Jamaica Trip Report, 2/14 thru 2/21/04(Starfish Resort)Day One (Saturday): Wife and I flew out of Atlanta. Arrived at the Air Jamaica (AJ) counter approximately 2 ½ hours before the 2:40 PM departure. AJ had just one person at the counter (lunch time, I guess). She managed to process maybe six passengers as she had four people who had evidently re-booked and had problems (more about that in a few). After about thirty minutes, two more ticket agents showed up, and about ten minutes later we were processed. Went to relocate our vehicle to the Economy parking, and it was full. Had to park at the Daily lot ($12 a day, OUCH!!!). Returned to the gate and boarded at 2:10 PM which led me to think that we would have an on-time departure. Wrong, seems an earlier flight had been delayed (in fact, it was still sitting at the gate) and this flight was loaded. Pushed back from the gate at 3:15 PM. Arrived at MoBay at 5:50 PM. Figured that we would not be to the resort until midnight or later. But by 7 PM, we had cleared Customs, Immigration, and was on the bus. This was my first trip in about 5 years to a country that drives on the left. The forty-five minute ride on a bus (Im talking Greyhound size) in the front seat, on a narrow two lane road that mostly followed the coast, driven at night at high speed was quite an adventure. Arrived at Starfish about 7:45 PM and was in our room twenty minutes later. Had room #204, which was one flight of steps (maybe eight steps) to the right of the lobby (East side, definitely the side to be on). Went to dinning area to eat, watch some of the show, but went to bed about 10 PM, and the music did not stop us from going to sleep.Day Two (Sunday): I woke about 6 AM. I dont wish to waste time sleeping when Im on vacation. Made coffee, went out to put towels on the lounges, and explored around the resort. Got back to the room about an hour later, and the wife was still in bed, but was watching TV. She had the TV on channel 3, but was watching Channel 2 out of Nashville, the ABC station for our area in Lebanon, TN. They had broke into regular programming to give a weather advisory of the possibility of bad weather, rain possibly changing to snow. Damn, I thought, were here in sunshine with the possibility of more sunshine. Shortly thereafter my wife informed me of a major problem no electrical outlet in the bathroom i.e. hair hotcurler must work. I had mentally put on my packing list a powerstrip, but had physically not done it. When I surveyed the room, I discovered that there was one American type outlet behind the dresser, but it had the TV wired directly into the box and the coffee pot and the refrigerator plugged into the outlets. Fortunately, I had an extension cord with me so I plugged the refrigerator, the hotcurler, and my electrical shaver into the extension cord, and shared the other outlet with the coffee maker and the cell phone/charger. We evidently got out on the balcony, drink our coffee, watched people go by, or the kids playing basketball. About 9 or 9:30, we went for breakfast, returned to the room, changed into our swimwear, and went to the pool at the beach. I had earlier chosen two lounges between two cabañas, and used our personnel beach towels, one of which was an University of Tennessee (UT) orange towel (if you were there when we were, it was usually hanging on the balcony rail in the afternoon). I guess someone did not like my UT, and had moved it to another location. Not being a person who wants to cause any problems, I quietly and discreetly moved it back to the original location. No problem, mon! Thereafter, we just hung around the pool and took in the atmosphere. About one oclock, I made another discovery. I went and stood in line at the bar for a drink, I usually drink Scotch either on the rocks or neat, but could not stand the Teachers. So I had switched to pina coladas. Once I got this drink, returned to the lounges, and we decided to go get some burgers. When we got back to our lounges, my drink was gone. After a few minutes, I realized that if the bar starts running low on glasses, the staff gathers glasses. The rest of the time I brought my mug to the beach, but always had to ask for more rum when I made my pina coladas from the mixers on the bar (by the way, some one had noted that kids got drinks from the mixers on the bars, there is no alcohol in the mix.). No problem mon! I thought our day was going to be spent on the pool or beach, but when we were approached about a massage, my wife not only said yes, but wanted to know if we could have them that day and we were scheduled at 5 PM. Well, Im 57 years of age, and have never had a message. Actually have not been touched by another male outside my family for an extended period. Well, Courtney touched me for an hour, and made some of my muscles ache, but the good type of ache. The massage was $50, but my wife said that it was cheap and I have