: March 2006

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : 43, 52

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read the rather mixed reviews for this hotel it was with some trepidation that we arrived.  The journey from the airport was a little bumpy on the unfinished roads and took about 2 hours.

On arrival at the RDCC we were offered fruit punch and check in was quick if a little disorganised.  We were shown to our room within 10 minutes, we stayed in a garden room which was fairly big and immaculately clean.  The infrastucture of the hotel is fairly old and therefore a little tired but it is well kept and there was certainly nothing to complain about on that score.

The food was excellent and there was plenty of it, the staff were very friendly and always helpful (except a certain member of staff on the front desk who was always telling you he was too busy to deal with your query).

We went on a number of excursions, the best being the horse riding through the sea and the Blue Mountain Cycle Tour (downhill only so no problems there).  The YS falls are beautiful but I was a little disappointed with the Dunns Falls - they didn't quite live up to expectations.

I would certainly go back to Jamaica but perhaps not to this hotel.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean (Royal Decameron) - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - Aug 05

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : 46,40, 13, 11

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Wouldnt recommend flying Air Jamaica - no inflight entertainment that could be seen/heard (not good with kids longhaul)luckily virgin now fly direct.
Lovely resort -arrived midnight to be taken to our garden cottage 10ft from beach -bit of confusion about room as 3 beds and 4 people but was soon sorted out by hotel staff.
Food excellent considering veggies and fussy kids - other restaurants werent too good for us but main buffet was good enough that we werent bothered. 
Used the free glass bottom boat, kayaks, snorkelling trips, bike rides etc almost daily.
Went on several trips out dunns falls (fantastic), horse riding into sea (excellent) river tubing (great fun) ys falls and black river - excellent location but wasnt warned of 4 hours each way on mini bus on the worst roads i have ever been on! - very long day. Book all trips with local taxis or desk at very front of hotel - lot more expensive through reps.
Swing bar has to be our favourite place ever - so relaxing - could have spent whole 2 weeks there. Relaxed, friendly place for family holiday - would go back again.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin Holidays March 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Glyn Beech - Glasgow  (37, 35, 9)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Lovely hotel, great food and very friendly staff. The big downside was the transport supplied by Virgin holidays to get us to the airport. The bus was dangerously overcrowded (people sitting on the floor for over an hour and luggage piled roof high on the seats). The bus was driven so fast people were visibly scared. The bus then proceded to drive right past our resort to Ocho Rios 40 minutes away (as it turned out he did not know where our resort was!). To add insult to injury he offloaded one of our suitcases at a hotel in Ocho Rios and it was only realised when we finally arrived at our hotel. At 2AM I then had to wait up another 1.25 hours to see if the driver could retrieve our case as he did no know exactly where he ahd offloaded it! A nightmare journey that Virgin holidays obviously do not care about as they have made no effort to even acknowledge my complaint I wrote 7 weeks ago. Vey bad customer service!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Martin & Lesley   Manchester  38,42

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The accomodation is romantic and more than ample. We and others even turned down a five star upgrade as it was over booked!! The food is plentiful and varied and absolutely gorgeous. The drink is well......Appletons rum....yummy. Considering the time we were there hurricane Charley was skirting the island, all the staff were friendly and helpful.

We did Dunns river and swam with the dolphins which was totally amazing. Also went with one of the local "taxi" men Patrick is his name up to nine miles...the resting place of Bob Marley. Don't be put off by what you are told, this man went out of his way to show us his Jamaica and it was more informative than many of the guided tours. Those expecting anything other than a chilled time look elsewhere. These people, this place...truly is heaven on  earth!

Thoroughly recommend George's bar in middle of resort, he is a star. Oh and get a hat made by Albert. truly one of the nicest men I have ever met...a true gent.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomsons - 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Sunny Houston 40

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at this hotel again this year and still liked it although we found quite a few very unfriendly Americans who seemed to pick on some of the English people including a lovely lady we met up with as she was a well known model and some of the USA guests (ladies) seemed to feel indimitated by her and we were so embarrased to  witness their behavoir! The food was good and we cannot fault the wonderful beach. The Staff were brilliant and although the rooms are still a little sparse they are comfortable.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson- March 06

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Lucy and Ross

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just spent a far too short week at Couples Ocho Rios.
We arrived at 9pm exausted after a 10 hour flight and 2 hour transfer to the hotel, but had a very warm welcome from the staff. Byron is great.

