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Positive All Inclusive experiences di...

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Tattoo Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 11:11 am
	Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2009

Please share any positive or funny experiences you may have had during an Ai stay. As mentioned on another thread Ai seems to be a bad word, I disagree, I think the Ai's are vital to the jamaican economy and I wanna here da good stuff about them. The people the friendships, the stays , the service, everything positive and good.Respect.

Muzikdoc Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 11:58 am
	Post Number: 131 Registered: 01-2008

I have no problem with AI's. We do a group trip every other year and its always at a large AI. Could be though that it is a large group and we make our own party, but some of those parties would get pretty steep if we had to pay for all the drinks, shots etc. Just the two of us though I would prefer to keep it local.

jodster Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 12:03 pm
	Post Number: 76 Registered: 06-2009

Our first trip - Sandals for our honeymoon in Montego Bay, is what hooked us on Jamaica.

prism Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 12:08 pm
	Post Number: 32 Registered: 03-2008

Our first 3 trips to Jamaica were to a beautiful AI that has since closed. It was called Enchanted Gardens in Ocho Rios. It was on the side of a hill with 14 waterfalls on the grounds and it was like being in a tropical garden. Since then we love Nigril and stay at mostly small local hotels.

wit Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 01:09 pm
	Post Number: 531 Registered: 12-2008

Started out in an a/i wayyyy back in 1978 (Jack Tarr Village)...left a/i's in the mid 80's.

I take packages sometimes from Canada as they are not much more than air alone.

Been back in a/i's now for a year. My jamaican other half has always dreamed of the other side of the gates so that's where we are for a treat for him.

We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give.

Lhart Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 01:44 pm
	Post Number: 486 Registered: 12-2006

Tattoo,

I'm glad you started this thread. I've always been a little hesitant to talk about AI's because many don't like them and think that people on AI's never leave the resort. For us anyway that is not at all true. We love to walk the beach, rent cars and drive the countryside, visit off the beaten path restaurants, shop at Hi-Lo for snacks & drinks.
We have stayed at AI's and nonAI's... we've stayed up on the cliffs, and on the beach. We will be going in April for wedding anniversary and staying at Couples Swept Away. But, then the next trip we'll change it up and do something different - maybe Idle Awhile.

We have taken our sons many times and stayed at Beaches Negril a couple of those times. We got married on the beach with only our sons in April of '07. We've stayed at Coco also with kids. But, truly with teenage boys the AI thing works best ... unlimited food, drinks, watersports, girls, etc. No worry of constantly digging in the wallet.

Our sons have had lots of exposure to Jamaica - they even have friends they text throughout the year from Jamaica. My oldest just started college in New York and is already talking that he wants to go to The University of The West Indies in MoBay for a Masters Degree after he finishes his Engineering degree. What do you think of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed American attending college in Jamaica? I think it would be a wonderful experience... need to research this idea further (ha-ha).

Anyway, I think the most important thing no matter where you are staying is to "get out".. walk, explore, stop and talk to with the locals! Enjoy the whole experience.

I do find that for "newbies" I tend to recommend an AI if they've never been to Jamaica before because in reality many people who have not been exposed to different cultures may not be as open and comfortable at first.

But, once they go, they know!
Laurie

P.S. I have tons of pic's I've never posted - I may try to post tonight from home and include a couple of our wedding on the beach.

, TRIP #12

jessa Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 01:49 pm
	Post Number: 1467 Registered: 05-2009

On my second trip I stayed AI at Coral Seas Garden for three days then Coral Seas Cliffs (now Sunset on the Cliffs) for four days in July of '07. Whatever negative experience I had when there in July was because of what had happened before I even got there, and because it took a little used to to go solo on a vacation. But overall the people and the food and the rooms were great. I think it was somewhere between $70 and $90 a night, and with one exception when there was a large group during one morning with a buffet, all my meals were made to order, and they even made a nice shrimp dinner for me once even though shellfish technically weren't on the AI menu.

I like doing an AI if the price is right, so that way I feel I am getting a good deal, and yet aren't spending so much that I would feel like I was 'wasting' my money, if ya'll know what I mean.

I wish I had had the money when they had that great Grand Pineapple special, and even checked to see if they would have any vacancies when I am going to be there next, but they don't, but it's all good, because I am going to give another small AI, Merrils, a try when I am there for five nights.