to agree with her, well worth it. We finished the evening with our supper, and sitting on the balcony listening to the entertainment and me indulging in my other vacation treat-smoking a cigar and drinking Brandy (almost Scotch, but not quite). Wife was in bed and asleep by 10:30. I watched a movie, and then joined her.Day Three (Monday): This day was almost a repeat of previous day except this time I selected two lounges on the beach, a little left of the steps next to the water sports office. However, on this day, at breakfast I discovered what was to be a demon-a toaster problem. The previous day I had ordered an omelet (by the way, the station to the left is quicker). This morning I decided to get cooked eggs, and I like toast with my eggs. Well, the big toaster with the wire screen rotating through the heater did not work, did not even warm the bread. Well after a few minutes the four-slot toaster became clear, and I stuck two pieces of bread in it and took my plate to the table. When I returned to the toaster there was a small group of people waiting on the very slow toaster to complete its function. It was then that this rather large individual (Im six foot, weight about 240), but a guest like me came up to the toaster and ejected all of the toast, laid it on a plate, and put four more pieces of bread into the toaster. Again, not wanting to be a person who causes problems, I just took my two pieces of toast off the plate. Well, this rather large person asked me what the hell was I doing? and I replied very calmly that I was retrieving my toast to which he said something to the effect of Good. No problem mon! We got to the Beach about 10 and about an hour later I noticed that a canopy closer to the steps was not being used so we moved into it. Roughly, thirty minutes later I noticed that a group of about twenty in front of us was the same group of people who had been adjacent to us on the prior day at the pool. I also noticed that one of the men was wearing a t-shirt that indicated a city or town in New York. I started to wonder if this was Rose and Dr. Bones, but I didnt say anything. That afternoon, one of the staff people stopped by and asked if we wanted to do any tours. We had already talked about do some things and we told her what we wanted to do the lagoon by boat, the Martha Brae rafting, the Under Sea trip in Mobay, and a snorkel trip for me, but not the wife (she very seldom gets in the water). She arranged for us to do the luminous lagoon that evening, rafting Wednesday morning, and the undersea on Thursday. She advised me to do snorkeling whenever I wanted since the wife did not want to do it. Well we stayed on the beach until around 4 and then when to the room to wait for the cruise to the lagoon. About 5:30, we went to the tour desk and they told us that we needed to be at the beach bar at 6. She said that someone would announce that the boat was loading, so we went to the Seashell Bar and commenced to wait. At 6:30, we figured that something had happened so we went back to the tour desk and was told that the Boat Captain was sick, and we could do the trip another night. No problem mon! After our meal, we went to one of those area elevated above the main pool and watch the show. I did my thing-smoked a cigar and drink Brandy, but we left shortly after the show for the room, and retired early, music was not an impediment to sleeping.Day Four (Tuesday): This day starts like the others except I dont go stake out chairs as well decided to go to MoBay and do the snorkeling cruise from there. Dont have the toaster problem as I have an omelet and dont do toast with the omelet. The previous night I inquired about how is the best way to go to MoBay and am told to go by Taxi. I learn that hiring a taxi means that you are hiring the man and his vehicle for whatever you do plus the return to the resort. So its better than renting a vehicle as they know the way and they wait for you plus take you any where you want to go. Well, that evening I call Roses recommended driver and he advised me that a trip MoBay would be $75, and the Bell Captain had earlier told me that the normal charge to MoBay is about $50. At about 9 AM I ask the bellboy in the Lobby if he could get me a Taxi for a trip to MoBay and how long it will take for it to arrive. He returned in a few minutes and told me that it would arrive in 10-15 minutes. Well, I didnt believe it but I said fine and returned to the room to get my wife. We return to the Lobby, and in about ten minutes our Taxi arrives. The driver is Leroy. We leave, and no more than a mile from the resort he asks if I know the rate to MoBay. I relate that the bell captain from the night before had said that it is about $50. Leroy says that he usually charges $60, and if that is too much, he will return us to the resort. Since our entire conversation is very polite, I decide that Leroy and the price are fine. We