The hotel was perfect and the staff are fantastic, you'll want for nothing. The rooms and hotel are spotless.

There is plent of entertainment, the trips such as Dunns River, horseriding, glass bottom boat etc are free, and you can go as many times as you like.
We were unsure about going shopping, as we had heared so much about the locals being a nightmare when it comes to buying things you didnt want. We went along anyway, and were not bothered at all by any locals in the shops. Dunns River was great, but very wet and very cold!! We also booked to visit the dolphin cove before we left for Jamaica. This was fantastic and well worth the money. Its probably best to book this on the net before you go, because its very busy.

I could go on all day about how fantastic this place is, but I won't, see for yourself. We had a brilliant time

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: Sunville Travel - Feb 2006

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : S & S (40, 43)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read the reviews both on this website and others, I was a little bit apprehensive.  There was no need!  The hotel and facilities were superb.  We chose this resort to get married in and we are really glad we did!

ACCOMMODATION - We stayed in a beachfront suite which was extremely spacious and had a private hammock outside.  There was a minibar which they stocked at least once a day, and they brought canapes each evening.  The bathroom was HUGE with big jacuzzi bath (took about 20 mins to fill).  Plenty of clean towels, the room was cleaned every day and bed turned down every night.

FOOD - We couldn't fault the food - there was a choice of 3 restaurants with one serving buffet and also a 'cook to order' bar so there was always plenty of choice.

DRINKS - All premium brands. They even come round when you are on the beach to get your drinks orders and bring ice cold flannels and bits to eat while you are just lying there doing nothing!

SERVICE - Absolutely first class.  They seemed genuinely friendly and wanted to ensure you had a great time.

WEDDING - We had a choice of garden gazebo or beach - we chose the gazebo - it was more private and cooler.  You also get to have photos taken on the beach anyway.  The co-ordinator discusses your options and that's it - all done with no stress!!

WOULD WE GO BACK? - DEFINITELY!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : "Mr & Mrs" Gibson

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We paid £3600 for two weeks all inclusive at Couples Negril, we had chosen this hotel as our place to get married because it looked like heaven in the brochures. We flew out to Jamaica mid July and arrived to find the airport in total mayhem! As a couple we have visited many countries but we were in total shock at the condition of the airport and lack of staff. As other parts of the airport were being developed we were shunned off to what i could only describe as a "run down" area only to find around that final wall thousands of people from previous flights still awaiting visas to enter the country. 

ANYWAY after an hour wait, after a 10 hour flight, we were finally greeted by the "couples" hut which is located in the arrivals part of Jamaica airport. Here we were told to relax and enjoy a cold beer while we wait for a further two flights to arrive from America so that we can all be sent to the hotel on one bus. WHAT???!!! i could not believe it, we had already had a 24 hour delay before even leaving England due to a hurricane and now i was being told that i had to wait even longer before i could get to my bed. In all honesty the couples staff did their upmost to keep us entertained and the fact that the all inclusive part of our holiday started as soon as we got through the arrivals lounge did soften the blow, but we just couldn't believe that we were being told to wait. 

Finally about 3 hours after landing in Jamaica we arrived at our hotel, we were given Champaine on arrival and our luggage was taken straight off to our rooms without us lifting a finger. Some of the other guests who joined us on the coach went straight down for some free food and drinks but after all our travelling we just wanted our room. Remembering that the hotels official rating is 5* we were hoping for the best in our rooms, although the main reception areas were OK we naturally assumed that these areas would be the least developed within the hotel as it was all open air and in light of the resent hurricane there wouldn't be much point in making it as lush as the bedroom and restaurant areas. 