I see some great specials for some AI's, but just couldn't see myself going there. I prefer the smaller places..really big places for me personally can sometimes resemble nothing but grand monstrosities and I wouldn't feel comfortable. For example, like the Grand Palladium...after looking at the pics, I know I would just totally be lost in a place like that.

http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5801

Larysa Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 01:55 pm
	Post Number: 33 Registered: 04-2009

My first 3 trips were to AI resort - Couples Swept Away. It is a beautiful place, the beach, grounds are great, and service and food are superb, terrific spa and gym. Very romantic place for couples unfortunately they frown upon singles : ) Many people don�t ever leave the resort fortunately we did venture outside, once even, we walked from Roundabout all the way to Rick's and it is a dangerous walk: ) checking out the places on the cliffs. This time going solo to a small hotel on the beach and looking forward to visiting all the places I learned about from this board.

gum Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 02:03 pm
	Post Number: 2032 Registered: 06-2006

Sandals-Whitehouse is an amazing property. We loved our two stays there this year.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. ~Mark Twain

homegirl Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 02:06 pm
	Post Number: 1536 Registered: 07-2006

We usually split up the trip, go to Little Bay a few days,stay West end a few days and AI (COUPLES)a few days.
We eat local,then gourmet etc.....I have been a travel agent for 29 years and like to see it all.I am not comfortable spending the whole time AI,and we enjoy the way we split it up.For our twice a year visit we do the AI once or not at all just depends on how we are feeling or what we want to do on the trip. It is nice to just do no running around and hang out sometime,other times moving around.
Thanks for asking........hg

Maryann Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 02:33 pm
	Post Number: 152 Registered: 06-2009

AIs work for me because I like being able to get a cocktail whenever I want and don't have to worry about how much I'm spending.

wyth Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 02:49 pm
	Post Number: 625 Registered: 11-2008

I always stay local but try and stay AI for a weekend then head straight back to the yard....A couple of days is enough for me....Apart from when we stayed in Ochi @ RDCC this past reach i could have stayed the whole time....xx

You can�t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future

LuvinNegril Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 03:33 pm
	Post Number: 62 Registered: 09-2009

I stayed AI my first 3 trips. At Beaches for two and the Riu Club Hotel and I had a good time, especially at Beaches. My reach in Oct 2008 was for a wedding. The whole wedding party and guests stayed at Beaches. The ceremony was beautiful. We had a beach dinner reception with lots of dancing by the guests and staff. We even had the whole Japanese restaurant to ourselves for one night after the ceremony. One guest had invited a musician friend from JA to come play for the bride and groom. Here are few pics:
Upload

Life loves those who dare to live it.

LuvinNegril Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 03:35 pm
	Post Number: 63 Registered: 09-2009

Oops...can't forget Grandpineapple stay too. Loved that! But like Maryann said, it's nice every now and then to have cocktails whenever and not worry about keeping costs down.

Life loves those who dare to live it.

goatman Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 05:02 pm
	Post Number: 13 Registered: 08-2009

I love Sunset at the Palms. It is a beautiful property with amazing well tended gardens. The staff there are awesome and treat me like a returning friend whenever i come back. They usually bring couples a bottle of champagne on ice on their first night. They remember that I don't really drink champagne so they brought me a bottle of Appleton Special on my last trip which is my drink. I've been staying there since before the Rius went up (when it was Negril Cabins) and while bloody bay has changed, SATP remains private and unhurried. It feels like "the real negril" to me, though others would disagree.

As for the concern that people who stay at AIs don't contribute to the local economy I would say that the tips i give the staff go right into the economy. The taxi's i take, the off site entertainment and meals i partake in and purchases from beach vendors all contribute.

I've had great experiences at non-AI hotels in Negril as well

jon1963 Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 06:04 pm
	Post Number: 129 Registered: 09-2008

We love some of the AI resorts. Been to the old Jack Tarr that was nice, did Holiday Inn with the kids 3 years in a row. That was a nice place with young kids because they could not leave and could eat all day long. Did Star Fish with the kids and it was not that good, employees were trying to sell me drugs in front of my kids. Not cool in my option. Did Sandals Royal and did not like the class system that they have. IF you want good service at Sandals, you need to have a high price room. Been to Couples Resorts 4 times and we love the chain. You do get a good value for your money. We did Hedo in 2008 and just did not like open acts going on. They also have cheap low class food, not a good value for us.