arrive at the MoBay pier at 10 AM and since I had called them the previous day to inquire if they are going out, the lady at the desk says, You must be Mr. Whitefield! Now, Im impressed because the previous day I had stated my name just once on the phone. I always carry my mask and fins on these trips because Im a snorkeler. On the Internet this company, Calypso Sailing had advertised a $40 per person charge for a 10 AM to 1 PM sailing. When she inquires as to why my wife has no snorkeling gear, and learns that she only will be riding on the boat, she tells me that the charge is $68 total, which includes the tax or in other words 40 for me, 20 for the wife, and tax. I have two hundred dollar bills and sixty seven dollars, and she had no change, so she accepts the $67. She tells us to wait at the Bar and they will call us when they are ready to go. Leroy waits with us. Now heres the cool part, at about ten minutes after ten, they tell us that they are ready to go, and we are the only passengers. Can you imagine something happening like that in the states? Well we motor out to a section in front of Breezes, and the coral and the fish are wonderful. About two hours later, they are dragging me out of the water. Did I tell you that Im an avid snorkeler. Of course, my wife has become very chummy with Teresa, the hostess and has lightened my wallet about twenty dollars worth for necklaces, key fobs, and etc. When we get back, Leroy is waiting, and after I change into some shorts, he takes us to the craft huts at the Fort where my wife lightens my wallet by another $50. Did I tell you that my wife is an avid shopper, doesnt matter if it is a bargain or not, just whether she wants it or not. Any way we get back to the resort about 3:30 and clean up and go eat. After eating we return to the balcony where I do my thing cigar and Brandy, not Scotch. After a while we figure theres no entertainment that evening so we watch TV and evidently go to bed.Day Five (Wednesday): This is the rafting day and we are to be in the Lobby at 9 AM. Well, we go to eat, and I decided that Im going to have cooked eggs so I go to the toaster first thing, and one side is available. I put two pieces of bread in it and while my eggs are cooked Im watching the toaster. Another fellow walks up to the toaster, and I can tell that he has the bread on the other side. So when my eggs are ready, I walk over to the toaster and guess what, I smell burning toast. I eject my toast and sure enough both pieces are burnt. Im talking deep dark black. Well this other guys toast pops-up and sure enough his toast is perfect. Well he take one piece and then tells me that like burnt toast and can he have one of my pieces. Great trade, but Im sure he was just being nice. Im not going to say a great deal about the rafting. It was okay, and the guy (Leslie) pushing our raft talked a lot about the river and the different plants and trees close by as well as warning us about the various merchants along the river edge. We ended up buying some carved items from him just because he was so informative. After our return to the resort we rest some as we have reservation for the Casablanca that evening. As we are waiting to enter Casablanca, I see this cart by the door that has premium alcohol that includes Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch. If I havent already told you, I am a Scotch drinker. So we are barely in our seats when I ask how I can obtain a drink of Johnnie Walker. Well, here comes the good part. Not only can I order the Johnnie Walker right now, but its available every evening off the cart in the Lobby. Ill not bore you with the details about dinning at Casablanca, the food is very good, and service is excellent. Our bill for the extras and the Johnnie Walker was $18.80. After eating, we return to the room, change clothes, and return to the elevated area above the stage, and we are listening to the musical group when I hear this female voice say, We are going to join you. When I look up, I see that it is the group from the Beach who I had surmised as being from New York. Well as we are moving things around my wife knocks over her fruit punch and of course, she is wearing white pants. So we go to the room to wash it out before it stains, but I insist on returning because I want to find out if this is Rose and Dr. Bones. Well, in between songs I found out that this is not Rose and Dr. Bones. I also find out that each night after the shows that there is someone playing the piano since the younger crowd is at the Disco. I also find out that last nights entertainment was at the Beach. O well you live and learn, hopefully (but, as you will see later, I didnt). When we get back to the room, theres an envelope under the door, and it informs us that we can move to one of the 5-star resorts since we have been at Starfish for five days.Day Six (Thursday): We are to be in the Lobby at 9:45 AM