Ocho Rios - Jamaica
Discussion
Just booked two weeks for early November. Anyone else on PH been there? What did you think? Any must-do's? We are in an All inc resort with free water skiing, scuba, etc etc etc and hot and cold running branded drinks 24/7. Even some of the excursions are included! Seems fantastic but there may be some down sides we just cant see at the moment. Would welcome some tips.
I got ripped off their buying some cigars, priced advertised and agreed in J$ when I got home I noticed on the credit card statement he had put it through in US$!!! Cheeky bugger.
Apart from that is was a good holiday, it can get a little busy when the cruise ship dumps it's passengers but you get that all over the Caribbean.
Not too far away is the Dunns river falls which was good fun.
We also did the typical tourist sun set cruise and get wrecked on cheap rum punch.
Apart from that is was a good holiday, it can get a little busy when the cruise ship dumps it's passengers but you get that all over the Caribbean.
Not too far away is the Dunns river falls which was good fun.
We also did the typical tourist sun set cruise and get wrecked on cheap rum punch.
We stayed at Negril and took a day trip to Ocho Rios to do the dolphin swim (http://www.dolphincovejamaica.com/) and Dunns River Falls (http://www.dunnsriverja.com/), which are close by. Well worth it. Obviously take a dry set of clothes with you...
If you get a chance one evening head down to Negril to Ricks Cafe. They do the high diving off the cliffs (and if that isn't high enough, they climb trees on top of the cliffs and dive from planks at the top). Food is ok, not too expensive and the sunsets are also good, so try to time it an hour or so before. Also have live and recorded music most evenings.
ETA: Our hotel was 5* all inclusive in Negril. It was American quality 5* which meant that it was high quality, massive food selection with themed nights. There was a lot of Bob Marley and Cool Runnings hype as you can imagine and some big star entertainment and literally everything was free 24x7. The minibar was also free and they had optics of Gin, Whiskey Rum and Brandy in the room that were free and re-stocked every 2 days (hic).
We really enjoyed the 2 weeks. Locals were great, no pressure sales like in Europe (any-ting I can do for you man, and a no thank you returned a "no problem, have a nice day" and off they went every time) and we encountered no violence. Private beach was great at Negril (did not get chance for the beach at Ocho Rios). Wandering the beach leads you to some stalls masquerading to sell shells and similar tat, but they are really selling their locally produced tobacco. Jet ski hire is a bit hit and miss (safety wise) as the locals tend to rent them for the day at low cost, and then rent them to you at a higher cost. They might also sell some of the aforementioned "local produce" out of the boot.
It's a cool island. Chilled if you want it, active f you want it. Everything is no problem, the rum is fantastic to drink or run your car on. As you travel the island, one thing that you will notice is the extreme poverty that some of these folks live in, so the odd US$ tips are really appreciated. I did not use Jam$ at all, all US$ at Negril and Ocho Rios.
Can't think of a downside to our trip at all.
Ya Man! Irie!
If you get a chance one evening head down to Negril to Ricks Cafe. They do the high diving off the cliffs (and if that isn't high enough, they climb trees on top of the cliffs and dive from planks at the top). Food is ok, not too expensive and the sunsets are also good, so try to time it an hour or so before. Also have live and recorded music most evenings.
ETA: Our hotel was 5* all inclusive in Negril. It was American quality 5* which meant that it was high quality, massive food selection with themed nights. There was a lot of Bob Marley and Cool Runnings hype as you can imagine and some big star entertainment and literally everything was free 24x7. The minibar was also free and they had optics of Gin, Whiskey Rum and Brandy in the room that were free and re-stocked every 2 days (hic).
We really enjoyed the 2 weeks. Locals were great, no pressure sales like in Europe (any-ting I can do for you man, and a no thank you returned a "no problem, have a nice day" and off they went every time) and we encountered no violence. Private beach was great at Negril (did not get chance for the beach at Ocho Rios). Wandering the beach leads you to some stalls masquerading to sell shells and similar tat, but they are really selling their locally produced tobacco. Jet ski hire is a bit hit and miss (safety wise) as the locals tend to rent them for the day at low cost, and then rent them to you at a higher cost. They might also sell some of the aforementioned "local produce" out of the boot.
It's a cool island. Chilled if you want it, active f you want it. Everything is no problem, the rum is fantastic to drink or run your car on. As you travel the island, one thing that you will notice is the extreme poverty that some of these folks live in, so the odd US$ tips are really appreciated. I did not use Jam$ at all, all US$ at Negril and Ocho Rios.
Can't think of a downside to our trip at all.
Ya Man! Irie!
Edited by SeeFive on Tuesday 24th August 13:49
Thanks guys, great responses. We shall definitely be going to Dunns river falls as this is an 'included' trip. I note the comment about local produce! 
Could be fun! See five, did you stay at a Couples resort? We are staying at Couples Sans Souci and have heard it is fantastic. It seems that Couples resorts have service and food well sorted. Plus, no ankle biters to worry about. YAY! Only slight negative is that they are poplular with the 'septics' and after the experiences we had with them in Mexico I am slightly tentative about connecting with them to much. But hey, lets not tar them all with the same brush eh?! Cheers chaps.
Could be fun! See five, did you stay at a Couples resort? We are staying at Couples Sans Souci and have heard it is fantastic. It seems that Couples resorts have service and food well sorted. Plus, no ankle biters to worry about. YAY! Only slight negative is that they are poplular with the 'septics' and after the experiences we had with them in Mexico I am slightly tentative about connecting with them to much. But hey, lets not tar them all with the same brush eh?! Cheers chaps.
Johnniem said:
We are staying at Couples Sans Souci
Great choice Johnniem. We have stayed there 8 times!!The thing about Sans Souci is that it is spread out over a hill. Many steps. Try and phone ahead and ask for ground floor in 'B' Block. We always favor B2
(if those rooms fit your budget)'B' Block, is closest to the restaurants, beach, pools. Overall best location imo.
Say hello to Del Fong in the gift shop for us, also to Mikey who runs the water sports. Say Stuart and Michelle said hi
The food and service is great. The Palacina French restaurant near the reception is excellent. On Wednesdays that have Lobster specials, a must. There is no limit to how many night you can dine there. i think we went four times in 10 days.
Locally, Ochi is ok but very touristy. In the market if you are getting hassled, just say 'We're good' it works better than 'No thanks', but this is the best place for cheap tee shirts and nice paintings.
Don't be afraid to get a (knackered) local taxi back to Sans Souci it's one straight road and you will only get charged max $5, compared to $25 from a private hotel car
If you fancy a night out off the resort at a genuine Jerk Pit, then head for 'Scotchies' in Drax Hall, about 30 mins the other side of Ochi. The Chicken and fish is amazing.
Jamaican's love dominoes, so if you want to make friends with the staff and locals, get practicing. they can't walk away from a game
Have a great time. i'd love to hear what you thought.
This is the view from our room 'B2' (now my screen saver)
Edited by Shadytree on Saturday 4th September 15:56
It looks lovely Shady. Was hoping for a more sea view but as you know they don't actually allocate a room until 24 - 48 hours before you arrive. We are getting an upgrade to verandah ocean suite (I think) so shall just have to wait to see what they're like. Everything sounds fantastic and since you've been their eight times I guess I can take that as a big thumbs up! Will let you know how we got on sometime soon after mid November. Cheers!
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