On arrival at sangster airport it was raining not a good start to holiday. On going to the bus to take us to hotel was approached by a driver asking if wanted any local herb ... (ganja ) erm i dont think so .. quickly got on bus to hotel on way stopped at a local jerk stop friendly people there but again was asked did we want to buy the local smoke.
The hotel was very nice bit of a musty damp smell to the room but once A/C had been on the smell went away .. The view from room was a sight to see .. straight onto the beach once we had washed and changed it was dinner time so off we went to try the dinner well what can i say the food was excellent and we had no reason to complain ... As headline says it was our honeymoon the tour rep knew but the hotel management didnt it took them until the 2nd week into our holiday to provide us with a bottle off champagne which was rather good. The entertainment wasnt upto much apart from smiley the bartender who nicknamed me Miss sassy ...lol

Even though this hotel is all inclusive YOU need to know that if you require something to eat you have to ask as there is nothing to say that food is available through the day ... room service is available but at a charge.


My Husband and i walked along the beach where we met a local called scooby what a friend he turned out to be .. he took us on a walk where after half an hour or so we met a few of his friends working on the carvings to sell to the tourists who either tube or raft along the river.. We managed to get a few bargains and since we never expected to be out long we didnt take any money with us .. The local ( candy ) said dont worry take the carvings and give the money to scooby on return to hotel ... If you take a walk long the beach and meet a guy called scooby tell him mike and sandra says hi and will see him in sept 09 ... we are returning to jamaica then but sadly not to shaw park .. Thomas cook have taken it off their books...

I would recommend this hotel to anyone who likes the beach and the beautiful clear blue sea right on the doorstep ... I would advise also to walk to main road for taxi as yes as others have said it is far cheaper, we did book taxi once or twice from hotel and got a brilliant driver called damian he will try go out his way to help ...

The only time i was a little nervous was we went on shopping trip into ocho rios itself , we visited the craft market well what an experience that was they all seem to sell the same things but all want you to buy .. a liitle in your face for my liking i didnt feel comfortable at all we found the nearest exit as quick as we could...

Dolphin cove is something you cannot miss if you can do the whole lot, I was just sad my husband couldnt do the swim with me but non-swimmers not allowed only encounter and kiss if you cant swim .... I opted for the whole package and was so much fun, just be aware you have to remove all jewellery before you can swim nor have any suntan lotion on as this hurts the dolphin's eye's ...

Shaw Park is an older resort, but well kept. I was pleasantly surprised by the service of the staff. They were courteous and helpful. The food was excellent. They served more authentic Jamaican food than the mainstream resorts that more cater to the masses by serving American food.
I wouldn't reccomend the Shaw to people with young children, as they do not have a lot of activities to keep them occupied. But for older travellers looking for somewhere quiet to relax and unwind, this resort is ideal. There are countless day tours available, and you can always hire a cab if you wish to venture into the town at night, which is only about 5 minutes away.
I would definitely go back, if only to see Smiley the bartender. He is truly a gem, and made my evenings with his sharp wit and signature grin.
The only drawback is no nightly entertainment is at the resort.

Just returned from Shaw Park Hotel. After reading reviews we went with an open mind. It was in terms of decor exactly as pictures show, i would say needs TLC but in perfect working order. Rooms are very clean and maids give fresh linen and towels daily, rooms have aircon which is great as very needed! All rooms have sea view which is brill, We stayed in room 52.
The location of the hotel is remote interms of getting into town and a taxi will cost around $15 USA return DONT PAY MORE, you could walk it inaround 40 mins if feeling energetic! The food is good although served buffett style and outside for all meals inc Dinner. There is around three choices for main course and always a different roast everyday. Desserts were poor in terms of choice. All of the staff are very nice ecspecially SMILEY, once you meet him you will never forget him he makes your holiday! Entertainment is very low key, you may get a singer 1 night per week for 2 hours while eating dinner. Most guests went to bed at 9.30-10.00 as it is VERY quite. There is a nightclub on site but was always empty. If you are looking for a romantic, relaxing holiday this is a great choice. If you looking for livley caribbean resort this is not it. i would say -3* hotel with 5* service. Me & my partner are both 28yrs old and found for 2 weeks a little too quite for us, we noticed a more mature client base (over 50's).
Also this is NOT a child friendly hotel, we only saw 1 child there and he was our nephew!
For what we paid for the trip we were not dissapointed (£1,400 for 2 adults for 2 weeks)
Would i go again? No, but enjoyed the holiday none the less.

#1 - Spend the money on a suite - It's worth it!
We were moved to a suite because of the Hurricaine. It was wonderful and definintely the way to go! The housekeepers will take extra special care of you! We had bought beers and supplies in town getting ready for 'Dean'. After a day on the beach we came back to find that housekeeping had put these on ice for us! We spent a few candle light evenings (as the power had gone out) visiting with our friends on the patio - listening to the sound of the waves! Fantastic!
If you are unsure you can upgrade when you get to the hotel if any are available.

#2 - Take a walk to the end of the beach to where the white river lets out into the ocean.
It was great fun! Jumping into the fast moving current (fresh water and cold) and being carried all the way down to the ocean (warm and salty)! The local kids will show you how.
Our 2 kids really enjoyed this!

#3 - Ask for what you want.
We really wanted Jamaican beef patties, and thought that we would get these on a dilay basis. NO. The hotel has limited true Jamaican food. (Salt Fish and Ackee, Dumplings on a regular basis, but oxtail and green curries are limited but Excellent when on the menu!) So, we asked the Chef. It took a few tries, but soon we had patties at our lunch table when ever we wanted!
We just needed to let the chef know the day before.

#4 - Ask about the restauarants "under the bridge". There are 2 - one seafood and one Jamaican style. Ok yes you are "paying" for your food - but its a local experience that you don't need a taxi to get to! and great oxtail!

#5 - See RAMBO on the beach for activities.
Basically, Water sports are not advertised - but everything is possible. RAMBO can set you up with any excursion you want from Fishing in the early morning for tuna with the local fishermen (we had the chef cook up 2 of the Tuna that the kids caught and left the rest to Devon and Leroy) to jetskis and Parasailing. Its just a phone call away, and they will come pick you up (often within 20 mins) at the Pier of the hotel. He also helped with organizing our trip to Dunn's River Falls - well I think he went through the hotel, but it was cheaper than our rep from our travel company.

#6 - Bring your fishing gear (or just some string and a hook) especially if you have kids!
Our kids spent the holiday dangling their lines in the water from the end of the pier (where the gazebo is). Ask RAMBO if he has a bit of styrofoam (polystyrene) to attach the string to so it doesn't sink when it falls in (or when you push your kids in hehehehehe.....)The fish weren't huge, but they had a blast, and what they cought they gave to RAMBO for his supper!

#7 - Jump off the end of the dock at least once a day.

#8 - Grab a kayak and go snorkeling.
Head out with a partner towards the point and take turns jumping out to snorkle. Be on the look out for sea turtles!

#9 - Bring your best summer reads. LOTS of time is spent reading on the beach.

#10 - You need to ask the waiter for toast in the morning.
Tell them how many slices, and they will bring. (comes with Jam, but no Guava Jelly Sadly. But I am sure if you ask.....)