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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!!!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.      

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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!

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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!!!!

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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.

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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

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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:

We decided to go to Jamaica for our honeymoon and we weren't dissapointed. 

When we reached the airport in Jamaica we were greeted with a Sandals rep who escorted us to the Sandals bar to relax and wait for our transport to the hotel. Little did we realise that the transfer time from the airport to Dunns Rver Falls was 2 hours so all in all it was a very long journey. 

When we eventually arrived at our hotel the staff could not be anymore accomodating, all our luggage was taken care of and was shown to our rooms which were big and airy. There was a TV with satalite channels and lovely big bathroom and bed. The complex was huge with many restaurants and bars to choose from all ranging from many cuisines and there is even a spa on the resort which is absolutely great if any women need to relax whilst their partners are of playing golf. Security on the site was tight as anything so you were in no danger whatsoever. The bar staff were absolutely fantastic seeing as we were english they loved the change as it is very american. All they kept talking about was football and cricket.

The greatest part of the honeymoon was visiting Dunns river falls- the waterfalls by catermaran and swimming in the lagoon which was very warm, all i can say is spectacular!!!
I would definately go again.

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Falcon Cottages - Negril

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - August 05

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Burns (13, 28, 45, 58, 65

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

They say things look better in the dark, well we arrived in the dark and were unimpressed to say the least, having gone virtually through the building suppliers yard to get to the entrance!

The hotel consists of 4 buildings (supposedly the cottages) with 4 to 8 very basic rooms, with Bathrooms to each, no bath but showers (usually cold). The Cottage exteriors are pleasant enough; the rooms though, were weathered and battered. They were clean, as was the very small, basic, open air, bar restaurant. Maid service was on a daily basis, and included fresh (but very worn) towels and (the most dated) bedding changes.
The Pool looked as though it needs a good clean, but a fresh paint job is all it requires. However do not use the steps, they're dangerously insecure.
The restaurant service was the slowest of all those we visited (over an hour for food and 20 mins at least for hot water), but the food was worth the wait.

The staff were very pleasant and accommodating, with one particular guy, named 16(known to every Jamaican we spoke to) being very obliging as a taxi driver (though he wasn't cheap).
He recommended a few good restaurants, these were fairly basic, but good value for money, e.g. Sips and Bites, Juicy Jays and Sweet Spice. LTS food was awful (not 16's recommendation), avoid eating there, but pleasant enough for a drink, good quick service and lovely staff. There are many more much nicer places but at much higher prices e.g. Kumya!

You must go to Ricks Cafe, and YS falls, they were the most picturess places we visited, gorgeous, major investments showed!
Despite it being our second visit to Jamaica and staying in Ocho Reus the first time, Negrill was not our cup of tea, lots of beggars, and mithering, we felt vulnerable. Our Jamaican friend, born and bread in Jamaica, now and living in England even felt vulnerable, even within our group of 6. After the first night no way did we again consider going out at night, other than to dine, driven by 16.
After dining, we would return to our hotel were entertainment was none existent. Dominoes came in very handy to pass the very, very humid evenings away, in the company of other guests, the stinging mossies and the biting ants (despite dowsing ourselves with repellent). Retiring to our very basic, air-conditioned (rented for an additional £40) rooms was actually very inviting!

We might not have been impressed with the accommodation or Negrill, but in all said and done we made the most of our holiday. We relaxed, had fun, ventured all over and broadened our cultural and palatable experience, with little credit to Falcon Cottages of which we would be reluctant to recommend.

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Falcon Cottages - Negril

Operator and Date: natwest/airmiles feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : mark gloucester 37

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

falcon cottages is  a basic but very clean place to stay, close to the shops and banks and i mean close it took me about a 7 mins slow walk,  Also by booking through natwest i saved over £200 off what  a travel agent wanted  to charge(yes i did say £200)

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Falcon Cottages

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTravel - Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : L.BUTLER (25 + 26 )

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked to go here last minute and weren't expecting much. We were really pleasantly suprised. Negril is fantastic..

The accomadation was basic but clean and the food served from the bar area is great (recommend the fried chicken!) The staff are aslo really friendly and will do anything they can to help. The girls working behind the bar will give u pointers as to were to go for entertainment in the evening.

If u want to eat out I recommend Kuyaba, this has a fantastic setting as well as food to suit all people. however don't rely on the free shuttle service to get u there as it never shows up!!! jump in a cab ($300 JA) there is plenty of them around so u shouldn't have trouble getting one.

during the day take the free shuttle to Margeritaville, it's a great place with a fantastic beach - make sure u have a go on the water trampolines!!!

U will get people trying to sell u things on the beach from fruit to the obvious 'ganja' but be polite and say 'no thanks' and u'll have no problems.

if u can take a visit to pirates cave in the evening to see a fantastic sunset and also the cliff divers  - a great nite out.

all in all we loved it and can't wait to go back.

The accomadation isn't the ritz but it's clean and friendly and it's a great base to go out and explore 'real' Jamiaca other than just the tourist areas.

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Falcon Cottages

Operator and Date: feb 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : sue patton arthur mole 40 41

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

negrill beach is wonderfull not two exexpensive lots of begging people very nice and helpfull

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Fun Holiday Beach Resort

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

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

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Negril what can i say the beaches were beautiful, blue sky, blue sea,and hot hot weather fantastic. Fun Holiday Beach was a really clean and friendly place, you could not fault the staff they were great.For the price that you pay to stay here it is well worth the money, Fun Holiday is more of a family run hotel you get to know all the staff and i think that is nice, the rooms are spacious and very clean and air-con is included in the price, there is a lovely clean swimming pool and the sea is just steps away you cannot fault the setting.If you want a good priced holiday in Negril this is the place to stay.

Would go back time and time again.

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Grand Lido Negril

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Maurice Glover - West Mids (48)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

from the moment you arrive at Montego Bay airport, you are taken care of by the Super Clubs staff.  This is the start of a wonderful experience. The transfer is about 1h15m, in air conditioned mini buses.  Arrival at Grand Lido tells you that this is truly a heaven on earth.  Everything is included - 24hrs a day.  As the web site says, branded drinks, first class restaurants and very helpful staff.

We arrived in August, which is the quiet season for Jamaica.  No rush, no queues and the beach just enough people to be compfortable.  Rooms are clean and well maintained. Food can be found to suit you - ranging from top award winning French quisine, to Jamaican style restaurant. The resort is a step above the rest.  Sandals, Couples (and Hedonism next door) all look a bit ordinary compared to Grand Lido.

So what is there to do?  Just chill & enjoy the fabulous beach and wonderful setting.  Its not a kids resort.  Its quiet and low key.  Other guests were mainly from US, and were professional people looking for a laid back retreat.
We spent our time at the smaller clothing optional beach - which was right by our room.  It has its own pool, bar and cook to look after whatever you want.  Looking back, I cant understand how we sat on the beach and in the pool for 2 weeks, and did so little.  It was a total chill & the place is so good, you never felt you should be doing something more active.

There is a gym - if you are into that - which is better equiped than any other hotel I've been to.
Outside the resort, we hired a taxi for the afternoon and went round Negril.  You have to do it - but you will want to get back to Grand Lido asap. We never had any hastle in Jamaica, and found the poeple willing to chat to us.
Dont bother getting any Jamaican dollards, everything you will want will be priced in US dollars.
The web site shows the motor launch Zain.  This is no longer at the resort.
After 2 weeks, we had had the best rooms, the best beach, the best food, the best drinks, the best service (even daily laundry to wash & iron your clothes) the best rest we have ever had! - and yet we spent nothing once we were in Grand Lido (except presants to bring home).  Yhis holiday ended up cheaper overall than last year's 2 weeks to Italy half board.

All I can say is, it may be a bit nore expensive to book, but remember you will have the best of everything at no extra charge.  See their web site.
We will be going back without a doubt.

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Grand Lido Braco - Trelawny

Operator and Date: Booked direct with Superclubs - March/April 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sue(31)-Nottingham (also 27, 49, 55) party of 4

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is going to be a thorough report so get a coffee!
What a fantastic place, amazing people, awesome resort! We can't say enough about how fantastic this holiday was. His parents booked this in October for us to get married there. What a holiday! Ok so it takes a long time to get there, in all it was 3 days travelling for us due to the dates we could go and flight times-Sunday from Nottingham to Manchester, one overnight stop, then Monday from Manchester to Atlanta and another overnight stop (by the way the Renaisance Concourse is an amazing hotel)then Tuesday onto Jamaica.

Having read what other people have said about customs etc in Jamaica- we must have been blessed, either that or extremely organised! We were off the plane and in our transport within an hour. The only downside at the airport was we had lots of baggage (wedding regalia)and when my Father-in-law went to look outside for the taxi they wouldn't let him back in to help us with the baggage, or let us take the trolley outside! We felt this was a cheeky ploy to force us to hire a porter.

Word to the wise- we don't use the transport they lay on for you - it's usually packed and stuffy and you do a tour of your region before getting to your hotel! Luckily his parents had been before and had used a bloke that worked for GLB called Daniel AKA "the rock" so we'd hired him for this trip. Fantastic- a 16 seater minibus between 4 of us! He'd even dressed it all up inside with white lace as it was a wedding party! (Also when we've been to Portugal we've done the same thing and got a taxi) yes we've paid for it but it's quicker and a lot more comfortable (especially as my Hubby is 6 foot 10!)

When we got to the resort it was out of this world - we were greeted with cold drinks and wet flannels to freshen up, a porter came and whisked away our luggage, and from the moment we arrived until the day we checked out we didn't see a single clock anywhere!

The staff were fantastic- the entertainment crew were on the go from dawn "until you say stop" Quizzes by the pool during the day, evening entertainment shows (and guests are encouraged but not pestered to participate), street parties which are out of this world, beach bonfires and barbecues, sing-a-long in the piano bar, the list was endless.

The waiters just seemed to appear at your table with refills of drinks and fresh water and juice. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, and tipping is simply NOT permitted, so there is no reason for people to be 'false.'

I can't say enough about how fantastic my wedding day was thanks to Beverly and Georgette from the wedding co-ordinators office. It was just simply perfect! (albeit a little too hot when you're in a full wedding gown! I couldn't wait to get out of it and into some shorts and a wrap!)I compiled a cd before we went and they played it for us at the start and end of the service, then the photographer and video guys also used it as the background music for our wedding video. Photograph wise we opted for the 24 package but he took over 60 photos, all around the resort. When we went to pick out the ones we wanted for our album we also got 6 extra at $10 each but ended up with 42 negatives in total(as they give you them as well) You can also have a DVD made for an extra $60 so we did and now have it loaded on our computer too!

Another nice little touch was that you have a nightly turn-down maid, who comes in at sunset, turns down your bed, checks your toiletries, closes your windows and curtains and puts on the lights in the bedroom for you. Ours was Diana, what a lovely lady, she found out we were getting married and made little arrangements on our bed with towels and flowers, into swans and hearts and horse-shoes. What a lovely surprise!

Days spent louging by the pool, or at the pool bar drinking "Dirty Bananas" and "Mud Slides", night times at one of the fantastic restaurants, my favourite was Victoria Market with a live string quartet on while you ate breakfast, lunch (which are buffet style) or evening meal (which is waiter service)- how elegant. Also the evening entertainment is usually held at Victoria Market around 9ish as well, so it's best to get a good seat.

The French restaurant was automatically booked for us for our wedding dinner, but you can usually reserve a table the night before, it just takes a quick call to the concierge. It's formal dress (men have to wear jackets)but it's definitely worth it-ladies I would suggest taking a wrap to put over your shoulders as the A.C. in there is quite cool.
The Italian La Pasta is very cosy and informal, casual wear.

The Japanese (Moon and Sun) was novel but just not our cup of tea - we'd never had it before but thought we'd try it. I quite liked the sushi and got the hang of the chopsticks, but he's not a big fish person. His parents like it though and his Mum even got up and had a go at cooking! Again it's formal dress code and you have to book in advance as you sit in parties of 6.

Unfortunately we never got to try the "Jerk pit" as I can't eat chilli and peppercorns(I'm allergic)so beware if you want to try the local dishes. However the Akee and steamed Caloo(i think)is nice that is served at breakfast. Also the room service breakfast is great, we'd leave a card on the outside of the door with a time slot booked, have fresh fruit and juice and a pot of coffee around 7 ish, then mosey on down to Victoria Market about 9.30 for an omelette. Ian makes a wicked ham, cheese and onion with slices of fresh carved ham - ooh i'm drooling at the thought!

Sadly though it all had to come to an end and suprisingly we didn't want to go home!
The morning we were leaving we were waiting on the veranda of reception for Daniel to pick us up and the staff passing by kept stopping and asking us were we leaving, and wishing us a safe journey and hoping to see us again soon - really genuine affection, big hugs.

All in all an absolutely amazing holiday - in fat my Hubby says he doesn't want to ever go anywhere else! So now we're saving like mad to go back for our next holiday!

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Hedonism 2 - Jamaica

Operator and Date: May, 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Hannah, 21 Claire, 21, Emily, 21

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is an absolutely fantastic hotel for anybody with a free mind. As travel agents we got a bargain and were lucky enough to be at Hedonism a few days before moving further down the beach.

There is loads to do during the day around the hotel watersports, lazing around the pool etc. The surrounding area however is very poor and I certainly wouldnt recommend it to people after an active holiday!
The pyjama party was really good fun and you can expect to see topless women and men in pvc thongs most evenings at dinner. Dress code is whatever and if you dont take a thong and some heels to wear one night you will look out of place! There are double bed gazebos all over the hotel with little private pools if you want personal time when it gets dark! And dont even get me started on what we saw going on in the glass bottom jacuzzi that looks down on to the night club!
Every age from 20-80 and everyone up for a laugh, lots of Americans.
Evening entertainment was good fun with a boys v' girls games.
Overall a fantastic holiday for people of any age with a free mind up for a laugh!

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: First Choice - March 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Kayleigh Evans, Cornwall - 48,35,21,31,50,49,40,41,45,45

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Well what can i say, this holiday was the best ever!! This place is absolutely amazing!!

It was a first time to the caribbean and afer reading some of the previous reviews, it didnt sound that good, but there was nothing to worry about it was brilliant.

We arrived in the evening and got checked into our rooms pretty quickly. The rooms are fine, some things were a little old in the room e.g mirrors were rusting, and some switches were not that stable but what the hell you are only sleeping in it, the rooms are clean and comfortable and in my opinion that is all you need in an all inclusive complex!
The food is lovely, there is soo much choice, we were there for 2 weeks and some things did get repeated but as there was soo much choice you never got fed up, definately recommend the seabreeze restaurant on the beach, food was brilliant and was nice to be waited on!!

The staff are soo friendly and are happy to help you always, obviously if you tip them you get treated even better, these peoples wages are soo low and their attitudes are brilliant, they genuinely seem to love their jobs!
Entertainment is good different shows every night but everything is finished by 10.30 where you can just drink by the bar or go to the club (our group never went to the club as the staff working at the bars kept us entertained!)
All in all this hotel was lovely and would recommend it to anyone, we are planning on going back soon!

Happy holidays!

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTravel - Nov 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Karen Readman Durham

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

arrived  on 5th November @ 4.30 to room not ready.  It was dirty and in my opinion rated wrong. 4* no no no its about 1*.  We were very disappointed and as soon as the rep arrived we asked to be transferred. it cost us $230  to move (paperwork) and $40 for a taxi. but well worth it.  We went to Starfish in Falmouth.  We have been there many times before and it is rated 3*+ should be changed to 5* if holiday inn is 4*.  I would not reccomend any one go there it gives a bad impression of Jamaica.

Go Riu of Starfish!!!!

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: first choice june 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : J walton newcastle upon tyne (38, 40,10,6)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Fantastic. The accomodation is fine. The people make this holiday. Nothing is a problem. food and drink fabulous.Brilliant kids bar, ice cream,popcorn,nachos,pizza,hot dogs and drinks.adult bars are super, just remember to ask for 'brands'(still free) good mix of nationalities. The Americans do not get preferential treatment! Totally safe to go out and about. good idea to hire a taxi for the day ( ask your rep) no hastle, no hard sell.  A polite 'no thanks' is fine. Must  is to swim with dolphins, and Dunns river falls. Go out on a boat and visit Margaritaville.

Brilliant holiday.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: First Choice  March 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Lewis 53

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The hotel is in a very poor state of repair and is under going refurbishment during 2006.
to many trainee's working there.
Staff very poor response to complaints
We had 3 rooms in 6 days
Entertainment very poor.
Problem with flight. fuel or hydrolic leak.
no hot work for 2 days.
broken windows.
2 broken basins.
socket hang off the wall.
Power cuts
TV not work very well.

I could go on but think you go the message dont go. but dont let this put you off going to Jamaica the people are lovely. just dont use this hotel. there are lots of new one being build. so try them. good luck.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Lorraine Edwards- Wales (41,25,32,32)):

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Well, what can I say. We arrived in Montego Bay and into a very hot climite. All I could think was YES we have arrived.
We had paid for prem gold and priority bags. We had to wait over two hours to get our so called priority bags in an airport that looked like a building site with no air con. Then onto a shabby coach for the 10 min drive to the so called 4* holiday Inn Sunspree.

On arivel at the hotel, it didnt look that bad, infact it looked quite nice. We had joind to hotels priority club which should of let us checkin first but this didnt happen and we had to wait over an hour. By this time we all felt like we wanted to go home.

When we got to our rooms i just wanted to cry. This hotel has suposed to of gone through a major refurb, but the room stunk, had mould growing, the air con was so noisey you couldnt talk at a normal level, the patio doors were to difficult to open. There was no wardrobe, just a rail which gave a hostle feel. To top it off we were in block 2 which is right on the pool and entertainment stage, which was so loud it was impossible to sleep during the day for a nap, and up until 2am.
We complaind to our airtours rep, whos response was "NO PROBLEM MAN"
After 6 days we were moved to block 6. the noise was better bt the room was worse. the bathroom door hit the toilet so had to squeze into the room.

The food wasnt good to say the least, with the exseption of breakfast. salad for the most part.
They ran out of cups at the bar sevral times on a daily bacis.
The beach was man made and had you been able to go out into the sea without black sludge underneath you that stank of drains, that would of been fine.
The adult pool with swim up bar was small with only 4 seats at the pool so you couldnt really get a drink a drink.
I wouldnt give this hotel a 4* but more a 2*.

The only good thing about this holiday was the trips, and even they were so expensive.
One tip for you is if you go to this country, take out a morgage just to pay for the tips you have to give to all drivers an transfurs, trips and to antone who does anything for you.
£6000.00 down the drain, and a very bad stomach/bottom to go with it.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : T Senior West Yorkshire (44, 38, 12)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Fist things first, the flight was via Venus (Manchester to Gatwick an hour & a half on the tarmac then all the way back up over Manchester and over to Canada to refuel 2 hours on the tarmac, finally the last push to Jamaica, 6 hours later you'll arrive)Total journey of 15 hours.

As for the resort:
Pretty much the same as others, this resort has never seen 4* plus as indicated in the brochure. The beaches are not good, the staff are reluctant to serve you unless you're waving a dollar bill in front of them (If you're American or Canadian you'll be OK) The rooms are basic and almost clean although we did have a visit from a huge cockroach to which the Hotel staff didn't seem too upset.

Don't even try to cross the road to the shopping village cos you'll get badgered by the dealers, they will even shout to you over the fence of the complex to ask if you'd like to buy some drugs.

The food was OK although the main resturant resembles a works canteen rather than a resturant and the A La Carte aren't A La Carte.

The best part was our son went swimming with Dolphins & absolutely LOVED it & the weather was great.
Please don't go here if you're expecting a holiday in Paradise cos you'll be bitterly disappointed go to BARBADOS instead at least the naitives are friendley and the beaches are beautiful.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - January 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Clive, Donna, Jemma, Matthew, Jamie, Sophie, Lucy Southin (35, 35, 12, 10, 8, 6, 3 )

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Oh well here goes - where do you start? 

We were absolutely disgusted with the condition of this hotel.  From the moment we got off the plane it all went wrong.  We eventually finished filling out all those forms at the airport and were met by some reps.  When we asked about the transfer to the hotel, they said, "Go outside and find your coach out there".  Talk about meet and greet you!  We found some coach drivers outside and they directed us to our coach.  I thought that was part of the rep's job, but obviously she didn't think so.  There we waited and waited and waited, tired and fed up already.  We sat there for 1 1/2 hours and then the so-called rep got on the coach and thought it was really funny that she had forgotten we were there. Ha! Ha! Ha! how hilarious was she??
From then on it just got worse, there's so much you should know about.  I'm not going to go into it word by word, but here are the main points that we just couldn't believe.  By the way, there's loads of main points here:-

The food was disgusting, no variation.  Toaster never worked. They served up the same food for lunch and dinner.  If you like curried goat and jerk everything, then this may be the place for you!  The food was always cold except the salad and butter.  We ate mainly burgers and chips as we were so scared to allow our children to eat any of their dishes.

Continuous building work going on around you, banging, painting and drilling.  No apologies for the inconvenience!  Our eldest Son was splattered in paint as he came down to dinner.  Our 3 year old cut her feet toes open on the building debris around the complex.  They closed bars and restaurants for 2/3 days without any warning or apology again.

Mini golf and volleyball areas were just a parking place for JCB's.  Games room for children was never open.

JCB working on the beach for 3 days.  The supposedly clear crystal waters were full of clay.  I got stuck in it and had an asthma attack. 

Drinking glasses were not cleaned properly, just dipped in cold dirty water and used for the next person.  No wonder we used so much toilet roll during our stay!!

Swimming pool was freezing cold, they cleaned the surrounding areas while you were trying to sunbathe, always asking you to move.

No locks on poolside toilets, people were opening doors on you while you were sitting on the loo.

Water sports were rubbish, pool games were non-existant.  Glass bottom boat never went out because you couldn't see through the water.

Beach was shut for 2 days due to their important guests from travel companies.

They shut the main buffet restaurant to dig the floor up with a kango-drill.  As they were doing this, a newly-wed couple were trying to have their reception on the terrace upstairs.

We spent 2 days on the phone trying to sort this out, we eventually got moved after 8 days.  This didn't compensate for the aggro we had while we were there.  We packed up our things and moved as soon as we could.  We went to the Wyndham Rose Hall - what a difference!!  Even though the hotel was 100% better, all the happy holiday atmosphere had gone.  We just wanted to go home, especially when all the staff at the Holiday Inn thought it was all a big joke!!  When we did go home, the rep ran away from us at the airport, she couldn't face us!!

We have complained bitterly to First Choice since we got back and eventually we might be getting somewhere!!   
People should not be sent here and they shouldn't have this 'Hell Hole' in their brochures!

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - january 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : paul child 40  christine davies 40

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

this hotel should not have been open.after hurricane damage it was still being refurbed.two jcbs on a beach full of clay,a dinning room floor being dug up,the main bar was closed,the roof was being put on block 7,the rooms smell of damp,the balconies are tatty (nobody sits on them),there was painting work going on all over,the food is terrible no choice ,the list goes on.we were told by one of the staff that it would be nice in 12 months.dont go to this hotel.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Joanne Ruddick - Newcastle (33,32,10,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I was really worried about going on this holiday.  I checked out the reviews after i booked it, but i was plesantly surprised. The hotel was extremely clean and child Friendly.  The rooms were always kept clean,  There was everything you would need, the towels were cleaned every other day but if you wanted them changed every day you only had to ask and it was done.  All the staff were friendly eager to please and the respect went both ways.  The daytime entertainment was excellent, Ricardo and mental were very enteraining.  The downside on the entertainment was at night there were only 7 different shows and they were repeated the second week and it all was over by 9.30-10.00pm everynight. The lifeguards did an brillant job in making sure everyone was safe and that there was no hypa children causing distress to other holiday makers.  By the second week you did start to get sick of Jerk chicken but there was a chef on call that would cook things fresh in front of you if you requested.  

Finally First Choice are a first class company fantastic service, polite staff, clean and spacious flights and resort care good too

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - December 2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Lynne Hague (43, 40, 10, 6)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were transferred to this hotel at the last minute and having read some reviews of this hotel we were initially sceptical. We discovered that the hotel had only been open for a few days when we arrived (it had closed for reburbishment following damage from the hurricane). The first room they gave us had only one bed, then the second had a pile of rubble for a bathroom -- things weren't looking too good! However, the staff sorted things out swiftly and it was all upside from then on. The hotel was still undergoing refurbishment but they managed to keep disruption to a minimum. 

The food was excellent, especially in the a la carte restaurants (although they should serve pizza in the Italian!). The cocktails were fantastic. But most of all what made the holiday were the staff - they were, without exception, friendly, efficient and seemed to genuinely care that the guests had a good time.
The Direct Holidays rep was lovely.

We had some horrible delays on flights in and out, but we had far worse last year when we flew on a scheduled flight with Air Jamaica. And the food on Air Luxor was better.

We felt this holiday was excellent value for money (basically we only had to pay the cost of the flights for the children and they stay free at the hotel).

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - December 2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Louise Stephenson - Manchester (21 and 23)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Definately a fantastic place to stay, we were transfered here as the Renaisance Jamaica Grande was closed for refurbishment but when we arrived we were glad to have been transfered.  Excellent complex especially for families, rooms have everything you need even iron and ironing board!! Loads for children to do, food at the buffet restaurant was a bit sameish towards the end of the week but you can book for the other ones on the complex to break it up.  Only problems we had were with the flights there and back but that was nothing to do with the hotel!  

Definately worth booking for here!!!

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Coverley/Shaw - Manchester 28, 25, 1

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is a lovely hotel.  We were on our honeymoon and we moved here after staying at the Starfish Trewlawny in Falmouth - what an awful hotel looks like something you would find in Blackpool!

