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Recent stay at Xtabi?

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Patti Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 05:45 am
	Post Number: 106 Registered: 01-2008

We are planning a two week stay at Xtabi this winter and I was wondering if anyone had stayed there recently? We had walked through last winter and liked the place but now I am reading alot of bad reviews on the cleanliness,property rund down, etc. I know to take some of that with a grain of salt, but some reassurance would be helpful. We are staying on the garden side in an upper room with cable and air and any info would be appreciated!

Ingrid Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 06:26 am
	Post Number: 22 Registered: 06-2009

Me and my family stay there 3 weeks in july and 1 week in october . we absolutely love the place .

Yes the place is a bit run down - nature has taken its tow.

But the staff is the best - they will go out of there way trying to please you . The snorkling is great - get Andrew to take you night snorkling , it is amazing ....

we have booked for next summer and will be bringing more family to this wonderful place .

I have lots of pictures and can mail them to you .

UKBlondie Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 08:54 am
	Post Number: 1339 Registered: 10-2007

I stayed there in June this year. We rented a cottage in the gardens,the grounds were a little run down but nothing major to complain about we enjoyed our stay and it was very good value for money. Im sure you will enjoy your stay there if you decide to go. Love hanging out on the cliffside of Xtabi with the caves etc its lovely.

Crazy4carribean Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 09:07 am
	Post Number: 524 Registered: 01-2008

We stayed in the 2 room huge apartment in August for 1 week, great value for the the money. The grounds were fine, the restaurant was clean, the staff were wonderful, the pool was clean, we had no problems.

08/12-08/29/2009 11/16-11/27/2009

nick Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 09:47 am
	Post Number: 1218 Registered: 12-2006

We stayed at Xtabi last November, in a little seaside cottage near the edge of the property and enjoyed it very much. The people there were nice and we found no problems.
Security would walk the place late at night, and although there were two other cottages close by, the way that they are situated, we still enjoyed privacy. Be careful walking around the cave though, it can get pretty slick.

I would stay there again in a heartbeat. For the price, and what you get, it's a great deal.

Ngates815 Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:16 am
	Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2009

Were going to visit there, when we go down there this week. Just snorkel and swim/hang out. Eat and Drink there. But were staying at the RIU.

I'll post some pics next week.

Stacy Rieger Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:30 am
	Post Number: 91 Registered: 08-2006

I have stayed there for two week before. I think room 2, the one that juts out over the ocean. I think it was the year after Ivan. Email me privately if you want. I have pictures and some thoughts. Peace

CC Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:41 am
	Post Number: 1165 Registered: 07-2006

We have stayed there many times in the past always in room 15 which is a standard(upstairs) gardenside room with A/C.
Its a basic room with queen bed, but always clean. Everyone on staff has been great to us and always remember us when we call to book again. Even if we skip a yr.

The rest is really good too. I recommend the lobster benedict for breakfast and the conch burger at lunch.
This is budget hotel, but rest far exceeds anything that you would find at budget hotel.

Xtabi has a great location on the cliffs. Nice cove to snorkel in, wonderful sunset views, and walking distance to many great places such as 3Dives,Jus Natural,Rockhouse, Sipes & Bites, Catcha, Eddie's Da Bar, MiYard, and the list goes on an on.

Enjoy your stay!

Woodymon Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:56 am
	Post Number: 421 Registered: 07-2006

It's nice to have a big bar and place to eat on the grounds if it rains. Gardenside, upstairs, with air, T.V. and hot and cold running water. Clean rooms a pool and a "Big Smile"..!! Then over to the oceanside to the warm, clear water. Sign-me-up-again. P.S. Just Natural next door..!! XTABI # 1 876 957 0524

dickylobster Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 12:06 pm
	Post Number: 197 Registered: 02-2008

Some might call Xtabi run down, some say just right.

Upload

Cool bar with
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a wonderful cliffside setting with
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great meals and wonderful views --
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and their own caves too!
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Fresh is Best

Michelle Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 01:03 pm
	Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2008

We just stayed in July and I don't think we would ever stay again. We are not high maintenance people and enjoy staying at Banana Shout and Seastar. Xtabi has beautiful grounds and the staff were friendly. The problem was ants, and not just a few of them, the room was completely infested. I have seen some ants at other properties but not like this. We were on the main floor across the road, but I have heard top floor is better. We checked out after 2 nights and moved to Banana Shout.

Stacy Rieger Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 02:03 pm
	Post Number: 92 Registered: 08-2006

Um yeah, I didnt want to post anything negative, but we not only had ants but flying things and cockroaches the size of mice, we bombed the room, but they came back. Some other issues too. But everyone has a different experiences depending on when you go. It wasn't my favorite, but I wouldn't not recommend it either.

