Negril....anyone been there?

heater · 03-09-2006

well, we are tearing ourselves away from playa and going to Negril, Jamaica for ten days in December. Has anyone been there that can recommend some good restaurants? I love good food, cheap or expensive.

JackPineSavage · 03-09-2006

what resort ??

cpfstich · 03-09-2006

We stayed at Breezes Runaway Bay for our daughters wedding a few years ago. We did a day trip to Negril but never ate there.

heater · 03-09-2006

we aren't a big fan of ai resorts and have decided to stay at idle awhile and the rockhouse.

Jimmy-James · 03-09-2006

I've been to Negril a couple of times- with my friends. I enjoy it, but it's nothing like Playa so you'll need to adjust your expectations.

First off, the calibre of cuisine, on the whole, cannot compare with Playa- if you like jerk chicken you'll be in paradise- but other places are few and far between for high quality food.

Second, you will be hassled by locals trying to sell you Ganja and every other drug under the sun- it happens, it's unavoidable. Jamaica is poorer than what you're used to seeing around Playa- so get ready to see some shanty towns and real squalor. I've traveled with my buddies to Negril a few times and always had a good time, but I wouldn't bring Hilary there- she wouldn't enjoy being hassled and smoking Ganja. Many say "never leave the resort if you go to Jamaica" I understand their fear, but I totally disagree- the local flavor and culture of Jamaica is out there- it's rough around the edges, but fascinating.

While there are negatives, there are some positives too- it's a very beautiful country and the beach in Negril goes on forever, but it can't compare to the Riviera Maya beaches in my opinion. I highly reccommend a day trip to Mayfield falls, not Dunns River or YS falls, but Mayfield- had a great day there. I also reccommend a trip up to the cliffs (Negril runs along the coast and essentially has two different places; 7-mile beach and the cliffs) to watch the sun set and the cliff divers at world famous Rick's Cafe and then some great, authentic jerk chicken and lobster at 3-Dives Jerk Center.

Each night on 7-Mile beach a different place will be having a Reggae show- either Alfreds, or Risky Business or Roots Bamboo- there's nothing like standing by a bonfire on the beach, Red Stripe in hand, waves lapping up on your feet and stars in the sky while you listen to some great live Reggae- I reccommend it- but again, it's not for the faint of heart.

Jimmy-James · 03-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by heater

we aren't a big fan of ai resorts and have decided to stay at idle awhile and the rockhouse.

You've chosen two good places- Idle Awhile on the beach and Rockhouse on the cliffs- you're off to a good start.

Get your transportation from MoBay with Dudley from Big Ship tours- he also took us to Mayfield Falls- it was a great day and he's a good guy.

caramba · 03-09-2006

Both places should be really nice, especially the Rockhouse, but I love the west end/cliffs. The 7 mile beach is beautiful, too, of course. The snorkelling is much better around Playa but I have seen some pretty nice fish in Jamaica.
I'll agree with a lot of what Jimmy-James says, but personally I don't think of it as being hassled ...if you are not interested in what someone tries to sell you a simple no thanks usually does the trick. I don't find it's any more a hassle than the timeshare sharks on 5th in Playa. Of course I'm not offended by someone offering me weed, though, either. On the ride down from MoBay there's usually a few guys jumping out into the street waving huge long buds whenever they see a JUTA van approaching. Some people just love that.

And if someone tries to lure you into a shop to buy a trinket it's the same as in Mexico- if you're not interested just say no thanks. But a quick, polite look and a "not today" doesn't hurt, either, and you are usually rewarded by a beautiful smile. They are just trying to make a living.
Sure, there is plenty of crime in Jamaica, but there is in any major city in the U.S. as well. I've been more intimidated taking a wrong turn in New Orleans than in any of my travels through Jamaica.
And there is a better concentration of great restaurants in Playa too, but there's lots of great fresh seafood and chicken in Negril. I used to like Serious Chicken on the west end. We ate at Rockhouse once and I don't remember specifics but it was good. Beautiful, beautiful spot.
I've been all over different parts of Jamaica at least 10 times but mostly to Negril. Stayed in several private villas there and in the little cottages at Banana Shout, right next to Rick's (overrated) on the cliffs.
It's a beautiful country and I've never met nicer people anywhere, even in Mexico. Definitely get out and explore. Personally I love YS Falls....
Have fun! We've been contemplating getting back to Jamaica in December ourselves for our 10th anniversary (we were married at the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio), but Playa may be calling us back again this year....

heater · 03-09-2006

caramba and jimmy,

thank you for your input and information. i know that i won't find food there that will compare to playa. i don't mind people offering me a little green bag and it seems like a very beautiful place. i have friends who have stayed at banana shout on both of their trips to negril. caramba, i am looking forward to seeing your pics. i know that the beaches won't be like the riviera maya but i'm sure that our trip will be something special, we are both pretty open minded and have an idea of what to expect.