How wrong was we - we had never been to Jamaica before so we never really knew what to expect but the standard was not what we imagined at all. The only way i could describe the rooms were Spainish 2*, very old and dated with our only wardrobe consiting of a poll from alcove to alcove with a curtain to cover. The restaurants were ok, the food was very American and always under cooked with flies all over it, for an all inclusive holiday we both lost 1/2 stone in weight. Water sports etc we could not fault and the service from the staff was most definailty 5* but it just didn't tick all the boxes for us on our wedding holiday. 

The simple way to sum this hotel up is: Very American, Old and Dated but most of all, certainly NOT a 5*.
The wedding/holiday was general ok but i would never return to this hotel and i would have to seriously consider going back to Jamaica as it is just too third world for me/us.  
NB This is only our view of the hotel and many other guests were happy with the condition etc so if you have booked to go here don't worry too much it might just be us being fussy.      

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: Kuoni - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Penny and Neil, London (age 25)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at this hotel for 2 weeks for our honeymoon.

Service - very good, staff are extremely helpful and friendly - especially the bar staff at the Beach Grill. It was a nice, informal atmosphere and tips are banned s you know they are doing it off their own back.

Accommadation - ok. Not as luxurious as we expected (shower was a bit creaky and the floor was damaged). Also no mini-bar and no room service (except for breakfast) - not ideal if you are desperate for a bottle of champagne mid-afternoon! Very comfortable beds though. WARNING: do not pay extra for a sea view room as from most rooms advertised as "sea view" the view is obscured by shrubs. The garden-view room is just as good.

Food - again, average. The A La Carte restaurant was excellent, but the buffets got a bit samey and I was worried about how long the food had been out (got a stomach bug on the last day). I would order off the menu whenever possible. The breakfast in bed was a great option.

Facilities - excellent, with a free games room, fitness room, watersports and a few excursions also free.

Weather - although July is part of the "rainy season" in Jamaica, the rain only lasted for a couple of hours in the afternoon and the weather was mainly hot and sunny.

Other guests - we were about the only Brits in a hotel full of Americans (only 2 other British couples in the whole two weeks we were there). Not a complaint, only an observation!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Resort - Ochio Rios

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Jan. 2007

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Dave and Claire McAndrew

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Well we have recently returned from 2 weeks here on our honeymoon. 

We will start at the beginning (are you sitting comfortably?) Virgin check-in; got halfway through saying we are on our honeymoon... when the girl managed to stop chatting to her mate at then next day to say "no, no upgrades unless you have paid for them". I asked politely how much this would be and in the scene reminiscent from Pretty Woman was told "They're very expensive, over £200 each". Ithen meekly explained I possibly couldnt afford this and asked about exit seats. Was snapped at that these were £50 each. I tried to explain that I suffer from some claustrophobia on planes which received a shrug of the shoulders. I then virtually begged for at least a side aisle seat which I was grudgingly given. 

Once on the plane, we were near the front in a kind of seperate bit which was jam packed with people and three screaming kids. I started freaking out a bit and begged a cabin crew member for another seat and then started crying. She was lovely and came straight back within a minute and took us to the middle and rear of the plane to an empty row of exit seats. The people in the other seats here all had a row of seats to themselves! When we were ready for take off crew had to ask another couple if they would MIND sitting in the other exit seats as by law they have to have someone sitting in them!!! 

Anyway flight was good with excellent films on and lovely cabin crew. The only thing that spoilt it were 4 children of varying ages whose parents were allowing them to run up and down the cabin, at one point one was crawling (unbeknown) behind the legs of a stewardess carrying a tray of tea. If you are reading this I heard you say you can't control them mum -try its called discipline. The steward told me even the pilot had come out and strongly suggested they sit and colour in! 

On landing in Jamaica Mr personality 2006 was on passport control but we were soon away from him. Couples provide their own loung in the airport for guests as they land with comfy seats and cold,cold beer or coke. We only had to wait 20 mins or so for our driver Clayton to arrive. The journey then took 2 and a half years, oh sorry, hours due to rush hour traffic and the road being tarted up for the cricket in march (not that they're playing on the road..) 

