First time to MoBay(?), many questions

Hello,

Going to Mo Bay in April. Reservations not yet made...

I see several of you saying Negril is the preferred place to visit. Why?
We're a family of 5, first real trip, and looking for the simple AI convenience, but will definitely venture out to see real Jamaica. Wifey wants to be near "people, things, places, etc" and Mo Bay just seems like a more logical choice but I'm definitely open to suggestions from travel pros.

Now more general questions....

At an AI, am I more likely to get a room upgrade by discreetly tipping the front desk employee? If so, how much.

The hard question... Does anyone know of an AI that will allow 5 people to one room? my kids are older, so a couple of them may be called adults.

Any other advice I'm happy to listen to.. in the meantime I'll be reading the boards and learning.

THanks all!
R

The only advantage to staying in MoBay is that it is centrally located on the North Coast, therefore, it is more convient for doing day trips to more tourist sites.
Negril is definitely more the vacation spot, but is a bit farther from other tourist sites. Not that you can't reach them from Negril, but a bit more of a drive. Most people go to Negril because of the laid back atmosphere, the seven mile beach, and the fact that Negril is a very small town. MoBay on the other hand is a big crowded city that does not offer much for beach goers. The traffic is also a neagtive for MoBay.
I seriuosly doubt that you can bribe the front desk for an upgrade of your room. They will not risk their good job for a few extra dollars. Also, I seriously doubt that you will be allowed to sleep five adults in a single room.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

why? because mobay has too many pushy people, it's a big city, it's noisy, it's dirty, it doesn't feel like a vacation spot, the beaches aren't as good, and i'm betting that the amount of fecal matter in the actual bay itself is high, because i have gotten sick after snokeling in it and i know of many others that have done the same. the waters and the sands in negril are way nicer. the "vibe" in negril is better (laid back, walking beaches, not sidewalks). but, there are other beach communities that are nice too. think of treasure beach. the sand is dark (not dirty, just dark sand) and you will be alone there. just an option. i just really dislike mobay. go there, you will too.

Thanks for the input guys!! Maybe I'll try to stay in Negril and make a trip to Mo Bay so wifey can be satisfied that we went. My main priority is a good vaca and good beach time. I was planning on renting a car anyway and doing a lot of the driving myself.

Are most the touristy sites (The Waterfalls, Rum Tours, Zip Line Tours, Horseback on the beach etc) easily accessible if you drive yourself and just as fun than going with an organized bus tour?? I don't mind driving, I'll buy their insurance, I just can't afford $500 for my family of 5 every time we want to go somewhere on a tourbus. Also, I know the falls and stuff will be a lot cheaper getting there on my own, but will the more commercial things (zip lines and horseback on the beach) less expensive if I get there myself?

Thanks for all the feedback guys, going to be the best vaca. ever!

you are right on as far as driving goes. i've been to JA many times and driving is the very best option. it's good to see that you aren't afraid of your shadow regarding driving there. if you haven't been there before, i will tell you that driving there is a true adventure. i don't like driving at home here in florida. but i love driving in JA. it's a blast. keep up with the locals! they drive like hell. you'll have fun.

Yes all the tourists sites (including horseback riding and zip lines) are accessible on your own by car, and yes they are alot cheaper then booking an organized tour with the all-inclusive resorts.
Another way of getting around that you might want to consider is hiring a "private taxi".
With 5 people you can hire a private taxi (van) for about $150-200US (depending on distance) for all day (yes all day) and not have to worry about driving yourself and all the hassle that is.
Like Jamdownron said. The Jamaicans drive like hell !!! Also, keep in mind it is left side driving.
It has been an on going debate as to which is better, renting your own car are hiring a private driver. I just happen to prefer hiring a private driver. It is a little more expensive (sometimes) then renting a car, but you get your own tour guide, and it is much less worry.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Yeah I love driving anywhere. Never scares me, but a private driver may be nice from a tour-guide perspective. Hmm.. interesting thoughts and I think I saw you post a phone # for a trusted driver earlier.. Definitely something to consider. Thanks guys and I'll post results of whichever method I chose.

robert - If you're flying into and out of Montego Bay, why don't you just spend your last night there? That will give your wife time enough to wander around and say she saw the place (and that she's glad your family didn't spend more time there). Besides, it will take only a few minutes to get from your hotel to the airport on the day of departure. There's a lot to be said for that - no worrying whether or not you'll get there on time.

we spent a night in MoBay in November on our way to Negril with a young family. Next time, I would skip MoBay altogether. Its not a bad place, its just that there really isn't much for a tourist .....