JackPineSavage · 03-09-2006

some good advice has been posted. when at idle awhile, you,re close to a lot of good restaurants. Accross the main hi way behind the resort (Norman Manley Blvd) is a place called Selina's..some decent eats there. Further up the beach away from town and the cliffs ar some nice one's "Norma's" , Cosmo's way down the beach just past Beaches Negril are good. Closer to you are Coca LaPalm and Charela. CocaLaPalm has tasty food at their beach side lunch spot, Charela's has som very tasty ($$$) french based cuisine. Follow the smells and your nose.l

heater · 03-09-2006

thanks jack, i will add them to my list.

MargaritaLupita · 03-09-2006

It is being "hassled". If your thing is laying on the beach and, drinking a beer and relaxing, than be prepared to say "no thank you" to the same people time and time again. I have been to playa many times and I thought I would try something differant. Went to Negril in July and stayed at the White Sands for two weeks, as you can see we are heading back to Playa. The things that I recomend are: the guy at white sands that gives massages on the beach($20) great!! Meatpie and vegi pies from the guy with the bike on the beach($1.00) A burger at Margaritaville( $$$$I know tourist trap) no hassle. A bunch of Red stripes at the Airport and a few on the way to and from. Book Playa next time.
Give a trip report when you get back.

Jimmy-James · 03-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by heater

caramba and jimmy,

thank you for your input and information. i know that i won't find food there that will compare to playa. i don't mind people offering me a little green bag and it seems like a very beautiful place. i have friends who have stayed at banana shout on both of their trips to negril. caramba, i am looking forward to seeing your pics. i know that the beaches won't be like the riviera maya but i'm sure that our trip will be something special, we are both pretty open minded and have an idea of what to expect.

You'll be fine then. It's people who go to Negril, or Jamaica for that matter and expect a more exotic version of Florida that are in for a rude awakening.

You have to be up for the experience- I was fascinated by the history and culture of Jamaica and it helps you understand modern day Jamaica. I also love the music, the history and beliefs of the Rasta religion. I loved that it was totally different than America, for better and worse. Some of the reasons I loved Jamaica are the same reasons I love Playa- this history and culture of the region- that's part of the thrill of travelling is to see and experience something different than what you are used to. Give me a little history and culture mixed in with some incredible beaches, great food and some decent nightlife and you've found my perfect vacation.

Regarding practical advice on Negril- I agree, Norma's is great and Selina's is good for breakfast. Bar-B-Barn also served a really nice dinner. The great thing about 7-mile beach is that it is essentially main street in Negril, it's lined with restaurants, shops, beach bars- so it's great to walk up and down, stop in for a Red Stripe or a Ting at different places and take everything in. During the day, there's tons of day trips you can take- one word of advice though: don't even think about renting a car in Jamaica- if you thought the drivers in Playa on 307 are crazy, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Nevermind that many of the roads are very narrow and not paved- hire a driver or take a tour, it's the only way. And Caramba is right- the chicken and fish in Negril are very good, you almost can't go wrong- just keep it simple. But the beef on the island is much inferior than what anyone from the U.S., Canada or Europe is used to so I just stay away from it in general- no steaks or burgers, but the beef patties are awesome

And again, you will get hassled, you just have to give them a "Respect, no thanks Mon" and usually that will suffice- but in general they are much more agressive than anyone you will meet in Playa, even the timeshare sharks on 5th. I noticed that as the week went on and they got used to seeing me, they stopped hassling me- but when you first arrive and are pasty white, they pounce and try to get you fresh off the plane. My friend Matt had never been to Jamaica when we went the last time- for the first 24 hours he was like a deer in the headlights, it was culture shock for him big time and he was intimidated- by the end of the trip he was begging us to plan another trip. Just keep an open mind and you'll be fine.

heater · 03-09-2006

i'm not going to stop visiting playa or tulum, we are just adding an extra vacation to our year, we will be in playa in may. on my way to work....