This hotel is clean (only saw one cockroach all holiday), we stayed in a family suite room and it really was gorgeous, maid service was brilliant, rooms were always cleaned, clean towels everyday!  I would say the only downside to this hotel was the food, it was a little repetative but I am yet to find a hotel with interesting food on holiday.  The pool was cleaned everyday and all round the edges was cleaned every other day.  Unfortunately me and my family were here when Hurricane Ivan was on its way.  All I can say is that the hotel dealt with everything effectively, baring the fact that we were moved several times to safe rooms, first we were moved from an ocean front room to an inland room, then we were moved to a low ground floor room then we were all moved to the middle floor rooms -WHAT!

BUT and I say but here is my really big moan... Airtours are disgusting and I mean disgusting I am never going to go on holiday with these people ever again, during the worrying time of the hurricane coming what with having an 18 month old little boy with us, we asked to be flewn home Airtours told us they were not putting on any flights, we were told to pack our cases and to wait in the hotel reception you are being flown to Dom Republic today! so we packed etc etc and waited there all day yes all day with a baby, got to Dom Rep and hotel was awful requested to be moved/flewn home with Airtours - not a chance so went on standby at the airport with Thomsons - Britannia! Baring Airtours the hotel was lovely and would return to the hotel again but not with Airtours!!!!

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : clare - Rotherham 31,34, 35

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read recent reviews on the Hotel, i was a little worried.

The hotel itself is a little tired, and is in need a paint job at least. but apart from that i couldnt complain in the apearance of the hotel.  I found the pool area nice and clean, with plenty of sunbeds.

I thought the main buffet restaurant choice was limited, and the standard not that good, but with a choice of burger bar, jerk bar, the fab seabreeze and great italian, wasnt 100% bothered about the jamaican a l carte, so there was plenty to eat for all tastes.

One thing i would moan at, is the bar area.  there are not enough seats and tables, people tended to sit on loungers at night, not my idea of fun, when people have been laying on them all day with sun creams etc.  and it would have been nice to have some back ground music round the bar also.  I couldnt fault the hotel and bar staff in any way, they were always helpful.  i would echo what previous people have said that some americans are very ignorant, but the staff just leave them, and get on with serving the non ignorant customers.

As a travel agent i dont think i would recommend this hotel at this stage, but when the refurb has been completed, i would definately try this again.

Also its not really the place for single people cause its mainly couples.

and its not somewhere i would recommend for people getting married, as the wedding areas are a bit scabby.   

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Alan Otton - Sussex (55,48,18,17,16,72,70)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this family holiday at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica, which was peddled as a four star plus hotel. There was no way this was a four star hotel - more like a struggling three.

We set out on a MyTravel Airbus A330. We felt this was far too cramped for the 9½ hour flight. We had the 'red-eye' on the way back but sleep was impossible due to the aisles being too narrow, causing passing passengers to jostle seated travellers. There were many passengers going past as the forward toilets were reserved for permier gold passengers - whatever they are. Food on the plane was good. They take sterling, euros and plastic for drinks, snacks etc, but not Jamaican dollars.

Transfer was 15 mins by aircon coach. It's US$20 by taxi so if you want a car, you could do away with the transfer and arrange to get your car in the airport foyer. This will save you the taxi fare to pick up and also on returning after the drop-off.

At the hotel, all the facilities, kitchens, restaurants and rooms are very tired and are suffering from the lack of investment that comes from a stateside asset-stripping operation. The american ownership takes the profits from this operation back to the USA, runs the place down and invests very little is in the hotel fabric or the local economy.

Running a pool maintenance firm, I was unhappy with the quality of the pool water which looked dirty at the best of times. The cleaning regime left much to be desired as did the application of granular chlorine which was ladeled in from a large drum around the edges of the pool in an 'ad hoc' fashion at around six o'clock. The pool was closed for this but people, mostly kids, were allowed back in very shortly afterwards. This was most unsatisfactory. None of my family would use the pool after using ours at home. In my opinion, the pool is far too small for the number of people using it and at the end of the day under the beam of the pool lighting, it is very dirty and even with the large doses of chemicals, does not recover by the morning. Chlorine is destroyed in about 30 mins in the mid day sun and I suspected there was no automatic dosing going on therefore, the pool water was mostly circulating untreated by mid afternoon. On day three, faeces was found floating in the pool mid-day and in the removal attempt, was broken up and stirred in. Localised chemical treatment was used (further bleach tipped in) and although people witnessing the incident did not use the pool thereafter, it was still open for use. Many children went in pool to play.

The food is OK if a little regimented. Breakfast is OK, lunch was mainly salads for us (burger bar for the kids!)and was good but although the theme dinner is advertised to go on until 10 o'clock, don't leave it much after 9 to avoid being disappointed. Twice during our week, the desserts ran out. On on occasion, the main courses were so depleted that were were obliged to go to the burger bar. The Premier restaurant - the 'Casa' - is mostly deserted. Most people go there only once as it is impossible to carry on a conversation as the windows / balconies directly overlook the stage and loudspeakers which puts on the nightly entertainment. Some of the bands are good if same-ish. Didn't get involved in much during the day as we wanted a chill holiday, which we got and the three teenage kids had no complaints about any of the activities. On the first night, one of our rooms suffered from a broken aircon unit which proved to be a must in the heat and humidity of this time of year. Fair play that it was fixed for the next night.

The toilet facilties are insufficient for the numbers of people in the restaurants and entertainment areas. My wife tells me there were only 5 cubicles available in an un-airconned ladies rest room. Many were going back to their rooms, which is ok if you are nearby, which we were not. 
 
Having said that, the people are great. Staff are friendly and in the main are very helpful. Bar staff are very good but don't tolerate rude americans as we found out! They were always pleasant to us - Irie man! They didn't pester us for tips as some have said, were always prompt with the service and provided excellent cocktails. Thanks Dave. They did ignore some ill-mannered american guests who thought that loud abuse was the way to get served. Bully for them; I would have done the same.

The MyTravel agent, Audrey, was brilliant, putting in many more than her contracted hours. All she was involved with ran like clockwork.

We did the Dolphin Cove excursion which included the Dunns River Falls. This was rather expensive but was the highlight of our week.

We hired a 7-seater from Island Car Rentals at Montego Bay Airport. Service was great. Would use them again.

All in all, this was a holiday camp with sun. UK readers will understand when I say its like 3* Butlins. There is always a lot going on at this busy resort hotel. Great for people who like it that way and I have to say that it suited our purposes on this occasion as the kids had a great time. There are very few places however, where you can get a bit of peace and quiet - even the beach - if that's what you want, go somewhere else.

There are many little tourist shops nearby where you can get anything to a buch of ganja to a $10k diamond ring. You need to go here to change money as the hotel will take your cheques for Jamaican dollars but these are really only any good for tipping, all else seems to be in US$ and the hotel won't let these go. You run the gauntlet of a few locals trying to make a living but they will take no for an answer

Jamaica is great. There are a few no go areas but thats the same wherever you go. By and large the people are warm and friendly as is the climate. Will definately go again but not to the Holiday Inn and on a sheduled flight.

This is the second time recently that we have been sold a holiday where the agents have over-estimated the star or T rating. I've given the hotel a 'below average' rating purley because the travel agents claim of this being a 4* plus. It struggles to make 3.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel  -  July 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : 42, 32, 18, 15, 7

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay in the July pre the hurricane.  As we left the coach and entered the hotel my husband and I had that 'heart sink' feeling. The hotel was shabby to say the least and in need of a complete refurbishment.  

There was mould patches on the bedroom walls.  The bed sheets were grey rather than white, the bathroom was tiny and drab and would stuggle to meet the requirements of a two star accomodation in any resort and that was true of the rest of the hotel.  

The food in the 'Mo-Bay' food festival restaurant was an absolute disgrace as was the entire restaurant area.  The tables and chairs were old plastic patio sets on many of the tables the edging was either hanging off or off altogether revealing the MDF. As it was an open area along the front aspect of the restaurant (more like canteen) all manner of insects and birds! came in to eat the meal with the paying guests.  The food preparation areas were dire needless to say within 3 days of arrival our entire party was ill requiring medical attention for severe diarrhoea and vomiting.  Also guests of the hotel were several families of rats that lived in the bushes next to the main bar area which itself was adjacent to the Mo-bay food festival restaurant.  

In the evening there was no-where to sit other than the sun loungers that people had been sunbathing on all day. On my younger son's birthday when he was in bed poorly with food poisioning I demanded to be moved to an alternative hotel this was duly arranged at an additional cost of £456 to ourselves.  This hotel is not a four star property as we were lead to believe.  My advice would be to avoid the Holiday Inn Sunspree like the plague and stay instead at the Riu Club Negril it was outstanding. A truly five star property in every manner

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Paul Neame - Bicester (48,48,12,11)):

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read reviews before going i found it hard to imagine the negative ones after having had the best holiday ever.

We found the place clean friendly and nothing seemed to be a problem.

We did find that the Buffet restaraunt was a bit limited in its seating between 8 and 9pm, no problem we ate in one of the a la carte or sea breeze every night.

We were not restricted to one visit per week per resteraunt, you just had to book between 8 and 9am to make sure you got in.

We also ate with another family so the bookings were for 8 not 4.

Dunns river falls is a must and the Catamaran trip in the morning (kids free)
is a bit boozy but fun.

Lastly, on the resort, make sure you have a drink at the jerk bar, gaze across the sea and have a plate of jerk pork or chicken.

One of the things not stated on my paperwork was the limit on luggage weighing mere than 30kgs.

Ok so you are a family of 4 with 80kgs of baggage allowance, but i know of 2 families that had to buy a new suitcase because theirs wieghed more than 30kgs.
they were told to either re-distribute or buy another. Its not to bad if you are informed of these things.
The other thing that worried me was how the hell you weigh your suitcase when packing at the hotel???

Anyway as i said it was the best ever and would go back at the drop of a hat.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Adam, Nicky - Cheshire (40,25)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This hotel was extremely disappointing.
we lasted one night and then paid extra money to move hotels ( along with two other groups from the same flight).

The room was filthy,patio doors would hardly open, balcony was crumbling off, food was bad, beach wasnt very nice, service not good.

We were moved to Renaissance Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios for $130 extra. It was a two hour transfer but even though we were only there for 6 nights it was well worth it.

Jamaica is a stunning island (we highly recommend Dunns River Falls - what a laugh we had - and the River Tubing down the White River) but all you get if you venture outside the hotel is people hassling you to buy 'smoke' or 'coke' or get your hair braided, and everyone mithers for tips.

We had a good holiday in the end but I'm not sure if I would go back to Jamaica.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice-June 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Debi,Leila-Ashford

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Holiday Inn is a GREAT place to stay.Staff are very friendly and helpful(could'nt do enough for you and always happy to help!)Rooms,very clean spacious and well decorated.The food was the best the buffet did a different theme every night:monday,seafood.tuesday,jamaican.wednesday,italian.thursday,tex-mex.friday,beach party. saturday, internationl gala. sunday,carribean.And if you don't like the sound of that there was the BAREFOOT BAR that was open 24/7 and served burgers,hot-dogs,chips,pizza and toasted cheese sandwiches.(somthing for everyone!!)
there were al a carte restaurants that you had to pay extra for and make reservations but it was worth it!!

THE BEACH:very clean and was very big so never crowded!!!(BONUS!)and if you get thirsty there is a beach bar (ADULTS ONLY) which you can get drinks from (you can get drinks for the kids as well, it's just the adults have to order)

THE POOL:very big and great fun and it's next to the BAREFOOT BAR and buffet!! ADULT POOL:joins onto the adult bar-the adult pool was a bit like a sun trap if you ask me but the main pool has brollies!!! TOURS:we would definatly recommend the DOLPHINE COVE tour it is expensive but well worth the money!DUNNS RIVER FALLS:great tour (a must visit!!)

it is very safe to go over the road to the shops just say 'no thank you' to anyone that approches you! do NOT go out of bounderies with a jamaican and don't buy stuff off the boat sale's-men they're a rip off!! 

ALL IN ALL A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY WOULD GO BACK ANYDAY!! SO VIST AND 'SMILE MON'

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Brian - Siobhan - Nicole - Jack 34,31,7,4

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is a copy of a letter we sent to Airtours.

The hotel was meant to be a 4 star plus  which is indicated in your brochure but I would say it is more like a 2 star.

I booked this holiday in February for myself  and My wife and 2 Kids aged 4 and 7 at a cost of about £3,000.00.
To start of with when we were on the plane we had to pay for the headsets which I have never had to do before on a long haul flight.
When the dinner came the kids could not have a kids meal only an adults meal as we was meant to book a kids meal at the time of booking which we were not informed. So I had to buy my kids crisps and chocolate to eat for the 9 hour flight.

The Barefoot Bar and snack bar was shut for the duration of our stay while they were working on it. ( We was not informed of this ) Now the Seabreeze A' La Carte Grilled restaurant was now a snack bar serving hot dogs and hamburgers, which was located on the beach.
The only bar to get drinks at while watching the so called entertainment was the lobby bar which was too small to serve all the guests. We had to wait on average about 15-20 minutes to get a drink in the evenings, after a few days we found out that to get a drink at the bar you had to TIP the bar staff. Nearly everyone who was waiting to be served had money in their hand to tip. We had to spend a small fortune on tips.

The bars all over the complex day or night kept on running out of cups so when you did get served you had to wait until the bar staff got more cups, Towards the end of the holiday we were drinking out of white plastic throw away cups.

The entertainment was the same thing nearly every night which was a person / group  singing. It sounded the same every night. There were no cabaret acts as would be expected for a 4 star holiday.

To see the entertainment in the evening you had to sit / liedown on the sunbeds by the pool as the stage was in the centre of the pool, or when you have your dinner in the restaurant stay at you table all night, If we could find one.

Which leads me to the restaurant there was not enough tables for the size of the complex and there was only about 20 tables which would fit a standard family of 4 people.
So we had to wait for a table to come free which one night took over ¾ of an hour. Once I managed to get a table I had to stay at the table while my wife got her food so no one else could get the table. We now had to line up at the food section to get the food which took up to 15 minutes. Then when got the food we had to then go to the bar to get drinks which can take up to 15 minutes, In the end we didn't bother having drinks with our meal because if you were lucky to get a plastic cup if you left it a member of the bar staff would take it as there was a cup shortage.

The main restaurant did not cater for children at all. So my kids had to sit down and wait while myself and wife had dinner then we had to go over the snack bar on the beach so the kids could eat Hamburgers, Hot Dogs or a cheese sandwich with chips, So for two weeks this is all my kids ate ( Apart from when they ran hot of hot dogs on several occasions ).

Also one of my kids got stung in the seaweed whilst playing in the sea, We were then told that they recommend to wear sandals in the water and keep of the seaweed. Try explaining that to a 4 year old to keep of the seaweed, When the sea on our private beach was covered in seaweed.

After a few days my wife went up to the Airtours  Rep to ask for a relocation to another hotel. After a few enquires she said all the other hotels are fully booked. She was extremely rude and abusive and shouted at  my wife calling her a typical English person always complaining. My wife just walked of in tears and would not speak to her again. I also asked for a complaint form but she kept on making excuses saying that someone else had the book at the moment. After speaking to a lot other English people at the hotel they all had the same complaints and response from the rep.

If you did'nt guess we do not recommend this Hoilday at all

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours-Feb2004

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Nicky Matt & Ryan

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We Found Paradise!!!! Everything at this resort was just perfect. 13 of us went to Holiday Inn Sunspree from all over the country for a wedding. We cant fault a thing. Cant wait to go back! The people are as wonderfull as the country. Food, entertainment, weather, staff, hotel rooms, it was just all magical. Dunns River Falls and swimming with dolphins trip is a must, excellent value for money and an unforgettable experience. Dont be put off by the Jamaican roads and the locals driving, they know what they're doing and 'its all IRIE MAN' 'NO PROBLEM'

Have a wonderfull time at Holiday Inn Sunspree because we did and we will have every year we go back.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree

Operator and Date: travel shop 2 - Feb 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : lynda rogers  skegness lincs 

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

after a horrific flight two hrs delay stopped off in goose bay to refuel arrived at the holiday inn sunspree mobay five to six hours late tired hungry and unhappy.But were greeted by friendly staff who could not do enough for us.
our rooms were clean & lovely and cool

we were married 6-2-04 Bob marleys birthday it seemed the whole of jamaica was celabrating with us wedding exceeded our wildest dreams nothing was too much trouble all staff are happy and friendly all hours of the day &night

yanks do not show any respect for staff or any other people canadians are much the same so if your english go to jamaica show respect and you will get respect back ten fold. all the trips are fabulous and not expensive. its not true about not being safe of resort we went everywhere even little shacks to drink and meet the real people they were fantastic of course they want you to buy things they are willing to work but there is none at least they
dont beg and we never heard them mouning about being poor they are the best people ever.holiday inn is great for families we didnt go to the night clubs as we were worn out having a good time allday
 
we would go back in a heart beat 

viva jamaica

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Holiday Inn Sunspree - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Dawn age 37, hubby: 36, son: 12

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

never again........... couldnt believe that mytravel rated this hotel as 4*+, what a shock when arrived, the hotel was having refurbishments done, still not complete & with no pool. some holiday for my son!! many of the blocks were being refurbished, but guests were still expected to walk through them to get to their own block...
3 beaches, yes that was right, but couldnt swim or snorkel as stated in brouchure... you were still only calf deep, when you come across signs stating "no swimming or snorkling beyond this point" what a farce!!

you could eat in main restaurant or the snack bars (if open!) or book to eat in one of the speciality restaurants, but if there was a local wedding on ..forget it.. you became a second class citizen.. in the week we were there, we never got a chance to eat in these... a wedding every day! th efood was awful, reheated many a time.

the rooms were smelt of damp, the bathroom was full of moss and damp, the air con didnt work in the first room we was offered, thankfully it did in the room we finally got moved too.
we were so glad that we were going on the cruise for the second week of our 'holiday', felt so sorry for those folk who were getting off the ship to come here!!!!

sorry its an awful review, but when you pay to go somewhere hopefully grande, you dont expect to arrive on a building site.

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Jamaica Grande

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook Signature - Oct/Nov 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Julie Bush/Keri Ferguson - Sheffield (45, 23)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My daughter and I have just returned from a 3-week holiday and it was our first time to Jamaica.  We don't mind flying, so the journey was as expected (although we weren't expecting all the drinks to be included - Air Jamaica).

I emailed the hotel prior to arriving requesting a room in the South Tower on a high floor - which is exactly what we got.  The view over the bay/resort was brilliant, took loads of pictures from our balcony.

The hotel rooms/grounds/pools/beach etc were kept very clean and the staff were really friendly.

Only went on a couple of trips - Dunns River & Bob Marley Jeep Safari - both excellent.  Apparently the dolphin tour is also very good.

Found plenty of variety for eating and we ate in the speciality restaurants a few times, food in both the Chinese & Italian was very good. 

We ventured out of the hotel a couple of tiimes to go shopping at the Island Village and the Taj Mahal.  Also went to the digital camera shop to get my photos saved to cd - we had no problems at all. Although I wouldn't recommend going out at night unless there are a few of you

The Bar staff were great and our favourite was definitely Marlon - he is brilliant (if you go next year he's off to Uni in Miami so might not be there!!).   Nadine, Jermain, Dwayne and Omar also made our evenings very enjoyable.

We did go to the Entertainment centre quite a lot in our first week, but not so much during the rest of the holiday. We found plenty of other things to do around the bars.  Also went to the "Jamaica me Crazy" club a few times!!!

My daughter definitely wants to go back next year.  I'm sure we will do and with a couple more family members.

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Jamaica Grande

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTravel October 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Dave and Sue Essex

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The trip to the hotel was nightmare, they are still doing the roads but in bits and pieces so didnt fancy going to far. check in was good, room was good(904). Couple of power cuts but generator kicked in straight away, No Problem. Food in speciality restaruants were very good, two were air con. the third was outside ovelooking bay. 99% of staff were friendly and very helpful. Not enough shade as was nearly 100 degrees all day from 7.30 till 5. and only dropped to 90 at night. coctail bar (Tomika's) was good, lots of excellent service and coctails. Beach towels included and shower gel and shampoo in dispensers in the shower. 

WARNING! Drink at airport is less than half price in the town even after Discount. Mytravel rep was always there except on return, when all we had was coach driver, so nobody knew where to check in, most disappointed. Deposit of $100 for safe key and lock, $30 for beach towel deposit, $20 deposit for JUS Talk Phone card, excellent value $10 for 70 minutes land line calls to UK any time. 35 cents connection charge through hotel switchboard but No Problem. Went to Nine Mile with 'Sqiddly' (jamaicas DEllBoy but honest) the unofficial trip operator who sits outside the hotel south beach. cheaper and as a native full of information, also arranged a trip to Dunns River with him and saved $9 dollars each. Best to go to town when the ships are in as there are a few more tourists and a bit less hassle. No problem with locals, some of which were very helpful. Didnt venture out at night  so no help there. 5 minute walk to town along wide paths to the one way main street. 

We would (will) definately go back, but at this time of year as reasonably quiet.

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Jamaica Grande

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Aug / Sept 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Anthony and Kelly James  Yorkshire 38,26

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The journey to the hotel is a trauma!!! After 10 hours flight be prepared to wait for your cases for a while then travel another 2 hours on dirt track roads (you will wonder why you booked this holiday at this point) you do get there alive though.  The hotel does seem very "GRAND" when you pull up and the staff are quite friendly. 

The location of the hotel is perfect on two great beaches with rocks to snorkle around and lots of water sports. There are no mozzy's biting away at you this was great for a caribbean resort. The food was the let down you will get sick of the same buffet meals if you are there for more than a week. 

The entertainment is aimed at children and is repeated each week so again if you go for 2 weeks you will see it twice!  The dolphin trip was fantastic and most people we stayed with enjoyed all the trips booked through my travel. This hotel was closing down the day we left for re-furbishment it needs it as it was a 5* hotel but did only seem 3* at times due to the hotel closing the restaurants and bars before we had left and the decore needed a freshen up.  

All in all a nice hotel I would like to to see it when the changs have been made and Jamaica is a great place and a perfect holiday resort the weather was great even in Aug-September.

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Jamaica Grande

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Evans Family (39,36,11,9,9months)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After booking the entire holiday through Virgin and expecting the same standards had to endure an Air Jamaica 9 hour flight to Kingston then a 3 hour wait to travel on another 20 minute flight to Montego bay.
We were told we had a Sky cot for our 9 month old at check in only to be rudely told we didn't when we got on the plane. No packs for the older children as on a Virgin flight!!
Asked for a lap belt for the 9 month old also to be told 'we don't do lap belts, hold the child close to you'
Then had an hour delay whilst they had to unload someones suitcase.

Finally took off and by the time we had reached Kingston we had been served 2 drinks no veggie meals, no kids meals and when it was time for coffee the seat belt lights came on , coffee was cancelled and there was no turbulence. What a terrible sevice they provide!! Also it was very hot all throuhout the flight because the air conditioning was at a minimum to save fuel.

Got off at Kingston and had to go through all the passport control for an hour stood up with 3 young kids.
Went to departure lounge had to wait another hour to board the same plane.
When we got back on we were told there was a delay to wait for BA passengers whose flight was cancelled(poor them), all this time no refreshments offered. 1 hour later took off for the 20 minute flight to Montego bay.

At Montego bay, suitcases put on a trolley by porter taken to out transfer bus then money demanded.
Then a 2 hour transfer ride from hell, terrible roads or tracks and worse drivers who when we got on the bus explained how the value of thier currency goes up and down????
Arrived at Jamaica Grande after 23 hours travel with 3 young children 2:30am (paid driver his tip!!!!), checked with guy at reception that we had a nice room after all that travel and was told 'yeh mon, no problem'.

Opened the door to the room, 1 bed for all five of us. Rang reception 'OK no problem we'll be up to sort it out'. 1 hour later blow up beds were delivered.told by porter' your lucky other people have been sent to another hotel'.
Changed rooms the next day but that was only after getting agressive with the Virgin rep.

Nice complex, definitely not a Virgin 4+ hotel. Food was OK but nothing special. service was terrible, barstaff were rude and slower than the rest of the carribean places we have stayed at. Travel back home was just as bad.

Overall our travel exprience to Jamaica was not what we expected especially as we booked through Virgin and have travelled with them on many occasions, the reps were a waste of time, it was unsafe and intimidating to go outside the complex as we were offered drugs and pestered by beggers. 

Would never travel there again and wouldn't send my worst enemy,especially by Air Jamaica!!!!

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Jamaica Grande

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin 2004

Opinion submitted in Mar 2004 by : Estelle Whitehouse 31,42,3

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

FANTASTIC! FANTASTIC! FANTASTIC!

Book this accomodation and you will not be disappointed!

We are lucky enough to holiday on a regular basis, and this has been our best holiday ever!!

Our flight experiences were not so positive, and once we'd run the gauntlet on the transfer to the hotel it just got better and better.

TIP... if you have a choice, book a room in the South tower as these seem to be better on the whole.

This hotel has everything, no matter what age - it is just a fabulous all-rounder.

We went in Feb 2004 for 14 days (13 after a 24 hr delay). Jamaica Grande is immaculate - a huge complex but soooooooo clean. Fantastic staff - they really cannot do enough for you - they sing all day from breakfast until midnight.

Wonderful beach - white sand, turquoise sea,  fantastic watersports, snorkelling, shells etc.

Wonderful shopping at various shops (even competitive prices in hotel) and just outside at the straw market and shopping centre too.

