First time to Beaches Resort Negril Jamaica. Went for my daughters wedding. The hospitality was fantastic, the food was great, the rooms were very clean, the people were extremely nice always treated you like royalty. Would go back in a heartbeat

I just got back from Jamaica on a cruise. Went to Montego Bay and toured all the way to Negril and I have to say that the country for the most part is a dump! Yes the beaches are nice and the water falls are breath taking but the country side and the towns are basically shanties towns. We spent the day at Jimmy Buffett's Margaretville and though it was nice- we were constantly harassed by the peddlers. After many- “no thank yous”- they stood there all day just staring at us hoping we would change our mind. This was very uncomfortable for us. The tour guides were nice and helpful but just beware that most of the country is truly 3rd world and you will get approached by the peddlers often at all the beaches. Good luck!

We stayed in the Negril Cliffs at Catcha Falling Star the last week of May 2009. We chose that hotel because it was a top rated hotel on TripAdvisor. In reading the reviews of Negril, Catcha and Negril attractions, we found them to all be “true” – both the positive and the negative comments. Our vacation was great, but it does take a day or two to get the lay of the land and get into the rhythms of the place. Staying on the cliffs was nice because it was away from the beach crowds and local hustle. On the cliffs, you have access to local life, food and vendors, but could also duck behind the gate of your hotel to get away from it all.

Here are some things that may be helpful to a first time visitor:

-Bring LOTS of small bills for taxi rides and tips, at least $100 for a week.

-You can pay in American and Jamaican dollars. Be prepared to do the conversions in your head, memorize $5, $10 and $20 conversions, or make a small cheat sheet for yourself! One local tried to confuse us by flopping the conversion. You can mix $US and $J when paying, but that can get confusing and you usually wind up paying a dollar or two more – but heck, you are on vacation and they need the money more than you do.

-When you use a credit card, a percentage above the price will be added. We were always told this in advance. The River Walk charged 14% more for using a credit card.

-If you are visiting 7 Mile beach, go early, you’ll probably be hassled less. We went on a Tuesday, around 10:30. We started at Margaritaville and walked along the beach north and south. The beach was not crowded and there weren’t too many locals trying to sell you things. But we did not feel like we could just throw down a towel and take a dip.

-You can hail a cab on the road. Get the price first. It’s cheaper than having your hotel get a driver for you.

-If you can get to the cliffs to have rasta food from Ras Rody – do it. All vegetarian, local, delicious. He’s reviewed here in TA. He’s located across from Tensing Pen, down the road from Rick’s. Get a soda in the little store nearby. (Again – have those small bills ready)

-The activities we did were: Glass bottom boat snorkel trip from 7 mile beach out to the reef, Discover Scuba Dive with Dream Team Divers, and River Walk at Mayfield Falls. All were great. (Have those tips ready!)

-The Hungry Lion was closed for the summer.

-When leaving Jamaica, Sangster airport has several concessions and places to eat after you go through security. From sit down restaurants to take out patties, plus, coffee, liquor and perfume to take home.

-Read the TA Negril Traveler Article: “Negril First-time Visitors”. This sets the tone – Negril is great, but it may not be your cup of tea. Negril Cliffs are “rustic”, not “resort chic”. We have been to Paradise Island and Abacos in the Bahamas, this is very different – not Americanized at all. You’ll be fine, but it’s good to know what to expect.

What I didn't like most was the super-stickiness of locals, who approach you on the streets selling anything and everything and offering all the services (like wiping your bikes and giving directions) without being asked and expecting a tip. In other words, I didn't like that Negril was super touristy, just about every local you're going to meet will want something from you. We like to experience local culture so we didn't stay at an All-Inclusive. But unfortunately Negril doesn't have much of local culture to speak of. It has only tourism. If I go to Jamaica next time, I'll probably visit Kingston, to see the real local Jamaican people.
Asides from that we had a good time. The beaches and the cliff was beautiful. It has good, but not great, diving.