If the only AI in Jamaica was a Sandals or Super Clubs-(Star Fish, Hedo, Breezes) we would not go to a AI resort. They are just not a good value for the money in our option.

As long as Couples resorts is open, I think we pick them. Great food, drinks and things to do all included in the price. The non AI are good too, but we like leaving our money in the safe and having no worries.

Kimbobwee Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 06:26 pm
	Post Number: 395 Registered: 08-2006

Way back when......Our 1st trip was a stay at Hedo. Of course the first day you're always pumped-up!

Well, needless to say, we may have had one or three too many Jamaican Delights. Let's just say it took us awhile to find our room..........We laughed our asses off!! Still do....

Very good and fun times at Hedo....smile.

Balance it out... 1wk. at AI.. or 1mo. cliffs/beach.

To me, it is a NO Brainer.

Buff Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 06:51 pm
	Post Number: 125 Registered: 06-2009

We first went AI around 10 years ago when ours son's friends (LATE TEENS) came on holiday with us. prior to that we had always done our own thing , but figured this time If we went Ai and the boys ran out of money they would still be able to eat /drink.

Since then we have always gone AI but I still search for the good deal were we dont feel were missing out if we leave the resort....and dont feel tied to the resort to get 'our moneys worth'.

Tattoo Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 06:53 pm
	Post Number: 77 Registered: 10-2009

Wow, Look at all the great vibes coming outta this thread.Who would ever have thought. I have concluded so far that There are many positive attributes to do the Ai wiggle.The packages get you there for sure And provide a stepping off point for many in a life long obsession ,The advantages seem to be many, Security, Food and drinks Familys can bring da little ones and more!.And for those that usally go modest(remember Go Mod stickers of the 70's lol).Ai's Can provide a nice change up.I for one welcome the multiple opportunities to choose.Respect.

Sunshine Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 06:55 pm
	Post Number: 368 Registered: 07-2006

We had a great time once at Sandals.
We had been to Negril 3 times and found a great deal to Negril Gardens, when we got there found out we were upgraded at no charge to Sandals.
We still left the property....

maya Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 07:52 pm
	Post Number: 67 Registered: 04-2008

We have stayed at Couples Negril and I have to say we loved it. I have to say that in 4 trips to Negril, I have never eaten better food than what we had at Couples. We chose Couples because it was a honeymoon-ish type vacation and we wanted a space where there were no kids, and a quiet beach (only a few select vendors/musicians approved by the hotel) .

I have since stayed on 7 mile beach at Idle Awhile three times now and we love that too. (owned by the same people who own Couples) We especially love the rooms there and we make good use of them too. Our visits to Idle Awhile are always with a kid in tow who is asleep by 8 pm , so it is really nice to have a big beautiful Island style decor suite to relax in for the evenings.

Couples was lovely because it provided so many private nooks and crannies for snuggling up in hammock together. Very romantic! Plus, the grounds were really lush and spacious, and everything was so quiet there. Unfortunately, this is not the case at most of the hotels on 7 mile . At Idle Awhile we listen to the sounds of dishes clashing in the kitchens of the hotels next door, rumbling sounds of industrial size fans, and depending on where our room is situated...road sounds too.

Often one of the benefits of an AI is that they have a great deal of property so a well selected room frequently means that the only sounds you may hear are the crashing of waves, the chirping of tree toads or the pleasing sounds of reggae music.

We were treated very well at Couples and plan to go back again when we can find a babysitter for Junior for a week or so. :-)

Couples Negril April 2008
Idle Awhile June 2008
Idle Awhile January 4, 2009
Idle Awhile October 16, 2009

Rasta Stan Member posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 08:00 pm
	Post Number: 970 Registered: 07-2006

For some us an A/I package is the best choice based on price alone.
Our taxes out of Toronto are around $258 each plus air cost..ouch!
So getting a deal with air , hotel and meals is the smart thing for what you get.
Been staying at the Riu Tropical Bay since it opened and we are treated great there. We get great rooms and many perks from the caring staff.We've made some great friends there and will continue to stay there if the price is within reach.
We get off the property and have seen all we've cared to see and partied everywhere....lol.
I like the fact that I can leave the wife at the hotel and know she's looked after late night while I hit the "Bestend Road" also.
We have done a few trip non A/I in the past few years also, it's all JA to us.It's a hotel folks not an anchor, get out and have some fun.
We stayed non A/I for nearly 20 years and enjoy both.