Fabulous Chinese, Italian and buffet in the hotel (though buffet gets a bit samey). Didn't try Cool Runnings but heard it was good. Fabulous beach grill for Jerk chicken at lunch time. (Try the chicken with melted cheese - heaven!).

We have a 3 year old son and we just could not have chosen a better destination, despite the long flight.

CLUB MONGOOSE - is THE  best ever kids club we have ever seen anywhere! They do allsorts from donkey rides to t-shirt printing and hat making and it's all included in the price despite what the brochure tells you (all inc Virgin basis).

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Dolphin Cove - expensive but fabulous - 10 mins away.
Dunns River Falls - unmissable - 10 mins away.
Gentle rafting down the Martha Brae river with a few bottles of Red Stripe Light - fantastic - 1 hour away.

BOOK THIS HOTEL - YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME - NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER IS DOING!

Wonderful massage, gym, pools, beauty treatments for when you get the 'liquid sunshine' that Jamaica Grande needs to stay so beautiful.

We loved this place so much that we are almost reluctant to return, because the cliche is that 'you can never go back'. For Jamaica Grande - we will risk it! We WILL be back.

Thankyou Jamaica Grande for an unforgettable holiday - March 2004

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

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The Kuyaba Hotel - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Lucy- Wales (30, 30, 48,22)):

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

You will never experience anything like this in your life. A MUST for all sunseekers.
I have traveled to many parts of the world and the Kuyaba Hotel In Negril Is by far one of the most relaxing and beautiful places I have ever been to. The rooms are clean and big with first class service from all of the friendly staff. I only had to open my balcony doors and was 10 steps to a crystal clear ocean with 7 miles of white sand. The beach is well patrolled by security (but you never see them) The activities are second to none. The trips you can take are wonderful. Make sure you do the Martha Brae rafting experience, a slow and relaxing ride down a cool river on bamboo rafts, suits all ages. 10/10.

Also the Dunns river falls is a must, take your cameras as the guides take some of the best photos of your party for a pittance and carry your camera safely whilst you take dips in the cool mountain waters.
Go to Dolphin cove and swim with the dolphins a treat you will never forget.

Back to the Kuyaba Hotel, the restaurant has the best food on the Island and is very reasonably priced. The menu will satisfy everyone and the free entertainment (usually a 3 or 4 piece reggae band that sings and plays quietly in the background) is lovely to hear,as well as the waves lapping gently to the shore 10 feet away as you tuck in to mouthwatering food. The combination of drinks and cocktails on offer are also excellent. I would advise booking at busy hours as the Hotel has visitors arriving by minibuses from as far as Montego Bay (1HOURS DRIVE)as well as many local Hotels for the evening meals.

We have all decided to return as soon as possible, we were made to feel so at home here. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou. for making dreams come true. 

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Legends Hotel - Negril

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Lucy Sandhurst- 24, John Sandhurst-30

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This place was hell on earth- i can honestly say it was the worst hotel (if you can call it that) i have EVER stayed in.
Some of our problems:
- food was uncooked and disgusting. if we attempted to eat it we got food posioning
- The sink fell off the wall in the middle of the night, then the hotel tried to blame us!
- ceiling fan made cracks in the ceiling when on any setting above slow.
- open plug sockets with wires showing
- certain senior member of staff slept openly with prostitutes.
- hotel decor non-existent

I would not got back to this hotel under any circumstances-  Hell no!!

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Montego Bay Hotel (Sandals) - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: air jamaica - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : linda/ian smith(41,33)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we went to jamaica to get married just to do it different,we flew with air jamaica from heathrow the flight was very long as there was no inflight entertainment both ways so that was abit of a let down but they kept us well fed and watered.

when we arrived at the airport there are anumber of baggage boys at hand too help you to the buses remember to tip them for there the only ones you can tip the rest aren`t aloud to take tips.the buses are abit run down and smell of damp.

when we got to our hotel it was late and it took about anhour to check in (i just wanted to go to bet for a sleep).
next morning when we went down for breakfast we soon noticed that we were in paradise the hole place looked like the brochores,films it was amazing.

if you like water sports then this is the place to be,night time entertainment was great different every night at the hotel as the recomend you don`t go into town for it`s not safe.

on our wedding day it was lovely the weather was great,got married in a gozebo our photos turned out to be amazing,had our wedding dinner next to the beach our cake was a jamaican style cake and that was the best thing i have ever tasted.

only thing i didn`t like about it was it was full of americans nothing against them but i had the feeling they didn`t like the fact a scottish couple could afford to come to jamaica.

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Montego Beach Resort

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : 54, 62

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Arrived at Montego Beach Resort mid afternoon to be welcomed with a refreshing drink while the bus driver unloaded the cases from the bus.  

We were given our rooms quite quickly and straight away were impressed with the service.  The view from the room was superb overlooking the sea but was dissapointed at the manmade beach which was full of sea urchins so you were advised not to swim in it.  Our room was kept quite clean and was sprayed for insects while we were there. 

The pool was the most awful pool I have ever seen, it was tiny and not very clean, but it was great to have a drink in the pool as there was also a pool bar.  The dining area was not very nice as they had nothing to control the flies which were all around the food, could have done with fly catching facilities on the ceilings.  The food was average, you could always get something to eat but was not fantastic.  

The resort felt a bit threatening, the minute you walked out of the hotel you would be bombarded with people trying to get you interested in their shop.  In Montego Bay town centre you had to have your wits about you as we were followed into a jewellers and approached by a man who said he new our faces from the hotel where he worked.  This wasn't actually true, they know where you are staying by the colour of your all inclusive armband.  

We went to Dunns River Falls which was a good day out but you had to be very careful in the falls.  Also we went rafting which was very relaxing, but take extra money with you as they stop before they get you back and ask you to buy a hand carved pod.  

In all it was a reasonable memory, but would not go back. 

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - March 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Grace Pickles - Glasgow (31)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Fantastic place!!!
I was very disappointed to read some of the reviews posted for this hotel - I visited the resort on Oct 06 with my mother and loved it so much I promptly booked to visit again in March 07 - this time on my own!! I have never felt safer in a resort/country before that I would consider going alone, but that is exactly how I feel about Negril/Point Village, I will be going back again in Sept of this year to the same resort!

The accommodation itself is basic but cleaned everyday unless specified otherwise, clean linen is left daily. I have not experienced any issues with insects in the rooms.
The gardens are beautiful and well maintained by the very nice friendly gardeners.
In terms of the food what people need to remember is that this resort caters for all nationalities including Jamaican, as many Jamaicans travel from Kingston etc to come here to stay. I'm the fussiest eater but I never fail to get something great to eat, whether its the fantastic Jerk Chicken/Pork (I brought some spices back to make at home!) or the pasta at the Italian restaurant by the sea.
The staff are always friendly and very helpful, and yes the men stare at the women, but to be fair the women tourists do a lot of staring at half naked locals! I haven't found anyone to be at all rude or pushy, including in the local bars downtown where few tourists go.

The town of Negril itself is amazing with the 7 mile stretch of beach which you can walk down and the sunsets are breathtaking, the waters are crystal clear and very warm and contain masses of sea life which you can experience just swimming or snorkelling, those brave enough to try the diving can be rewarded with wild dolphins, as I was in my last visit - nothing quite like it!!
I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU WANT TO GO TO JAMAICA AND LIKE THE LOOK OF POINT VILLAGE, PLEASE GO AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF 

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My travel - 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Brinklow -   45,42

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

WOW! Thats the conclusion we came away with,low key ,chilled,relaxed,too many souperlatives to list.Food very good ,service excellent,red stripe need I say more.Accomodation basic but clean,aircon very good and much needed.The mayfield falls trip is highly reccomended,beware of hedonism 11 ,it could spoil your hoiday as you have to pass through it to walk the seven mile beach.Also the evening entertainment was super,the staff really tried hard. Staff to mention Georgette,junior,nickardo,carlos,orel.Thankyou everybody for a great trip

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson - March 2006

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Mike, Jeni and Emma   (48, 50, 24)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My wife and i went with our daughter (24), i can not recommend this resort enough. The apartment was clean, and had air/con, the resort was immaculate, and the staff were so friendly. the food was of a good standard and had a varied choice, i must mention Temera who works there, she is an angel!!

There are activities on all day, from volleyball, football, you can even have Reggae dance lessons...which is a good idea after a few cocktails. Even though the resort is right next door to HedonismII, you see and hear nothing from them, unless you go on the adult beach, but the family beach is far away and safe. 

I will be going back as soon as i can!

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: JULY 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : KERRIE AND CHRIS (21,22)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

I got there looked into our room and a walked around the complex, tried to eat something but saw it and walked away.

I WENT SRAIGHT TO THE REP AND SAID FIND ME ANOTHER HOTEL OR GET ME A FLIGHT HOME PLEASE.The rep antony was very nice though and helped us the best he could.

Rooms are disgusting complex is disgusting, one thing i want is a clean room and complex i dont mind if things get run down it happens! but this hotel was just filth.

It cost me and my partner £400 each to move to a different hotel and the $90 in a taxi to get to the other side of the island were the hotel was.

I DONT THINK I NEED TO GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT THE CONDITION O THE HOTEL AS I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT OF PAID AN EXTRA £960 TO MOVE II IT WAS NOT THAT BAD, ON TOP OF THE £2100 I HAD ALREADY PAID.

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - Aug 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Kelly Grey - Swansea (27,27,26,25)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from a fantastic break at Point Village and felt that other reviews have not given this hotel the credit it deserves.

We were worried about this hotel after reading the reviews given by other people, after we arrived we realised that we had nothing to worry about.

Although the rooms were quite basic it had everything we needed. Air conditioning was a welcome relief from the scorching sun and the rooms were cleaned to an excellent standard everyday.

Although the property could have done with a lick of paint(which by the way was being done as we left)we could not find any faults.

The hotel had three great restaurants which did not require a reservation in advance unlike it stated in the brochure. The food in the main buffet restaurant was great although not much choice, everything that was there was to a high standard. The Jamiacan and Italian restaurants were both overlooking the sea with the pizza's and the Jerk chicken being our favourites. If you do fancy a change there are plenty of good restaurants in Negril. Our choice was the Blue Horizon who arranged a free pick up at the hotel. Also worth a visit in the nightime is Alfreds beach bar and The Jungle night club but for the perfect sunset and some cliff diving you must try Rik's Cafe.

Choosing where to sunbathe everyday was a hard choice with there being two beaches, a swimming pool, and the rock pools.

The staff on the complex were very friendly, they couldnt do enough for you. Although you must remember that most things are done in Jamiacan time!

All in all we had a fantastic time and would definatley return. This hotel may not be as posh as others but it is excellent value for money and in our opinion you'll be guaranteed a fantastic time at Point Village

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: JUNE 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : S.SIMISTER-CHESTER (29,32)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

How can i put this politely? We couldnt wait to get home! Our excitement upon arrival quickly disappeared upon getting to Point Village. The accomodation was very poor, with paint peeling off and generally dirty, including fag burns and blood stains on the "clean" linen.
The complex was uninspiring with 2 tiny beaches-one being so shallow you couldnt swim in it. The food was ok in the main restaurant but the so called jamaican and italian restaurant were awful-we ate once at each, and had to leave our meals as they were that bad.

It would probably be suitable for families as the bars and nightclub (full of teenagers)were dire. We were that bored in the evenings we watched tv.

finally the staff were definitely not friendly-the women were sullen and the men were lecherous to say the least-it was non stop hassle all the time off the male members of staff.

definitely a place to avoid!

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel -May 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Jonathan & Michelle 19 & 20

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I would never recomend this resort to anybody looking for the romantic, idylic holiday as described in many of the holiday brochures.

Upon arrival in Point Village, the room we were given was above the kitchens, so it was hot and stale smelling. The room was run down, dark, dirty and full of insects and mossies.

The following morning we asked to be transfered to another room. Just when we thought our holiday might improve, i woke to find ants in our bed, crawling all over our clothes and cosmetics in the wardrobe, generally they had taken over! The toilet in the room was broken and everytime we pulled the flush we had to lift the cistern lid and pull up the ball-cock to stop it flushing!

Everynight we had to call maintenance to spray the room with insect killer or simply live with them . Then all the power has gone down in our block of apartments and they told us that we would yet again have to change rooms. By this time we only had two days left of our "holiday".

Following our complaint with the hotel managers we were allocated another room, which to be honest wasnt much of an improvement. Still run-down and un-tastefully decorated. To add to our frustration, the water pressure had packed up so were left with no hot water. Again we called maintenance, they took out the boiler, put another one in, which didnt work either, took it out put another one in which was too big, took that one out and put the original one back in and told us all they had to do was turn up the pressure to the room! How annoying!

The resort its self was under maintained and we found the male staff were constantly eyeballing female guests (regardless of the fact its a place for couples and families). Whilst eating in one of the cafes, we had fight off the presence of cats, also due to the insects, it is hardly lit at night so you need to watch you step!

The food was basic. It was chicken every night and towards the end of the holiday, we would rather go hungry than face their breakfasts of vegetable beans, running scrambled eggs and cooked fish!
We were so let down by this holiday, which to be fair was mainly down to our accomodation. Although avoid May onwards due to the rainy season!

Point Village is more like a foreign butlins and although didnt expect luxury for the money we paid, we did expect a clean, friendly resort which wasnt run-down.

Avoid this choice of accomodation if you are planning to a holoday to Jamaica.

Dony say you werent warned!

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel, Sun Deal - 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Steve and Wendy (46) &(42)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We paid only £600 allocation on arrival and did not know where we were going until we landed at Montego Bay. At Point Village first impressions were ordinary 3*. The next day we had a wonder around and found that it was a little run down, but what do you expect for the money, and the staff did try keep the place clean. The food was edible e.g., chicken, beef, pasta, fish, ham, salads, cheese and soup. Of course there was the Jamacian and Italian, the Italian did go pizza snacks as well which were very good with a beer.
Overall the resort was:-
Clean, staff helpful, food OK, alcohol - good, facilities - usual, in fact an ordiary 3* accomodation.
I have never been anywhere where men don't eye up women, where some food is'nt very good, or where some remedial work needs doing to the property. With that in mind Point Village was worth it; it could have been better but how much more do you expect to pay?
If you expect luxury,or no problems, first class service; then book 5*. Other wise get a good price and go to Point Village but expect it to be average, mundane or run of the mill then make the most of it and enjoy being in Jamacia!

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Point Village - Negril

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Andrea Brown Staffs 40, Partner 36

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First visit, absolutely fab. Adult beach brill, naked and semi naked bods. Food excellent, best breakfasts ever. Rooms cosy n clean, (only need a bed n shower, out all day) Reps recommended that we didn't venture out without a pre booked taxi.....joke we befriended a taxi guy named Tiger, we agreed a price (very cheap) and called him a couple of days prior to escort us anywhere we wanted to go. e.g, One full day 8.15am - 7.30pm, took us to 9 mile then onto Dunnes river falls at a cost of £70, if booked through rep a cost of £300+ when you're in Negril give him a call and tell him you had number off net, he will give you a discount tel no mobile 8359776. 

Have a great time we certainly did, definetly on my return to list.

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Renaissance - Jamaica Grande - Ocho Rios

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - May 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Sean (Family of four ages 45,34,13 & 8)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had seen a couple of terrible reports about the journey to Ocho Rios from Montego Bay Airport and were not looking forward to it. Yes, it was long and  bumpy and rickerty here and there but bus was air conditioned and the overall experience was not one of everlasting discomfort. We had a mid way stop off which was welcomed as it gives you your first real taste for the place.

Upon arriving at the Jamaica Grande, the bus has to travel along a long drive. When you reach the Hotel, the only words we could find were "WOW". It was breathtaking. We were served welcome cocktails and were left to simply take in the view across the bay. The lobby is like nothing I have ever seen before.

This hotel is out of this world and we found the staff courteous, friendly and helpful at all times. The My Travel Rep (Veron) was particularly superb.
    
This was the first time we had ventured to Jaimaica as a Family and we chose the all-inclusive option. Bad mistake as the food was so good (in any of the restaurants) and the drinks flowed for so long into the night, that we piled on the pounds (you must try their Rum Cream and Blue Mountain Coffe Liquour over ice and Jerk Chicken). 

There were lots of Americans there (as you might expect). They were a little noisy, but not overly and hey, they are on holiday and enjoying themselves. They were all very friendly and we enjoyed several chats and drinks with quite a few of them. They do 'tip' the bar staff a lot. We didn't tip them at all (being Brits) during our stay and it didn't affect the service we received. We tipped at the end for good service received.

The beach looks nice but the water is faily shallow. You can only swim out about 50 yards or so and it is then roped off. The only negative we had was that there is a lot of seaweed. Not the floating around kind, but actually growing out of the sand. It didn't bother me, but my Wife and Children didn't particularly like it. There are a number of water activities based at the hotel. At the end of the Hotels stretch of private beach you can hire jet ski's. You will see quite a few guys touting for business. Don't be intimidated, we found them all ok. Ask for Charlie, we found him a great guy (but he is also a pursuasive salesman).    

The town is large and bustling. Not too much to do for Families other than to shop. You will be offered drugs and guides and all sorts of things. Don't be annoyed, this is just the way it is. Don't be rude, but simply say a firm "no thank you". If they think there is the remotest hint that you might change your mind, they will persist. The Jamaicans  are great though. In town, you must go to "Jucie Patties" (turn left out of the Hotel drive), they are to die for and unbelievably cheap. 

You've got to do Dunns River Falls (take the Cool Runnings trip; it's a blast and you end up plastered) and swim with the Dolphins. Do venture into town and do speak with the locals.

All in all we had a great time and have nothing but fabulous memories of a wonderful country and people. We hope you do too.

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Renaissance - Jamaica Grande - Ocho Rios

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - March 16-30th 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Andrea, Kevin, Fern & Chelsey Parkinson - West Yorkshire (32,34,9,5)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have previously been (twice) to Dominican Republic and had always wanted to go to Jamaica. We found a great deal from My Travel to the Jamaica Grande for the four of us for £2750. We read every possible review we could and took all the virtual tours we could find and the hotel looked fabulous. Renaissance are actually part of the Marriott chain of hotels so we felt as if we were getting a real bargain.

On the day of travel, a 10hr flight will see you arriving at Montego Bay airport, be prepared as you will have to queue for about an hour to get through passport control and then you'll have to queue for another hour to hand over your customs form and passport again. The airport is also no smoking in all these sections!

After you've made it through the airport and out into the car park, you'll be put on the coach for your transfer. An earlier review of this resort refers to the transport as a "wagon", but we got a normal (if a little old) coach.
You may get to stop at Yow's rest stop halfway to your resort. This place is great. Go through the shop and you're on the beach! They sell authentic jerk chicken, cold drinks etc and they have toilets.
You'll arrive at your resort about 45 mins after your rest stop.

The hotel is very impressive when you finally make it there. Massive marbled lobby with real palm trees growing in it, waitresses coming round with welcome cocktails and a steel band playing in the lobby bar!
Check-in was quick and painless. The optional safe (which I would advise you to take) is $1.50 per day ($21 for 2 weeks). You get 2 key cards for each room and your wristbands.

The hotel accomodation blocks are split into 2 towers (north & south), each with 14 floors and 3 lifts to each tower. We were in south tower on the 12th floor.
The rooms are fairly small (for a family of 4) and basic but were very clean.
Each room has 2 double beds,a coffee maker,iron and ironing board, hairdryer and alarm clock radio, as well as the usual stuff: colour tv (with remote control), balcony, bath, shower etc.
The sheets are changed once every 3 days, this is to save water and help the enviroment according to the card in the room. If you want them to they will change them more often but you have to ring downstairs and ask.
Maid service is still every day though, so your room will still get cleaned!

As I said earlier, we had really done some checking up on this resort and thought we had picked a fantastic resort for families, as all the brochures,tours and websites stated that this is a family resort with plenty to do for everyone.
Unfortunately, we didn't think this was the case.
It IS a family resort (there are a LOT of people with children here) but not as we were expecting it to be.
The brochure says:fantasy pool, plus 2 other pools and a childrens pool.
Full daytime and evening entertainment programme.
Children's club.
Beach parties.
What you really get: the fantasy pool - this is NOT an infinity pool (which are sometimes referred to as fantasy pools) but a beautiful waterfall pool flowing down into the main pool. It is still gorgeous though. There are 2 other pools, both fair sizes. The one outside the south tower is quiet and has no shallow end and the one outside the north tower has a shallow end, but it is also used for scuba diving practice. The shallow end and deep end of 9ft are segregated by a rope and if you go under the rope into the deep end there is a sharp drop.
The main pool is over 2ft all the way round and only the end nearest the pool shop is actually shallow enough for children.

The chilren's pool - this is somewhat of a joke. They DO have their own pool, but it is SO small there is only one sunlounger and 1 chair round it. For your children to use it, they have to attend club mongoose (kids club). You are not allowed to just go in and use it, neither are you allowed to use it because your child goes to the kids club. They could only use it when they are doing swimming as a clun mongoose activity.

Full activities day & night: another joke!
You got aquacise almost every day, except when they don't feel like doing it and then they just don't turn up.
The rest of the daytime activities are written each morning on a board by the pool bar. Next to each activity is the time it will take place and the place. Be warned, this can change without notice and will not be advertised. Even the staff do not always know where the activities have moved to.

Evening entertainment is the same- posted on the board each day, with time and place, but not always held where the board tells you to go.
One night we spent over half an hour searching the resort for that night's entertainment. They moved the entertainment about 4-5 times in 2 weeks. To be fair, they said they moved it due to the weather conditions (it had rained for a couple of evenings) but there was never any notice and they never changed the board to tell you where it had moved to! When you asked staff, they had no idea and kept telling us different places.
Also, evening entertainment (I'm using that term loosely) is not what you might expect.
If you've ever been to Dom Rep, you'll know that evening entertainment is various shows, kids disco, games and a band from about 7pm until 11pm, with hardly any gaps for you to get bored.
Not here! Welcome to Jamaica, where you get 2 crab races (much fun for kids but the crabs are small), then karaoke for an hour, then an entertainer who can't sing, singing the karaoke songs to you for another hour. It was all very amateurish.
Another night it was a woman belting out 50's classics to you, another night it was a talent show, another night miss jamaica grande. We watched a few, but grew really bored with it.

Beach parties: again, another loose term. What it really is, is dinner on the beach, about which you get no option as they shut ALL the other restaurants! You are left to find a table by yourself and expected to sit with others. The food on beach nights {which are wednesday & friday} is very limited & seems to be Jamaican night, with dishes like jerk and curried goat topping the menu. To be fair, they do try harder to be entertaining on beach nights but the entertainment programme is run on only a week cycle, so if you're there for a fortnight you're going to see the same shows twice I'm afraid!
The main pool is not as big as you might expect and ALL the pools were absoltely freezing, except for the 2 hot tubs, which were extremely hot!

We felt that there were not enough sun-loungers round any of the pools or on either beach for the number of guests at the resort. Quite a few days we had checked everywhere round all 3 pools and both beaches and couldn't find a single spare lounger. Usually, I got up early {7am} to put our towels on our loungers as we really needed a place in the shade (which there isn't much of round the pool) as our 5yr old had burnt her arm. One day I got up late and got down to the pool at 8.30am and ALL the sunloungers had gone! I guess that's why they provide you with an alarm clock!
Being as this is the biggest resort in Jamaica, it quite often felt very crowded, both round the main pool and on both beaches.

All the bars were great.There was one for each beach and a swim up bar at the main pool, plus one in the lobby and one in the lobby of the north tower. There's also one in the disco, Jamaica'n me crazy, but we didn't go in there.
Restaurants were good too. Buffet-breakfast was the best, with loads of fruit, cereal, bread, pastries and omelettes (freshly cooked of course) as well as all the cooked stuff.
At lunch time they have pizza in the buffet, but you must wear shoes and cover up with a sarong or something. If you're a man you have to wear shorts and a top.
You also have Dragons oriental, which we never ate in.
L'Allegro Italian, again we didn't use.
Cafe Jamaique - menu to eat in or take away. They advertised a childrens menu and when we asked for it they told us it was chicken nuggets. That WAS the kids menu!

During the day you also had the beach grill, serving fries, burgers, hot dogs and jerk chicken. At night this turned into the cool runnings restaurant. There is a surcharge of $10 EACH to use this restaurant (at night only). From what I could see, it was the same food as in the buffet, just outside, closer to the beach and a bit more romantic.
The food was of good quality though and you probably wouldn't starve at this resort, but after a week it felt like quite a limited choice as often you got the same things a couple of nights a week.
There was also a menu for room service (in the black hotel services folder in your room). This was good value for only $4 each for anything from the breakfast, lunch or all day menu, and you can order drinks to go with it. Anything you might choose from the dinner menu will set you back $10 each though.

There are some fantastic drinks for you to try at the bars. Strawberry daiquiri, mud slide, hummingbird, dirty banana and miami vice. If you run out of things to try, ask the barman to recommend something!
Both the beaches were a little smaller than I was expecting, but they were both lovely and clean.
The sand is soft but not white and the beach in front of north tower (the smaller of the 2 beaches) is a bit shingly nearer the water. South tower beach is where the kayaks and water trikes are, not a lot of this equipment was working when we asked about using it, but it was still displayed on the beach.
I know this review sounds really negative but on the whole the resort and the staff are lovely. The hotel is stunningly beautiful and very lush and tropical, but all these little things that they could have so easily put right with a little organisation, but they didn't seem bothered.