Davev · 03-09-2006

I've been once 10 years ago, stayed up on the cliff road - the diving is not good, as the local fisherman have wiped everything. I would avoid the AI's as well. Great ganj to be had if you are into it. Best hang is the http://www.leisuretours.com/neg/popu...ledparrot.html

caramba · 03-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy-James

You have to be up for the experience- I was fascinated by the history and culture of Jamaica and it helps you understand modern day Jamaica. I also love the music, the history and beliefs of the Rasta religion. I loved that it was totally different than America, for better and worse. Some of the reasons I loved Jamaica are the same reasons I love Playa- this history and culture of the region- that's part of the thrill of travelling is to see and experience something different than what you are used to. Give me a little history and culture mixed in with some incredible beaches, great food and some decent nightlife and you've found my perfect vacation.
Regarding practical advice on Negril- I agree, Norma's is great and Selina's is good for breakfast. Bar-B-Barn also served a really nice dinner. The great thing about 7-mile beach is that it is essentially main street in Negril, it's lined with restaurants, shops, beach bars- so it's great to walk up and down, stop in for a Red Stripe or a Ting at different places and take everything in. During the day, there's tons of day trips you can take- one word of advice though: don't even think about renting a car in Jamaica- if you thought the drivers in Playa on 307 are crazy, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Nevermind that many of the roads are very narrow and not paved- hire a driver or take a tour, it's the only way. And Caramba is right- the chicken and fish in Negril are very good, you almost can't go wrong- just keep it simple. But the beef on the island is much inferior than what anyone from the U.S., Canada or Europe is used to so I just stay away from it in general- no steaks or burgers, but the beef patties are awesome

I totally agree with you about experiencing the culture of Jamaica. I love being immersed in it, hagglers and all.
And I've love a patty right now! Mmmmmmmmmm....
About the driving I just have to say that Brian has driven cars, vans, bikes all over the island, on the left, around the round-a-bouts, careening along the sides of cliffs with huge Red Stripe trucks meeting you along the way on those windy little roads- yet he was soooooooooo nervous to drive for the first time in Mexico (he got over it pretty quick though)

.
But yes, it is very easy to hire a driver to take you anywhere you want to go. Seems everybody's a taxi. And rental cars are expensive.

03-09-2006	#1 (permalink)
heater life=playa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 701	Negril....anyone been there? well, we are tearing ourselves away from playa and going to Negril, Jamaica for ten days in December. Has anyone been there that can recommend some good restaurants? I love good food, cheap or expensive.

03-09-2006	#5 (permalink)
Jimmy-James gotta have it Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Southern, CT Posts: 874	I've been to Negril a couple of times- with my friends. I enjoy it, but it's nothing like Playa so you'll need to adjust your expectations. First off, the calibre of cuisine, on the whole, cannot compare with Playa- if you like jerk chicken you'll be in paradise- but other places are few and far between for high quality food. Second, you will be hassled by locals trying to sell you Ganja and every other drug under the sun- it happens, it's unavoidable. Jamaica is poorer than what you're used to seeing around Playa- so get ready to see some shanty towns and real squalor. I've traveled with my buddies to Negril a few times and always had a good time, but I wouldn't bring Hilary there- she wouldn't enjoy being hassled and smoking Ganja. Many say "never leave the resort if you go to Jamaica" I understand their fear, but I totally disagree- the local flavor and culture of Jamaica is out there- it's rough around the edges, but fascinating. While there are negatives, there are some positives too- it's a very beautiful country and the beach in Negril goes on forever, but it can't compare to the Riviera Maya beaches in my opinion. I highly reccommend a day trip to Mayfield falls, not Dunns River or YS falls, but Mayfield- had a great day there. I also reccommend a trip up to the cliffs (Negril runs along the coast and essentially has two different places; 7-mile beach and the cliffs) to watch the sun set and the cliff divers at world famous Rick's Cafe and then some great, authentic jerk chicken and lobster at 3-Dives Jerk Center. Each night on 7-Mile beach a different place will be having a Reggae show- either Alfreds, or Risky Business or Roots Bamboo- there's nothing like standing by a bonfire on the beach, Red Stripe in hand, waves lapping up on your feet and stars in the sky while you listen to some great live Reggae- I reccommend it- but again, it's not for the faint of heart. Last edited by Jimmy-James; 03-09-2006 at 04:02 PM.