for the Under Sea day. I notice a stiff breeze when we go to eat. I know you cant wait so here todays adventure with the toaster. I have an omelet so I do not do toast, but after the omelet I decide I want English toast. So I go to the toaster, and one side is open. I drop in two English and Im waiting when this young girl, probably eight or nine comes up to the toaster. In a few minutes, a woman comes up and I see her looking at the bread in the other side. So I commence to talk to her about the trials and tribulations of the toaster. I turn to point something out to this lady, and when I turn around..do I have to tell you. The young girl is walking away from the toaster, and of course, she has the two recently toasted English. No problem, mon. After breakfast, we inquire about the move to the 5-star, and decide not to do it because it would add additional time on Saturday to get to the airport. When we get to the tour desk, the girl says, I was getting ready to call you. Due to the weather, the undersea tour has been cancelled for the day. Well, we decide not to re-schedule as we still need to the lagoon trip, and we ask if the boat will be sailing that evening. She advises me to check with her about 5:30 to determine if the is room on the boat. We go to the Beach and we find some lounges and a canopy over to the right side, close to the watercraft. Thats as close to the Nude beach that my wife will allow me. We hang out there until about 3 PM. Then we return to the room, clean up, and watch TV waiting for the lagoon trip. The next thing I know I wake up and its 6 PM and weve missed the boat! So we go for the evening meal and on the way back we check at the tour desk, and found out that they had planned on taken us to the lagoon by vehicle at 6:30 PM. Re-schedule for the next evening, maybe well make it. The evening is concluded in the normal manner except Johnnie off the cart. Also, under our door is another offer to move to a 5-Star, and information about checking out.Day Seven (Friday): This is to be our last full day so weve made no plans other than to hang out on the Beach. I staked out two lounges about middle of the steps and the wall and put up a canopy Okay I know you cant wait so here is today adventure with the toaster. I again do an omelet because I figure it is going to be the last chance for one. Well, after I have eaten the omelet, I decide that Ill try the English toast again. Well there are several people either using the toaster or waiting to use the toaster. After a while, a young lady, maybe late teens, early twenties puts two English on the right side of the toaster, and one of the water sports guys puts one piece of bread in the left side of the toaster. Well, I seize the opportunity and drop one English into the remaining slot, this slot being the second slot from the left. Now, Im intently watching this English, determined not to get diverted like the previous day. After what seems to be eternity, the young ladys English pops-up. However, she does not immediately remove them, and about the time that I thinking that this young lady is rookie toaster, the other side pops-up. Well, quicker than I can say thats my English, this young lady retrieves her two English, and MY English. What can you say, no problem, mon! We do the usual thing on the Beach, but prior to going we stop by the Tour desk to enquire about the lagoon trip, and the lady at the desk tell us to be there at 6:30 to go by the van because the boat is full. About 3 PM, my lovely Bride of 34 years tells me that she needs to go to the gift/sundry store, as she has not gotten something for her Mother. Now Ive also been going to this shop just about every morning to purchase a newspaper. So while she is trying to find some treasured item, Im just poking around, and on some prior excursions into this shop, I had noticed the Jamaican Rum, the Jamaican Gin, and the other items on the top shelves. However, Im looking more closely, and (remember the thing about living and learning) I find on the bottom shelf several 750 ml of Johnnie Walker Red Label at $18.39 per bottle. Now as all of us Scotch drinker know, this is a very good price, but me, Im agonizing over the fact that I find this treasure on the last day. About 6:15 PM, we return to the tour desk, and of course, the lady working at this particular time has no idea who were are, but upon seeing our ticket immediately calls down to the Seashells Bar to hold the boat before we can explain the facts to her. Well after several minutes of discussion she tells us to get on the van. Soon, a couple from Kansas joins us. Hes wearing a NASCAR shirt, and I ask him about how he felt about the results of Daytona. We soon learn from talking about flight information that when they arrived on Saturday the same day that we arrived that they had to hang out in the Lobby from 11AM until 4 PM, because no room was available. Then as a