We are a family of four with two girls (4&7) and stayed at FDR Pebbles for 11 days 14-25 July03. This seemed to be longer than most, but meant we were able to combine thoroughly relaxing days with trips out of the resort and not feel rushed. I agree with previous reviewers about four things - Firstly, the food is not spectacular, although the Jerk Pork from the lunchtime grill and the abundance of fresh fruit were the properties saving grace. Secondly, the staff are great. Much has been said of the nannies, and our nanny (Diana) was lovely. The girls were never bored and planned their days around the activities offered.
Additionally we found the bar and entertainment guys incredibly friendly. They worked long hours with unfailing good humour and remembered our likes and dislikes, making us feel special. Thirdly, the mosquitoes are bad as I fear the lush grounds attract them. FDR Pebbles does all it can - sprays the rooms daily and grounds each night, and supplied us with those electric tab burners. However, the best thing is to take a good supply of strong repellent and bite relief cream with you and use it religiously. Lastly, the pool and swim-up bar are great.
We also took the snorkelling trip to the reef almost daily out and our children's swimming confidence increased expontentially. Other things to say - shade is minimal around the pool. All we wanted to do on our days around the property was sit by the pool, read a book, and keep and eye on the girls whilst they splashed around. However, unless we got one of the few loungers under the palm tree we couldn't stay out too long. That said there are a few loungers right on the beach in the shade and freshened by strong sea breezes that are pleasant. Day trips out are recommended if you have the time - the two provided by FDR are basic and did not give us a flavour of Jamaica. We saw more of the bus and our fellow guests than the locals. However, you can arrange trips at the front desk. Taxi's to visit other parts of the island ended up being our greatest expense, but were definitely worth it. We particularly enjoyed Dunns River Falls, the botanical gardens in Ocho Rios (there are three), a trip around Cockpit Country to Windsor Caves and Glistening Waters. All in all, a great holiday in an unsophisticated but friendly property. As long as you go for the kids activities & nanny service, rather than a stylish or refined adult holiday you will be well-pleased.

My son and I went from JUly 4-10. This is a really nice friendly resort. It is small which is a plus. Everyone knows you very quickly.
The rooms are very comfortable. We had a great room the was oceanfront and we could not ask for more. There was no one bothering you to buy trinkets, etc. The food is just OK(but we are very picky). It is not that it was bad just not alot of what we liked. The beach is rocky but beautiful. What makes this place outstanding is the service. Not only of your own personal Nanny but everyone from the bartenders to the Taxi drivers were friendly and very helpful. Glistening waters is about a 3 minute ride and well worth it. Overall this is a wonderful place that makes you feel right at home. You can relax as much as you want and never leave the property or go and do something everyday. I would recommend this place to anyone with children. My son(5 years old) loved his Nanny and everything else.

We were at FDR Pebbles from June 20th-27th, 2003. Myself, my wife at three girls ages 11, 6 and 1. All in all we had a great time. The staff was very friendly and attentive, the activities were great and varied.
The 11 year old was off all day with the teen coordinator Ric, the 6 year old hung out in the kids center or with the Nanny or at the pool.
The 1 year old was with the Nanny alot who would look at her during naps. At night, we had the Nanny for usually 3 hours for 4$ per hour.
The Pool bar was great, hardly waited for anything the jerk chicken was delicious. The food is the main dining room was good but nothing special and the Italian resturaunt was not very good at at all. If you are looking for haute cuisine, this is not the place for you. This place is about the kids and activities and keeping them busy. I also went scuba diving and snorkeling which was very nice. The big downside is the mosquitoes. They come out at dusk and can eat your kids alive at night. Spray the kids at night and keep the room cold. If you fail to do this even 1 night they will be eaten alive. The resort sprays each night, but they are still a problem.

All in all, for the money this was great time, friendly attentive staff, decent food, nice beach, great pool and super nice Nanncy (Jodine) who made the trip well worth it.

We just returned from our trip. We booked through American Airlines and it was half the price of other family all inclusives. Although we agree with the other reviews about the food and the inside of the rooms are nothing special, the pool was amazing and so many activities for kids, teens, and parents it was hard to be bored. The Nanny was a great thing. She took the kids to activities, to the bathroom, got snacks, sunscreened kids, ran back to the room for things you forgot and for 4.00 an hour after 4:40pm she bathed kids combed hair and took them to dinner so my husband and I could shower and go to dinner in peace. Wish I was still there, JM