5 nights in Jamaica :)

Hi all,

I will be coming to Jamaica in July for 5 nights with my parents (late 50's). I am trying to work out an itinerary and have been reading about alot of places that sound great.

We are flying in and out of Kingston which is the opposite end of the island to what I think looks good. Whilst I am going to try to get these flights changed to Montego Bay, it probably won't be possible, so what I would like to know is could I get to say Negri easily enough from Kingston? I can't find much info on this apart from it being about a 4 hour trip, and that buses aren't necessarily a great idea. Could we pick up a minivan easily from the airport to take us there? We arrive around 3pm.

For 5 nights would it be worth staying in Negri for half and Montego Bay for half? Or base just in one with day trips? We would like to do a few day trips and I would like to be able to head out for drinks once the oldies are in bed!!

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Cheers, Mel

5 nights in Jamaican and landing in Kingston !! Hmmm ... Might be a better deal to go to Port Antonio ..only about 2 1/2 hours to drive there and lots to see and do on day trips . You didnt say what ur budget was like . What kind of accomodations yu seeking for your parents?
here are a few trip reports from Portland
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23395045@N03/sets/72157616780186046/

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2039986&id=53900737&l=2bb6174d5c#/album.php?page=3&aid=2039986&l=2bb6174d5c&id=53900737

http://www.negril.com/discus/messages/119/277290.html?1259946012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9All1brQ6g&feature=related

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/travel/15nextstop.html?pagewanted=1&emc=eta1

Thanks ackeepod for the above. OK have now sorted flight change into Montego Bay, sorry I shouldn't have posted until I had that sorted.

Budget I would prob want to spend between US$100-130 on a triple. Saw triples for $110 through Negril Beach Club Condos http://www.negrill.com/ , has anyone stayed with them?

As long as the place is not too noisy at night but still closish to town (hopefully they don't rule each other out!) then we would be happy wherever we stay I think.

for 5 days yu may consider just staying in negril ...
best to go to negrill .com to ask specific questions about negril accomodation,attractions and food ...
very knowledgeable about negril over there...
lots of day trips to be had from negril too and lot of night life . the ride from Airport in Mobay is about 1 1/2 hours . yu can take JUTA for US $20 per person one way to your hotel in negril or hire a taxi to take the 3 of you only from the airport to your hotel.
Staying on the cliffs is quieter and affords yu breathtaking views and is only a 10 minute drive to the beach ...
Staying on the beach is where the party is and yu can have the sand at ur door step.. it tends to be a bit noiser on the beachside but that appeals to some..

choice is urs but with only 5 days yu may not want to change accomodation once yu settle in ..

I agree with Ackeepod.
With only 5 nights you should spend your entire time in Negril.
You can do day trips from there to other places.
If you are interested in hiring a "private taxi" to meet you at the airport to take you to Negril are to hire for your day trips from Negril, send me a "private message" and I can recommend a good driver for you.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Thanks both, thats very helpful in making a decision, so we are going to spend 5 nights in Negril, looks brilliant.

We've found a place called Samsara Legends Beach Hotel we might book. Unless anyone has heard anything really negative about it? Mike, once I do a bit more research on what we want to do around the island I will definitely get in touch regarding the private taxi.

I agree about not splitting up your time between two places. Montego Bay isn't much, and isn't worth spending time there. Most of the shops in Montego Bay sell the same tourist junk, and the craft market is no better. Definitely don't go out of your way to visit the market - it's a waste of time.

Samsara is on the cliffs, Legends is on the beach - two hotels, same company owns both, if you stay at one you can hang out at the other. Just FYI :)

Both are safe and fine. Both kind of cater to package holidayers, but have a nice bit of beach and cliff, with pools.