What's the recommended way to book - try to get best deals via priceline or try to book a package on expedia?

If I buy separate, do I need to rent a car or is that not needed?

What's a good hotel, something good but not obscenely expensive?

I will be going there with the wife and 2 kids, 6 and 2 for a week mid Feb.

Once you price it out and finalize your dates and hotel. send me an email with the details and i will beat it.

asarvarian AT vacationstogo.com

I was looking at Apple Vacations...

Whats the best you can do to Negril?

Definitely Negril over Montego Bay.

Been to Montego Bay and it was ok but I wouldn't go back again. I have heard good things about Negril.

UT, thanks.. I have heard from other people also that Negril is the place to go.

What's a good place to stay at Negril?

How to get from Montego Bay airport to Negril?

pork pit for jerk pork!

What do you want to do on your vacation? If you just want to hang out at an all inclusive place and relax then I would say Montego Bay is great. If you want to experience the local culture Montego Bay is NOT the place you want to go. My wife and I have been to MB twice. First time we stayed at Sandals and last year it was Iberostar. Both were fantastic for sun, drinks, food and chillin'. The first trip we had to take a cab through the city to get to a wedding and after that ride there is no way I would ever feel comfortable "experiencing the culture" in that city.

There are several direct flights from Houston to MB and the resorts are a short cab ride away. We were checked in and drinking at the pool by 3:00 in the afternoon.

Just my 2 cents. Hope you have a great trip.

Stayed almost everywhere in Jamaica. Between MB and Negril, I wouldn't even have to think about it for more than a second. I can honestly say that everything about Negril was better. You can catch a hop flight from MB to Negril, did that our 2nd trip there. It was a little pricey, but worth the time saved IMO. Here's why...the cab/limo ride from MB to Negril will remind you that you are in a nation with high poverty. The road conditions are horrible, and barely wide enough for two full size vehicles. Add to that, every driver truly believes they own the road. A/C is rare in vehicles, because they are used to it. You'll see a lot of bare footed folks, women carrying goats over the shoulders, kids asking for money/food/candy anything at stops.

It's not ALL bad though. As long as you know where you are, enjoy it. See the country for what it is. All of the children in the school uniforms (which are the color of the grade they are in, and what trade they are pursuing). Shacks on one side of the road, and amazing houses on the other side. Stop at some of the local restaurants, the food there is infinitely better than what you will get at a resort (which is still very good).

If it is your first time to Jamaica, definitely make the drive from MB to Negril, and absorb the culture and way of life of the people there.

Kids or no kids, I wouldn't stay in MB if someone paid me. Like choosing between Galveston and South Padre.

I would never advise anyone with kids to visit MB, especially when Negril is just a cab/bus drive away.

Negril is 1000x better than MB aesthetically, culturally, etc.

____________________________________
I have seen the enemy, and he is us.

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

quote:

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I wouldn't stay in MB if someone paid me.

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HA! Ok dude.

Have you been to MB? Not a fan at all of the place.

____________________________________
I have seen the enemy, and he is us.

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

My fiancee and I are getting married at the Sandals Resort in Negril in November.

Does anyone have any recommendations for us as far as things to do and things to see?

How far is it from MB to Negril? We are having the resort pick us up at the airport but is it easier to fly as one person suggested?

Edit: Just realized the OP and most of the thread was from a year ago.

[This message has been edited by tamulax33 (edited 1/26/2011 3:43p).]

Yeah I found it on the Travel Forum Table of Contents.

[This message has been edited by law80 (edited 1/26/2011 4:14p).]

Law80..even though this thread is over a year old, I'll try and answer your question. We have been to JA 5 times and most recently to Negril last spring. Planning a return trip this fall. We stayed at Couples Negril and will return. My sister got married at the resort and the pics taken at sunset were outstanding. The trip from Mobay to Negril is about 1 1/2 hours, depending on the time of day. You can take Tim Air and fly, but we never have. I actually enjoy the ride and the driver will stop and get you a cold Red Stripe for the journey. Great way to see the country. Yes, it is very poor there, but it is also very beautiful. Some people hate JA and say the they would never return. We have had nothing but positive experiences on all of our trips. A vacation is what you make of it. ENJOY!

For the recent question:

If you have the resort picking you up, there is no reason to fly. The drive isn't that bad and you can have a couple of red stripes on the ride to Negril.

There is a bar just outside the airport exit where you'll meet the driver. Pick up a couple of Red Stripes and enjoy the scenery.

There is good diving in Negril. The snorkeling isn't as good as I would like as the reef is accessible by boat and not right off the beach.

You'll figure out what to do when you are there, sunset at Ricks (do this your first night there as a way to start your trip), live music at Margaritaville etc, dinner at Xtabi etc.

Also: Jamiacans are trying to sell you something and they may appear very pushy about it. It doesn't mean that they are necessarily harmful. Just put your hand up, say thank you and NO (rather forcefully if necessary). they will back off. Also, the best advice we got when we arrived, you've been going there for years and it isn't your first day.

[This message has been edited by Say Chowdah (edited 1/28/2011 7:45p).]

Just thought that I would chime in.
We stayed at Sunset Beach in MB. Not great but acceptable. It was all inclusive, so I tipped early and often. My canteen was refreshed without any problem.
The snorkeling was better that Maui (the only advantage from Hawaii). Clear, warm water. Beautiful! I even took my kids about 400 yards without realizing it. Before anyone argues, they are GREAT swimmers.
A must do is the Yacht Club on Wed. night. We spent exactly $100 for 4 HUGE lobster tails, an appetizer, and 4 drinks. What a deal!
Negril is undoubtedly better, but MB ain't bad if you are trying for something cheaper.
All that said, give me Hawaii anyday.