Planning a family vacation (11 adults and 3 kids). We are looking into booking a stay at one of the RIU resorts. Can't decide on which city would be better. Looking for some advice, mon.
I've been to Sandals in Negril. I've heard Ocho Rios is a little nicer, but more "touristy". Negril was a lot of fun. Although, my trip wasn't what you would call kid friendly.
I looooove Jamaica. Last summer I went to Kingston and Ocho Rios with a couple friends and it was absolutely wonderful. Never been to Negril, but Ocho Rios has my full and enthusiastic endorsement. The water is unimaginably clear and there's this waterfall (I'm not sure what it's called, there's so many) that you rent water shoes for actually climb up in the water. Ohh, how I want to go back...!
did you stay at a resort? do you get a chance to eat at the local places? how is the area around Ochos? i really dont be want be stuck in the resort the whole time there.
Ocho Rios. Its cool because of Dunns River Falls (climb up the waterfall deal). We did it when I was a kid (I was about 10 years old) and it was totally cool. There is also alot of great small town culture and of course beautiful beaches!! Trivia: This is where one of the final scenes from Dr. No was shot.
DUNNS...that was it. distence - it was part of a cruise, so I didn't stay overnight in the city. Ochos is very nice, but I mean, the cities are pretty densely packed so you could have poorer areas just a few miles from the actual place you're staying. However, we ventured into the poorer, less "touristy" areas and found this cute fish taco stand (weird I know, haha) and it was some of the best fish I've ever had. Plus, the people there are SO friendly, it really doesn't matter where you are. But yeah...venture out into the other parts of Jamaica, it is so beautiful and rich in culture. I didn't want to leave.
Jamaica reminded me of visiting a third world country, except with more tourists. Ocho Rios has some nice waterfalls though. Dunn's River Falls is family friendly.
I've been to both and I prefer Negril. The beach is MUCH nicer than Ocho. If you Google it, you'll clearly see that Negril's beach is considered better. If you want quiet and relaxed, then Negril is your place. If you want more upbeat with more sights, then you might like Ocho better. Personally, when I'm on vacation at a beach destination, I don't want to do crap but drink rum-punch by day and maybe go to a party at night. Negril fits the bill. It's like being transported to a much simplier life. To me, Ocho is too touristy. Negril is a much simplier and quiter place. ALL the hotels run along only one road that runs along the beach and is otherwise not too busy. I think it is a much more worry free atmosphere whether you have kids or not. Plus each night a different hotel/club/bar hosts a beach party with live music that is usually really nice. Oh, and did I mention Negril is a top-optional beach?
As a side note, I just found out that Sean Connery wore a toupee in all of the Bond movies! Apparently he started going bald at 21.