Tattoo Member posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 01:18 am
	Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2009

Rasta Stan on: Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 07:00 pm, wrote:
It's a hotel folks not an anchor, get out and have some fun.

Well said.

michael Member posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 08:23 am
	Post Number: 450 Registered: 12-2008

..........was married at Beaches and had our after reception party at Alfred's.

Daughter learned to swim at RIU Clubhotel

..........and nobody really wants to know about the mushroom tea before the Hedonism Toga Party back in 2002.

What a good time that was........

DaRev Member posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 09:40 am
	Post Number: 477 Registered: 07-2006

My wife and I began our Negril (and Jamaica) experience at Legends.. We stayed there 4 times and loved it every time. Some folks ran the place down in the reviews - so the first time we went, we were a bit concerned about it - but we're not very "hoity toity" - a reasonably nice room - decent food and we're pretty much OK - and you couldn't beat the price at Legends - the food and drinks were good and the people were GREAT!!!!!!!!!

Next it was Coral Seas Beach - we got the "King & Queen" AI package - again it was a "special" through Negril One-Stop (Great folks to work with!)- They picked us up at the airport in a full stretch limo! Champagne on ice - Red Stripe, mixed drinks - in the car before we even got to the resort! - That was a trip! You shoulda seen the folks waiting at Sangster lookin' at us! Like Jessa said - the food was amazing - the drinks were top shelf - and the people again were wonderful.

We're booked at GP this go around - again a great deal - Really looking forward to it..

My one suggestion is if you go AI, go with the smaller AIs.. Only because they are the best of both worlds - you aren't "gated in" and you still have the convenience of having pretty much all you need right there if you choose to just hang out. But as others have said - if you really want to ENJOY Jamaica, you HAVE to connect with her people - otherwise you are missing the absolute BEST part..

shell Member posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 01:05 pm
	Post Number: 337 Registered: 07-2006

I love staying at Couples Swept Away. I've also stayed at a number of small non ais on the cliffs and beach.And while I"ve enjoyed all my time in Negril I"m always happiest when I"m walking into the lobby of CSA. Its total relaxation while I"m there.
Instead of writing what I love about it I"m going to post my flickr site .http://www.flickr.com/photos/mchlmo/sets/ There a set on there from Swept Away.
An added bonus is that its right on the main part of 7 mile beach, so its easy for me to take a walk and get a "fix" of the rest of Negril. For me its the best of both worlds.

Tattoo Member posted on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 11:48 pm
	Post Number: 96 Registered: 10-2009

michael on: Friday, October 30, 2009 - 07:23 am, wrote:
and nobody really wants to know about the mushroom tea before the Hedonism Toga Party back in 2002.

I do! I do !!!! lol.

Tattoo Member posted on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 11:50 pm
	Post Number: 97 Registered: 10-2009

shell on: Friday, October 30, 2009 - 01:05 pm, wrote:
For me its the best of both worlds.

Wow I am happy that you have found that little nich'e in Negril bless.

RastaRich Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 01:25 am
	Post Number: 50 Registered: 08-2006

2001 was our first trip to Negril to attend a friends wedding at Grand Lido. We got a great deal for 8 days and it ended up being one of the best vacations we have ever had. Our routine every day was to go to the bar where they would give us 2 bottles of Champagne. Then we would go to the water ski boat and ski bloody bay back and forth. Later in the week we learned we could get a lobster lunch at the Office of Nature.
In the 8 days only one other couple skied with us once so it was like we had our own private boat - a new high for "all inclusive". At night we would call in an order for chocolate sundays from the garden hammock, burn a fatty and watch the surf till our treat showed up. Our boat driver's Aligator and Carlton are still close friends today and we get together every time we return.

Respect,
RastaRich

3 Kuyaba - 7 Citronella

Ras Walleye Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 05:24 am
	Post Number: 544 Registered: 07-2006

Tattoo,
Lovin' the vibes in many of your recent posts!