CharlesJAB Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 07:26 pm
	Post Number: 105 Registered: 08-2009

I stayed there in a cottage for a couple nights in September without any complaints. Our room was very clean, the staff were very friendly, the grounds were well maintained....no complaints and I'm a picky person!

Since my stay in September I've recommended the Xtabi to others and they had a great time as well!

Maybe one little complaint, they are horrible at responding to e-mails but not many Jamaican business owners rush to answer e-mails.

pix

yetta Member posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:11 pm
	Post Number: 1800 Registered: 12-2006

Xtabi has some great employees and a wonderful bar! Great snorkeling too! The garden rooms are very basic and quite frankly, in need of some updating. However, the price is still reasonable. The rooms on the cliffs are quite nice yet of course, much more expensive. We have stayed there many times and have had a great time. Yet, I do have to admit, some upgrading is needed on the garden side.

dickylobster Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 05:42 am
	Post Number: 198 Registered: 02-2008

Michelle on: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 01:03 pm, wrote:

Fresh is Best

Keri Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 11:53 am
	Post Number: 230 Registered: 12-2006

The bug thing can happen at any hotel on the island. It is the caribbean after all. We have stayed many times at Xtabi and never had a bug problem. I love Xtabi and I love the vibe there. I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend.

Enjoy!

"Let the beauty we love be what we do"~Rumi

monk Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 12:13 pm
	Post Number: 3567 Registered: 03-2007

Patti on: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 05:45 am, wrote:
I know to take some of that with a grain of salt, but some reassurance would be helpful.

take it with more than a grain. without knowing the provenance...these TA reviews are a mixed up bag of tricks many times and many are compromised with quid pro quos. no offense to anyone but I listen to people I actually know when it comes to stuff like that, or at least people whose opinions I can check on. what makes one place tick for some, makes me scratch my head in abject amazement.

odds are well in your favor that you'll have a tremendous time. generally if you have a valid complaint about something where you are presently staying, most places will do their best within reason to accommodate you and even I've seen lots of hotels go beyond reason. you're also not a stone's throw from lots of other options so if you *really* feel like you have to pull the plug it's nothing to move on, lesson learned.

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...

Rumghoul Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 12:24 pm
	Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2008

We have stayed there many times - usually April or February - in seaside cottages, in rooms across road. Loved them all and we are headed back this Feb. Just relax and you will enjoy it. Make sure to have Donovan make a rum punch or dirty banana for you - both very good and Donovan is a wonderful person!

Woodymon Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 02:09 pm
	Post Number: 422 Registered: 07-2006

If you tell them they will use a can of highpower "Bug Kill Spray". Spray doorways and all the edge of the floors. Spray under the bed also. Then run to the bar for a dirty banana. Let the spray do it's work. Try to keep all food in bags. Remember "ants gotta eat too". Always report to the frontdesk to get anything done. They have smart people that work there. Bugs live there first, we just visit. P.S. We have bugs in Florida too.

Woodymon Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 02:50 pm
	Post Number: 423 Registered: 07-2006

Rastagirl777 Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 04:09 pm
	Post Number: 1144 Registered: 02-2008

Woodymon on: Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 02:50 pm, wrote:
a can of highpower "Bug Kill Spray".

Otherwise known as Pyro. Tough stuff. VERY tough stuff.

http://nikkikamens.squarespace.com

Michelle Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 06:38 pm
	Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2008

Hey I am not saying Xtabi is completely without it's merits or that there are not bugs everywhere. We camp a lot in Canada and I have seen mosquitos the size of small birds LOL. We have camped out at biker rallies with no showers and severe wasp issues. We are not high maintenance.

I simply reported the truth, the room literally had 100's of ants and they were of the very large variety. They were everywhere in the room including on the walls right by the headboard of the bed.

Yes, there are bugs in Jamaica and we see them at every property we have stayed. I am just saying they were excessive, what I believe would be beyond any person's standards or tolerance.

I see Patty is staying in an upper room and I have family who have stayed in upper and were quite happy. I don't think they had a bug problem at all. I did say in the first post I heard top floor is better.

I am sure the staff would have arranged to fog the room had we asked but this is not an option as I have severe chemical sensitivities and can not even tolerate hairspray or perfume.

We would still have had a great time had we stayed the entire time at Xtabi. We do not let ants ruin our trip but in this situation we chose to go elsewhere.

I am not trying to scare Patty or say she will not enjoy Xtabi.

