Jamaica advice!

[snowlady4]

Hi, we are 2 adults looking to book Jamaica for next year.
We were all set on the Bahia Principe Grand, Montego Bay. Then the travel agent suggested Riu Hotel Negril. They are the same price and both all inclusive.
Does anyone have any advice on these?
There are mixed reviews on both! Head is pickled trying to compare and pick one!

Been to Rui negritude twice, loved it but not when the yanks go in spring break! Montego Bay is right by the airport !

I have been to Jamaica 19 times and love it. I would not go to either of those. I would look at the RockHouse and Charela Inn in Negril https://www.rockhouse.com/ and https://www.charelainn.com/ Negril is FULL of amazing restaurants and it is so lovely to wander along the beach for dinner at Skylark. Ricks is fun for a night of watching the cliff divers and joining in if you are brave, https://www.rickscafejamaica.com/. You could combine 5 days at each with 4 at Jakes Treasure Beach https://jakeshotel.com/ which is gorgeous and a great jump off point for a black river safari, exploring local waterfalls and the famous Pelican Bar https://www.gettingstamped.com/floyds-pelican-bar-jamaica/

I would avoid Montego Bay as it is very hard to wander around the town or beaches because there are so many hustlers constantly bothering you. At all the places I mention you can completely relax as they are very secure but you can also wander around and chat to people and buy anything you want - snacks, food, crafts off the higglers on the beach who are much more chilled than the ones in Mo Bay.

The Riu Negril is very large and supposed to be nice but it seems a shame not to try the amazing local bars and restaurants around and meet friendly Jamaicans :) The pool complex is great but tbh I think with 7 miles of white sand and the crystal clear ocean you will prefer the beach. The Charela has the best spot on the beach and the staff are really kind and lovely - they've all been there 10 years plus.

Nice restaurants in Negril:
https://www.skylarknegril.com/eat
https://www.rockhouse.com/eat/pushcart
https://www.catchajamaica.com/ivan-s
https://www.zimbaliretreats.com/zimbalis-farm-to-table-cooking-show/

If you are very rich indeed then look at The Caves, an incredibly exclusive AI in Negril https://www.thecaveshotel.com/and Golden Eye https://www.goldeneye.com/ which is in Oracabessa which is just the nicest place I have ever been. When we arrived (a gift from a Jamaican friend I helped with something - they got a very hefty post covid discount) Grace Jones was swimming in the bay!! Unreal.

Please dm me if you have any questions or want the number for a friend of mine who is an great driver :)

Negril is the best place out of the two, 100%

We spent four days in Montego Bay following a cruise. We wanted to stay there because we didn't want to travel far from the port/airport. The planes weren't a bother, but then we live next to Heathrow.

We stayed in the Decameron Cornwall hotel (sorry, not the full name), which was meant to be 4*. It was a real disappointment, mostly because of the poor food. The beach was lovely, but you had to be up at 6am to reserve your spot (I was happy to be up and read my book on the lounger, not just clip towels to it).

As has been mentioned here, the moment you step out of the hotel, you are hassled by souvenir sellers and weed merchants.

We only did one trip out and that was to the Luminous Lagoon - fantastic.

Only been once, but we split our holiday between Jakes as mentioned above, and Jamaica Inn in Ochos Rios. Both very different vibes; both lovely.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Some beautiful resorts there.- unfortunately, some are out of my humble budget! We decided to go with the Riu Negril. Still a year away but can't bloody wait!- at least it gives me time to diet!!
Cruising is also on my list!- maybe next big holiday will be a cruise!