The first time I stayed A/I was on my fourth trip to Negril. My 2 daughters, a buddy & I were part of a LARGE group. 1100 people that came for the 2002 Reggae Marathon as a fund raiser for the American Stroke Assoc. They put us up in 4 different resorts and our group of 12 from Mpls. was at RIU Tropical Bay. The grounds were lovely, the food was delicious, and the staff was great. After all the talk on the board I was expecting pressure, overt or otherwise, to stay on the property but found nothing of the sort. I think already being a Negril veteran helped a lot in that regard. As the veteran I was also the tour guide for the group all of whom, except my buddy Marty, were newbies. I took them off the resort to Miss Sonia's, Kuyaba, Just Natural, Alfred's and more. After a couple days however the regimentation of some aspects of A/I started to chafe a bit. The classic illustration of this was one day Marty and I returned from an excursion to town and were walking down the grand stairs from the lobby to the pool/beach area as several Aussie tourist were coming up the stairs. One was complaining loudly to the other "She said I needed proper shorts". He had apparently tried to enter the main dining area in his swim shorts and was turned back. So yes the grounds were nice, but stay on the path. Yes the food was good but dress proper and be there at your appointed time. Yes there were many activities but on their schedule not necessarily yours. To be fair there are several other dining options besides the main dining room and they are not dress or time restricted. The A/I experience is a great intro to Jamaica for many but I have found that if you give people a little info about what to expect and how to react, newbies will be fine anywhere. My first 3 stays were Charela with a wedding group of 40, The Blue Cave Castle solo, and both of the above with a group of six. Overall the RIU was very nice but I was glad to cut the wristband in Sala's van on the way to the Castle to finish our stay.
When it gets right down to it, as has been already mentioned a hotel is just a place to sleep, your vacation is what YOU make of it. My only real complaint about A/I's, and the main reason I recommend newbies stay at smaller local properties, is that most of the A/I's are owned by foreign corporations and the majority of the money spent there leaves the island instead of going back into the community.
Bottom line, go to Negril and have a great time. Where you store your clothes and lay your head is up to you and your budget. It's all good! And as always, once you go you know.

Bless...

Ed

P.S. The disco at RIU was off the hook! Mere hours after doing a marathon we burned that mutha down dancing and partying into the wee hours, and those pix will never be seen ;-)

"My feet are my only carriage, so I've got to push on through" The Honerable Robert Nesta Marley O.M.

momma cat Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:31 am
	Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2008

Good day all,

Our first and only trip to Jamaica has been to Couples Swept Away. It was wonderful!!! But, we were off the property so much, lol. We loved walking up and down the beach, especially going to Cosmos. We would call our driver up and just go cruising for the day, with no real destination in mind. My hubby and I could stay non all inclusive, or AI, either way, it would be a blast.

Maybe it's different if you are taking kids. Right now we are planning a trip with our two teens, 17 & 14. We are going for two weeks, and are looking to stay at the Rondel. To be completely honest, when I booked it cash & our budget would be no issue. But since then, my husband had a surgery and is off work for two months =0 We are self employed, so that literally means no cash flow for a while!!

So, I see why a nice all inclusive (not big like the Riu or Beaches) would be so much easier. It would take care of the uncertainty of how much will they eat, or drink, or what will we need for cash. If I could afford it, I would do the whole time at Charlea all inclusive!!

Like I said before, for my husband and I, either way would be no problem. And even with the kids, we won't be gated in... It's all about getting out and seeing the country and the people!!

Take care all =)

CC Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 12:59 pm
	Post Number: 1166 Registered: 07-2006

1st couple of trips we did Samsara AI (they still had Red Stripe on AI). Samsara has never really been known for their food, but it wasn't horrible. Nothing to write home about, but when we didn't feel like venturing out it was fine. When they took Red Stripe off the AI, it broke my hubby's heart.

4th or 5th trip we stayed @ Coral Seas Cliffs and did their AI. Not bad either. Food quality and service was better than Samsara, but still fairly avg for the price.

Another trip (forget the #)we did the breakfast pkg & airport transfer pkg @ Xtabi. We're "breakfast" people so this was worth EVERY penny to us. Xtabi's food is always excellent in my opinion. They had 4-6 good breakfast options and for a little extra you add lobster to it. My only regret about that trip was we didn't get to eat breakfast out at local places we love, but still it was great deal for us and I'd recommend it to others.

Last several trips we have not done AI's, but the way the economy has hit our household, U better believe if I find a good deal, I'll do it. I'm good at tipping and know when to sneak a tip if the boss looks down on it!

}}

Bogwoman Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 01:11 am
	Post Number: 800 Registered: 09-2007

Hey Tattoo!
I really like the AI's, especially Grand Pineapple, prices are affordable, all the free drinks, free food is great. And a nice central location to walk to lots of places.
We always venture out and around in Negril as well and try and spend a little time & $$$ at the little places too. It's all good!

