Anyone been to Jamaica?

Original post by ddunne23

Feb 18, 2003 06:17 PM

DH and I are looking at Couples Negril resort for our belated honeymoon. The resort was just written up in Travel and Leisure magazine as #7 in all of the Carribean. Just wondering if anyone has been to Jamaica and what you thought.

allure Posted: Feb 18, 2003 10:18 PM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

OMG littlecat i am so sorry

maysie18 Posted: Feb 18, 2003 10:27 PM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

ITA that everyone should experience things for themselves, be it an island, a book, a movie, whatever. 2 people rarely have the same experience.

And it is very easy to have a bad time somewhere when you go with preconceived notions.

I know someone who was arrested in Mexico for no reason, and held until someone could post bond, because Mexican police knew that they could get away with that. I would not tell you not to go to Mexico based on that. We've gone there 2x since that incident & just prayed it did not happen to us.

I'm sorry for the poster who's doctor friend died there but, unfortunately, people die every day all over the place for various reasons. If you based where you vacation on that fact alone, you'd probably never leave home.

allure Posted: Feb 18, 2003 10:29 PM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

This is very true the bottom line is you NEVER KNOW

EvenEdan Posted: Feb 18, 2003 11:13 PM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I've been to Jamaica and loved it. I stayed at the Breezes resort in Runaway Bay, the beach was amazing, the water was so crystal clear that I actually was in it all day and I run at the sight of fish, seaweed etc. We traveled to Dunns River and the markets in Ocho Rios. I always felt safe and thge people we met were so friendly, really wonderful people. The people at the market at the end of Dunns River Falls were extremely pushy, but nothing a 'no thank you, I am not interested' couldn't handle. It was a wonderful vacation and I would certainly go back. I don't think you should take somebody elses opinion. Just imagine what people in the midwest or even upstate say about New York City. Do your research, know where to go and where not to go in Jamaica and you will be fine!

natasha Posted: Feb 18, 2003 11:16 PM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

My DH and I went to Jamaica for our HM, we loved every minute of it. We stayed at Sandals Montego Bay and we had a blast. We also visited Ocho Rios and Negril.

If you decide to go, just take your common sense with you and you will be fine.

littlecat Posted: Feb 19, 2003 01:26 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

Thanks for your sympathy.
Shamma, I am not knocking your island, you act like I am making a personal attack. I know people die everywhere.
I did also say that I heard it was beautiful but this was just some things I heard.

littlecat Posted: Feb 19, 2003 01:27 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

Sorry i offended you, didn't mean too.

jennbaby Posted: Feb 19, 2003 06:46 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I never meant to offend either. I was just stating what the travel agents & the Jamaicans themselves told us while we were at the resort, don't go outside, although I never gave it a chance, maybe I am wrong.
Jamaica's beaches & waters were beautiful though & I did have fun at my resort.

RichsBride Posted: Feb 19, 2003 07:21 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I responded on the NW board but I just wanted to say that Sandals Montego Bay was really fun, clean & the people were super nice. I have heard that some of the other Sandals resorts are a little more upgraded & might be better for your HM. One of the big things for us was the fact that the airport is right next door to the resort. I HATE taking hot, wild bus rides across any island. I have also heard that some of the other Sandals have more stuff, golf, bigger spas. Everytime I have been to Jamaica I have been treated like a princess. I have never been fearful, just aware like I would be in any new place

LaurenG Posted: Feb 19, 2003 08:36 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I have been there also and i think Stef pretty much sums it up, i wouldnt go back

dcbride Posted: Feb 19, 2003 08:46 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I went to Jamaica and went to the Grand Lido San Souci. It was amazing. They include spa treatments- and the food was really good. If you are going to relax there is really no reason to leave the resort.

Sonicstef Posted: Feb 19, 2003 09:25 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

No offense to anyone from Jamaica, but for a tourist it can be a little scary. Please dont take offense when people express their opinions.

Ive traveled A LOT and I have never been physically accosted by market salespeople ANYWHERE BUT Jamaica - and not just by one salesmen..but by several. I am not a frightened tourist at all...so it takes a lot for me to say that I felt threatened in Jamaica. Are there murders everywhere? Of course! Is there crime everywhere? Of course! Should I tourist who is spending thousands to spend a week relaxing feel afraid to go shopping alone? No way! Should that stop someone from going? Not necessarily, just something to keep in mind.

That being said, Jamaica is absolutely beautiful - no question about that. Its very easy to avoid the less than beautiful areas because the resorts are all inclusive and the water is spectacular.

And even though I dont recommend a trip to Jamaica over some other areas - I will be going to Ochos Rios for a day on a cruise in April. And you can bet that I will enjoy it!

starhead Posted: Feb 19, 2003 09:34 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I liked Jamaica when I was there, but it was only a day stop on a cruise I was on. We did the Dunns River Falls which was great but was a little intimidating as you had to walk through an outdoor market to leave the area. Sales people are a little pushy, but I wasn't frightened.

Diane Posted: Feb 19, 2003 09:46 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

My friend stayed at Sandals, Dunns River Fallas, and RAVED about it
The only good thing about Sandals, is that you can go visit them all for 1 price.

ddunne23 Posted: Feb 19, 2003 10:17 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

Thanks for all the input! I want to go everywhere..that is the problem! My boss just lent me her 'best of' travel book and now I am totally into Costa Rica. What to do!!!

dcbride Posted: Feb 19, 2003 10:19 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

My friend LOVED Costa Rica.

NuBride Posted: Feb 19, 2003 11:29 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I LOVE Costa Rica! great place, my step-mom is from that country and Dad has a condo there...they love it.

LaurenDM Posted: Feb 19, 2003 11:49 AM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

For our honeymoon, we stayed at Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was beautiful, and wonderful. The food was excellent, the night life was great, the water was absolutely breathtaking!!! Although it's true that you can't go wandering around Jamaica by yourself, there are plenty of bus trips to go on, and it really gives you a chance to see another country! It's quite a trip, and I would highly recommend it. Plus, being part of Sandals, there were shuttle buses from each of the resorts nearby, and you could spend the day at any of them whenever you want, all for the same price. You should definitely check it out!

Tammy5-03 Posted: Feb 19, 2003 05:16 PM

Re: Anyone been to Jamaica?

I went to Montego Bay about 2 yrs ago and I loved it. Its a beautiful country. I felt perfectly safe leaving the resort. People do push you to buy things but in my experience, that is the norm not the exception in the Caribbean. Maybe that's because I always go out into the cities so I'm more used to it. I don't ever feel intimidated or threatened in any way, I just feel bad because I can't buy from everyone.