Beginning Plans of a "rustic" Jamaica Experience

[neversettledown]

So, in begrudging my internet travels into the mystery call Jamaica, this web forum has given great insight into the big all-inclusive hotels, foods, night life, etc.
However, I am trying to plan a more economy friendly experience to Jamaica. I am a big supporter of local economy, no matter where you travel and I want to give back to the community- not to the big super resorts. Although, if my research leads me to stay in a super resort- I will.

Anywho- I would love to find a small hotel by the beach and by all the local markets, foods, and night life. My preferable destination is Negril or Ochos Rios.

Any one from Jamaica or having traveled heavily have insight into my trip? I am already planning on renting a 'cruiser' to travel the Island and explore, but I would love any help or tips to aid me in my journey.

Peace and Chicken grease

[ECO]

Negril= Jah B's on the beach. Here is my review http://www.jamaicatravelforum.com/revie ... s-cottages

Mid beach, within a 5 minute or less walk to all of the nightlife, 200 yards from the beach.....cheap, clean.....


A cruiser.....you will have a big here comes a tourist sign alerting people within a mile that you are coming, how about a motor bike or a rental car?

[neversettledown]

Awesome link! Thanks so much! Exactly what I was looking for. I can't wait to get home (off work) and look at the slide show which won't load for me here. Also- good note about the cruiser. Staying low key- motor bike sounds enticing, but i have a track record for crashing golf carts while consuming beverages, so I don't know if that's my wisest choice. I'll huff it by foot and maybe we'll rent a car if we decide to go travel.

[ECO]

All kidding aside drinking and driving on Jamaica roads is sort of a bad idea. The roads suck (full of pot holes, sand drifts, flooded areas, goats, dogs, people)....... A spliff (joint) or so might be ok but drinking unless you are an expert might be risky.

[Wahoo]

NSD, despite Eco's contempt of all-inclusives, I can personally vouch for Grand Pineapple (formerly Negril Gardens, nextdoor to Alfred's Ocean Palace), smack in the middle of the 7-mile stretch of beach at Negril. It's a small, cozy AI that would appeal mostly to adults of all ages (kids aren't prohibited, but if you're traveling with kids and don't want them traumatized for life by topless sunbathers, another resort might be more to your liking).

I stayed there twice, so if you get one of the rooms I stayed in and there's stains on the sheets, I'm HIV negative, so not to worry.

[ECO]

It's a not contempt, I just hate AI's! Being locked up behind fences, having crossing guards helping you cross the street, drinking Red Stripe in a plastic cup, eating bland food instead of real local food, paying $$-$$$ per night when better places exist for small money, supporting places that don't support the local economy.......... With that said I would take a free vacation from Hedo in a heartbeat.