Negril on a budget

My friend is getting married in Negril, Jamaica next May. I'd like to go but can't afford the cost of the five star resort where it's being held (200 USD a night!). I'm also a backpacker at heart, and to be honest resorts aint really my thing, not ideal for that part of Jamaica, I know... Can anyone recommend somewhere affordable to stay in Negril? I'm not altogether sure what's realistic for 'affordable' in that area but based on two people sharing less than 100 USD each a night? Even less?

Also, can anyone recommend other places to stay for a couple of days after the wedding is over - reasonably accessible from Negril that will allow me to explore a bit more of Jamaica?

I've done a lot of backpacking and am fine with independent travelling, so feeling a bit out of my depth in the world of luxury resorts!

thanks

You won't have any problem finding a really nice place within your budget. Look around on this site - negril.com

One of my personal favs is Blue Cave Castle on the West End. Even though your friends are most likely staying near the beach I would recommend the West End- it's only a short cab or scooter ride away and much quieter

Now to your next question as to where to stay afterwards .... Negril is pretty fun and isn't a bad place to do day trips from. I've never stayed here, but http://lostbeachresort.com/index.html looks nice and reasonable.

Treasure Beach would be my next choice, purely for its' down home relaxed vibe treasurebeach.net

Enjoy- if you have more specific questions don't hesitate as there are quite a few posters who frequent JA

LOTS of places to stay for $35-$100 in Negril, just decide if you want beach or cliffs or are OK with across from either one and what amenities are important (pool or AC or whatever).

Blue Cave is a very cool spot, on the west end (aka cliffs but in this case not on the water) so is Seastar Inn, Catcha Falling Star (Gardens is cheaper than the original one on the sea but there are two rooms on the seaside that are under $100 in low season and it is a SWEET place to stay)....and on/near the beach check Fun Holiday, Jah B's, Travellers.

...for after, lots of choices....do you want different beach or mountains or...?

Treasure Beach is a wonderful place with none of the hassle there is in Negril...it's 2 hours' drive from Negril and then 2 back to the airport. Inexpensive area but fairly costly to get to unless you are willing to take multiple shared taxis.

We recently returned from Negril and we stayed at Coco La Palm for $70 per night for 2 including all taxes, a special we found on the web. It is a beach front property with 2 pools, a jacuzzi, restaurant with free continental breakfast, cable TV, A|C and security on the beach. We stopped at Charlea to check it out and they quoted us a price of $105 per night including taxes. May is considered low season. We also stayed at Blue Cave Castle for $70 per night plus tax and they have a few rooms a bit cheaper. On the cliffs there is Moonlightvilla, Home Sweet Home, Samsara (with a pool and free transprt to it's sister Hotel Legends on thr beach) Xtabi and many more in your price range. You may want A|C in May as it is starting to get hot. BTW, our daughter will be getting married at Blue Cave Castle in May and we have already booked about 5 rooms for the end of the month.

Regards.

Bob

Jah B's and the Negril Yoga Center are good cheap places to stay in Negril.
You can find others at this website http://www.negril.com/binhotel.htm
While you are in Negril other places to explore is Y.S Falls, Mayfield Falls, Treasure Beach (Eggy's Bar on Frenchmen Bay), Take a boat ride up the Black River (best done from Treasure Beach) and along the way stop at Floyd's Plelican Bar (really unusual bar).
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Mikey- that link, which I used to really dig, is dead.

I think they updated the site

If you're looking for something basic but quiet across from the beach, I'd recommend Westport Cottages. It's down on the southern end of the beach, so not too far from the West End, and still convenient for catching a ride up the beach road to the resort.

If you go up-country, it's pretty easy to travel cheaply, and in the way that you're more accustomed to. I had a lot of fun just hanging out and talking to people in the hills. You can get almost anywhere on the western end of the island in four hours or less on public transportation.

If you make it out that way, I highly recommend Poinciana guesthouse in Maggotty.

Edited by: damiongraves