Now I'm concerned. I was about to book a room in the new section. What's wrong with the new section. This process is driving me crazy. I'm researching and researching trying to get the best deal possible at CSA and Caves. Any feedback of any kind regarding these resorts would be great!

VnS, Tglenn ....

Negril is in a state of flux right now. I expect it will be a few days before they make a decision as to what will happen. As I said, call the resort directly, not the 800 reservation line. The beach has been wiped out. This happens alot, but it regenerates itself. The question is, how long will it take? It won't happen overnight though.

As for the new section, it's a totally different feel from the old. The new has TV's and such, the rooms are smaller, and the veranda's are smaller, equivalent to the garden rooms in the "old" section, at a higher price. The best bang for the buck is an atrium room, with the huge veranda, and "open air" room.

Swept Away is our favorite place in the world, and I wouldn't want to scare anyone away. But given what has happened in recent days, I strongly advise contacting them directly. In fact, aside from the phone number I gave earlier, it might be wise to send a note to the GM, Ricardo Bowleg (I'm not making that name up!!!!) at sweptgm@couples.com. Of course, they have no power at the moment, so you may not get a response immediately.

We visited CSA last month and stayed in an Atrium room in the old section. While the room was charming, if we return, we will definitely stay in the new section. The old bathrooms are getting kind of worn. There are more details in my trip report at tropictravelonline.com/coralreef_couplesswep… .

Unlike some who posted in this thread, we didn't have any problem with the air conditioner, even in the August heat and humidity. It was nice and cold! I wonder if there is more variability in the old rooms due to age.

It's true that the new rooms have smaller verandahs than the old, but they are still very large and lovely by anyone's standards. The new rooms may not have quite as much unique character as the old ones, but they are still pretty, and I think their newness and the minibars make up for a little loss of uniqueness. Just my $0.02 ;)

Thanks for the info. But I'm still going to pester you guys:) Is it true that you can't see the beach from the beach front suites b/c of all the foliage? Does that make the new section more advantageous since there wouldn't be as much "tropical" growth?

Also, if anyone got married there, can you still wear shoes even if its on the beach?...I know...why would you, it's a long silly story. Which location at Couples is the most suited for a somewhat formal and elegant wedding?

Of course, I'm anal. We are not getting married until 10/8/05. But I won't every thing to be perfect and I'm not used to being so hands off.

Thanks guys

We went to swept away in 1995 and had a fantastic stay, service was slow (as standard) but the attention to detail was fab. We are going back to stay at riu negril in october(with the kids). No hotel since has compared to swept away - I hope its still as good for you. We intend to pop back for a visit. Look out for a red haired toddler and co!

Would not advise travel out of resort unless with a guide - bit hairy!

Tglenn, the old and new beachfront suites are both "true" beachfronts... you can definitely see the ocean from both. Only a few of the old Atrium rooms have a partial beach view, due to the more developed foliage in the old section. All the new rooms have at least a partial beach view now, but by 2005 I would guess that the new plantings will be lush enough that only the new Beachfront suites will have a beach view.

Sure, you can wear shoes on the beach if you want. However, I wouldn't say that Couples Swept Away is "formal" or "elegant" in character. Its charm is that the atmosphere is casual and laid-back. If you are looking for "formal/elegant" (marble, air-conditioned public spaces, white-glove service, water gardens, etc.), then you might want to look at other locations.

We walked and taxi'ed into downtown Negril without a guide and weren't worried at all. I guess it depends on when you go.

We got married on the beach, near the dive shed. We brought 40 people with us, and they set up a nice "chapel". They are very accomodating, and will do whatever you want, trust me. The recent thing they do is put up a flower lined path, with an arch, on the beach. It's very nice. Some couples are totally formal, and some casual. I was in shorts and barefeet! Do whatever feels right.

As far as safety in Negril, we have NEVER had an issue, even going to nightclubs where we were clearly tourists. It may appear intimidating, but it's totally safe. I'd only worry if it were a single woman going to a club alone. And that's still safe, though it could be uncomfortable. Tourism is their life, and they know it. Not that bad things don't happen, but it's not likely.

For the record, beachfront on the "old" side also have mini-bars. Again, stay on the "2" side of the resort.

Susan, which Riu are you going to? They just built a new one recently, a few miles down from the original. If you go to the new one, ask for Marlon and/or Nicholas, and tell them Kevin sent you!

Yeah we are going to yhe new Riu - when I was describing going out of the resort I should have said no problem in negril but we hired a motorbike and found a few machetes wielded in gesture as we passed - not joking It was ages ago so maybe better now. I was young and hoping for peace and love and all that - its okay now as I am much older and more cynical!

hey there this is lippy are you still going in october to get married we are still going on10/18 to 10/30 for our honeymoon let me know we will have to hook up im not to good at this i sent a statment where when maybe we could hook up i think it would be nice to meet other people there that are on there honeymoons any boby that there for that fact. later lippy