My brother is getting married at Sandals Negril in June. I have never been to Jamaica before and wanted to hear some of your ideas of things we need to do/see.

Jamaica is the sh*thole of the Caribbean. I've been to 62 countries in the world, and Jamaica ranks dead last on my list.

The island is well marketed and promoted by the gov't, but there are way better places to go.

Totally depends on what you're looking to do. If I wanted a vacation where I felt safe to drive around the island and interact with the locals...sure there are better options. If you're going to enjoy the beach and all inclusive resort, it's great. Wife and I have been to Montego Bay twice. Sandals for the first trip and Iberostar for the second. Enjoyed both resorts. You will enjoy Sandals. Don't let the other poster bring you down.

Agree with Chopper. There isn't a whole lot to do in Jamaica other than lay on the beach and relax. You should enjoy the Sandals resort. It's a good time!

Negril is really cool! Just remember that the locals are friendly because they want to SELL you something. Whether that something is worthwhile or even legal or not isn't the point. They are VERY PUSHY salespeople. It can be a turnoff but once you get used to the idea that by being American in their country that they know you have a couple of extra dollars in your pocket that they'd like to get their hands on, you will be fine.

The advice I got from the person who drove me to the cottage:

1) This isn't your first time in country. You've been coming here for 10 years now. They will immediately back off a little.
2) Don't go too far west on the beach until you are comfortable with the surroundings. The further west, the more sketchy it becomes to Americans. Once you are used to it, then go shopping! My wife, daughter and I had a blast going to see all the different beach retail stops once I realized that the locals knew I was going to buy what I WANTED. Once they realized that they couldn't "sell me" they weren't quite so pushy and left us alone.

Americans aren't used to the hard sell... They use it because it works on us. We, generally, have a difficult time telling people NO, to their face. It makes Jamaicans SEEM dangerous.

Learn the power of NO and be generally cautious. You will have a great time there. If you are afraid of strangers and people that don't look/act like you, then you probably aren't quite ready for it. Not yet at least.

[This message has been edited by Say Chowdah (edited 11/22/2009 3:39p).]

We are going on trip #4 to Jamaica in April for my sister's wedding. I think it's beautiful there. You will love it. Just as when you travel anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and stay on the beaten path. As mentioned before, learn to say no and keep walking.

Jamaica is NOT beautiful. Maybe "cute."

But I guess it's all relative. Compared to Houston, it's beautiful.

But there are WAY WAY WAY better places in the Caribbean than Jamaica.

The Jamaican gov't does a good job of promoting itself. And people that don't know different or better fall for it.

Personally, the best place in the Caribbean IMO is Grand Cayman. That island was incredible and WAY more safe and WAY more things to do than Jamaica.

Puerto Rico is another island that was enjoyable. I had a horrible time in Jamaica though.

Seeing as this thread got sidetracked, back to the OP's original question:

Ricks Cafe in Negril is a great bar to watch the sunset. There is live entertainment and cliff divers. If you are really adventerous and a good swimmer, you are allowed to jump off the cliffs too. A couple of other good restaurants are Xtabi and the Rockhouse.

There are tours that go inland to the waterfalls. We enjoyed that.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is on the beach a little west of the resort and there are several other beach bars there for nightlife.

There is a really good beach restaurant called the Rainbow Grill (I believe). They have curried chicken with Rice & Peas for 6 dollars.

There is a good scuba shop on the west side of the beach if you are certified. I believe Sandals has their own boat to take people snorkeling if you aren't scuba qualified. The reef is a little off the beach so you have to take a boat too it. That is a downside to Negril. Snorkeling off the beach is something that I wanted but you can't do it there.

Love Negril. The best beach I've visited, and the list includes Cali, Miami, the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera and Monte Carlo.

What the previous posters described is quite accurate.

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I have seen the enemy, and he is us.

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Losers make excuses while winners go home with the homecoming queen.

F the Haters. I've been all over the Carribean and Negril Jamaica is my favorite place to vacation. Love the people, the vibe and the food is flat out awesome.

I personally don't enjoy the fancy all inclusives but i'm sure Sandals is really nice. I would highly reccomend a lunch or dinner at Best in the West (awesome jerk chicken shack) and a nice dinner somewhere up on the cliffs (Lobster Thermador at Xtabi is probably the best meal I've had in my life).

I can't wait for my next trip, hopefully sometime this spring/summer.

Thank you UTGRAD..I agree with you 100%

pork pit for jerk pork! i liked jamaica alot better than cozumel. probably better than grand cayman as well.