We found absolutely everything to be outrageously expensive. In the pool shop it was $20 for a lilo, $7 for armbands, $10 for a mug, $6 for a tube of pringles and between $7-9 for 20 cigs depending on which brand you bought!
In the duty free shop on the resort cigs were $45 for 200, outside the resort $36 for 200.
The tours were also expensive. With the watersports people at the resort:
Dunns river - inc. snorkelling, entrance to the falls and climbing the falls - $65
Para-sailing - $55
Glass bottom boat trip - lasts an hour from start to finish, but only half of it is looking at the ocean floor, the rest of it is sightseeing a little way along the coast - $25 for adults $12 for kids
With the tour rep:
Dolphin cove - 3 types of packages available.
Touch - touch a dolphin and rub it's nose -$35 approx
Encounter swim - get a close up experience in the water with the dolphins and splash about with them - $55 approx.
Swim with - various activities with the dolphins. Lasts about 30mins - $174
These are the restrictions: No pregnant women.
For the "swim with" and "swim encounter" - No children under 8.
For the "touch" - children under 6 must be with an adult.
Horseback ride 'n swim - bus ride to Chukka cove, ride a trail to the private beach. Ride along the beach, then un-saddle and ride bar back into the sea. 
They also due a "River tubing safari" which lasts 3 and a half hours.
Luminous Lagoon - boat trip to see the lagoon which is said to glow from evening onwards. - $30
Sunset in Negril - includes breakfast, dinner at Rick's cafe (famed for it's views) and to get to watch the sunset - $53
Martha Brae rafting - glide along the martha brae river on a 30ft bamboo raft built for 2! - $185 for 2
Blue Mountain bicycle tour - leisurely downhill bike ride through lush tropical rain forest. View the world famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations. End the tour with a dip in a cascading waterfall. If you can't ride a bike, there is a bus which follows slowly behind. The trip also includes a stop at a cafe half way down the trail and all the blue mountain coffee you can drink! - $89 for adults $65 for kids. This is a full day trip from about 8.30am - 5.30pm.
Outside the resort, Ocho Rios shopping street is quite something! Expect to get picked on before you've even left the hotel's drive sometimes.

You will get sick of hearing people asking you if you want your hair braided or you need a taxi, tour, guide, buy ganja. It seems someone is always trying to sell you something! Quite often that goes for in the resort too as there are hair braiders and watersports and massages, roasted peanuts, fresh coconuts and other fruit for sale on the resort.
I must say that we didn't let any of these minor complaints spoil our holiday. Overall, the resort was beautiful and good value for money if you get a good deal. The food and drink were plentiful and the entertainment a bit lacking but they try.

There was one other thing that I have a complaint about - we had 3 lifts in our block (south), when we arrived 1 was already broken. During our 2nd week, the 2nd lift broke, leaving 14 floors of guests with 1 lift between us all! The hotel's answer - no, not to fix the lifts...but to make us all use the service lifts, which were down all these corridors and meant for the staff.

One day my husband was going downstairs using the service lift and found himself in the hotel kitchens!
All in all, fantastic holiday, beautiful resort, great value but not that great for kids and a bit lacking on those special touches that make your stay a memorable one. I think next time I would go back to a 4* resort in Dom Rep, rather than Jamaica. I would go back, but not until it's just my husband and I without the children!

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Renaissance - Jamaica Grande - Ocho Rios

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Jan 2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2004 by : Graham Smith 38,37

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We travelled down to Manchester the day before as to break the long journey ahead, we stayed at a lovely little guest house £48 for twin bedded room with full b/fast in Wimslow called Marigold House Tel No 01625584414 just 10 mins from the airport. there is the option of car parking &15 a week with free transfers to and from the airport (what a bargin).

Then after enduring a 10 hour flight on a DC10,I would invest in additional leg room on the next long haul trip, you are hit with a two hour quew at Montego Bay airport to get through the rigmarole of customs.

Once out into the fantastic heat carrying your cases as trollys are not allowed out of the airport to the awaiting wagon yes wagon for your luggage which is chucked on by the local driver(or red hat (baggage carrier){as they are known $1 doller per bag, reccommended tip)you are hussled onto awaiting coaches.

Then the best is yet to come: a two hour roller coaster ride on a death trail is the best way to describe it, words cannot describe the journey to the resort, believe me.
It was such a relief to find the hotel was so nice with rooms to match. The location is fantastic, with super sea views.

There is food for everyone, premier drinks (all top brands)local beer is red stripe, with miller in cans.
We reccommend club Jamaica for b/fast, beach grill for lunch and either chinese,cool runnings restaurant, Italian or main buffet for dinner(don't be frightened of ordering pleanty of dishes in the seperate restaurants, try them all.
Bars are open till 2am Plus there is a night club (all drinks are free in the club)

Room service is $4 dollers but well worth it if it is dull outside for a lazy morning.
Bar staff tend to be unhelpful and find it diffucult to smile but pursevere,tipping always helps and is expected.
The hotel is full of Americans on short break hols (booze bindges)so find a spot on the beach, NICE AND EARLY TO GET A SUN BED, as the pool bars are full.

The only trip i would reccommend is the horse riding, especially the swimming in the sea with them.
There is a trip for $175 dollers to swim with the dolphins if you wish (rip off)
SO TO SUM UP , ITS AGREAT PLACE TO STAY AND EAT/DRINK BUT HORRIBLE TO GET THERE
Hope this is helpful
oh we booked through My Travel late deals and saved £2000 on broucher price only £800 each

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Clubhotel Riu Ochos Rios

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland/Thomson - August 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Karen Evans - Wrexham (52,41,18,15)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have recently returned from our best holiday ever. Having read other reviews we were worried about the journey but despite a short delay we found the journey to the hotel an interesting insight into the island.

Having had friends who have been to the hotel previously we knew we couldn't go far wrong, as they had loved it also. we were worried about the weather at this time of year and expected to have a little rain each day, but in fact only had two showers and one thunder storm (which was in the night) during our two week stay.

more specifically:
Room - excellent, large and very clean as was the bathroom. only problem we had with the cleaners was that on two occasions we were left without towel and had to ring reception a few times before any were delivered.

Restaurants - we used the buffet restaurant most evenings as there was something for everyone.  we also went to the steak house twice which was very good. my husband went down at about 8am to book this. we didn't bother with the other restaurants but be warned people were queuing apparently from 5am! we found the food in the restaurants we went to was excellent.

Pool - beautiful with an amazing pool bar with tables etc in the water. also tiled sunbeds submerged in the water which were much needed as the sun could be very hot.

beach- we are more pool people, but the beach was beautiful. both the pool and beach had plenty of sunbeds.

entertainment - the shows were the best we have seen in many years of staying at 4 & 5 star hotels. the entertainers appeared to all be professional dancers. daytime entertainment was good and not at all in your face, they rarely ask you to join in. There is an announcemeny and it is up to you whether or not you want to attend.

outings - we only went on one trip, which was to the Ocho Rios falls.  really worth while trip, i hadn't planned to climb the falls as i am over 40, overweight and not very fit! but i loved it. DONT PAY TO GO WITH THOMSON just book a taxi in reception.  when you get to the falls you just tag on with all the other visitors. doing the trip ourselves cost us at least half, and we didn't have to be herded on and off coaches etc.

warning.- the hotel is very large and while that is to its advantage in the main, if you dont like walking in the boiling sun, or you like to keep popping to your room during the day, request to be in the main building.

definately book with portland and not Thomson we saved about a thousand pound between us (we pay for 4 adults and have 2 rooms). you still fly with thomson and have the thomson rep etc. no difference at all except the price. all in all excellent value for money.

would definately recommend this hotel to anyone.

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Clubhotel Riu Ochos Rios

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

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Dewhurst  - Poulton-le-Fylde (57, 54)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from a 2 week holiday staying at the Riu Ochos Rios Jamaica,

The transfer time from the airport is about 2hrs, which was not as bad as some people say the coach was air conditioned and there is a stretch of road which is rough.

Excellent hotel and good restaurants, 4 restaurants require advance booking, some people start queuing at around 8.0 o,clock, but we never did and we got a reservation every time, with the exception of the Sir Richards  which we got in the following night- but give this restaurant a miss - they try to serve gourmet food but with little success.

The food is very good in all the other restaurants, accommodation is excellent the only thing I would like to see in the rooms is tea and coffee making facilities, my advice is take your kettle with you, people say you get a smell in your room, you do but its just the smell of the tropics not a nasty smell.  We were in block 3 for 4nights (which was a lovely room overlooking the wedding gazebo), but we were upgraded to the Palace side after 4day where we had a junior suite, (these are very nice but would not pay an extra £66 per night or for the Americans $50 per night).   The beach is amazing and the sea is clean there are loads of sun beds on the beach. The traders on the beach do not bother you, do have a chat with them if they stop you, if you do not want to buy anything just say and they will say "good bye and have a good day".  The 2 pools are both excellent it is sometimes hard to get a sun bed   because of the towels on the sun bed syndrome and umbrella are hard to get, but if you ask the life guard he will try and get you a sun bed and umbrella, he sorted us out a couple of times and a small tip is very much appreciated.

The staff at the hotel were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble, we did feel they did not expect tipping but they were most grateful if you did give them a tip.  The evening entertainment was OK they worked hard but every night was not much different.  Take sun cream, general medicines with you, they are very expensive in the hotel shop.

Pauline the Thomson rep is excellent and nothing is too much trouble.  Make sure you buy your phone card off her, after you have bought the phone card it costs you $1 a call from your room, if you buy from the shop it costs a lot more.  Also you can use the internet this costs $9 for 30 mins and you get your password and user name from the shop, my password would not work and after 4 trips back to the shop someone came with me and agreed the password was not working - I never got my 30 mins time because the pass word failed again and it was hard to get anyone from the shop to come to my assistance (I would say the shop staff were not very helpful).

Dunns falls is a great day out the trip lasts about 6hrs, (would not take children under 10 to walk the falls it is quite dangerous) we went via the catamaran, you can hire shoes to go up the water fall for $5 make sure you have the change, we were told not to take our video camera but take it, you can leave it on board the boat and it would be safe, I think they want you to buy the DVD, this costs $40 and it is an excellent reminder of the day.  The guides are very good when they take you up the water fall and will take photos for you with your own camera, but they expect a tip so again have some $5 and $1 bills.

We went swimming with the dolphins this was good but I think very expensive at $206 each. There is a small nature area to walk round, watch out for the guide with the parrots he gets you to hold them and takes a photo of you with your camera  and then wants a tip!   Again take your video camera to the Dolphins if you get there before its your turn you can video the dolphins, the DVD they sell after your experience is $49 (the DVD is not as good as the Dunns falls DVD) and photos are $16 each and reduce down to $13 if you buy more than one (an expensive day) Also the guide that went with us for the swim with dolphins experience also asked me and my husband for a tip.  An excursion to the glowing lagoon was rated excellent by all that went on it.

On your return I would not bother booking the executive lounge at the airport, The airport is cool once you get through passport control and there are lots of shops to get your gifts at.  A nice place to get a burger is  Margaritiaville; there is one in the main airport and one down near gate 19 which is very quiet .

Overall a real good holiday this is our second visit to a Riu hotel excellent standards although very little local influence.

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Clubhotel Riu Ochos Rios

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - Feb 2006

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Kev & Michelle - York (44, 47)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have travelled all over & stayed in some classy hotels, but this one beats the lot!!! It's an absolute WOW!! 

The hotel itself is absolutely amazing. It's huge and is now the biggest hotel in Jamaica. The sheer size of it put me off initially, however within about an hour of arriving, it soon didn't bother either of us.  The rooms are fantastic. We were given a suite which we hadn't booked, but were delighted with it. Separate lower living room area, jacuzzi bath, fridge with beer & soft drinks which of course are included, and optics with gin, vodka, brandy & jamaican rum. Our balcony was directly above the beach. No need to get up early to put towels on sunbeds, we could just throw them on from the balcony!!! Actually, that wasn't necessary as there were more than enough sunbeds for everyone whatever time of day you got up.

The swimming pools were awesome & both had swim up bars, jacuzzi's & sunken beds so that you could lie in the pool, semi submerged in water.

The food was totally fantastic in the both the buffet restaurants as well as the others, which had to be booked on the morning of the day you wished to go. That was probably the only down side of the holiday, as you would queue outside the restaurant of your choice for the bookings to be taken from 10 am. For the a la carte restaurant, Sir Richard, people would start queueing as early as 7am!!!! This restaurant only has 12 tables, but we decided to give it a go on our last evening & it was definately worth it. The one thing which was a bit snobby was that if you stayed in a suite, you wore a white wrist band & if you were in an ordinary room, not that they were ordinary by any means, you wore a blue one. apparently, only guests from the suites were allowed to eat in the Japanes restaurant, however, we met people staying in ordinary rooms who got in. Unleas you're really into Japanese food, I wouldn't say it was a problem anyway.

There are plenty of bars, which sometimes can be a bit busy, but not to any detriment. You could have anything you wanted to drink at any time of day or night!! The cocktails on the drinks menu were really only a suggestion, as they could make you just about anything.

The beach was superb!. Exclusive to the hotel and quite long. At one end is the watersports, where you could get pedalo's, kayak's, windsurfing, mini catamarans & snorkelling gear, all included.
The entertainment was first class. The Michael Jackson show is a must!!! For us, every night was like going to the west end. The entertainment team were an absolute scream & in general, the Jamaicans are just brilliant people. Incredibly friendly, helpful, fun and always singing!!

One thing we noticed is that all the trips organised by Thomson (which own Portland) are more expensive than the same trip through one of the american or canadian tour operators. We purchased the trip to Dunn's River Falls through the hotel (bookable at the watersports hut on the beach) & was much better value for money than the Thomson trip & much more fun. If you're relatively fit, you MUST climb the falls. It's so exhilarating & beautiful. Our trip took us by catamaran rather than by road & then after the falls we then went off snorkelling which was fantastic.

i could go on forever about this place, but the best way to find out about it is to go. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone & everyone & I'm determined to go back asap. A dream holiday that I will never forget!! I hope I've convinced you enough!!

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Clubhotel Riu Ochos Rios

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson - 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : james  linda & laura (53 54 25 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The hotel was fantastic spacious and spotless. the food was very good but sometimes you had to wait while they restocked we ate in the steak house twice and was first class. There was plenty of activities going on day and night. the evening entertainment was the best We have seen for years the annimation team worked all day and night were friendly, chatty and extremely hard working. Our daughter came with us and was not at all bored as they included her in the activities got her up to dance every night, remembered her name and she had difficulty in deciding which one to bring home.

Two things you must do is Dunns river falls which is easier than it looks and is great fun and swimming with dolphins ( expensive but something you wont forget )The staff were great and very friendly as they were outside the resort. WE had a room with a sea view and above the pool in the main block. The mini bar was filled up every other day very nice when you got back from a hard day sun bathing and swimming.  We had trouble charging mobile but if you take a european plug there are 250v supply in the main entertainment area in the columns.  

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Riu - Ocho Rios

Operator and Date: Jamaica Tourist Board - November 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : Claire Gower - 21

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I travelled to Jamaica on a travel agent educational so visited a lot of hotel during my stay. Unfortunately we had the displeasure of staying at the Riu Ocho Rios. It had only been opened about 5 days when we got there.

On arrival at the hotel it was shocking how many people were actually there walking into this huge reception area there were swarms of people everywhere chatting, shouting and running around.

As travel agents we managed to check in straight away but we were talking to other guests who had been waiting hours to be given a room. On arrival at the room we discovered our mini bar, we had had a really long day so decided to have a beer. we couldnt find a bottle opener and after calling reception 3 times they finally bought one about 24 hours later.

I went to the shop in the hotel to buy 1 packet of cigarettes, they had no tills installed and the poor girl behind the counter spend had to for every item purchased write down item, bar code, price (EVERYTHING) so it took me about 15 minutes to purchase 1 packet of cigarettes.

The breakfast at the hotel was fine, they had everything you could possibly want and the restaurant is very big so there is plenty of space to move around.

We went to the restaurant one evening and obviously everybody ordered something different, it took the waiters 3 attempts to give us the correct meal and still they kept getting it wrong.

The entertainment at the hotel was ok and there is a nightclub open from about 10.30 till about 2 which we went to a couple of times, good music and a decent dance floor.

On check out at the hotel they said we had made 3 phone calls from our room and tried to charge it to us, we hadnt even been in the room long enough to use the phone, apparently they did solve the problem in the end and found out we hadnt used the phone at all.

All in all the hotel was nice (it was huge though which i dont really care much for) the staff were very poorly trained although polite. there was too many people checking in and out at one time and not enough staff to handle the rush. All these problems may be related to the fact that its a new hotel and it had only just opened. I wouldnt go here again and i wouldnt advise any of my customers to go here.

The resort of ocho rios is fine and the beaches are fab as all beaches in Jamaica are but the Riu Ocho Rios is a big no no for me.

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Club Riu Negril - Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : lisa + 23 others 55 to 3 NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Excellent all round holiday there was a large group of us 24 all 2getha ranging from age 55 down to age 3 for my wedding and apart from the weather i wouldnt change a thing it was perfect.the rooms,staff, food, pools and beach were just fab, from getting off the bus you could tell what sort of place this was gonna be. The rooms were lovely, looking out onto beautiful gardens and on certain nights there was a band came round and sang to you, the bar and fridge were restocked every couple of days with red stripe,pepsi,water and orange. Towels were changed whenever you wanted. The food was just unreal we werent very keen on the steak house ala carte on the night time but during the day was very nice, lugui's during the day and after the nightclub was great, the main buffet dining there was not something you couldnt find that you liked wether this was at breakfast, lunch or dinner.The other a la carte restaurant which i cant remember the name was the best we saved this until our wedding day and it was worth the wait. We went to the beach most days as it had a breeze to cool you. we had lovely weather in the mornings til mid afternoon then we would watch the black cloud come over, then the wind , rain lightening would start, it didnt really bother us because we just went to the bar and had a few drinks!!

My wedding day was just beautiful i couldnt have wished for a better place to get married (it didnt rain this day but the lightening as we said our vows was pretty scary) BRILLIANT WOULD DEF GO BACK

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Club Riu Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook -OCT 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : TREVOR THOMSON-LONGTOWN (47 45

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

FANTASTIC this is a fairly new hotel and the quality showed 1st class service and 1st class accommadation the food was fab
although the service in the steak bar was a letdown
dunne river falls brilliant but use local guides a fraction of the price of the reps
brill service and quality mini bus with don dee tours our driver was donnor (MALE)
NOTHING TO MUCH TROUBLE phone no 1-876-361-7961 airport duty free 1st class buy cigs here

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Club Riu Negril - Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : sue and john-49,54.

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We would recomend this hotel to anyone.
The food is very varied and should suit even the fussiest diner.There is just so much to choose from.
We dined in the a la carte restaurants as well as the main buffet one. All were equally good.
Our room was wonderful,spotlessly clean with lots of space and a great view of the bay.
This hotel is on a 24/7 cleaning and maintenance routine and it shows.
The staff were without exception friendly and obliging.
The animation team gave the impression that they really did enjoy their job.
all in all we had a very good time at this hotel. We would certainly stay in a RIU again.
There was of course the odd down side,this was because we went into Negril itself and got hassled. I put this down to us being in the wrong place at the wrong time.It can happen at home cant it?

We went on the black river safari and thoroughly enjoyed it.Then we saw the Y.S. Falls and on to appleton rum factory.
We were very dissapointed in this part of the tour.
There was a convention of the canadian appleton reps there that day,they took over the restarant where our meal was booked. Our party had to sit on an outside balcony with the jamaican appleton staff where we all got wet through as there was a tropical storm going on. All our party were soaked and freezing cold.
We all felt that appleton and thomson should not have allowed the trip on that particular day as they really couldnt accomodate us.
these trips are not cheap,it was £100Gbp.
Add to that the fact that the bus we travelled on was ancient to say the least.It was also dirty.We could have got the exact same trip MUCH cheaper from the local taxi service.But you trust your rep and holiday company dont you? So we booked with thomson.DONT.
This was a full day trip,from 7.45 am till 6.30pm,Very UNCOMFY.The whole bus felt the same regardless of age.
That aside,We would definately recomend this hotel to anyone.

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Riu - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Barry - Glasgow

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What can i say?  This is without a doubt the best hotel that i have ever stayed in!

The rooms are spacious are modern looking, have bar optics and mini bar (local gin, brandy, vodka, rum and beer as well as pepsi and water)

The restaurants are great, 1 buffet restaurants and 3 a lacarte for the evening, 1 buffer and an itilian pizza restaurant for during the day.

There are about 4 or 5 bars for the evening and a pacha nightclub which is open til 2am with loads of diff cocktails and branded alcohols like smirnoff etc.

Beach is nice too, it seems nicer the further along you walk.

Overall a deffinate 10/10, the only complaint i have really was the flights onboard Thomsonfly, i know you get what you pay for but 1 bar and snack service on a ten hour journey isnt enough. If the cabin crew spent less time trying to ram duty free and scratch cards down your throat and more time providing a service that people are paying for the journey would be much better!

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Club Riu Negril - Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct-June 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Jodie and Paul  Midlands 19, 21

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Clubhotel Riu Negril was an excellent hotel and a brilliant holiday. We travelled to Jamaica in June 2005 for 2 glorious weeks. We flew from Birmingham and were worried about the 10 hour flight as we had never done a long haul flight before, but found that we quite enjoyes it as we were so excited and we were not dissapointed, when we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by hotel porters wo tokk our luggage to our room and were given friut punch, wrist bands and information on the hotel. We couldnt believe how beautiful the hotel was, our room had two double beds, we had a sea view and much needed air condition. The beach was paradise, the sea was very clear and sand really white. We spent most of our time on the beach, as we found the pool area quite busy and more noisy children. The main buffet restuarant was huge with soo much to choose. the waiting staff were always ready to get you a drink with your meal, the only thing that we found annoying was that the waiting staff were too quick to take your plates away, you had barley finished and it had been taken from under your noise.

The trips offered were brilliant, although quite expensive, we swam with the dolphin, which was excellent and well worth the money, this trip also included climbing the Dunn's river falls. The dunn's river falls was amazing, but terrifing, i would not recommend that families would go on this trip as the falls are quite dangerous, some parents had to carry their children, I just about managed to carry myself up there, along with help from the guide and other tourits. This day out costaround £120 pp. But as i said well worth it.

We also went horse back riding in the sea, this was not a particularly popular tour, it cost around £25 and was great, the guide was brilliant and gave us a lot of information about the local area, which was interesting. The only thing that i could have a little moan about was the locals constantly wanted tipping, obviously this is not something that we are used to and felt that we were always being asked for money, for even the smallest of tasks.

Overall a brilliant holiday.

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Club Riu Negril Beach, Jamaica

Operator and Date: Expedia - May 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Nick & Jenny (28, 25)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Club Riu Negril, Jamaica 

Couple, 25 and 28.  Scotland, UK. 

We visited the Club Riu at the beginning of May 2005 - Check out our photos on this website!  The ones from Scotland UK. 

Weather

The first week was sunny and extremely hot, the second was more overcast and rained almost every day, but usually around 3pm for only 1 or 2 hours.  We just retreated to the room to watch a film on TV.  It was still warm during the rain, it got a bit windy too some afternoons, but didn't matter, the cool breeze was refreshing. 

Hotel

The hotel was beautiful, the standard you expect from a Riu.  We have stayed at the Riu Cancun, Mexico previously and loved the whole Riu experience.  The hotel is very clean and well presented with beautiful features.  The restaurants look lovely, nicely laid tables and well presented food.  The pool area is nice and the bars are good too.  The rooms are reasonably large with 2 good sized beds and the bathroom is nice with marble fittings.  There is a shop and an internet room too, both of which are useful.  There is also a gym and hair dresser and doctors. 

Food

How could you fault the food!  Really, I am a vegetarian (who occasionally eats fish) and still enjoyed lovely meals.  Breakfast was great - every possible thing you could possibly want - fried foods e.g. Bacon, sausages etc, cereals, pancakes, muffins, lovely variety of breads, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muffins, eggs, toast.the list is endless!!  Lunch was nice at Liugi - pizza, pasta and salad or at the outdoor restaurant - but get there early so there are less flies!  (there weren't many, I am just a bit picky as this didn't bother my husband)  Dinner at the buffet was really good, especially Mexican night, they change the theme most nights to give variety and you will not be disappointed!  The al la carte restaurant that you have to book is amazing, you get service at your table an the food is great - 4 courses.  You have to be there by 8am to book though.  There is also popcorn to snack on during the day and the lunch restaurants are open for a good few hours during the afternoon if you get hungery. 

Beach

The beach was nice, not the best I have ever seen (Mexico and Thailand have nicer beaches) but the beach further down the strip is meant to be lovely.  There was nothing wrong with this beach, just not as stunning as some I have seen.  There are lots of trees so that you can sit in the shade and there is a bar on the beach for refreshment.  You may also catch a Wedding while you are there too!!  There are ants all over the sand, but these didn't bother us.  The sun loungers are comfy and soft - unlike some we saw on the other hotel beaches.  The Riu Tequila, the sister hotel, is 10 minutes walk along the beach and you can use the facilities there.  It is no where near as nice as the Club, which I would definitely recommend over the Tequila, as it is newer and more modern.  There are beach activities - snorkelling, scuba diving, sail boats, kayaks and glass bottom boat.  It is nice to walk along the beach past the other hotels and takes about 30 minutes there and back at a slow pace. 

Staff

The level of service varied from seemingly unfriendly and not bothered to out of their way friendly and wanting to help you.  Reception staff did not give us a good welcome, they seemed unfriendly.  However our maid and the staff in the restaurant were very good and eager to please (possibly because you tip them, I don't know!??)  Perhaps the Jamaican laid back attitude just comes across incorrectly to us tourists!  'No Problem Mon' 

Trips

We did the YS Falls/Black river trip.  The falls were absolutely stunning and my husband took advantage of the Tarzan style vine swing into the cool water!  There is a nice cool falls pool at the bottom to relax in and cool off from the heat!  The Duns River falls would have been spectacular too but were a bit far away for us - 6 hour round trip. 