When my son is with me, we love Beaches Sandy Bay, great family vibes and we love all the free snorkeling and water sports there too, a little more expensive but if you go before Nov 1st, the prices are much more affordable, so we like going in Oct when we can.
And I know the AI's provide a lot of jobs for the locals, so it still helps the economy of Jamaica.
Great for families!
Of course in my opinion ANY place either AI or non AI is GOOD as long as you're in NEGRIL*!!!!!

a few pics ...

Upload

Respect*
One Love*

***Wise Folks Count their Blessings....Fools count their problems........Franti Rocks!...

Melicar1 Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 10:09 am
	Post Number: 20 Registered: 07-2006

My family's one and only trip to Negril was in May 2006 and we stayed at Beaches Negril. Being newbies, we felt that staying at an AI would be our best bet. We had a great time at Beaches - my son was 10 at the time and there was so much to do that was all included. We did leave the premises twice... once to walk to the small craft market (that was an experience!) and once to go to Rick's to see the cliff divers. I really liked Beaches, although it is really pricey. We had originally booked at Beaches Sandy Bay but somehow we were upgraded to Beaches Negril. If we ever want to go back to Beaches Negril we'll have to go during hurricane season to be able to afford it!!! Next time we come I'd like to stay at another AI that is priced more reasonably. I have a list of many things to do/places to go next time, so I don't want to spend so much to stay at a resort where I don't spend all my time! This board has so much helpful info - I wish I had found it sooner. I found it the week after we got home. I've been hooked on it ever since. Next time I'll be so prepared!! This is the picture I keep next to my computer at work:}}} Upload

monk Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 12:33 pm
	Post Number: 3569 Registered: 03-2007

Tattoo on: Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 11:11 am, wrote:
As mentioned on another thread Ai seems to be a bad word, I disagree, I think the Ai's are vital to the jamaican economy

well as you can imagine they are a double edged sword. many people, this is their gateway to jamaica- that has it's problems and benefits. I think too, that many of the sentiments expressed which are negative just come from repeating what is thought to be commonly held wisdom and wanting to be perceived as 'real.' everything in Jamaica is 'real.'

my experience with AIs is overall positive- many people who come into negril from town LOVE staying there- so when friends would come in that is when I would go link them and see what it is about. that surprised me because I too would never have thought about staying at one.

plus lots of artistes pretty much make it a stipulation that they AT LEAST get a RIU. What is realer Jamaica than getting a pina colada next to Mavado at the bar.

the real problem, well, one of them, as far as economy goes and on the micro level- is the lack of mobility these kinds of jobs entrench...jobs tend to flatten out. that is the problem with tourism- you have people aspiring to hotel jobs because that is what there is. young women who, for example, may speak several languages and could be working in the diplomatic corps are instead making smoothies.

the other edge is they at least have a job.

personally, I like them in small doses. I'm a major food guy, I like to get into the nooks and crannies of a place and cull the wheat from the chaff as far as food spots. I also tend to like good booze. so to me I get bored quickly with the spit shields and bottom shelf.

a noble stroke he lifted high, Which hung not but so swift with tempest fell On the proud crest of Satan that no sight, nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield such ruin intercept; ten paces huge he back recoil'd; the tenth on bended knee...

poolguywindsor Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 01:19 pm
	Post Number: 82 Registered: 04-2009

I have pretty much done the full circle. First trip Fantassy resort in Mobay then to Sunbeam cottage in Negril. Next was Hedonism then came kids and years of the AI,s. Last year I finally got them off the AI as we stayed at a villa. I like both AI and non. I have been known as the crazy guy that walked down the road out the gate.

Tattoo Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 10:51 am
	Post Number: 104 Registered: 10-2009

poolguywindsor on: Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 01:19 pm, wrote:
I have been known as the crazy guy that walked down the road

You too!!!!

7milelover Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 02:11 pm
	Post Number: 978 Registered: 07-2006

I stayed at Hedo 2 for my first 8 trips to Negril. I would have never "discovered" Negril, if not for that. I found myself loving my off-property experiences very much, thanks to some nice people I met at Hedo. I then tried a stay on the beach, and fell further in love with Negril. I won't rule out going AI, but love dining around beach and cliffs and I adore my current favorite hotel...Charela Inn. Upload