When we eventually arrived we were greeted with a smile and asking the important question.. What would you like to drink. The ice cold champagne never tasted so good! We were then relieved of our bags and I completed the brief check-in forms (have you noticed thats always left to the woman?). We were then directed to our room which had been up-graded as we were on honeymoon (take note Virgin). It was fantastic and cool from the air-con and a lovely bottle of champagne had been left on ice for us (again a honeymoon perk). We relaxed watching sat tv (sad yes I know) for and hour and then went wandering down for food. The buffet where you have most of your meals was great. I put a stone in weight on while I was in Jamaica! The only food warning (unless you want a laugh) I will give you is the french 'posh' restaraunt. Oh my god it was like faulty towers and and early 80s neuveau cuisine place. the food was poor and the service was ridiculously over the top. It felt like being in a museum made worse by the fact I suddenly got those giggles where you are in a place you are absoloutly not suposed to laugh in which makes it worse. We didn't even have dessert, choosing instead to go to the buffet. The grill on the beach is great. It is what it is but really tasty. The drinks are fantastic, I recommend the Hummingbird and The Morning Glory. 

DO NOT use the crppy duty free shop on site they ripped me off £30 and then dennied all knowledge as they had been clever and not given me a receipt! If you have to use it get a receipt and go with a witness! The free bus to the shopping centre is great get everything there. word of advise - when you fly back into the UK make sure your alcohol is in a suicase and not hand luggage if you are transferring to somewhere else in the UK. They confiscated our stuff even tho we bought it at the airport in Jamaica after security and check-in! Also I wish someone had told us to take american dollers thats all everything is priced in! The Martha Brae rafting is a long trek but well worth it. That has to be one of the most relaxing things I have ever done. We went to Bob Marley's 'nine mile' home which was awful. They are just after your money and it all felt very seedy and not at all respectful of the fact a person is buried there. For people who want to know yes you can buy pt there for £10 but it IS SUPPOSED to be illegal everywhere else! 

The weather was unfortunate, it rained for five days due to bad weather in the states (thanks a lot!) so we had to burn to death 2 days before we came home just to make sure we had a colour that wasn't rust! The evening entertainment was really good with one exeption-  the english magician! It was so embarrasing I tried putting on a fake american accent and crawling away along the floor! Paul Daniels was right, you'll like it NOT A LOT! It was lovely not to have any children anywhere or groups of (british) lager louts and all in all a wonderful relaxing and memorable holiday. The fact there is only around 250 rooms went a long way and I would hate to be faced with 1000 rooms like some of them had. Another tip. 

On your last day even though you are not supposed to tip, we left the maid some money as she was lovely and when dave went back to the room for something the dodgy handymen were circling it like vultures and probably helped themselves after we left. 

The journey home was a bldy nightmare and took 31 hours all in all, partly due to Virgin in Jamaica's incompetance and partly due to being stranded at east midlands airport for 6 hours in the worst storms and gales of the year. I would recommend this hotwl to any honeymooners or any couples wanting a special 'just us' break. Not sure I would ever travel with virgin again, I feel they trade of their name and not the quality of their service. Ask for room 205 superior garden view, it was fab. Good luck

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Resort - Ochio Rios

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook/My Travel - 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Amanda & Barry 43 & 49

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Amazing Amazing Amazing!!!
Can't possibly say it all here but suffice it to say that we are very fussy when it comes to our holidays!  Couples in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is the most fantastic place we have ever been.  The accommodation is spotless, large, airy, bright with fantastic views.

The staff are wonderful and cannot possibly do enough for you.  They are all so kind regardless if you tip them or not.
The food is fantastic and there are 4 different restaurants to chose from.  All of which were better than most restaurants we have been to on any other holiday......you want lobster or dressed crab...you got it!  Nothing you can't have.
Drinks are mostly cocktails (excellent)with all the brands not just local drinks which is usually the case in All Inclusive holidays.  You can have absolutely anything you wish to drink, including Champagne, which isnt just cheap bubbles and comes served in a hugh ice bucket!!
Room service is totally free, so if you want breakfast in bed or a midnight snack just call and they will bring it to you.