The Horse riding was good fun, along pretty scenery and in the sea for 5 minutes at the end - this was fun! 

We also went on the shopping trip, which I would not necessarily advise!  You are just pestered by the stall owners the whole time!!  The jewellery and perfume duty free shopping mall is nice if you can afford this!!  You get to go for a drink to Pirate's café and watch the guys jumping into the sea from the cliffs and can stay for the sunset. 

I would recommend this vacation, it was very relaxing and the weather was quite good.  The hotel is lovely and the food is great!  Just don't stand on the scales when you come back!!

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Riu - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson February 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : James & Michelle Facey  Liverpool (39, 32)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

As with every other review this hotel is of a very high standard. We travelled with a party of 16 for a wedding.

Location: Nice but not the best beach in the world but the sand is sweped early every morning. The water is calm (good for kids)but can be mirky on odd days. Make sure you swim within the roped off area as jet ski's are a hazard. The surrounding area is tropical plantations/woodland and Negril town is a 10 min drive away.

Accomodation: Excellent, clean rooms, huge beds, a "mini" bar thats not "mini" at all! You even have your own optics with Rum, Whisky, Vodka and Gin!!

Food: The best I have ever ate on holday. I loved the American style breakfasts. Booking the Sir Andrew means being in the que by 8am latest on the day of booking but if you get up early the Jamaican sun rise is worth it.

Bars: All serve great cocktails. May we reccomend "Blue Oceans", "Dr Funks" and the real blow out "Rum Runners". Red Stipe is great rather like Bud and they also serve a light variety.

Hotel Staff: Very friendly, hard working and polite.

Entertainment: Mixed, some nights a little boring but on a good night a stage production can be as good as going to the Theatre. Night club ends far too early after all this is Jamaica and you cant party all night? Day time activities are very good  (dare I say better than the night) with lots of choice from an enthusiastic team.

Guests: Mixture of American, Canadian and European. The Americans and Canadians I found nice to talk to.

Warning: If you take a walk allong the beach to the Tropical Bay you will get harased by locals even early in the morning. It did not bother us but don't be offended if offered dr*gs.

Would we go back: Yes, Jamaica is a great place and this resort first class.

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Riu - Negril

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - May 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : 31, 24

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is a lovely hotel.  Its only just over a year old, and everything is still fresh and new.  There are 2 pools, one with a pool bar that can get pretty busy, so we stuck to the 2nd pool, which was bit quieter.  Its true that the beach isn't white sand, but its still a nice beach, with plenty of trees providing shade if you want it.

Food - so much to choose from its unreal!!!  I've put on about halff a stone!  Breakfast buffet has anything you could ever think of having, from full englidh, to continental, to typical american pancakes and waffles!  Delicious!  The lunch and dinner buffets were also huge, I'm sure it must be impossible to not find something you like!  There are 3 other resaurants you can book - we went to the Steakhouse one night, but you're not missing out if you don't go!
The grounds are well kept, the staff are friendly, it is so true that nothing is a problem - they will always help with anythnig if they can!

I would definately recommend this hotel for couples and families and groups, as it caters to all very well!!  Loved it!!

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Riu Club Hotel - Ocho Rios

Operator and Date: april 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : russell pearlman 45,45,43,14,8

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

im going to keep this short. i read lots of reviews before we booked, some great some very bad.this place was excellent and ive been to lots of hotels
the food was fine very big selection lots of choice of restraunts some you had to book no problem just phone around 9 in morning it takes about 5 mins to get through service was great in restraunts and bars .as regards being hassled didnt get hassled anywhere id just like to add we were hotel around easter the hotel was completly full  and for such a big hotel you would think there be queues for buffets and wait for drinks ,no sunloungers well think again this hotel is so well organised you dont wait for anything .

its not often i say i would like to go back to same hotel but this place i 100% would     

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Riu Club Hotel - Ocho Rios

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

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Les and Anna Drew (47,45)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this holiday just 3 weeks before we went.  When they said all inclusive we didnt realise just what it meant in this place. It really is 24 hours a day, if you want a sandwich at 3 in the morning just go to the sports bar and get one. The mini bar in your room is restocked every two days with beer, mixers (inc pepsi) and water.  The optics on the wall are restocked at the same time with Gin, Vodka, Brandy and Rum. There are so many choices to eat you cannot possibly complain and the staff cant do enough for you.

We were a little worried about the weather before we went as October is supposed to be the wettest month of the year. It only rained 3 times in 2 weeks and only 1 of those was during the day, even then it was only for an hour.

The trip to Dunns River Falls is a must do and pleasemake sure you tip the guides. They really earn their tip on this trip.

Whilst we were there the hotel was only half full so there were no problems getting sunbeds either by the pool or on the beach.

The biggest mistake we made was taking too many clothes as all you need is swimwear, shorts and maybe a couple of smart things for the evening, (if you book for one of the speciality eating places gents must wear long trousers and shirts with a collar).

We will return to this hotel without a doubt and will also book with Riu and Thomson again.

Everyting erie Mon, no promlem.

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Riu Club Hotel - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Clare & Paul - Kent (44 - 35)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel was really nice.  Air conditioning was really great - you can adjust the temperature.  Food was great I am really fussy but there's loads of choice.  I found that i was allergic to the desserts which was a shame cos they look so delicios!  Beach was fabulous - we were a bit worried after peoples comments - but sand flies only at night.  Weather was absolutely brilliant we stayed for 2 weeks and only rained last 2 days - and i mean it REALLY rained but we still swam in the sea!! which was lovely and warm.  We went to the local town (which is not a town) Downtown Negril it is really a place they take you to go to touristy shops - we were really scared and never went there again! - the taxi's are brilliant but only book from the hotel as they are trustworthy, they take you where you wanna go and pick you up again at an agreed time and you can pay the whole bill once you are back safely at the hotel, if you want to get picked up early the cab driver will tell you what to do and he'll come and get you, which we did and was a great bonus.

We went on a few trips, swam with the dolphins which was FANTASTIC, then after they took us to a really special restaurant called Ruins in the Falls the food was great and you wouldn't believe it, from the outside it looks just like a normal restaurant and on the inside there is a waterfall - it was so beautiful and amazing, then from there we went on the Dunns River Falls, which was good.  But i wouldn't have been very pleased just to have gone there as you literally get there hire aqua socks walk up the falls then go !!! Really not enough time there.  Just to let you know videos at the Dolphins to buy are about £30 and photo's about £6 each but really worth it.  We bought a video of us at the Dunns River Falls which was a bit cheaper about £25.

We went on the Black river safari where we went on a boat trip and saw Crocodiles, that was nice, went to the YS Falls which was really lovely saw humming birds and Paul did the Tarzan swing!! (dream come true for him!) and then onto the Rum factory where tried 22 different rums twice!!!Cant remember the rest!  Two really good days out and they cost £380.00 for the two of us adults and both included meals - i would say though take drinks for yourself on each one as you don't stop much and its very hot.

We did the sunset cruise at the end of the holiday which was great.  (£55 for two) It was lovely went to Ricks Cafe and Paul almost dove from the 30foot cliff but didn't - saw locals diving off which was brill.  Didn't see sunset though and got extremely drunk!

Overall a great holiday but didn't like the drg dealers at every corner & jet ski and fishing boat, really put me off, I would never go back there because of this as it was in your face constantly offering you Gnja and ccaine.  but it was a beautiful island and has a lot to offer.  Enjoy yourself if you decide to go.  A lot of my friends did know about the darker side of Jamaica but they didn't tell me i wish they had - it is nicer to be pre warned. 

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Riu Club Hotel - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Katie & Anthony - Lancashire ( 23, 24 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just arrived home from what we can only describe as the best holiday ever!

The journey to the Jamaica from Manchester is long (10 hrs)and the coach transfer is about 1.5 hrs but it is well worth it when you arrive.

The staff are there to welcome you to assit with your bags and check in.
Which is a great assistance after the long journey.

NOW TO THE GOOD STUFF

The hotel at just over a year old is stunning and the grounds and beach are perfectly groomed and manicured.
We found the rooms large with excellent facilities all done to a very high standard. All of the rooms have a balcony, optics and fridge stocked with all sorts of drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic including drinking water)

The food and choice of restaurants will suit any tastes as i am a very fussy eater and was always able to find something to eat.

The highlight of the holiday was the swimming with the dolphins and dunns river falls which is a long trip from Negril (approx 3hrs each way) but well worth it.

The Staff, what can we say? EXCELLENT, a nicer bunch of people you could not wish to meet. The animation team will keep you amused all day and all night whether you want to be in the thick of the action or just laughing at the antics of others.

We did not see much of our rep Anthony which I suppose was a good thing as it meant that we had no problems at all, but he was easily contactable and very friendly.

The pool areas were excellent with plenty of loungers with no need to the traditional thing of getting up at 5 to put your towel out!

The beach is large with white sand and palm trees and there is loads of wildlife to be found in the sea.  Lovely.

Can't wait to go back next year.

As the animation team say

"Jamaica-no problem"

"Every body happy, nobody sad"

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Riu Club Resort - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Stacey - Yorkshire (54,49,33,24,11,9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from this fantastic place. They were 10 of us alltogether ranging from the ages 55 to 9. I actually got married on the private beach of this hotel and all I can say it was pure paradise!

The journey from Manchester airport was really awful but once you step foot in this hotel you completely forget about it (I must have because I would go back tomorrow). The hotel grounds itself is just out of this world and the staff are constantly cleaning and tidying so you never see any rubbish anywhere. The staff just cannot do enough for you and the jamaican motto 'no problem' really is a way of life for them.

Although no one can really complain about the food here, I struggled some nights but only because I'm a bit of a 'plane jane' with my food. The choice was vast and loads of seafood (unfortuantely not my taste) and straight away you can tell it is all cooked properly.

Our wedding day was perfect, so relaxed and everything was well organised by the wedding co-ordinator Shanlynn, so I really didn't have a thing to worry about (apart from the weather, as it poured it down all day until about an hour before the ceremony, then the sun came out, thank god!!). I would reccommend anyone to get married here, it really was a special day.
On the morning of the wedding the maid decorated our room with flowers and balloons.

I can strongly reccommend the Half Moon Bay Cruise, worth every penny, and swimming with dolphins, it really was as magical as people say. Wasn't that impressed with Dunns River Falls though. The Thompson rep Anthony was brilliant, no job too big or small and he has a great sense of humour, as all the staff do.

The one thing I can complain about (and I'm really splitting hairs here!), was the hairdresser based in the hotel, who did my sister's and my hair for the day. She was so slow (we were both rushing around to get ready after),and didn't listen to what we wanted. She was quite expensive too, about £40 for just a pin-up.

Other than that I can't wait to do it all again next year (minus the wedding of course!), not necessarily in Jamaica though, but definately in a RIU hotel as lots of the other guests told us that this chain of hotels are all first class wherever you go. Oh, just to add that every single person in our party enjoyed it so much that none of us wanted to go home.

No-one should hesitate to stay here, book today!!

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Riu Club Resort - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson, march 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : mrs rose, 39, 41

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading reviews on all the resorts, i thought the newly opened Riu negril sounded wonderful. The hotel was just beautiful as soon as we pulled up at reception, wow! The rooms were lovely, the staff were nice and always cleaning, friendly enough.

Restaurants - i only ate in the green island restaurant and never ate in the  others that have to be reserved, quite a few i spoke to had eaten in the others and were unimpressed. We ate at lunch time in the other restuarant as it was either that or the jerk hut on the beach. There is a small restaurant next to the green island if you only want pasta or pizza. The food was glorious everywhere we ate.

Beach - well to be honest i felt deflated as it certainly wasn't white sands like i had thought, it was nice but it didn't take my breath away. The beach at the sister hotel- the tropical- which is to the left of our beach is nicer, but the hotel is smaller and not so Grand as this one.It just wasn't a carribean beach that i had pictured, i was expecting it to look like paradise but it wasn't.

Weather - we had a mixture, it was windy for the first day, drizzled the next day, and then after that it just got hotter, into the 90's.

Trips - there are a few trips to do but i only booked the Irie adventure as my husband wanted to see the Dunns river falls, and we went on a river raft too. To be honest i'd never do it again, the trip has far too much travelling to go and see this. All in all, we travelled 3 hours to get there, was off the coach about an hour for the river rafting, back on the coach for half an hour to go for lunch, which was a buffet and okay, then onto Dunns river falls, which took less than an hour to go up, then back on the coach for 3 hours to get back to our resort! A long way to go just for this, everyone was saying the same.

Overall, Jamaica was a place my husband had always dreamed of going to, we've done it now but wouldn't go back. We found the locals were really in your face all the while, asking if you wanted your hair braided or if you smoke, yes ganja not tobacco, asking you to buy from their 'shop' and they just wouldn't leave you alone. They certainly are not to be trusted either, we spoke to a couple who had been threatened by the locals on jet ski's. In the end we stayed around our hotel and wouldn't go anywhere, so we felt closed in and in a way very cut off from normal life. It's such a shame because it is a lovely island, but all you beach lovers out there, the beaches in Jamaica are not like paradise, i saw most of them on the trip we went on, Negril has definately got the best beaches and an absolutely mesmerising sunset, but they are not the idyllic beaches for the carribean.

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Riu Club Resort - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - November 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Stewart/Kate Watt 49/47 Scotland

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

New resort. Very well appointed. Has an army of staff that are polite, very smartly dressed and diligent.
 
Various restaurants, some  formal, but we stayed in the buffet restaurant  all 14 days, as the food was great, varied and good quality.

Accommodation is first class and room service good, apart from the room bar that tends to be neglected from time to time. A call to reception sorts this, albeit in Jamaica time, slowly.......

The drinks are largely local, but many global brands are available, however you need to specify these.

It is a lovely part of the world, but the poverty outwith the resort is apparent. If you venture out you will be approached by all sorts of people, but generally a firm 'thanks, but no thanks' will     suffice.  

The beach has a closed off area to watersports, but outwith is inundated with jetski renters  that are a nuisance at the extremities. There are no locals/vendors on the beach. There are plenty sun loungers.

The resort seems primarily used by Americans and Italians.

We visited the sister hotel 'Tropical' and would suggest, if you have the choice, to definately book the 'Club Resort' as it's newer and more spacious.

The  'Club Resort' shop is very expensive and the Duty Free Shop at the Tropical is not worth visiting.

We found that the Duty Free Shop at the airport was best value, having bought our alcohol locally after advice from the holiday rep!! (who said there was no Duty Free Shop there!!)

A lovely holiday and experience.

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Riu Club Hotel - Negril

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours- June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sandra Wallis - Staffs (55,60)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Have just returned from this fabulous, fabulous holiday. Brand new Hotel,a month old, 5 star and everything you would imagin plus much more.Superb dream location,white sand,clear blue sea, spotlessly clean, staff that can't do enough,extra large choice of wonderful food (both my husband and I have put on half a stone)Beautiful rooms lots of entertainment. 

Nearest hotel is its sister, Hotel Tropical, which is about one mile away, worth a visit but not has nice as the Club. Will certainly be going back the sooner the better.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: Thomas Cook - July 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : M. Chambers - Derby  (wedding party/ various ages)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from our first visit to the Riu Tropical Bay. Went as a party of 17 for my son's wedding.
What a fantastic place, as close to paradise as you can get. Totally exceeded all expectations. Accommodation, facilities, food and restaurants, staff
and entertainment team second to none plus a beautiful location made for a brilliant holiday.
The wedding on the beach was perfect and fortunately it did not rain as it often does in the afternoon at this time of year.
Would thoroughly recommend and hope to return in the future.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: kuoni - feb 2007

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : g.jewitt herts(40,41,10,11

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS, there are NO WORRIES here at all.!!

Our hotel transfer was with jamaican travel, The drive took about 1 hour and was just a bit scarry! also dont be suprised if your driver picks up a friend at the start of the journey

Check in was dealt with with attitude
Room service/front desk was sometimes slow with requests  No lifts but the walk up the 3 stairs was a welcomed bit of forced exercise just watch our yank cousins attempt it ;-) .

RESTERAUNT RESERVATIONS:

Since food is very individualized; I can only say from our experiences that all the resterants and buffet were excellent. Lunch included so much fresh tuna, clams, mussels, octopus,calamari,and so many varities of fish we have experienced.  Seafood night at the buffet included huge King Crab Legs , jumbo prawns, fresh large oysters,lots of fish, salmon, tuna, etc. Buffet had excellent themes, and made to order stations

BEACH and POOL

We bought a whale air bed for the kids and they spent about 5-6 hours a day in the water floating and playing happliy We choose this resort specifically for the water and beach. I can't imagine another sea, beach and water as calm, warm and clear as Bloody Bay (named incidenatlly after its past for the slaughter of said whales.

STAFF

Entertainment staff and Customer service was really good and entertaining although ninjas squark did get a bit irritating towards the end.

WEDDINGS

we visited during valentines and three weddings were preformed on the dayby all accounts each felt a very personal service (we were only onlookers)
Overall in our travels, we would give this a 4 star and not the 5 Stars given, we enjoyed this Riu very much, and would certiantly return.

TIPPING

some people (americans) seem to think europeans dont tip prove them wrong and bring $50. in $1.00 USD for drinks, table service, room staff well basically anyone from the staff who you encounter trust me all staff who receive a tip WILL remember you

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook July 06

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : dave 43 nottingham

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

the worst hotel i have ever stayed in, the rooms were dirty, the hotel was dirty apart from reception area, the food boring,nothing different same every night, this hotel more like a 2 star, a lot of theiving from rooms as wel as pool area so be warned, i would not go back here if they offered it to me free.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook July 06

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : 40 -39

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this hotel for out Honeymoon we read the reports before we went and only a couple were negative, so we went ahead, wished we hadn't, what a disapointment,when you get to reception it looks fantastic and we thought we hit jackpot, what a different storie when we got to our room, 

the smell was really bad, so we went straight back down to reception and asked to be move, one of the reception staff told us that nobody likes this room 3222 we asked why it hadn't been cleaned then, the next room wasn't much better, but by this time we was to shattered, next morning went for breakfast which was good lots of choice, so started to feel a little better, we went down to the pool settled down on the sunbeds, we over heard a couple talking about the pool filter still being broken, i went and had a look at the pool it was disgusting not print what was floating in the pool it was vile, we was there two weeks and the filter still hadn't been mended, a lot of people were coming down with tummy bugs and it wasn't the food, 

the entertainment was very poor done by the hotel staff who had been working all day, so they did try, but for a four star hotel you would have thought they would book more outside entertainment they did this only two nights we were there. if it wasn't for the lovely people we met at this hotel i think i would have gone mad, there is nothing to do in the resorts and it's not safe to walk out after dark, you will be approached on the beach by the locals selling drugs keep saying no thank you and they will eventually leave you alone, prostitution is also rife, again just say no and they walk on. 

if you do book excursion go with your tour company works out cheaper a lot of the hotel staff will try and get you to use one of there family member and tell you it will be cheaper, one couple did this and when they returned, they told us that they had to pay for them to go into the falls as well and they also expected them to pay for lunch which they did, they were also smoking gange all day which made them very uneasy for the journey back to the hotel. i would not reccommend this hotel to anybody, but the Sandals and Beaches hotel were breath taking and the guest there couldn't fault one think, so the saying is right you get what you pay for.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Mr & Mrs D Froggatt age 41

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We went to the Tropical Bay for our Honeymoon, arriving on the 26th June 2006,We was ROBBED from our Safe of everything on the 28th June 2006, no forced entry has they have copies of the safe key and room key, we informed security who came to our room and ask us if we could have misplaced our money $1,200 and £100, gold watch, gold necklace, and mobile phone, i told him to call the police, they came and implied the same as there was no forced entry and security informed the police that there  are no copies of the safe keys or the room keys, i told them that there was copies because some member of staff as managed to get copies, they went saying they would get a police report to us in two days times, 6 days later after a lot of noise from myself we finally got one, 

i want to warn all visitors that the safes are not safe 5 more couples were ROBBED the same way as us in the first five days, when i started to talk to the staff within the hotel including there own security staff they informed me that they have had problems all year with this, it got so bad that 6 weeks prior to our departure they cut all the safe keys in half and ground them down, but if you have an organised gang of thiefs working within the hotel it's so easy to gain access to the reception where the keys are kept, two days after we were ROBBED a new General Manager Daniel Queglas arrived to a very angry guest,we told him of the robbery's and how they had gained accessed to the rooms with keys, he still insisted there was only one key and it was impossible to get copies, i had the good fortune of telling a newly arrived couple of what had been happening in this hotel, two days later he came to find me to tell me about the thing he had just done, he was on the third floor and thought he gone up 3 floors so went to the door and opened it, he heard a man's voice so retreated quickly thinking he was being ROBBED, it was only when he went to go down the stairs that he realised that he had gone to the wrong room, but his key had opened somebody else door, 

then about 40 english demanded a meeting with the General Manager, we asked him again about how many keys there was for each room and would any key fit any room he said differnitly not, we then told him about the guy who went into somebody else room, we told him the room no 4206 and his was 4306 the GM went white, it only turned out to be his room, and surprise the locks were changed on both rooms within the hour,

some of the rooms are smelly and dirty several guest had to be moved because raw sewage flooded there bathrooms, watch for the lifeguards if you are taking children they keep fetching beer and rum from the pool bar and drinking it in the beach towel hut, i also reported this to the manager, i also witnessed on several occassion the bar man at the pool bar was selling gnga cigarettes, there so much more i could tell you but i need to save that for now, if you can change hotels i would, the new Manager did put on extra security only after we all stamped our feet saying we do not feel safe in this hotel but i do beleive he will try and get to the bottom of BIG PROBLEM that they have at the TROPICAL BAY, 

well my Honeymoon was totally ruined and the management didn't do anything to help me, i had to ask for a room change, and the GM was embarrassed and told me i should have been offered that straight away so upgraded us to a suite (really not worth the extra money) and i had to ask for the use of a phone so i could make calls to the bank and insurance company,which he said the hotel would pay for, on the day of check out they tried to charge me for the calls, my reply is not printable, we asked the hotel if they would give us the $18 each we needed to get out of the country they wouldn't, we had to rely on the good old British people coming to our aid, 

and lastly it is not safe for you to walk around the resort after dark even in the day they don't leave you alone asking for money or wanting to sell you gnga, well i'm sorry this went on for a long time but i felt so strongly that i had to warn all future guest going to this hotel do not think you valubles are safe just because your using your safty deposit box.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Mike Hughes (25,25,25, 27, 53,54

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Overall I had a brilliant time, and would thoroughly reccommend this hotel to anyone. If you like your food and your drink, then it is perfect. I got married whilst i was there, and it was really nice. However considering we had paid Thomson £500 for the wedding package , I dont think we got our money's worth, but that was only in hindsight and i didnt worry about it.

Hotel - The hotel is very nice. The rooms are comfortable. The air conditioning makes the room briiliant for sleeping in, and as a break from the sun. The room is very clean. The mini bar was stocked up regularly the first week, but not the second and we had to phone reception for that. It has two big double beds, a nice balcony, and plenty of room for clothes etc. It aslo has a safety deposit box, but if you lose the key, then you have to pay $50 US.

Food - The breakfast is nice. It ranges from bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, cereal, a variety of breads, juice, tea, coffee. I didnt really eat a lot at breakfast, but it was nice and there was plenty. The tea is not made with boiling hot water, but it is ok. I generaaly had cereal, and juice. This kept me going until lunch, whcih was amazing. They had the such a variety, that i couldnt make my mind up. There is an abundance of meat, and also a lot for any vegetarians out there. They also have the pizzerai, whcih serves a pizza, past, and some sort of chicken and rice. The jerk chicken hut is also. I usually had jerk chicken at 12, and then some more form the buffet about 1:30.
Evening meal -  yet again there is plenty of amazing food to choose from. The japanese is definatley woth trying, as the chop sticks are fun. Sir anthonys is spot on ans so is the steak house. These needed to be booked at 11am.
Drink - make sure you ask for red stripe, otherwise you will get red stripe lite, which is generaaly what the americans drink. Also help yourselk to drink  in the areas available. I took an insulated cup ( reccommended by this website) and i could see people loooking thinking what a good idea. You can getr more in and it stays cold. I also tried loads of cocktails, and there are plenty of soft drinks for those that want them.

Weather - For the first week it was amazing. In the second week, it would rain everday at about 2 and then clear up at 4ish and be sunny again. Sunset was about 7pm. I didnt mind the rain, as i'd go for a drink under the shelter, and it would freshen the air up. Also the lightning and thunder was great.

You will get bothered in Jamaica by the local people. Everyone is looking for a tip, abd you can choose to tip or not. I tipped now and again, and did not feel intimated to do this. Jamaica is a poor country so i dont blame the people for doing this. However everyone was really friendly, and when you get offered ganja just say no if you dont want it.
We also went on some trips. The Irie adventure is not worth it. The dunns falls are good, but go seperatley and not on the irie adveture with thomsons. We also saw the crocodiles in the black river.

i would definately go back as i had a wonderful time, but i like to go to a new country each year and try something new, but if you want two weeks of chilling out, eating, drinking, swimming then go for it. The nightlfe is not up to much, but i'm sure kids would enjoy it. I usually just founbd a quiet corner and had a few drinks

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson - July 05

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Lisa Topping - Wigan (33, 33, 15, 14, 6)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed, and got married, at the Riu Tropical Bay from the 21st July 05 - 27th July 05... and I have to say, this place is AMAZING! I have read reviews both before we went and after we returned, and I have to say that  I agree completely with all the positive comments on this place, definitely NOT with the negative. We are a family of 5 (2 adults aged 33 and 3 children aged 6, 14, 15) and we were all catered for superbly for the whole of the stay.