03-09-2006	#7 (permalink)
caramba añejo Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 3,508	Both places should be really nice, especially the Rockhouse, but I love the west end/cliffs. The 7 mile beach is beautiful, too, of course. The snorkelling is much better around Playa but I have seen some pretty nice fish in Jamaica. I'll agree with a lot of what Jimmy-James says, but personally I don't think of it as being hassled ...if you are not interested in what someone tries to sell you a simple no thanks usually does the trick. I don't find it's any more a hassle than the timeshare sharks on 5th in Playa. Of course I'm not offended by someone offering me weed, though, either. On the ride down from MoBay there's usually a few guys jumping out into the street waving huge long buds whenever they see a JUTA van approaching. Some people just love that. And if someone tries to lure you into a shop to buy a trinket it's the same as in Mexico- if you're not interested just say no thanks. But a quick, polite look and a "not today" doesn't hurt, either, and you are usually rewarded by a beautiful smile. They are just trying to make a living. Sure, there is plenty of crime in Jamaica, but there is in any major city in the U.S. as well. I've been more intimidated taking a wrong turn in New Orleans than in any of my travels through Jamaica. And there is a better concentration of great restaurants in Playa too, but there's lots of great fresh seafood and chicken in Negril. I used to like Serious Chicken on the west end. We ate at Rockhouse once and I don't remember specifics but it was good. Beautiful, beautiful spot. I've been all over different parts of Jamaica at least 10 times but mostly to Negril. Stayed in several private villas there and in the little cottages at Banana Shout, right next to Rick's (overrated) on the cliffs. It's a beautiful country and I've never met nicer people anywhere, even in Mexico. Definitely get out and explore. Personally I love YS Falls.... Have fun! We've been contemplating getting back to Jamaica in December ourselves for our 10th anniversary (we were married at the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio), but Playa may be calling us back again this year.... __________________ trip reports- 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

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03-09-2006	#2 (permalink)
JackPineSavage lost on fifth Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: North Wisconsin Posts: 22	what resort ??

03-09-2006	#3 (permalink)
cpfstich el poli Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 10,830	We stayed at Breezes Runaway Bay for our daughters wedding a few years ago. We did a day trip to Negril but never ate there.

03-09-2006	#4 (permalink)
heater life=playa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 701	we aren't a big fan of ai resorts and have decided to stay at idle awhile and the rockhouse.

03-09-2006	#8 (permalink)
heater life=playa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 701	caramba and jimmy, thank you for your input and information. i know that i won't find food there that will compare to playa. i don't mind people offering me a little green bag and it seems like a very beautiful place. i have friends who have stayed at banana shout on both of their trips to negril. caramba, i am looking forward to seeing your pics. i know that the beaches won't be like the riviera maya but i'm sure that our trip will be something special, we are both pretty open minded and have an idea of what to expect.

03-09-2006	#9 (permalink)
JackPineSavage lost on fifth Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: North Wisconsin Posts: 22	some good advice has been posted. when at idle awhile, you,re close to a lot of good restaurants. Accross the main hi way behind the resort (Norman Manley Blvd) is a place called Selina's..some decent eats there. Further up the beach away from town and the cliffs ar some nice one's "Norma's" , Cosmo's way down the beach just past Beaches Negril are good. Closer to you are Coca LaPalm and Charela. CocaLaPalm has tasty food at their beach side lunch spot, Charela's has som very tasty ($$$) french based cuisine. Follow the smells and your nose.l

03-09-2006	#10 (permalink)
heater life=playa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 701	thanks jack, i will add them to my list.

03-09-2006	#11 (permalink)
MargaritaLupita beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Seabeck, WA Posts: 298	It is being "hassled". If your thing is laying on the beach and, drinking a beer and relaxing, than be prepared to say "no thank you" to the same people time and time again. I have been to playa many times and I thought I would try something differant. Went to Negril in July and stayed at the White Sands for two weeks, as you can see we are heading back to Playa. The things that I recomend are: the guy at white sands that gives massages on the beach($20) great!! Meatpie and vegi pies from the guy with the bike on the beach($1.00) A burger at Margaritaville( $$$$I know tourist trap) no hassle. A bunch of Red stripes at the Airport and a few on the way to and from. Book Playa next time. Give a trip report when you get back.

03-09-2006	#13 (permalink)
heater life=playa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 701	i'm not going to stop visiting playa or tulum, we are just adding an extra vacation to our year, we will be in playa in may. on my way to work....

03-09-2006	#14 (permalink)
Davev life=playa Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: At the Funplex Posts: 718	I've been once 10 years ago, stayed up on the cliff road - the diving is not good, as the local fisherman have wiped everything. I would avoid the AI's as well. Great ganj to be had if you are into it. Best hang is the http://www.leisuretours.com/neg/popu...ledparrot.html

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