gesture of good will, Starfish arranged for them to move to the Grand Lido Braco on Wednesday. They really were disappointed as the resort was not their cup of tea and they did not have any hot water while they were there. That evening we go to the Beach to take in the Circus performance, but we only stay until around 10 PM, because Im the packer and in order to have our bags ready by 7 AM Saturday we return to the room for me to finish. The instruction that we had received the prior day stated that if checkout is completed prior to 11 PM, then you become eligible for a free three-day stay. Well my motto has always been if its free, its me. So I do the checkout and the young lady at the counter makes a point to indicate to me that the bill shows a zero balance. Well since I do some traveling for the government, a zero balance does not have a big meaning for me. So, when I return to the room, I pack this bill into the last remaining bag.Last Day (Saturday): The alarm goes off at 6 AM, just like it does at home on a workday, and by 7:15 AM, we are in the dinning area ready to eat. Well, Im going to have cooked eggs since there will not be time for an omelet. Now cooked eggs to me are over easy because I want a runny yoke and the toast I cut up with the eggs, allowing the toast to soak-up the yoke. Well since Im going to have cooked eggs and I immediately head for the toaster. Well you not going to guess what the result is unless you do toast like me and you where there at that time and place. The toaster is gone!!! The big wire screen apparatus that has not worked from day one is the only thing there. And Ive not turned in my comment card yet that basically states to make my trip more enjoyable is to have more than one toaster, or fix the big one. Well as it turns out the cook that morning mess up anyway and my eggs have a hard yoke. Well as we are leaving the dinning area, we see a couple coming towards us (another live and learn moment), and they have a piece of paper that has all of the days activities on it. So somewhere there is a distribution box that outlines activities each day. Well, by 7:45 AM, we are in the lobby with our two carryons and three fully packed bags. Then comes the last live and learn moment, after all bags are loaded on the bus, you have to show your bill with the zero balance before you can get on the bus. So back to the front counter to get another zero balance bill. When we finally get on the bus, the only remaining seats are two inline single seats across from the driver. Oh boy, front seat of a large bus driven on the left side of a narrow road at high speed. I guess it is best to end a trip the wait it started. By the way if you were on this bus with me, it was I on the bus microphone who sang Rocky Top and not the driver. The driver did as he had promised when we started and had us at the airport in one piece in about 45 minutes. Check in at AJ was accomplished in a few minutes, our less than full flight departed on time, arriving in Atlanta early, and I had $84 in dollars (US) to bail my vehicle out of the airport parking.In Conclusion: Ill say that going to Jamaica and the Starfish is overall very much worth what you pay. Ill say as others have that the rooms are not luxury, but they are (or at least mine was) clean, and comfortable. All meals we had at the buffet are very good, and other than a toaster problem which was really no problem, mon as I really viewed it as humorous. We are AL people and we ranked this resort as the second best that we have been to since we started traveling to the Caribbean.I did acquire my trip through an auction site, and it was about 50% less than if Id booked it through Vacation Express (Im an Internet guy). I would have no problem about returning to Starfish, but most likely next year well do as we have done for every year for the last six years and go to a different place.

My husband and I were married at the Starfish Trelawny on December 29, 2003. We spent seven days there with 33 guests attending with us. Our room was fine, a little damp. My guests had multiple problems with ants, plumbing, and patio doors not working properly. My parents were given a room that they did not "order." The breakfast was fabulous and the dinners were okay. The drinks were amazing! I WOULD NOT recommend getting married there! The wedding coordinator had no idea what she was doing. Everything was a surprise to my husband and I and our parents paid outrageous prices for nothing (Don't do decorations, hor d'oeurves etc....). Our wedding lasted about 10 minutes and we weren't even given a chance to say anything to each other but our vows during the ceremony. We paid $50.oo to have our marriage certificate rushed to us (one month maximum) and we still haven't received it one month and a half later. Overall I had an enjoyable and relaxing time at the Starfish Trewlawny, but I regret having my wedding there.