The free trips out which include Dunns River Falls (not to be missed, exhilarating), Horse riding on a plantation (again not to be missed) The sunset boat cruise - fantastic. Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, rowing, etc etc are all absolutely great (and free too!)
The cleaners work incredibly hard and your room is cleaned twice a day virtually every day and on your return there will be swans and orchids on your bed!  The swans are the towels of course but the flowers are real.
Went shopping into town which is an experience, yes they do want you to buy their goods but hey lets remember they really don't earn good money at all and all their crafts are hand made and virtually cost next to nothing (just a couple of punds).  They are not at all aggresive but can be quite pushy.  All in all we found them very friendly you just need to know how to say no thankyou if you really don't want anything.
What more can I say.  It was everything we dreamed it could be and more.

One last thing.......the private outdoor jacuzzis......we had great great fun in the middle of the night (which is what they are there for)!!!
I would not hesitate in returning to this resort tomorrow.
You lucky people if you are reading this in anticipation of going to Couples, Ocho Rios!!!!

Oh nearly forgot.......the beach is lovely too with plenty of sand and palm trees.  Don't forget to have your own private dinner in the evening on the beach, its wonderful.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Resort - Ochio Rios

Operator and Date: THE HOLIDAY CLUB

Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Michael & Donna Doran

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have always had the philosophy that no matter how good a holiday was we would not return to anyone specific destination as the world is to small a place to return to one spot year in year our.

After our visit to Couples Ochio Rios that philosophy has gone totally out the window!

Yes the flight is long, yes the Customs/Arrivals at the Airport is long winded (you suspect to keep people in a job), yes on top of all that it is along drive out to  Ochio Rios. But once you get there within in minutes it all becomes a distant memory as you realise it was all worth the effort to visit this beautiful place.

Everything was first class. The bar stock branded drinks a dozen or more whiskeys for example all top brand names. I drink Guinness which they did not carry as a stock drink but once I told the Bar Manager it was available the next evening, with the instruction that in advance of our next visits to e-mail and he would ensure it was available from night one. Just one example of staff who not only were the friendliest staff we have ever encountered but repeatedly prepare to go out there way to make sure everything was perfect.

The food, the trips, the accommodation, the location, the facilities, were first class.  The staff and the local people outside of the resort, despite genuine poverty, were unbelievably friendly and cheerful even more so if you responded to them with genuine respect.

The simple reality is if you want anything ask and if you can not have the holiday of a lifetime, (or indeed a wedding in a beautiful unforgettable location) at Couples Ochio Rios you would be best staying at home, locking your front door and forgetting about ever going anywhere again, because your expectations are that high nowhere will ever be able to meet them !

Would we go back, the question is would we have left given the choice and the answer to that would be a big, big no!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Resort - Ochio Rios

Operator and Date: Tradewinds - June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by :

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back from an awesome time at Couples in Ocho Rios.
This hotel will have you wanting for nothing!

Meals:

All 4 restaurants are superb (3 of them are A la carte and the other buffet) and there are no restrictions on the amount of times you use any of them; food is REALLY good and varied. (the french restaurant is just heaven)

Activities:

Most of the local trips are included such as: Golf (as much as you like free), Dunns River Falls (as often as you like free), Catamaran cruise (ditto), Horse riding (ditto), Glass bottom boat (ditto), Scuba diving and snorkeling (ditto), kayaks and hobbie cat sailing (ditto) I could go on! Entertainments programme runs from 7:30am through to 11:00pm 7 days a week!

The people at this hotel are so friendly and actually enjoy making your holiday a memorable one.