Okay, I'll start with the beach....fantastic! White sand that is always clean, water as clear as you could wish for, calm, safe large swimming area, free sunloungers and beach towels and a host of beautiful fish that swam around our legs while we fed them with bread from the breakfast buffet. Words do not do this beach justice! We were on it from 8.30 in the morning and even then the sea is lovely and warm.

The hotel itself is extememely clean and beautifully decorated. We were greeted with non alcoholic fruit punch on our arrival, cases were taken to our rooms for us by the porter and keys and safe keys (no problems with any of these) were sorted out quickly. The staff are amazingly friendly and extremely helpful without tipping. The grounds and gardens are kept in immaculate condition, these people work a lot of hours to keep the place like this and still have time to stop, smile and say "hi, how are you?".

The food is again amazing. Freshly cooked, omlettes made on the spot, fresh pancakes and maple syrup to die for! Freshly baked bread in all varieties, fresh doughnuts, fresh fruit....the list is endless! There was a lovely lady there called Janet who on the first day asked us if we wanted tea or coffee (they bring this to the table to you), after only one day she remembered and brought us coffee every day...she even came to see us off on the day we left. Lunch at D'Angelo's is great (brilliant chilli and ham pizza) with a choice of so many different foods there was something for everyone including the kids! Dinner, again great, buffet or book into one of the restaurants (bookings now at 11am not 8am) and they are not that difficult to book for! Sir Anthony's was beautiful...fully air conditioned, champagne on entering, a'la carte cuisine all the way.

The entertainment people have got to be the hardest working and most friendly group of people you will ever meet! The kids club was meant to be for 2-12 year olds...but Shauna had my 2 teenagers up on stage the first night....how she managed it I have no idea ...but she did and I am eternally greatful to her for it. The entertainment group are out from first thing in a morning (water aerobics at 10....great fun) seeing if people on the beach or round the pool want to partake in anything from bacchia ball to reggae dancing lessons during the morning...to last thing at night;mingling with the guests, smiling, greeting...then continuing to entertain on stage....these people are amazing!

One last point about insects...people seem to complain about these....we had none in our rooms (mosquito nets and fly screens are in all rooms), some mosquitos did come out at night (usually after a bit of rain) BUT using a good insect repellant with DEET in it prevented any of us from getting bitten... all FIVE of us stayed bite free all week.

An amazing holiday, in an amazing place with an AMAZING wedding. I would recommend this place to anyone...relaxed, friendly and beautiful!

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Vanessa & Phil Clarke - Cumbria (40 & 37)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Absolutely fantastic holiday!
JOURNEY
Well worth the 10 hour flight - would highly recommend paying for extra leg room, although people who feel the need to step over you to cross the plane during the flight have no manners and are a nuisance - and they did this despite the Captain announcing before take-off that they should refrain from doing so.

HOTEL
The hotel was fantastic - rooms are large and bright and were kept spotlessly clean, minibar & optics were replenished every other day with vodka, gin, rum & brandy plus beer & soft drinks and there was even an umbrella in the room which we needed to use several times in our 2 week stay!

MEALS
With the main buffet, pizzeria and 3 a la carte restaurants we were spoilt for choice. Our favourite a la carte was the Japanese, then the Sir Anthony, which were both excellent .the Steakhouse was just average.
We made a reservation and ate in them a total of 5 nights in our stay.
It was no problem (and certainly not sad!) for us to queue to make a reservation at 8am - we were up by then anyway making the most of our days. Most days there were 2 people taking the bookings anyway so the queue went down quickly. Only thing that could be a problem is that when there's a wedding party one sitting may be unavailable - when we were there the Sir Anthony was fully booked for the 6.30pm sitting by a wedding party which left some people disappointed. So don't leave it till the end of your stay to book!
Pizzeria was okay for a quick snack and was buffet-style during the day and a la carte in the evening.
The main buffet had something to suit everyone..there was very little we didn't try and like, except perhaps Conch stew!
Particularly good and worth a mention were the curried goat and Jerk chicken & pork.
The lunch buffet (serving both hot and cold meals) was excellent, as was the Jerk Hut on the beach serving Jerk Chicken with sausage and corn on the cob - open 5 days a week when we were there.
The service in all the restaurants was excellent - the waiters/waitresses are constantly topping up your wine glass, although at busy times in the buffet restaurant they can sometimes forget you, but as we realised a few days into the holiday you can help yourself from the barrels on the bar area (not everyone realised this!).

STAFF
The staff were great - really helpful and always smiling. Our favourites were Lucien in the Japanese restaurant, Townsend and Leroy (who carries your glass of wine on his head!) in the main buffet, Leroy at the Reggae Bar and the barman in the disco (can't remember his name).
All the staff at the Reggae bar were great and never let you sit there with an empty glass!
Cocktails are great - Try a Purple Rain!

ENTERTAINMENT
There is plenty of entertainment if you want it - both day and night. During the day we wanted peace and quiet so headed to the far end of the beach. It can be quite noisy round the pool and the middle section of the beach near the pool. In our first week there were a lot of rowdy American teenagers who had been left to run riot by their parents - they were downing spirits from 10am in the pool and became very drunk and loud by lunchtime which a few people found offensive and moved!
The night entertainment was okay - shows or beach party every night. The reggae band at the beach party were good - people dancing on the sand - the hotels dancers also very good, but Superman's act was a bit sad..he's in his 80's ,watch him and you will see what I mean!
The evening shows were usually the entertainment troupe dancing and miming to tapes eg. Grease - The Musical, preceded by audience participation games - we just watched but there was no shortage of people willing to get up and perform in front of the audience!
The reggae band play once or twice weekly during the day next to the Jerk Hut, which creates a good holiday atmosphere.

TIPPING
We took $100 in $1 bills with us for tipping after being advised to do so. The staff aren't paid a lot and give an excellent service so they deserve it and appreciate it.
We noticed a lot of guests weren't tipping which we thought was a shame.
We left $2 per day for the cleaner (on the pillow-otherwise they won't take it!), a couple of dollars now and again in the fridge for the minibar man, a couple of dollars nightly in the buffet restaurant and a dollar each to the bar staff in the evenings. In the a la carte restaurants we generally gave $4 as the service was so good.

TRIPS/OUT AND ABOUT
We went on the beach horse riding, plus Dunn's River Falls & Nine Mile, both booked through Thomson.
Both were really good, especially Dunn's River Falls & Nine Mile (Bob Marley's childhood home village and burial place). We thought it was worth the 6 hour round trip, although others didn't. Nine Mile was highly entertaining - locals (one known as "Top Dog") climbing on the walls offering you joints for $5 and hiding their faces when you tried to film them.
In the house you can sit on the single bed referred to (allegedly) in "Is this Love?" and outside there's the rock referred to in "Talkin' Blues".
The guides are good fun and get everyone singing Bob Marley songs.
We also hired a car for 2 days as we really wanted to go to Kingston.
On day 1 we went to Appleton Rum Estate and did the tour - which was really good. At the end of the tour they leave you in the bar with around 20 rums to sample - because there were only 5 of us on the tour we had the chance to try several! I can imagine when there's a coach load on the trip you would struggle to get a turn at the bottles!

We then ventured into Cockpit country via Maggoty and got lost due to bad directions.the roads are very bad and there are few signposts - I wouldn't recommend going too far off the beaten track, we had to move a fallen tree in the pouring rain and had to reverse 2 miles back up a single lane track as there was nowhere to turn round! I can understand why there's an area called "District of Look Behind".

We got chased by schoolchildren in the villages who wanted a ride home - we didn't know that if your car is not full it is considered manners to pick people up en route! Because we didn't stop they yelled "We don't like you white man!"
The next day we decided against Kingston as we were told the 150 mile drive would take 5 hours each way, so we went to the Rocklands bird sanctuary near Anchovy (on the road to Montego Bay) where hummingbirds land on our finger to drink sugary water from a bottle - would highly recommend it - a unique experience.
You can see and do a lot just driving around.we stopped on the road to Mo Bay and had a jelly coconut which you must do when in Jamaica.

As we were disappointed at not going to Kingston we decided to take a flight there from Negril with International Air Link (intlairlink  com) in our 2nd week. The airport at Negril is just a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel. One of the hotel receptionists booked it for us and we paid by credit card at the airport before flying.
The flight costs $150 return per person (around £90), there's 5 flights a day each way and takes around 1 1/2 hours including a change of plane at Montego Bay (flying time is only 40 minutes) - we got the 0700 out and the 1500 back, giving us around 6 hours in Kingston but there was a later flight back. I would recommend this if you want to visit Kingston - the plane from Negril - Mo Bay was a 2-seater - what a fantastic view we got!
The pilots & co-pilots on all flights were really friendly and helpful.

On arrival at Tinson Pen airport at Kingston (around 2-3 miles from Downtown Kingston) we got a taxi (which turned out to be a 30 seater coach to ourselves!) to the Bob Marley Museum via Downtown Kingston. We then walked to Devon House where the driver met us again for our return to the airport - the round trip was £30 which we found expensive for less than 10 miles, but we didn't want to walk and end up in Trenchtown area or other dodgy areas of Kingston we had been warned to avoid.
Bob Marley Museum was great - it's in the house where he lived with his wife & family on Hope Road.
Devon House also lovely - we had lunch at Norma's on the Terrace. Also recommend I-Scream (Ice cream parlour) and the Grog Shoppe at Devon House.
All in all we had a fab day and it was worth the air & taxi fares - we'd have felt robbed if we hadn't been there.

RESORT
Negril itself was not a pretty resort and I thought the Times Square Shopping Centre was disappointing - best shopping we were told is at Kingston, Montego Bay & Ocho Rios.
The Craft Market is an experience - you will do well to get away without buying anything - you get hassled to buy non-stop and if you ignore them you get comments like "Wassup lady? Too good to talk to a black man?"
You get offered drugs a lot, especially from the jetski men & boatmen and along the beach between the 2 Riu hotels. Also the local women are very keen to braid your hair.
Everywhere you go someone is trying to sell you something.
We bought a wooden ornament at the Craft Market and got a bit of abuse from the owners of some of the stores we didn't visit!
We got some hassle the morning we went off in the hire car to get money from the ATM in Negril - several shady looking characters appeared from nowhere and wouldn't leave us alone - eventually they went when the Security Guard at the bank came out and said something to them.

WEATHER
The weather wasn't great when we were there - it rained probably 8 out of the 14 days at some point, one day it rained all day and we didn't get on the beach at all - so we had to hit the optics and play cards - what a bummer eh?!
After the rain the mosquitos and small sandflies come out, even during the day, which can be irritating on the beach!

Anyway, I think I have gone on for long enough.....
Hope someone has found this useful.
All in all it was probably our best holiday - We will go back to Jamaica but would stay at the new Riu hotel at Ocho Rios/Dunn's River falls (due for completion this year) as Negril is a long way from many of the sights. We wanted to go to the Blue Lagoon & Firefly but the drive would have been too much from Negril.
Also, next time we go we will go in April/early May because of the weather.
The locals can seem aggressive and in your face - this stops a lot of people getting out and about but you don't see the real Jamaica if you stay round the hotel for 2 weeks so we got out and about and were glad we did!

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson-june05

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : jacqui  - yorkshire, (34,40,7)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

this has to be one of the best holidays we have ever been on.

breakfast
served in the main restaurant upto about 1030am, fresh fruit smoothies, sometimes champagne and orange juice, all types of cereal, dried fruit, fresh fruit, cheeses, hams, salads, all types of breads and croissants, all types of eggs with omlettes cooked fresh to exact filling liking. full cooked breakfast and pancakes and donuts. 
late breakfast served upto mid day - continental style breakfast.
lunch
either bar b que on the beach - this was lovely, with great music playing, really gets you in the tropicl mood,
or lunch in the bloody bay restaurant, with a choice of salads, hot food, fish, and a speciality on most days eg;tapas.
evening meal
3 restaurants that you need to pre book into, or the main restaurant, again amazing, food quality and quantity is fantastic,  a fresh pasta cooking station, 3 fish dishes, 1 roast, 2-3 jamaican dishes, endless casserole type dishes and all the trimmings, soup, salads, fruits, hams and cheeses. 
you can get pizza and pasta from 12 midday to 7am the next day, so if you feel peckish at 4am jsut pop out for pizza.

all staff are so friendly especialy andrew at the pool bar, who remembers everybodies drink and fills up as soon as you get a little low.
you get a towel card when you check in, every morning you hand it in to the pool guy and if you want you hand your towel in at the end of the day and he gives you your cards back-saves you trailing your towels backwards and forwards.

although the brochure doesn't specifie the hotel does run its own kids club and although my daughter doesn't like this sort of thing the kids who did attend had a great time, it is on in the morning, afternoon and in the evening.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: May 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Sarah Leisner  Sheffield 29, (27,27,31,57,63,27,25,60,50, plus others)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We got married at Riu Tropical Bay on 20/5/05. There were a party of 24 and it was an amazing holiday. The hotel is very clean and the staff are very helpful. I would recommend getting married here. Heather the wedding co ordinator was very helpful BUT BEWARE DO NOT have the deluxe wedding package for photos as ours were really poor quality and we wished we had had digital. Some days the mini bar was not restocked but we never emptied it anyway. One problem was that if you wanted to book a restaurant you had to get up at 7.30am and queue and you had to do this each morning, we never ate in any of these reataurants as they were always fully booked! 

Overall a superb holiday no need to go out of the hotel. Recommended. 

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

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

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Rob and Julie (33, 33)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

This hotel is absolutely fantastic.  We got married there on 18th May 2005 and I can highly recommend this hotel if you are thinking about getting married in Jamaica.

The wedding co-ordinator Heather was very helpful and the Minister Bob is a very nice man who put us both at ease (as I was very nervous).

The Rooms - Very clean, towels and bed linen changed every day.  Mini bar stocked up every other day (unless you empty it before and then you phone reception to get them to restock).  The drinks in the mini bar are ok if you like the Yardy beer.

Food - There's lots to choose from, Main buffet restaurant, pizzeria, steakhouse, Japanese restaurant and Sir Anthony's A'La Carte restaurant.  My favourite was Sir Anthony's but all are very good.  You have to make reservations for the steakhouse, Sir Anthony's and the Japanese restaurant at 8.00am.

Drinks - There's plenty of bars to choose from and there's plenty of different cocktails to have a go at.  Andrew the bar man in the pool does the best cocktails.

Entertainment- Plenty of entertainment both during the days and evenings.  The entertainment team work very hard.  At 10.00am its sea aerobics with King Kong and Andreas, then there's alsorts of different beach games going on during the day. 5.00pm Bingo Bongo this is your chance to win even more bottles of rum.  In the evening there's a different show ranging from dancing, magicians etc.

We will definitely go back to this hotel.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Hayes & Jarvis Direct) Hayes & Jarvis - dec 3 - 17, 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Mark. Bunnie 47/48 Bedford, England

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from beautiful Jamaica.The check in at Heathrow was painless, fast & efficient with only an hour delay on our flight.
Air Jamaica, is one of the worse airlines I have travelled on. Dirty cabin, broken seats and trays, filthy toilets, not good on a ten hour flight, and homeward bound was even worse.The cabin crew are pleasant and professional and offer two meals and complimentary drinks throughout.On arriving immigration took forever, it was 2 hours after landing we left the airport!

On arriving at our hotel via a 1.5hour minibus drive our hotel was a purple vision of loveliness, eficient and charming check in with complimentary drink on arrival!
We were upgraded to a junior suite!! wow, this is defintely the way to stay, massive room 1217, ocean view, two king size beds, minibar ( not branded drinks) real rock beer, orange, water, pepsi, and brandy,rum, vodka and gin. You can ask the bar top up man for extras if required,a tip is very appreciated. Fantastic beach! white powdery sand and crystal clear turquoise sea, it really is paradise. Never a problem for beds either, clean beach and beautiful gardens.
Food excellent, themed nights, japanese, chinese, mexican, plus steak house and ala carte if you are sad enough to be up at 8 am to queue! we did not bother there was so much choice avaiable every meal time. spotlessly clean hotel, fantastic staff, no bugs,no problem mon!

Use the taxi service on word of mouth, our taxi driver Earl, was superb, a full day out at Royal palm reserve and Mayfield falls, was £70.00, hotel prices were £140 for one trip! and if you use a cab treat them to lunch, it is very appreciated. The poverty was staggering in some areas,so take extra clothes(baggage allowance on air jamaica is 32 kgs per person)I left all my dressess etc for the maid, and toiletries to the taxi driver, these things are very expensive for the locals post hurricane and are very much needed. Please tip, a dollar or jamaican 100 dollar bill is approx a pound, where the average wage is £30 per week, please pay for good service, which is all we had, with a smile and a yeah mon!superb holiday,highly reccomend this if you can travel on a different airline!snorkelling brilliant off the coral reef, glass bottom boat a must, we saw Turtles,lobster,rays,a vast variety of fish and plants, all 5 minutes off the beach. BOOK NOW!

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - October 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Sandy Johnson, Glasgow (27, 26)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Had a wonderful 2 week stay at the Riu Tropical Bay. It is a long flight so I would recommend upgrading to Premier or at the very least extra leg room. It is money VERY well spent and makes the journey far more enjoyable. Journey to resort is 1 hour 15 mins but the driver stops at a beachside cafe midway for refreshments.

The beach is absolutely stunning with lots of loungers and palm trees and the ocean is warm and crystal clear and shallow quite far out from shore which is great for swimming and watersports. The water aerobics were also in the ocean and if you take some bread out in the morning you can feed the little fish. The resort is very well maintained and in pristine condition.

Loved everything about this place, food, drinks staff etc and were very sad to leave. We were lucky to have an ocean view room which was scenic and quiet except for the tropical noise of the tree frogs at night. I ate and drank in all the restaurants and never got sick once which is very unusual for me on holiday. The buffet Negril restaurant is great and has several theme nights throughout the week. The a-la-carte restaurants are good for a change but you might not want to bother. 

Take PLENTY of insect repellent and high factor sunscreen. A small alarm clock is also a good idea for early starts. This hotel is very popular with honeymooners and you will see weddings almost daily either on the beach or in the gazebo. There are several gift shops in the resort with reasonable prices or check out Time Square Shopping Mall in Negril. Give the craft market in Negril a miss as the hassle from the traders can be pretty daunting and the goods are almost similar to the ones sold at Times Sq or the small twice-weekly craft market within the Riu or the one on the hotel corner by the petrol station. There is also an ATM there and is only 5 mins walk away. Don't bother to hire a car as the standard of driving is pretty crazy and frightening at times.

Did several trips. Dunn's River Falls and the Mayfield River Walk are excellent but would give YS falls a miss as there isn't much to do there. Appleton Rum Factory is great and you get to sample 17 types of rum after the tour. The rum is also a fraction of the cost than in duty free. Martha Brae River and Black River are both really good but the shopping in Ochos Rios was a let-down. The beach picnic and sunset cruises are excellent with on-board reggae dancing and a lovely trip to half moon beach with a jamaican buffet of jerk chicken, bammy bread, fried fish. coconut, etc and lots of cocktails .

Everyone we met either in this resort or whilst travelling the area were welcoming, laid-back and very friendly. You will regularly be serenaded by reggae or steal bands. The best element of this resort are the staff. Everywhere you go the staff are smiling, singing or dancing and nothing is too much trouble. There is even a golf umbrella in the room for any rare spots of rain. This resort is 3 years old and there is also a brand new Riu Club Negril hotel next door. That hotel has a nicer pool but the beach at the Tropical is far better. The Riu Negril is a bit livelier and noisier because of the Riu club status so plenty of choice for whatever option you prefer as you can use both facilities.

You will regularly hear the phrase Yeah mon Jamica 'no problem'. Great people, fab food and beautiful country. Can't recommend it highly enough. Wish I didn't have to leave and can't wait to go back.

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Helen Peter Ann Laura - Cambridge (16,56,49,16)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Riu Tropical Bay is by far the best hotel i have ever been to- Jamaica is a fantastic place to visit, it has so much to offer!
A little about:
The hotel - Very clean, the army of cleaners worked endless hours every day makng sure the place was spotless! The grounds were quite mature and very well kept!
The food - The pizza restaurant which we ate at nearly every other night was absolutely fantastic, the service was great! The Negril buffet (main restaurant) has so much to offer, if you can't find something you like then you are extremely fussy!

The staff - They made the holiday extra special, they worked about 15 hrs everyday and they never ran out of energy. The entertainment staff were so welcoming and always had a smile on their faces, a special mention has to go to - Ramon and Slick who were very talented, they can sing, dance, act, anything is possible! Also Linford and Terrence at the Reggae bar, they make the best cocktails!

Excurtions - while we were there we did a couple to trips out, one horse riding in the ocean - it was an amazing experience and the other swimming with dolphins and walking up the Dunns river falls, both were once in a lifetime oppotunities!
Daily entertainment - There was everything, aerobics in the ocean with Ramon, Horseshoes with Nican, football with andre, beachvolleyball just to mention a few! The nightly entertainment left abit to be desired abit cheesey but a good laugh!

The Beach - plenty of sunbeds, crystal clear water, white sand, what more could you want?
The pool - didnt go in it that much as the beach was so much better, it was a little small but it did have a bar!

Overall -  A 10 out of 10 all round, couldn't fault a thing!
Yeah Mon!!!

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Riu Tropical Bay - Negril

Operator and Date: jetair riu - 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : leon (60)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotels Riu Tropical Bay (and hotel-club Riu Negril both situated in Bloody Bay/Negril   close to each other) .
In short 2 great places for good holidays, even with the following reservations:

GOOD: excellent food  and rooms. Friendly guests and staffs. White Beach and water of the ocean transparant (this is not the case in Riu Negril). The Bay is very good for the catamaran or the surfwind sailing. Very warm weather, view and sundown superb.

NOT SO GOOD. 2 Small swimming pools (compensated by the clear water of the ocean). the Jacuzzi is not working, and  anyway not appealing as the wind is pushing the dirts in that direction(not the case in Riu Negril).
THE KID AREA is small (not the case in Riu Negril ).
THE NOISE is everywhere: the hotels are closed from the road. The rooms are closed from the place where the animations take place (this is not the case in Riu Negril ). The jetskis from 09.30 till 16.00 don't stop they noisy ballets.
SECURITY : extremely dangerous to swim elsewhere from the limited area zone. I did swim out of  that area from 1 meter and a jetski nearly took my head of.

SNORKLING: no fishs, no corals in front of the beach. There are paying programs that bring you to such places. Some Fishs do come to you if you straw breads in the water. In the morning you can see some rays laying on the bottom (harmless). Tips:the 2 hotels  are in a bay, and the good snorkling sceneries (reef, corals, fishes) are situated on the edges of the bay. It is possible to swim from the hotels to those places until 09.00, before the coming of the jetskis. After 09.00 to snorkel on the left side of the bay you can walk until the beach of the hotel  Lido resort, and start swimming by getting close to the shore. The snorkling place is more or less in front of the Hotels/Resorts Sandals and Hedonism II.
To snorkel on the right side of the bay (not far from the Hotel Riu Negril), you can use the road outside of the hotel, and after a safe 5/10 minutes walk, there is a small path/road which bring you straight to the reef.

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Rooms on the Beach - Ocho Rios

Operator and Date: lets go 2 - Easter 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by :  amanda, alden, junior, rumone, leona (37,42,33,20,20)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

holiday easter 2006,
after about 3 hours getting through customs then another 3 hours to hotel,when we booked in they gave us rooms with 1 double bed, they thought myself and brother were husband and wife, hotel was fully booked, because of the holidays.I ended up sleeping in the same bed has my 20 year old son wasnt to bad, they couldnt change use until folling day.when they did change us they gave us rooms on the ground floor which was just great we could open the doors and the beach was at our feet.

The rooms were always clean nothing was too much for the staff the porter did anything we requested. hotel right in the town centre but away from the hussle and bussle if thats what you want.All the attractions are on the door step, one of the nice things was to open the curtains in the morning and see the cruise linners just looks amazing, the sea is always warm, beach clean and beautiful.nightlife wow. 

i had to force my son to come on this holiday, guess where hes spending his 21st birthday with the lads, yes jamaica.I have booked my 2007 holiday couldnt get rooms fully booked, world cricket. we meet some of the most amazing locals,even some know people we know in england.we will be keeping in touch.   GREAT PLACE TO BE.

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Rose Hall and Country Club - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: oct  2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : ashley and chris bingley- Newcastle 22,23

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We've just returned from staying at this hotel and we had a great time we didnt to to leave. The hotel rooms were a little dated but very clean. The hotel is currently under refurbishment and is due to be finished in december. Staff were really nice and friendly. We got married while we were there and it was fab. Had no organising to do it was all done for us. We had a nice decorated gazebo on the beach.

The food was nice there was themed nights every nite. The al la carte restaurants are well worth a visit especially the three palms we were treat like royalty. We enjoyed fun days in the waterpark especially the lazy river. Its suitable for all ages. I would definitly go back itl be even better with the decor updated. We visited dolphin cove where we went swimming with the dolphins its a little expensive but its worth the money. Went to dunns river waterfalls you can climb up the falls but its a little scary I didnt make it to top but you can get off when ever you like. 

A brill holiday overall.

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Rose Hall and Country Club - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: First Choice - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Rob & Sue Larkin, Dave & Lesley Knight, Chinga & Wendy Mitchell & Reg & Viv Littlechild

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The wider seats on the first choice airline was great.  Jamaican people are so friendly!  Hotel was impressive although in the throws of renovation.  The staff were all superb and very polite.