I am simply stating a fact. I would hate for someone to stay in the same room and have the same issue without having prior knowledge when I can provide the information.

Isn't that what these forums are all about?

Patti Member posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 07:34 pm
	Post Number: 107 Registered: 01-2008

I appreciate all the help and info and will make sure to budget for some bug spray in case it is needed! This is where I always turn for the "real info" and get it so thanks everyone!

BAKslider Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 09:39 am
	Post Number: 7 Registered: 05-2009

You won't find a chocolate on your pillow but, for my money, I haven't found a better value than Xtabi in years of trying.

As for bugs, the easiest way to avoid them is not to open a bug buffet in your room. I take a box of large Ziplocks to seal any food and then put them in an ice chest. No bug problems.

And fried, the bugs are great with jerk sauce. Ya Mon.

Greg Forest
The Music Office
musicoffice.com

Rastagirl777 Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 10:38 am
	Post Number: 1147 Registered: 02-2008

Michelle on: Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 06:38 pm, wrote:
the room literally had 100's of ants and they were of the very large variety. They were everywhere in the room including on the walls right by the headboard of the bed.

Oh, sounds like duck-ants - they are like our termites, they eat wood. I'm sure Xtabi took care of that...

http://nikkikamens.squarespace.com

Stacy Rieger Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 11:07 am
	Post Number: 94 Registered: 08-2006

Yeah, Im not trying to hate on Xtabi, and in their defense, it was a couple of months after Ivan. They did not rectify the bug situation, WE bought and bombed the room. This wasn't my first trip nor last to Oz, I know about bugs, ziplock bags, no food in the room. I have a bit of OCD, there is no eating in my room, I clean the bottles after I pour drinks, I spray upon arrival. This was an infestation like Ive never seen anywhere on the Island. You can joke about dogs and cats, chickens ect...yeah, we know they live there. When you save and go to a Caribbean vacation, it doesn't mean you share your room with unwanted critters. No one cares about cats & lizards. Once again they didn't do anything about the bugs or the fact that the toilet in the upstairs loft was broken the 15 days we were there. We are nice people, we tip generously, we have eaten there a number of times before we stayed there. Now, Im not saying everyone will encounter these issues, but she ASKED if anyone had thoughts. So, we replied.

wit Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 12:35 pm
	Post Number: 605 Registered: 12-2008

Stacy...I am grateful for your honesty.

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

BrenJaLee Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 12:48 pm
	Post Number: 380 Registered: 01-2009

I don't think height has anything to do with it either. I stayed in a 3rd floor room before and had a whole army of ants marching back/forth in perfect line formation. I called the front desk and they came and sprayed and then came back a few hours later and washed it up real good. Had to have been at least 1,000 dead ants.

The problem is not knowing who was there and what happened in the room before you got there. Perhaps they spilled a nice sugary drink and it got in some of the nooks and crannys or under the bed. Housekeeping can't come in with a firehose and get absolutely everything. There's bound to be something left, maybe that spilled drink got under the baseboard. The ants smell that nice sugar and come marching in.

As others have said, I too keep every bit of food in sealed containers or in the mini-fridge, but you don't know what was left behind before you got there. Someone drops a pineapple slice, unknowingly kicks it under the bed and voila, you get to deal with the critters when you get there.

But, it's Negril, everyting is Irie.

For the most up-to-date Negril Map go to: http://ohliza.blogspot.com/2008/12/map-of-negril-jamaica.html

nick Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 08:38 pm
	Post Number: 1224 Registered: 12-2006

Back in the day, the early seventies we would stay up in the red ground and thought of the ants as the maid service.

They would come in the morning and spread out around the floor picking up every crumb, seed, and dead moth then haul them back out the window by noon.

You must try to be one with nature.

I must say that back then there was no garbage in Negril as everything eatable that hit the ground was eaten by a goat, chicken, or bug, and non perishables were somehow incorporated into something you could ride, store something in, or use for some project.

Rebekah Member posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 10:56 pm
	Post Number: 471 Registered: 10-2006

You are funny Nick. I have stayed at the X for many years in lots of different rooms and have always loved it. I also travel to South America so I don't tend to notice bugs and I am not sure what "run down" is. No it is not a sterile Days Inn type thing that smells like detergent and looks out on parking lot or mega mall, but a cool old timey Negril property that has alot of character and charm and is built no taller than a coconut tree. I like the option of the pool if I don't want to swim in the ocean. I like to gardens and so do the hummers that frequent there. I like the location. The X has some of the best food, caves, and staff to rival any place on the cliffs. Have fun. Let us know how you like it but don't let the naysayers bum you out before you even get there.