I could go on for hours about our time there but in a nutshell if you choose this hotel for your holiday you will not be disappointed at all!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Resort - Ochio Rios

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - october 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : andy n sarah (40, 34) [wedding]

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

WOW!!!!!!!

that is the only way to express couples ocho rios

O.K. the 9 hour flight and the 2 hour transfer (on the worst roads i have ever driven on) did take its toll, but the welcome, even at 00:15, was as warm as the evening air, fantastic.
all food is brilliant, we only ate in 4 of the 5 eateries, not choosing the very formal french restuarant. food is available in one form or another 23 1/2 hours a day.
the service at all times was exceptional, from the waiting team serving chilled water with all meals to the chamber maid finding us more pillows when requested, i think it took them a whole 10 minutes from reading our request. they could not do enought for us.

we got married in jamaica, on the beach.
 
DONT THINK ABOUT IT...DO IT

the hotel wedding coordinator is just fantastic, althought she must do on average 3 a day, 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. they are completely organised. you want it for your wedding she will do her best to get it for you. even raking the beach during a volleyball game!

we did the tourist bit by doing some excursions, including dunns rivers,(very wet but worth it) [tip the boys they are great!!!] the shopping trip leads much to be desired, unless you mind people pestering you whilst you shop...we dont! free horse riding......having never riden a horse before i was very apprehensive but they know exactly where they are going, so accept the saddle soreness and enjoy the breathtaking veiws,you must also do the glass bottom boat trip and sunset catamarran cruise......both free from the hotel beach. you dont go out miles but just enough to appreciate a wonderful country view and wonderfully clear water, with a million fish that you would expect to see in a tank.

before leaving the uk we paid for the dolphin cove excursion, expensive but worth every penny, it was our wedding present to ourselves, and interacting with dolphins for a hour is an experience that we shall never forget no matter how long we live!!!!

with regards to the 'au naturel' island. we did not take the little ferry across. as it is only 200 yards off shore you can see all that you want from the beach, and when a group, calling themselve 'the islanders' arrive, they expected every one to play their 'games', and we, not being prudes, dont play them games. unless you are ardent hedonist / exhibitionist then it is not the place for you.

we did have a bit of grief on our return trip, but that has nothing to do with the resort but air jamaica......not the most respectable airline.

we will definately return some day, maybe next year for our first wedding anniversary.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Couples Swept Away - Negril

Operator and Date: Jamaica Tourist Board - November 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : Claire Gower (21)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

As a travel agent i was taken to Jamaica with the Jamaican Tourist Board to check out the island and many hotels, however, i have to say that the Couples Swept Away was definetly the best hotel i visited....

I was lucky enought to spend 2 nights in this hotel so i experienced a lot. I flew from Heathrow with Air Jamaica, although i found the staff to be quite miserable i still had quite an enjoyable and comfortable 10 hour flight.

We arrived in Jamaica quite late at night and it was very dark, i was quite frightened because driving through the villages on the way to Negril it looked like i was in the middle of world war 3. Luckily the next day i realised it was nothing like my 1st impression.

On arrival at the Swept Away i knew straight away that i would be going there for my own holiday soon, the reception is bright and airy and the staff made us feel really welcome with a complimentary glass of champagne while we were checking in. The hotel is surrounded by greenery, flowers of all colours (and dare i say it, MOSQUITOS) make sure you take some repellant, they are really vicious.

Our room at the hotel was very spacious with 2 double beds even though there were only 2 of us in the room. it had all the facilities you needed (not a TV though)

The food at the hotel was outstanding and after dinner they usually have some sort of entertainment on, they had a reggae singer/disco when we stayed there. Make sure you try the cocktails too, its all inclusive so you can have as many as you want, The staff in the restaurant and the bar were also fantastic.

the beach is right on your doorstep and it beautiful white sandy, i was too busy working to spend time on the beach but it looked great.

A trip to Dunns river falls is well worth a visit, loads of fun but be prepared you will end up under the water as i experienced when our guide pushed me in :-)

Also a trip to Dolphin Cove is worth a visit, we got to do the encounter programme where we stand in the water and kiss and touch the dolphin, that was a highlight for me.

