THE BEST

THE LAND OF WOOD AND WATER...THE PARADISE ON EARTH.....THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME...(JAMAICA)

Great for: Beaches, Scuba/Snorkeling, Theatre/Music, Nightlife, Family Holidays

25 January 2006 | A Yahoo! User

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I would never go again

We got off of our ship and did not feel very safe on the harbour side, but we thought we were being a bit over dramatic.We hired a mini bus with four americans, who were wonderful company. We felt quite intimidated by the driver, as he was insistant we were going to go where he wanted to go , not where we had asked to go[ a tour of the outskirts and attractions.]He would not let the americans get out of the mini bus at the beach which is what had been booked at the time of payment. So all in all a really bad and disappointing excursion to Montego Bay. So much so that I won't ever be enticed to go back.

21 July 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Good Times!

I would go back. We went with our two young children and we all had a great time and enjoyed the beauty and relaxation offered. Watch out for cheap, cheap coffee and rum. It's either expired or not true blue mountain. We stayed at the holiday inn and the shopping across the street is just as good and as cheap as downtown don't waste money on a trip in to just shop! We got a driver to take us driving all over in the back country. It was breath taking and he told us alot of history. Two families of four for sixty american bucks! Have fun! Lisa

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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SUCKED ASS

AWFUL SET UP DIDNT TELL WERE HOTELS WERE LOCATED DIDNT TELL SORCES OF GIVE MUCH INFO ABOUT THE HOTEL

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Enjoying Mobay

I think the best time to go to Jamaica is for Sumfest, and i will tell you why. It is in late July that Jamaicans showcase their local and international talents with the best Danceall, Roots, and international R&B in the world. It is also the best time to meet people, as folks all over the country come to enjoy the cool vibes of the music, the people, and the non stop parties. If you decide to go to a Sumfest concert, use common sense and travel to the venue with a group of two or more, never go alone as you are out of your element. The hotels provide a shuttle service and pick up for the Sumfest, however, i personally think that a group of four, and wee hour taxi fare in the amount of $40 U.S. dollars is good to spend the entire night on the field and watch the artiest do their thing. A sample of popular recording artists that i've seen in recent years is Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Ninja Man, Sean Paul, Cartel, Luciano, Jimmy Cliff, Destiny's Child, Ja Rule to name a few. The popular hotels to consider when traveling and staying in Montego Bay(the locals call it Mobay) is the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort , and Sunset Beach. I've stayed at both properties and i must say that the Holiday Inn is the safest for children due to the excellent childcare and activities, however, Sunset Beach rewards returning visitors with a private party, and the beach is right outside your doors! Holiday Inn has shops right across the street from its property, but use caution crossing the street as the cars drive like dare devils! Sunset Beach is convient as well as it is near the large craft market, the port entrance for the cruise lines, and there are a few local resturants to sample the menu of the day, such as ox tail, jerk chicken, or fish and rice. If you decide to go to the craft market, make sure you carry small dollar bills and use extreme caution when going alone. It is always better to go with someone to ward off the aggressive sales peopel, but you can find excellent bargains...just barter and get the deal and go to the next shop. Last, if you do go to Montego Bay, do try the night life as it is a ball! I enjoy going to the Coral Reef as it is a upscale casino entertainment complex, and the live local talent is one of its kind. There's a Margaitaville across the street, but too many locals hang in there and it is not my experience to enjoy Jamaica with tourists. Mingle and have fun at the Coral Reef, the crowd is older and mature, and you can sit outdoors and enjoy a drink and people watch all morning. A word to the wise...do use caution with purses and back packs, as this is a signal to the local theives that you are not street wise. It is best to carry any money in your pocket, and carry one credit card with you. Leave the back packs and purses in the hotel safe. Do not wear flashy chains or rings on your finger and do not walk down streets unless you are with a local friend that you've known for more than a year. Even as experienced as i am, i know which blocks not the walk to or shop. Always agree on the fare for the taxis before getting inside, and never ride in a taxi alone. In my experiences traveling within Montego Bay, the taxi drivers take advantage of the tourists as we do not know the money rates...be firm with the unauthorized taxis as $3 U.S. dollars is enough to get you around town, and $5U.S dollars can get you back home for two persons. The hotel taxis charge about $17-$200.00 U.S. dollars, depending on your destinations-one way! Learn the money rates as it is to your advantage.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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The People are great!

What I like about the stay were the people everyone was so friendly!

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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The Good, Bad, & Ugly

We stayed at Breezes and liked it. Our room was in a good location (not facing sea nor street)but clean. Hotel workers were very friendly and helpful and the food was varied and fine (as expected when cooked for a large group). Lots of water and social activities included in cost. Great beach. Shopping areas closed early evening(and we didn't find a theater)so there wasn't much for a family to do outside the resort after 7:00 p.m. We hired a local person (he was our mini-bus driver on the fun Dunn River 1/2 day tour) to give us a 2 hour tour of Montego Bay. We got to see and learn about the conditions of the very poor as well as the rich. We came to understand that so many people try to sell their services to tourists as a way to survive. [Later I searched the internet and discovered that 25% of Jamaicans live on less than $2 a day.] During our stay we also came to learn how the term "ugly American" may have come into being. While most Americans were decent, several were rude, demanding, or unwilling to try to see a perspective other than their own. We were amazed at the ability of the local folks to remain friendly and professional even during unpleasant encounters.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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