Went to Dunns Falls, Bob Marley Experience, Rafting and river safari etc. The Jamaican roads leave a bit to be desired but are being worked on as we speak.

Our all inclusive deal was great, came back half a stone heavier! 

Going to town can be harrowing but try to ignore the street traders and get a good taxi driver who will show you everything you need to see.

Won't hesitate to re visit especially when this hotel has it's renovation completed.

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Rose Hall and Country Club - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Hayley Pritchard - Wales (20 of us ages 1 - 55 )

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Rose Hall is definately somewhere I'd go again.  We travelled in Sept 2006 a party of 20 for a wedding.  Flight was good, getting through immigration in Jamaica was a bit stressful.  Hotel is lovely rooms are clean and tidy which is all you need cos how much time do you spend in your room!  Food is great with plenty of variety and choice.  I have a very fussy 5yr old and she loved the food. 

Water Park and beach are fab.  I recommend the kids klub and this service is free (although our brochure stated a local charge).  The staff are a mixed bunch some go out of their way for you others can be quite rude. 

Entertainment is ok but finishes quite early on.  I think that was the only downside to the hols.

Wedding was lovely although I recommend if your getting married to keep a copy of what you have asked for and check the day before that they have everything as the bride in our party was told on the wedding morning that they did not have the flowers she had requested and that the wedding co ordinator she had dealt with all along was off on that day! 

The boys loved the golf course.

Went to the dolphin cove and on the canopy experience and saved a lot of money by actually booking these direct using the telephone numbers on the leaflets and booking a taxi transfer.

All in all a fab relaxing holiday that was enjoyed by all ages.  i would definately recommend.

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Rose Hall and Country Club - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jez & Linda - Kent (42,45,13,11,11)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Rose Hall resort in Montego Bay is actually no where near Montego Bay - you need to go on the excursions or get a taxi if you want to go there. Having said that the Rose Hall is so nice we were quite happy to spend our days there apart from a couple of excursions.The water park was great fun and the swim up bar was an added bonus. The main pool was very nice with plenty of shade if you needed it. There were snack bars at both pools for lunch/drinks. This was mainly burgers and chips but that kept the kids happy.The breakfast and evening meal buffet had plenty of choice and the two speciality restaurants were very nice.The hotel is having some repairs at the moment but this was not a problem to us - we didn't hear them very much. It might have been worse if your hotel room was closer to the repairs.

The rooms were a bit dated but clean and well furnished. We wern't in the rooms that much anyway. There was entertainment every evening with a resident band and some sort of act.The Dunns River Falls is a must do excursion but the shopping trip was terrible.We were taken to a shop in the middle of nowhere which they called a duty free shop. All it sold was tat. Then on to the craft market which was quite a scary experience.They literally drag you into their stalls, give the kids free gifts (pencils)so you feel obliged to buy from them.They almost hang on to you and when you try to leave they get right in your face and keep trying to sell.Horrible!Then we were taken on to a bar in Montego Bay.As we didn't want a bar, we wanted to buy presents we decided to go further into the town to shop and then walk back to catch the coach. The rep didn't seem to like that very much but we still went and found some very nice shops.

To sum up the holiday was great but the shopping experience was not good.

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Rose Hall and Country Club - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Glen & Kelly Pearson - Newcastle, Uk

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Formerly known as the Wyndham Rose Hall Resort & Country Club.

Accommodation:
Rooms were a little dated, not huge and not small, but could do with a new air conditioning system.  Kept clean though.

Food:
Have been to other all inclusive hotels, and would say that the choice of food is limited in most of the restaurants with quite a few fish dishes, but if you are not to fussy you'll find something to have.

Would highly recommend the Three Palms speciality restaurant, nice setting within the Golf Course and great food.

Pool Area:
Two pools one known as the East pool and the other the West.  The West pool is classed as the water park with a couple of slides and a lazy river.  Again the pools and the surounding area's are kept very clean.  Plenty of sun loungers, but can get very hot around the pool as no breeze like on the beach.

Beaches:
Water was nice and warm, and the beaches we cleaned and raked every night. Plenty of sun loungers, and you have a nice breeze to kill the heat a bit.

Bars:
Only visited two of the bars on the complex, the one above the East Pool and the Cricketers.  Staff always very freindly, Red Stripe is the local beer with a full fat and light option.  Will have to pay a small supplement for premium brand beers and liquors.

Staff:
Hotel staff very friendly, quickly checked in, and received a lot of help from the hotel conceirge in trying to find our lost bag.

Rep:
If you are travelling with Thomas Cook we found our rep Fiona to be no help at all. Took us three days to get our missing bag.

All in all we have been to other caribbean islands, but would not return to Jamaica.

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Rose Hall and Country Club - Montego Bay

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - 2006 / 2007

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : keith and familly  44, 35, 11, 9.

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Excellent holiday. The hotel is clean and friendly. Expect to tip all staff ( take about $80 US in one dollar denominations,just for tipping as no one will change a 5 dollar note, only in the hotel.

The waterpark was brilliant and we never saw the kids once we plonked ourselves down. The lazy river is so relaxing.We got married whilst we were out there,(fantastic). Food was excellent, a bit repetetive but good. Three palms restaurant was fabulous, ask for a table outside. We saw a shooting star whilst dinning here on our wedding night, very special. 

Do NOT go into Montego Bay. It is very frightening. Gangs of men surround you and ask if they can show you around. They expect to be tipped $80 for this and get quite nasty if you don't comply. Montego Bay itself is disgusting. You can see into the broken sewers as you walk on the pavement, great big holes, you could easily fall into the sewers if you dont take care. 

We got a local taxi driver to take us river rafting and to Dunns river falls. It worked out cheaper than the tour opperator.Agree a fixed price first.I would definately go back to this hotel as it had everything you need for a good familly holiday.The only problem being that unless you have a planned trip you are very unsafe leaving the complex.Not that you ever need to leave! Crime rates are incredible high in Jamaica, but not directed at tourists. A lot of it is to do with drg smuggling. You wont see any of it if you stay in the complex. Despite this information I would rate the hotel and holiday as 9/10. Mainly due the fun of the waterpark.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First Choice/Eclipse Direct  August 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Julie Young - Tring Herts (44,57

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just arrived back after a fantastic two weeks here.Booked with Eclipse Direct who are a subsidury of First Choice and was surprised that even though their website was exactly the same as First Choice, with all the same holidays, they are cheaper, so worth a look.

Flight was good, it is well worth paying for the extra legroom seats,but dont pay First Choice's fee to sit together as well as if there is only two of you, you will get them anyway. we had the middle seats on row 20 (outbound) and 28(inbound) and there had obviously been a row of seats removed as we couldnt even touch the seats in front with our legs stretched out. Aircraft was a bit old and tired and the entertainment system wasnt fully fuctional on the way out, so 10 hours is a long time to amuse yourself particularly if you have children.Get your planes fully serviced or get some newer ones First Choice!

Our arrival at Montego Bay airport, i can only describe as near hell on earth. We arrived with three other planes, we had to queue for Immigration for nearly an hour in a stifling room and then by the time we got to baggage reclaim our flight had been removed from the screen so no one knew where our luggage was and there was no body around to ask. Eventually somebody discovered a load of cases that had been removed from a belt that had been thrown on the floor, which were our flight. We all passed the message by word of mouth but it was chaos. We were met by the reps and guided to our coach. Be warned the man loading your cases and the driver will expect, and ask for a tip. We were caught out a bit as having just been traumatised with the arrival process, we hadnt any money to hand. we eventually gave him $200 Jamaican, (about £2) for our two cases and he was more than happy, but they will take sterling, pound coins and all. We took quite alot of Jamaican currency but we only really needed a bit.Most things are priced in US Dollars wherever you go, except in the resort shop which was in Jam Dollars and to be quite honest it was very reasonably priced and not alot different to prices outside. So i bought my presents, tshirts etc from there to use them up.If you can avoid it dont pay in JAM Dollars if the price is quoted in US Dollars as the exchange rate is not very good and can cost you more.

The journey to the resort took an hour and a half, the first part from Montego Bay was a rough road but the rest was brand new road. We arrived exhausted, check in was quick and efficient and we were taken to our room. We had a lovley Garden Cottage no 121. It was ideal, third one back from the beach so we could hear the waves on the beach, at the end of the resort so very quiet. We had security men and women night and day, watching the beaches and we got very friendly with them, particularly as our body clocks never did seem to cope with the 6 hour time difference and we were up and about at around 7am every morning.

I agree with previous comments that the cottages inside, are a little tired, but they were spotlessly clean and the air con was a godsend, with a ceiling fan as well.It was nice to have the privacy, the space and the uniqueness that they provide. TV had many American channels with a couple of Jamaican ones but it was such a luxury to have so many english speaking channels when usually in Europe all you get is BBC World and CNN. The gardens are immaculatly well maintained and had banana trees, almond trees and even a mango tree as well as coconut palms. The staff will get you any of these if you ask.

Food was excellent, we never bothered eating at any of the other restaurants we never felt the need. The most amazing thing about this holiday is that you truly relax, you have no perception of time, as there is no need for it,meal times are flexible, breakfast 7am to 9-30am and then if you cant make that there are snacks from 10-30am, lunch 12midday till 2-30pm and dinner from 7pm till 9-30pm. We just did whatever we wanted.
Staff were very friendly and efficient.The main pool was a bit on the small side but with the beach right next to it, no problem. We did find we had to get sunbeds early though and all of them could do with replacing.On the beach they had the white slatted ones and they didnt have mattresses so very uncomfortable. May pay to take, or get a lilo to put on it.

The lifeguards were fantastic, didnt miss a thing which i know i would have found reassuring if i had had children with me. One chap even sat in the pool with a young boy watching over him so that his Dad could do the water aerobics with peace of mind. They kept the poolside spotless too.

We didnt do too much whilst we were there except Dunns River and this is a must. We booked a taxi from the hotel, our driver,Precious (great name)took us to the Falls for US$40 and then collected us later. From asking people we found out that the organised trips all went to various naff shopping places before arriving at the Falls at the busiest times, and felt it was a long and tiring day. The Falls are only about 20 mins drive from the hotel and right opposite Dolphin Cove so i guess you could kill two birds with one stone by taking the taxi. Entry to Dunns river was US$15 each and we went at 9am so it was delightfully quiet.I took an old pair of trainers with me to climb the falls and as long as they have a decent grip then you dont need to buy special water shoes. You can hire them at the falls for USD5 a pair anyway.Girls i would wear a tshirt over your bikini because the pressure of the water could seperate you and your top! You come out into a craft market where you have to barter and haggle but they are all good natured and a simply "No thanks" will suffice. Make sure you take a disposable waterproof camera, dont take your digital camera whatever. The water is strong and we heard of several people who lost their cameras. We had a guide and tipped him US$5 at the end which seemed acceptable.

The hotel had lots of activities, we did the glassbottom boat which was good although made me feel sick, and the pedalos which werent a great success mostly due to my lack of coordination! It got quite windy every day so it was best to do these in the morning.
There is a beauty salon and we had a massage done outside in a gazebo at the end  of a jetty. It has treatment tables and is screened and you look out over the sea, very relaxing until we had a rain shower! This was only about £23 for the hour which i thought was very good. I also had a pedicure for £12 so you must ask for Jesseika, she was brilliant, tell her that the lady she massaged in the rain sent you!
This really is an all inclusive place, i didnt have a handbag with me all day for the entire fortnight and that was a pleasure. The only money i needed in the evening was if i bought something from the various stallholders that were selling their wares each night around the pool.

The entertainment was a bit naff and relied alot on audience participation but the team worked so hard and interacted with everyone so well, the kids loved them.During the day i personally found it very noisy around the pool with loud music blaring for most of it, but you just retreat to the beach or the jetty bar.
Beach towels are provided, not great quality but dont lose them as it will cost you USD20 each. There were a couple of people who said that they had theirs taken. We had our own and put the hotel ones on top.
Unbeknown to me tipping was included in the price of the holiday so there is no need to tip anyone in the hotel on a day to day basis, we made our choices at the end of who had gone that little bit further for us. We had a lovely waiter, he was very quiet and polite but always had a smile, Adrian Treasure was his name so look out for him as he looked after us so well at meal times.

I took my own hairdryer, although there is one provided, however it didnt have the same power even though i had an adaptor. The air con in the room uses a three pin english type plug, so i just used that instead. Hair straightners were a waste of time girls, as its so humid that your hair frizzes up the minute you step outside, so tie it up.
We made some great acquaintances there, this is not a large brassy resort, but is smaller and has a much friendlier atmosphere. The Brits seemed to make up most of the clientele, but there were a number of Americans who were just loud,in your face and at times just downright rude to the staff. Canadians were lovely and also alot of Dutch but not many Germans. A few Argentinians (didnt mention the Falklands!) and some Columbians whose men all seemed to look like the steriotypical Drug Barron. All the kids seemed to enjoy themselves even the teenagers. Weather was warm and humid, we did have a couple of thunderstorms and i have never heard thunder so loud but it all cleared up quickly and the sun came out. There is a delicious breeze most days too.

The beaches are made up of four little bays, they are cleaned every morning of seaweed and the water is so warm. It is a bit rocky underfoot in places but we found a sandy path in and water shoes will do the trick other than that. Great for snorkelling too with lots to see. 

All in all this holiday was great value for money, there is terrible poverty in Jamaica which is very evident as soon as you step outside of the resort but i have never met such friendly people in all my life as the Jamaicans, and i have been so relaxed and chilled out on a holiday, it is well worth the extra money and i will do my best to save up and go again next year to Royal Decameron

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First Choice - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : 39,37,6

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from our holiday and had a lovely time out there. The cottage we stayed in was in the gardens and had everything you needed. It also had very good air conditioning that we kept on day and night as it was just so hot. It was kept very clean by the maids who attended each day (but at no particular time) and the towels were taken each day and replaced with clean ones. The barmen were extremely friendly and we had a special bond with George (the jungle hunter) and Stuey. Both so friendly and they adored out 6 year old daughter. These 2 men were mainly on the Swing Bar (located on what is called the Jetti Bar). Whilst we were there this bar was closed for renovation. So if you have read on the reviews about the swings, I am sorry to dissapoint you, but they have now taken the swings away. This we feel was one of the highlights of the resort and we at least had the first week to enjoy them! 

There was a few let downs in the resort though. The entertainment was the same old thing every night and we found ourselves going back to the cottage to watch some TV. The food was also a big let down. If you want to experience proper Jamaican food then you won't find it here. I am a fussy eater and found that there is only so much bread, potatoes and rice a person could eat. Although the burgers that were served up on the American night were very tasty! Food was in plenty of supply, but beware of the biscuits and cakes. As it is a hot country the ants are a problem around sweet things. The cakes were very sweet but the cream in them was synthetic so if you have a sweet tooth you will be fine. Fruit was in abudence everyday which consisted of nearly everything. The last let down was the size of the main swimming pool. It was very small and was in shape of figure 8. 4ft in shallow end and 8ft in deep end. This apparantly is going to be closed due to new jamaican law that it should now be 4ft with no deep end. This is only what we had heard through other guests, so I cannot tell you anymore than that.
The humidity was very high and thank heavens there was quite a strong wind.

The sea was mainly quite choppy whilst we were there and only managed to snorkel once in the 2 weeks we stayed. Unfortuately it is not the carribean sea so you will have to go out quite far to see some exotic species. Make sure you take some sea shoes as my sister-in-law got stung on our second day by a sea urchin. She said it was extremely painful and it happened literally upon entering the water. Fortunately there is a nurses station in the resort which is 24 hours, which we found reassuring. This is located outside the reception area. You will also see plenty of little lizzards which are very quick on their feet. We had encountered 3 in our cottage, but they don't pose a problem. There is also a shop located on the resort called Goggles. You can purchase many products in there including cigarettes. Although you won't be able to find any english fags apart from Molboro. Again its something to do with the Jamaican law. However, if you go into Ocho Rios you will be able to buy brands such as B&H, Silk Cut etc in the duty free complex. And while you are there you must try the Jamaican patties. They are lovely! They come in Beef, Chicken and veg. For those of you who like KFC and Burger King, you will also find these in Ocho Rios.

It's a must that when you go shopping, remember to barta. You will get some bargains. But be careful with the hair braiders! They ripped me off. My daughter had only 20 put in the front of her hair and it cost us £30!!!! They just don't like telling you how many they will put in and they do them so thin that they manage to put more braids in!
We dont some of the excursions, including the Dolphin Cove. This to me was the absolute highlight of my holiday. I was overcome with the dolphins so much that I will definately do it again on my future holidays.
We also done the Dunns River Fall and it is very hard work! So for all of you who enjoy a challenge, this is the one for you. The Cool Runnings team on the boat which took us to the Dunns River were brilliant. It was an entertaining journey which involved everyone on board. Music and drinks were included, and also the staff dancing! The boat stopped out in the sea, for you to have a swim. This was for approx an hour so make sure you have your swimwear on and any sun lotions.

The currency in Jamaica is a mixture of Jamaican dollars, US dollars and even English sterling was taken. The choice is yours but you do get more Jamaican dollars to the £pound. The reception also has 24 hour money exchange.

All in all we enjoyed our stay at the Royal Decameron Club Carribean and there is so much to tell. You will just have to find the rest out for yourselves. You really won't be dissapointed. We weren't!

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First choice  march 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : tony & jayne dewick  leicester 49 51

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

What a wonderfull place.Staff are very polite   and helpfull judith on front desk was a dimond.we had a cottage on the beach number 6 it was heaven.food was first class.we went on a number of trips,dolphine cove a must for any body,bob marley nine mile trip my fav,glitering waters out of this world,and of course dunns river but make sure u take the one with snorkling included so u travel by boat to the falls.lots of shopping in ochia and most of it duty free we went 3 times ha ha.there r 2 swimming pools 1 is a quiet pool.the kids r kept entertained by excellent staff.we have fell in love with jamaica we made friends with a family from england they go every year and we r all going back in december this year.all i can say is just go to this resort fab fab fab fab

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First Choice - Dec 2006

Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Susan and Colin Watson (49 and 50)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This holiday was a special one as we were getting married and we really treated ourselves. We flew out Premier Class on Xmas Day and actually gained 5 hours extra of our Xmas. The flight was better than expected 9hrs 30mins and the Premier Class seats made all the difference.The little TV infront of you really helped the time go by, all the latest movies.

On landing the customs and passport control was a bit of a cattle market. The coach journey was a bit slow and bumpy to Royal Decameron but air conditioning was welcome. On arrival we held back to let all the other guests check in, a porter took our bags to our beach cottage, which was just idealic and as we expected only 9 paces to the Caribbean Sea. The food was excellant and the staff brilliant. The wedding was more than we anticipated as only the two of us went out and hoped to grab two witnesses. As the holiday progressed and we met people they invited themselves. We got maried on the beach which was asolutely lovely and then went back to the Gazebo to sign the documents. Part of the wedding package was a Jamaican wedding cake and bottle of champagne(we ended up buying several more for our guests) 

All in all I would recommend going here to marry. The photographs taken by Paul the wedding photographer are stunning. We did visit Dunn's River Falls although stunning to look at VERY dangerous to climb. I did attempt it and bailed out half way up, my hubby and friends continued to the top. The cruise there and back was good. We also took the trip Rafting down the Rio Grande which in itself was fabulous but getting there was a long haul - 4 hours! There are a few downfalls though - the ROADS are atrocious it takes any driver in any vehicle twice as long to get anywhere! Although the Royal Decameron is a nice place the entertainment has  lot to be desired - lots of kids and Butlins-like evenings!!Oh! and the sea, 12" into the sea and there are rocks embedded which are lethal on your feet. 

I would visit Jamaica again but would probably got to Negril which is the place where the brochures photographs are taken.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First Choice August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Aileen Craig Simon Scott 36 35 15 12

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Wow what a holliday, arrived at the RDCC late afternoon, check in was realy quick with a glass of punch. We had a suite which was realy big the only complaint i had was the fold out bed for the two children, it was old and very lumpy so we asked for another bed which was in our room within hours of asking. The rooms are very clean and the maids are real friendly nothing was a problem for them.

The water sports on offer at the hotel are fantastic, banana boat every day weather permitin of cause, kyaks snorkling pedaloes and many more. Free beach towels is a great plus no more wet towels hanging round the room covered in sand. The beach is ok, it has large rocks in the sea so water shoes are a good idea. The daytime activities around the main pool can be a bit loud and as we had children we could not go round the adult pool, this is the only thing i found anoying as my kids like to make their own fun which was a bit hard to do in the main pool. The staff though are brill especially sedeka. Night time entertainment gets a little repetative over the two weeks so most evening we ended up on the jetty bar and if george is there you are gauranteed to get drunk, he makes sure your glass is never empty that goes for the daytime too so be prepared.

The three restaurants are great, the food is good, very varied. Some of our party have dodgy tummies while away normally but no one had a problem here so it gets the thumbs up for me.

While we was there reggea sunsplash was on so we had to go just to watch Damien Marley and UB40 perform live on stage this was the best experience i have ever had the locals were brill and even made us feel welcome at thier festival. After a night up partying we went and swam with the dolphins again a must wow can't explain the feeling it was quite expensive but well worth it. Dunns river falls is another must how can you go to Jamaica and not climb them even the kids had a great day we chose a full day trip from the rep which included shopping first, got to say not too impressed where we was taken found it very expensive compaired to back home.
Horse riding was brill too you get to canter them in the sea this was more special for me as it was my birthday, again wow what a day. Tubbing was the last day out we had wasn't too impressed over three miles of river and there is only three rapids wouldn't recomend this one sorry.

Totaly fell in love with Jamaica and its people and can't wait to go back again so we can explore the island a little bit more yea mon.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : ROONEY family  (34,34,10,4)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The journey from airport was 1hr 1/2's on a half built road not good, but you soon forget this when you arrive at the beautifull Royal Decareron!!

The is a resort not just a hotel, it felt like we were on our own private island. From the beach you can see 3 coves all private and very safe.

We stayed in a garden cottage (no.45) perfect position near beach, pool's and jetti bar. With our own patio area and beautiful surroundings. The cottage's are basic but the whole feel of your own little hide away hut make's you think your on a paridise island!
The jetti bar or better know as Georges bar because the bar tender make's you so welcome it's fantastic. The bar seats are "swings" great fun as you sit and relax and ontop of the sea.
Our little boy who is 4 loved the beach and was in full view of this bar so he built sandcastles all day with the friends he made! My 10 year old girl found a friend and was totally independant for the holiday somtimes going to eat alone and going to each others cottages, the resort was so private we knew they were safe.

FOOD was very good quality and always available.
WATERSPORTS were FREE and supervised, even things like banana boat and glass bottom boat were inclusive.
ROOMSERVICE: rooms cleaned and towels changed everyday, although towels were a little small so I'd take a beach towel. Towels supplied for pool but have know better quality.
I took extra coat hangers as there were only a few. There was a good hairdryer in bathroom.
Don't forget 2 flat pin plugs if you have a dvd etc.

ENTERTAINMENT was constant and very good,professional dancers put on a show 3 times a week and manager Rocky was a scream! Kids loved activities staff and pool areobics was a pleasure with O'Neil!

DUNNS RIVER FALLS; having a 4 year old we was going to give this a miss but so glad we changed our mind. Don't go on an organised trip they go at busy times and cost more. Go to the little shop just outside gate and Grant will take you in a taxi and wait for you, you don't pay him until your back so it's perfectley safe.We went on a Friday leaving at 9am and there were only 20 people on the falls, usually there are hundreds.

So...If you want to chill Jamaiac style head to the The Royal Decameron.....yehh mon!!!!!

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Jacquie and Shane (37 and 44)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just got back and had a fab time.

Journey from the airport was an experience and a little bumpy (apparently the road should have been finished in 2000), so girls take your support bras. The journey took just short of two hours.

We had a quiet cottage on the beach (number 19), this one would be great for families as it had two bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin upstairs), along with lounge.  The whole resort was very chilled and felt very personal. I would say that the best cottages to have would be between numbers 14 and 20.

Food was great, cocktails were great too, and the Swing bar was a great place to relax with yet another drink.

There was more included activies than we saw advertised in the brochure, these included:

- Waterskiing
- Banana Boat
- Pedalos
- Kayaks
- Sunfish Boats
- Glass Bottom Boats

Only downside, got bitten a few times by mozzies, but the onsite shop sold bite cream and insect repellent, but it might be as well to take some with you.

Went on the party boat to Dunns River Falls, which was pretty cool, free rum and redstripe (not together) on the boat along with snorkelling at a coral reef on the way there. They offered dvd's of the trip on the way back.. good tip barter on the price, we got em down an extra $20, but I don't know if the start price was the same for everybody.

On the last two days we took the opportunity of upgrading to the Holiday Inn near Montego Bay.. only because it was closer to the airport and we wanted to try out somewhere else.

This hotel had loads of facilities, and it was huge.. bit noisy in the buffet area though. The upgrade included free transportation to the hotel and on to the airport afterwards (but don't forget to ask about the one to the airport). Adult only pool there with the swim up bar was a pretty good way of chiling through the day.

Allow plenty of time to get through the airport though, its not the most organised place in the world.. but hey, after the week we had it was - YEAH MAN - NO PROBLEM!

Would definately go back..... FAB FAB FAB...

Jacquie and Shane

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - January 2006

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : Tony, Carol - Nottingham (59,59,52,47)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Getting through Montego Bay airport after a 10 hour flight was not pleasant, very hot and a lot of queuing.

Approximately 1.5 hour road journey, which varies between poor and dreadful.

Reception at the hotel was very good, with a very welcome ice cold fruit punch.

We were in 2 garden bungalows, which had adjoining doors, which could be bolted from both sides, so privacy when it was wanted.

Rooms were spacious and spotless,with individual air conditioning units, which worked pretty well.