And also the Canopy tour which is basically being strapped in a harness hundreds of feet in the air and swinging through the trees like tarzan. Beware though there is one which you have to step off the edge of the platform and its like a bungee jump, just falling to the ground, i still havent recovered yet. Great day out though but hard work, it rained the day we did it so you imagine the mess we got into in the mud.

The only thing about Jamaica which drove me nuts is nothing is ever a rush to them, being on a travel agent educational we had a strict schedule to stick to and we ended up waiting around for people all the time. and when getting served at the bar or in restaurants they really dont rush. they always seem to be on a go slow.

All in all i cant wait to go back and do it all over again.

Fantastic country, wonderful people, welcoming atmosphere and marvellous beaches. Really cannot go wrong

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Coyaba Beach Resort

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Karen Milne - County Durham 30, 36

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading so many mixed reports on Jamaica we travelled with a variety of feelings. Any doubts we had were soon washed away with a fantastic rum punch cocktail sipped while sitting in the hotel hot tub watching the sun set, fantastic.  

The resort itself was very quiet and we were the only two english people who were staying at the hotel for the two week period, other people came and went (mostly Americans and other nationalities). The resort contained everything you could want.  We have been on all inclusive deals before but never where all means "all" all branded drinks and seafood were included and you could eat in the a la carte restaurant every evening enjoying a three course meal.  The rooms are very spacious and clean.  The main road from Montego Bay runs past the front of the hotel and you can hear some traffic noise and you are only 10 minutes from the airport so you do hear the planes, but to be honest it is not disruptive.  Jamaica will be hosting the international cricket next year (2007) so do not leave it too late to book.

Please venture outside the hotel there are so many things to see and do.  You must visit Scothies (turn left out of the hotel, but all taxis know where it is)(arge outdoor BBQ - kind off the atmosphere is great and it is true Jamaica.

The only thing we were disappointed with was Dunns River Falls or Farse as we aptly name it, do not go with your tour rep on the dream cruise including the catamaran cruise and snorkellin, it is a waste of a day and money. You are like chickens going to market there are so many people on the boat and at the falls.  Get a private taxi transfer or if you are brave enough hire a car.

Would not hesitate in returning but would do a two island break next time.  Ideal place to kick back, chill out and relax.  Yeah Man!!!!

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Daniel Beach Village  -  Negril

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - sept 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : gillian clements - thorney (42 ,31)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: No rating

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Now lets see to start it would be good if it was open. To turn up at your hotel get off the coach and go to the reception to find out that the place was closed was quite a shock,it was just a good job that the coach had not driven off before we found out, even airtours had not been informed that the place was shut.Luckily we were soon sorted out by the airtours rep (Newton) and were placed in the Fun Holiday Beach Resort which we thoroughly enjoyed please read review for this resort.  Sorry to say that Daniel Beach Village gets a very very big thumbs down from us.

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Devine Destiny - Negril

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) Mytgravel Oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : George Sellars (59,54 )

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

did not know what to expect after hurricane ivan. there was some damage to grounds when arrived. a lot of it was sorted within 5 days of arriving. 

the complex looks quite good since a lick of paint was put on the exterior, the rooms are very old fashioned, bathrooms need redoing.  no plugs in any sink. mostly cold water.they have a shortage of food in the restuarant.poor service for food.the complex is not geared to help visitors you have to go to supermarket for water phone cards etc, taxi to internet cafe as they do not allow the use of their email facility. it is a long way from beach courtesy bus available when bunny the driver not busy otherwise can cost up to $j400 (£4)each way. 

take plenty of repelent and anti hystamin cream with you as sand mites and mosquitos are rife. a good day out with irvine (local taxi driver) Black river to see crocs, then y s falls and on to the rum factory and sample up to 16 different rums, all for $j1500 approx £14 each as there were 6 in the party  he made it a brilliant day out.  if you want phone cards go to gambia and buy No Problem card as you get 45 mins international. the pizza from chances are really nice

Book this Hotel Direct    Package Holidays    Holidays Direct    Last Minute

Dunns River Falls - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: Sandals - May 2005

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Michelle Fuller - Slough (32, 32)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:</