January 10-17, 2004We just returned from a one week stay at the Starfish Trelawny Resort in Jamaica. We got a great last minute deal. We were a little nervous after talking to a lot of family and friends who told us Jamaica was very dangerous and might be disappointed going there. Well we had a great week at the Starfish and really enjoyed Jamaica. The Starfish is an older resort but in the process of updating their resort. Our room was one that has not been renovated yet, but had a marvelous view of the mountains and ocean. That far made up for the lack of modern decorating in our room. The room was very clean and spacious. We had a king size bed and bunk beds in our room if you were traveling with children. The resort had lots to offer. Their staff kept the grounds clean and well maintained. The four pools and 2 water slides were a definite plus. We were 4 adults traveling without children and still enjoyed the water slides. There was a large beach area which included a man made island. They also had an area for those who like to sun bath in the buff. That beach is not really secluded as the locals and people heading towards that side of the beach had to walk right by the nude beach. The Bamboo Shopping Village was less than a five minute walk down the beach with various carvings and t-shirts and the regular tourist shopping items. The long walks on the beach are limited here as there are other resorts and private properties not far down either side of the resort, were you were not allowed to trespass. For those people on the island, the bartenders always kept a cooler of cold beer there to save you a trip back to the beach bar. The drinks are as strong or as mild as you want them. Resort staff are very friendly and courteous and very hard working. We would see some there from early morning till late at night.There is a large buffet and 4 a la carte restaurants. Two of the a la carte restaurants you have to pay additional charges for. (Sushi restaurant and the Italian.) The other two a la cartes had items that were included and some additional. They were very clearly marked so there was not mistaking what was included. We found plenty to eat at these a la cartes that was included so didn?t have to pay anything to go to them. The buffet offered lots of variety and had theme nights. One of our group was not an adventurous eater but had no problem finding lots to satisfy his hunger. The food quality was excellent.We went on the Luminous Lagoon Party Cruise. Worth the money. $25 US per person, booze included. They take you to a Lagoon that the Water glows when stirred up or when you swim in it.Rented a cab from our resort (Red Plate) meaning licensed and certified. He took us on a tour of Montego Bay and took us shopping and to the Jimmy Buffet's Margaretaville Bar. Much better than taking a bus tour as you can go where you want, when you want.We had a great week and would love to go back. Our kids would have loved it there as there were lots to keep kids busy.

My husband and I (and our 15 month old daughter) just got back from the Starfish, where we stayed Feb. 8 thru Feb. 15th, 2004. The Starfish is fun -- it has it's negatives, but the positives and a good attitude more than make up for them. And if you're traveling with kids, especially with a baby or toddler, this place is great. It offered us the freedom to relax knowing our daughter was being cared for -- the best part of any vacation.

We chose the Starfish because it offered childcare and activities for kids under two (up to age 12) and because it was half the cost of other all-inclusives, like Beaches and FDR Pebbles. After doing extensive research (including reading all of the reviews here), we did not expect the Ritz and that's the key to why we enjoyed ourselves. Once you've seen the rooms, you've seen the worst the Starfish has to offer. The grounds themselves and the staff are excellent; the Kids' Center was a total luxury (and the ladies working there were GREAT); the entertainment was very good and most people raved about the food. (I happened not to care for the buffet, but my husband, who has a very sensitive stomach and usually is very picky about food, liked it. Go figure.) We tried all of the other restaurants -- Casablanca was our favorite.

Many of the negative reviews focus on the rooms. Yes, they are dated and tired, especially the bathrooms. But they are clean. We did not see any bugs (except flies. Hello, it is a tropical environment!) and we certainly did not see any rats as one reviewer claimed to see. Our room, 733, overlooked the ocean and hotel grounds. Our sliding door was difficult to open and the nightly entertainment on the stage below was loud, as in, it sounded like we were outside. Thankfully though, our daughter is a sound sleeper and slept through the band which played every night, from approximately 7:30pm to 10:00pm.

Other reviewers also complained about poor service or rude staff. We did not see that, but we did see a number of rude and loud guests. We found that smiles and thank yous to the staff made a big difference in how you're treated -- polite guests were always treated well by the staff at Starfish. Our room wasn't ready at check-in (1:30pm) but it was by 3:00pm. It didn't have a crib, as requested, but they brought one up within 10 minutes.

The grounds are spotless; the pools are very nice (and where most people socialized). The beach was quieter and perfect for relaxing. It also looked like a picture postcard, expecially the turquoise water. We didn't do a lot of the activities, but we did try the trapeze. Fun, but your body will protest the next day! We also went on the hotel-organized Montego Bay shopping trip -- it was okay. Many people we spoke to got together and hired a taxi driver instead. Good spa services.

Would we go back to Starfish? Probably not, but I don't think we'd go to any all-inclusive. The price is way too high for what you get. I'm certainly glad we didn't pay an extra $2000 for a nicer hotel room or more choice of restaurant. Overall, your best bet for a good time at the Starfish is to read the reviews, adjust your expectations that the resort is not a 5 or 6 star, and to have a open-minded attitude.