Hot water supply a little weak at times, but never failed.

The walk through the gardens to the restaurant bars etc. was a real pleasure.

Food was very good and varied, and staff were very friendly and helpful.

Plenty of water activities available, and were included in the price of the holiday, as were beach towels, which could be changed every day.

The beaches and the gardens were very well maintained, with maintenance being constantly carried out.

Bar staff were excellent, and alcoholic drinks available from 10am - 2am.

All in all an excellent holiday, which was very relaxing.

Trips to Dunn's river falls, Martha brae, and Firefly (Noel Coward's house) were the highlights.

We look forward to another visit, when hopefully the road will have been finished.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : KIM JEFF SCOTLAND 48 38

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

If you are looking for a fun holiday then the above accommodation is just right for families, singles, couples..in fact anyone.
The accommodation was good, we had a sea view beach cottage. The food was varied and presented hot and tasty.
The entertainment crew..Rocky, Kirk, O'Neil, Shag, Sarah, Telisha made the whole two weeks fun and full of laughter. The wind played havoc with the water sports, but on the calm days we managed to go kayaking, and i got a scuba dive in after doing the free trial dive in the pool. We will def be going back this yr..if not next yr..see you all later guys.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First Choice - 2006

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Aileen, Craig, Simon, Scott ( 35 34 15 12)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Wow what a holliday. I can't beleive some of the comments from previous visitors we had a fantastic time. The hotel staff were great, very helpfull and not a bit rude. We went to Jamaica for my dads wedding and wow what a wedding again a day to remember the staff could not do enough to help. I was worried about the food before we went as i have a very sensitive tummy, i need not have worried the food was great varied and plenty of it espesially the snack bar during the day where you could have piza burgers hot dogs and chips. You can venture out of the complex day and evening there is not much outside so once you have been you may not bother again unless you need an atm machine. The locals are very friendly I could have chatted to them all day. The entertainment staff at the hotel are great sedeka especially she makes a real effort to get to know everyone by name. You don't get that at every resort. We did find though that some days the entertainment round the main pool a bit load and as we had kids could not use the quiet pool as this is for adults only. There are two resturants on the complex that offer great food you do have to book on the morning though and it does get booked very quik and they are open alternate and only two evenings.

The rooms are kept very clean. The towls changed dailey i could not have asked for a better room the only thing we did ask for was an extra bed as my kids could not sleep together on a fold up bed, but the same day i asked there was another bed in the room fab what service.

The beach is ok Im not realy a beach person so not the best person to coment. The water sporst on offer are great weather permitting of course. George at the jetty bar is fab such a great bloke we had so many boozy days and nights and will not forget him for a long time espesially his little songs.

We went on loads of trips the first one being Reggea sunsplash an experience i will never forgett who can say they have seen Damien Marley and UB40 live on stage in Jamaica, ME lol. The dolphins are a must expensive but well worth it. Dunns river falls exhilarating it takes about two hours to climb with a guide, the most magnificent thing i have ever seen. Horse riding was my favourite as it was my birthday two hours treking down a mountain in the sun very laid back with the best guides out singing bob marley songs down to a beach where a dring and a bite to eats waites for you once fed and watered its back on the horse and in to the sea for a canter cant' put in to words it gives me goose bumps thinking about it and then the last thing we did was the white river tubbing(never been so scared in my life) again no need as our guide was the best and i did have the time of my life two hours on a rubber ring drifting and at times in the rapids have a whale of a time.

The only downfall is that all good things come to an end and this was one of them. We are going back for sure as there was so many more things we never had the time to do.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: First choice - 2006

Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Debbie, Brenda

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading lots of reviews i was a little hesitant about this hotel, i should have taken them with a pinch of salt(well at least the not so complimentary ones which seemed to come from American visiters mainly) this hotel is absolutely lovely.The staff are genuinly pleasant and extemely well mannered and helpful. The food was above average for a three star hotel, always plenty of it and a good selection to choice from. The restuarants were spotlessley clean as were all areas of the hotel.

We stayed in a cottege no52 it was in a great location with a garden view and away from the main walkways which i would imagine could get noisy with people coming back at all hours. Evening entertainment rainged from ok to excellent whatch out for Albert the man that makes the hats on the beach he popped up one evening with his band to my surprise.

Jetty bar which is run by George and a variety of other bar tenders is a must, its great to get away from the main pool area and George will keep you entertained for hours. All of the hotels staff were helpful and polite.

We went on two trips both worth the money. We went to Dunns river, Botanical gardens and shopping in Ocho rios, the falls are excellent make sure you take water shoes as its slippery. Shopping in Ocho Rios is an experience, as soon as you get out of the taxi people try to sell you ALL SORTS!!!
The highlight of our trip was the horse riding and rafting, if you do antyhing this is a must. Horse riding is safe for all levels of riders as its a gentle walk ending with you been lead in the sea on your horse for a swim roung its great. Then the rafting is around an hours tranquil journey down the river.

One word of warning make sure you understand the money before you go as i took Jamaican dollers but most things are priced in American and it gets confusing i tipped someone 2000 Jamaican dollers (£20) thinking it was 200 Jamican £2 because the money is the same colour, oh well a good lesson learned. I would highly recommend this hotel and would love to return. The weather was bad it rained for the first 5 days but still warm and didnt ruin the holiday as it is such a relaxing place. Enjoy!!!

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin atlantic - 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : lou ged 39 50

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

can i just say that this was our fourth time in decameron and every time was as good as the last  we are actually emigrating next year to jamaica  we just love the place we have made good friends there especially geoerge the bar man hes adarling  and sharky rory hopeton the lifeguard hes a sweetie    and my favourite waiter maurice  if this is youre first time to jamaica dont be put off what people say about it just go and i promise you will love  we would also like to say if you need ataxi go outside and just ask for delboy hes great just say that lou and ged said hi and recommended him    the food is fantastic so much choice  and if you love snorkling like i do  then you will be well away there  and if you are a fisherman take a rod like my husband  and just go and i promise you will love it  happy holidays love lou and ged and kids             

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: September 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Kevin and Joanne Quantrill (37, 35)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had spent a non-stop week in Miami before flying to Jamaica for a relaxing 10 days and this is exactly what we got. The choice of a quiet holiday or an entertaining one was yours. For a small complex it had every thing you wanted from a holiday.

We chose quiet days by the beach or the quiet pool area but a five minute walk through the resort and there was entertainment all day long. The evenings had entertainment till 11pm and then the entertainment went into the nightclub but you could stay outside and have a quieter time.

The cottages on the beach looked great.We  stayed in a garden cottage and these had all you needed and were all in central locations.

We went snorkelling a few times. Great views from the boat. Hubby went scuba diving but said the views from snorkelling were just as good as the seas were clearer where the boat took us.

The swing bar is a must, the only problem being is that it closed at 9pm. A number of guests tried to pay George to keep it open later but failed. It had a great gathering everynight with a great atmosphere, but sadly only till 9pm.

The pizza bar at the far end of the resort was great for lunchtime snacks.

We climbed the Dunns River Falls and loved the day. Hard work but the views were great and we had great fun climbing it.

We wanted a quiet time, people we talked to wanted the entertainment and we all got what we wanted. Excellent time.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: Expedia - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Vicky & Raymond (32,32)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from 2 fantastic weeks in Jamaica, and I would definately recommend this hotel to others.  This hotel caters particularly well for those with young kids as they run a kids club during the day, and for those of us who don't want to simply lie in the sun all day as they run numerous activities between 9:30am-5pm.

There are 2 pools.  The main one is located next to the bar, main reataurant and sea, and is where all the activities happen.  We really enjoyed this pool as the activity staff are fantastic, water volley ball was a favourite.  For those who want peace and quiet there's the adult only pool or plenty of beach to lie on.

Activities not to miss are the bike tour and the snorkelling.  On the bike tour you go out of the hotel and get to see a bit of the real Jamaica and visit another beach. I have to hand it to the activites staff, they work so hard all day and have such a great sense of humour, they will keep you smiling throughout your stay.

The food was great, we ate in all 3 restaurants and enjoyed them all.  I've stayed in 2 other Carribean all inclusive resorts (both had higher star ratings), but this hotel had the best variety, on some days you even had someone making ceaser salad for you - you simply choose what you want in the salad and they make it.  Our favourite though had to be the "Jerk Pork" in the Jamaican Restaurant.

The evening entertainment was also good.  Twice a week dancers put on a show which is very enjoyable, and twice a week they have contests which the guest participate in (only if you want to though - they don't force you),the Miss Decameron and Best Couple were hilarious.  They have their resident band who also play most nights before the entertainment starts, however us and others we spoke to all agreed it would have been better to have some different reggae bands some nights after the entertainment to get people up dancing outside.

The grounds to the hotel are beautiful and very well kept.  We stayed in a Garden Cottage which was very nice, plenty of room inside and a huge bed.  We had to stay in a courtyard room for a couple of nights due to the hotel being overbooked, these are cheaper to stay in but I think the Cottages are well worth paying extra for.  I found the Courtyard Rooms quite dark and small.

We did 2 trips, the Dunn's River Falls - which is a must, and the Rafting on the Martha Brae - nice and relaxing, although a little overpriced I thought.

If you are thinking of booking a holiday to Jamaica you can't go wrong with this hotel, the staff really make your stay enjoyable and fun.

A fantastic holiday!!!

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: Mar 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : David - Linlithgow (38,35,2)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went with our 2 year old daughter and loved it.

Great beach, good watersports facilities, plenty of sun beds, excellent food, good pool. Individual hut accomodation great for a 3 star.

Complex isn't huge so may be a little quiet for people looking for lots of variety.

Pool side daytime entertainment a bit loud and tacky but easy to find a quiet spot away from the pool if you get fed up with it.  Outdoor nightime entertainment finishes around 11:00p.m. so no real problem with noise.

Also stayed a few days at Royal Decameron Montego Bay but this wasn't as good. Accomodation slightly higher standard but beach is pretty poor and layout is a little cramped. Great for a wee change towards the end of the Holiday though.

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Royal Decameron - Runaway and Montego Bay, Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : peter & tracey oliver

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We just recently been to jamacia and it was just as we thought it would be absalut paradice. 

We stayed in runnaway bay for one week. Its a very romantic place to be, we saw atleast 1 wedding everyday. The staff were excellent and could not do enough for you. The bar staff were really very good at there jobs even when the Americans were tipping them every 5 mins they still made them wait there turn at the bar, which was a good job because there were mostly Americans. (spring break) We found most Americans very ignorant and not trying to go out of there way to speak to you. The people from Canada were so different, very friendy and they made us feel very welcome. 

The food is ok, there is plently to choose. Some days the Food is can be a little bland. But you can book 2 other restaurants as many times you like. Which was good because sometimes I would eat only soup because sometimes I did not like some of the way they did som foods. The veg would normally be under cooked and the meat was sometimes over cooked. We went to the carribean resturant one night it was very good we both had the seafood cassarole, which was excellent. We where stayin in Jamacia for 3 weeks, but we where only in Runnaway bay for 3 or 4 days when we were offered a free upgrade to the Decamaran in Montego Bay. ( Its not in brocture yet still Nov 2005 and only in First choice) 

Anyway we stayed in runnaway for a week. We ended up stayin in Montego bay for two weeks. You can go out with no trouble from the locals, but like runnaway bay there are more places to see. The only problem when you go out the locals will try and be your guild ( for a small charge) which can be a pain if you only going to buy the odd present. Sometimes it can be a good idea because you dont get anyone else bothering you. We found the staff not as good in Montego Bay, they seamed to be more for the Americans.

We had a problem with one of the bar staff. The pool bar shuts down at 5pm, but one day my friend I and did not realise the time! (hust after 5pm) The barman said im sorry but the bar is closed, which was fair enough so we left. Then 10 mins later a young girl goes to the bar and got served, then shortly after that 3 other people went to the bar and got served. So my friend went over and questioned the barman and what had happened he said I will serve you but I could lose my job. My friend said you could of lost your job serving them other 4 people. Anyway he conplained about the barman, but cut along story very short there was nothin done about him. But apart from that the staff were better. Williams and Suzie in the main dinning area were very good. 

We went on a few trips which we thought were quite prices, but a most to go on. But after we booked up with our rep we found someone who would of taken us for quarter of the price, but never mind! We went to Nine miles (Bob marley trip)that was an experience, but if you are a Bob Marley fan its a must. We also went horse rideing in the sea whish was good. We went to Dunn river falls which is also a must and a very good day out. We went on a trip called black river safri, which is a very long day and not to good for small children. But was a good trip and split into 3 diffrent trips. 

We went on a boat to feed the crocs and some of us went for a short swim ( the crocs were about 20 meters away) But I had a little accient and split my finger open so we as rushed back on the boat, before the crocs came closer!! Then we went onto YS Falls, where you can pretend you are Tarzan for an hour. This was a beauitful place but an hour is not long enough here. We went onto the Appleton rum factory which was quite interesting. Your guild takes you round the factory and tell you a short story about the factory and how they make the rum. Then after this short tour they let you try 19 different rums. You can buy he rum which is very cheap about £7.50 a bottle. A little cheaper if you buy smaller bottles. 

Our last trip was rafting at the Martha brae. Which was very relaxing. Overall I would love to come back to Jamaica and even back to the same hotels, but Runnaway Bay is better if you want a more quite time. Montego bay is best if you want to go out on a night, but both places are so romantic.  

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Dave & Toni (Both 42)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What can we say? This trip was for our 25th wedding anniversary and it lived up to all our expectations.
From the moment you stepped into the hotel you were greeted with smiles and drinks and no-one could do enough for you.

We had a garden cottage. Though basic, it was very spacious and extremely clean (champagne on arrival was a bonus). The beach is spotless, plenty of watersports for the energetic, - plenty of loungers for the not so energetic!!
The food was good and had plenty of variety, and of course the cocktails are a must!!
The small gift shop has everything you could want for prezzies back home, though a trip outside the complex isn't recommended!

Runaway Bay is ideally situated for the horse-riding and Dunn Falls as well as the Swim with Dolphin, which although expensive is worth every penny!!

The entertainment around the pool both during the day and at night is very good, - you don't have to join in!
We took the opportunity to have a free up-grade for our final weekend to the Royal Decameron Montego Beach, - big mistake! The hotel was nice enough, though in the flight path for the airport, - and the rooms were OK, but for us Runaway Bay was by far the best.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

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

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : DAVE,SHARON,MOLLY&JACK(35,34,8&4)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we have just returned from our holiday and have allready booked for next year.

from the moment we arrived till the moment we left we had a truly magnificent time.you are greeted upon arrival with a fruit punch,check in was all of 10 mins then you are whisked away by the porters to your rooms.we had a room right by the wedding gazebo and all of a 10 second walk from the beach.the rooms are very well laid out with 2 single beds upstairs and a double downstairs,cable tv,bath and shower.the maids came in every day and your towels were also changed every day.

The hotel has got 1 main restaurant where you have breakfast,lunch and evening meal and 2 other reataurants that you have to book for on the morning you wish to go.at the far end of the beach is a snack grill which is open from 12:00 till 5:00 pm which serves burgers,hot dogs ,pizza and chips.we used to take the kids there as they prefered it to some of the food in the main restaurant and then that way we didn't have them on our case moaning that they were hungry.

there is one swimming pool where the activities were carried out throughout the day apart from midday till 2:00pm when you had 3 old boys playing jamaican music.behind the restaurant was where you got your beach towels and also booked what activities  you wanted to do,don't lose you cards for your towels as you will be charged $20 if you do.we couldnt keep the kids away from the club,they loved it and it is open every day,somedays they were the only 2 there but the days program was still carried out.

the 1 and only downside to it is the bar,it just isn't big enough but we found the best way to get served quicker was to tip the barstaff a couple of dollars and you were seen to much faster.we did 3 trips whilst we were out there 1)horse riding-excellant especially running the horses through the sea 2)dolphin cove-not to be missed 3)dunns river falls-we did the cruise version with snorkelling,brilliant especially if you stand ay the front of the catamaran on the way back.

all in all an excellant holiday and can't wait for nexy yeay.

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Mr & Mrs James 25,26 (honeymoon)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had a fantastic time at Club Caribbean and would go back without any hesitation.  We felt instantly chilled out - yeah man!

The beach huts and garden cottages make you feel like your experiencing the real Jamaica! Much better than a large complex with high rised buildings. If you can afford the upgrade I would recommend a beach hut 100% we viewed one and they had a little upstairs too! The positioning of them alone is worth every penny.

Upon arrival at 1.30am in the morning, the reception staff made us very welcome and were very friendly.

We were taken to our garden cottage and found the room very clean, spacious, and cool! We never experienced the hot water going cold which we have previously read about - infact it got very hot! The towels were changed each day for you also.  A couple of tips for you - take your own hair dryer, there are only a few to borrow from the hotel, (I forgot to pack mine) and there are only a few coat hangers!

Complex
The grounds are lovely and taken care of all the time.  You will see staff constantly brushing and tidying up. If you are a cat lover you may spot the odd kitten too - this made us feel at home!  At nighttime the tree frogs come out, it may take a couple of nights to get used to the noise but we found in the end we missed them!

Food
One word - Fantastic.  It was so good to see food being freshly prepared by chefs with the correct clothing on and protection gear. All food was labelled so you new exactly what you where choosing. At breakfast you could have anything from cereal, fresh fruit, toast and to a full breakfast, they even cooked your egg whichever way you liked it there and then. I have a very delicate stomach when it comes to food and I can honestly say I never felt dodgy the whole honeymoon.  Food isn't left out between breakfast, lunch, and dinner either.

For lunch there is also a snack grill available at the end of the beach, open 12 till 5pm, here you can get freshly prepared pizzas, burgers, chips and hotdogs - you must cover up when entering the snack bar though.

There are two restaurants you can book at reception - on the day you wish to have your evening meal.  These are open alternate nights, Jamaican and Cantonese.  We tried both and again the food was brilliant are favourite was the Jamaican restaurant though - the Jerk chicken is fab.

Entertainment
Your free activities need to be booked on the day you want to do them. This is the same place you collect your towels from each day for the pool - by the Jamaican restaurant.  We did the banana boat ride, kayaks, snorkelling, and glass bottom boat. 

Various entertainment is carried out throughout the day - the team really do work hard to make you enjoy yourselves. Don't worry though, if your not one for joining in they don't force you to get up!

Aerobics in the pool, volleyball, kayak racing to name a few, are some of the activities available. Each night there was something different too.  There were fashion and dance shows, local bands also appeared.

After the night entertainment has finished you move to the English bar and nightclub located near to reception.  We had some drunken nights in there and the music was pretty good also.  There is a dartboard and pool table too.

Bars
Our favourite place was the swing bar.  This is a bar on a jetty, which has swings all around the bar. George the barman really made us feel welcome - you must have a 'George of the jungle' cocktail for me - I never got the recipe. George sings and dances all day and always has a smile on his face, as soon as your drink is half empty there was another one being poured for you.  One other thing, cigarettes are free at the bars also.

Excursions
We did the Blue Mountain bike riding tour - excellent day out, the tour guides were very professional and informative. Tip - take some pencils and or crayons with you.  We gave some to a little girl playing, when we were high in the mountains and little girl was really made up with them.  You will see for yourself that they really do not have many things and we felt that we were doing our little bit.

Dolphins was also another good one, due to cost we did the encounter swim with Mitch.  This is quite expensive and really only a couple of hours long - well worth it though.

Dunn's river falls has to be done - try and go when a cruise ship isn't in, as it was rather busy when we went. The falls are fantastic - make sure you buy a waterproof camera for pictures on the way up. You can hire or buy water socks or take some old trainers with you.

We hope this has helped you with your decision - you will love Jamaica yeah man!

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Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - May 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Leah Gaughran , Keith Gaughran,Sue Gaughran,13,44,38

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This holiday to Jamaica is the best holiday i have ever been on.

We stayed in room 39 it was lovely it had a living area and bathroom and a Big double bedroom down stairs then upstairs there was an other double bed.It was very clean and the cleaners came i everyday.they left flower arangments on the beds nearly every day.We stayed in the tropical gardens which wasnt even a 1 minet walk from the pool or the beach.

The food was lovely with a wide selection . In the day you could either eat in the big restraunt or the beach restraunt which was more simple but they were both lovely.Fresh food is brought out constantly.
The staff was exalent aspeasily Maxx the bar man and Taz the bar man.They were lovely.The entertainment at night and in the day was excelent you could join in or just sit and wotch which was very funny!

We went on a trip tpo dunns falls which was excelent aspeasily the boat trip home!We also did scuba divin which was great!
Over all it was a gereat place to visit and we are going back there in 2 years!I CANT WAIT!
If you go have an IRIE time!lol
YEH MON !

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Samsara- Negril

Operator and Date: Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Claire 26, Carol,Kim 44, Charmaine, 50, Barbra, Sue, & Barry

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Samsara is a well kept hotel on the cliffs part of Negril.
The staff are friendly  and do an excellent job esp David the driver who takes you down to the beach and brings you back each day and Johnny the security guy also Marcia on reception.
The hotel is in a beautiful setting and the view from our room was great. the hotel has cats so beware if you dont like them as they follow you just for a bit of attention! but they are harmless.
the beach is not far and goes on and on and we went down there every day
Jungle is a good club and ladies are free on thursday nights
across the road from samsara is a nice place to eat and also there is a shop and the prices are good.
great resort great hotel!  going back in Feb 2006!

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Samsara Cliff Resort

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson - Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Carol Ives - Crewe 44,43,50,52,53,53,21

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Samsara Cliff resort is situated in the West End of Negril. It offers an all inclusive deal, but is not a typical all inclusive hotel. It is much smaller for a start and instead of being on the beach, it is on the cliffs. They have a sister hotel, Legends on Negril beach and offer a shuttle service to the beach daily departing at 10am and returning at 4pm.
The rooms are not luxurious, but are comfortable and clean, lets face it, who goes on holiday to stay in their room anyway? The staff are wonderful, friendly always smiling and very helpful and I must especially mention Johnny the sercurity guy and David the shuttle bus driver. We stayed on a B & B basis and they do a buffet style breakfast of which there is plenty off. Expect some typical Jamaican breakfasts, unusual but delicious!!

Out of the Samsara cliff turn right and take a 10 minute walk up the road to the Pirates Cave bar. There they will escort you to the caves below the property where you can swim out into the beautiful carribean sea in a nice sheltered area.
Turn left and across the road 50 yards is Choices, a typical Jamaican eatery which does the most mouth watering lobster in garlic sauce. Yum. Along from there is a nice veggie restaurant run by a friendly Rasta.

Negril beach is post card beautiful, with clear blue seas and clean sands. It slopes gently away so is safe for children.There are lots of water sports available, see Clive for some cheap parasailing deals. There are plenty of vendors and places to eat and our favorite was the Jerk pork man and the Pattie man!!!

Be warned, the men do not take no for an answer and you can get a lot of hassle to look at things. Also no-one will do anything for you unless there are dollars involved, but there are always plenty of security guys beach side and police patrolling the beach should you feel too threatened, which we did not. We just had to deal with them politely but firmly.

Try and find a local to take you on trips, they are a lot cheaper and tend to know some little Gems that the holiday reps don't offer. Don't expect a Jamaican to drive sedately, they drive like maniacs which can make for some hair raising journeys!!! :-)

I loved the area and our hotel. Some of the bigger hotels, like Sandals and Rui looked very luxurious, but were also as big as some big coucil estates, I must say I preferred the intimacy of our place.

I would give this a big thumbs up and will be saving hard to return despite a 10 hour flight

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Sandals Dunn's River Golf Resort & Spa

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

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Craig and Jacky (47, 48)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was our first holiday in the Carribean and, having read some of the reviews on this site I was not sure what to expect.  However, I can only say that this was probably the best holiday we have had.

On arrival in Montego Bay we sailed straight through customs etc - no problem. We were met by the Red Caps, local men who work for tips by helping holiday-makers with their luggage.  If you let them help you they only ask a small tip of about 1 or 2 dollars and this is their way of making a living.  We took about 50 dollars in 1 dollar bills just for tipping.

Sandals have their own hospitality room at the airport where there are cold drinks, beers and snacks provided.  Then we were straight on the bus and travelling to Ocho Rios.  It took about 2 hours to get there but that included a rest stop on the way to stretch your legs etc. I didn't think the roads were as bad as other reviews led me to believe.

The welcome at Dunns River couldn't have been better.  A cold flannel, cocktail, then straight to the room.  We had a Deluxe room overlooking the pitch & putt course which was lovely, very clean with new furnishing. We understood the resort had just been refurbished at a cost of 25 million and you could certainly tell.

To keep it short, the resort was superb, the food good and the beach and pools excellent, but most of all the staff, from the room maids to the Assistant Manager, Cinzia, were brilliant.  They were so friendly to everyone, nothing was too much trouble and you genuinely felt that they enjoyed their job, singing whilst they worked all the time.  It was the staff that made this holiday so special. 

I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone who would like a relaxing holiday, in glorious surroundings, with excellent service. 

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Sandals - Negril

Operator and Date: ITC Classics ( i think)  September 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : M Tupper - London (29, 42)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This resort is so fantastic that my husband and I have been 4 times since 2000.  (We have tried Dunn's river also but found that resort a little bit too large for our liking).

Negril is a small, quiet resort with a stunning 14 mile beach.  Life is very much more laid back than the UK so if you're after complete relaxation this is the spot for you.

The food and alcohol are very good,  plentiful and available around the clock, and NOTHING is too much trouble for the Jamaican staff - even if you wanted a pint of champagne with your salmon breakfast, it's "ya mon, no problem!! total luxury!

You will be so relaxed by the time you leave that it will take you a few days to adjust to the faster pace when you return home.