All-Inclusive Jamaica or other locations?

[haley's mom]

So our family is facing a major medical crisis. We are hoping to take a "celebration" vacation next year.

Right now we have some initial choices and at the top is an all-inclusive at Jamaica. Probably mid-April 2013. It will be me, DH, DS13 and DD9.

Any suggestions?

 

[Darcy03231]

We really like the Iberostar resorts. We've stayed in several in both the DR and Mexico and have never been disappointed.

I know they have one in Jamaica, I've just haven't been there yet.

One of the women that I work with goes to Jamaica every year and they stay in Negril and she raves about it. They stay at Sandals though, which I don't think allows children.

 

[scbelleatheart]

DMIL, DSIL, DN, DGN and 6 children ranging from 3 to 18 went last year to Beaches Sandy Bay. They loved it! Especially DMIL. Now she understands why we have been to Jamaica 20 times since 1998. She used to ask why we went so often.
Prices start at around $200 per adult per night and children at around $60 per child per night in the same room.

 

[scbelleatheart]

We really like the Iberostar resorts. We've stayed in several in both the DR and Mexico and have never been disappointed.

I know they have one in Jamaica, I've just haven't been there yet.

One of the women that I work with goes to Jamaica every year and they stay in Negril and she raves about it. They stay at Sandals though, which I don't think allows children.

Are you sure they go to Sandals? Google "Jamaica's highest repeat guest rate".

 

[jackie101]

anyone ever stay at Sunset beach resort montego bay?

 

[Hook326]

We'll be staying at the RIU Negril this May. Both my sisters have been to this one multiple times & like it. I know the RIU chain has a good rep in Mexico. We didn't care for the one we stayed at for my sister's wedding in St.Lucie (Jamaica) The Lady Hamilton. Beach was man made and not nice.

Our Iberostar in Mexico was nice Would love to stay at a Beaches but so expensive! Not willing to pay that price while my kids are too young to enjoy it enough!

Sorry about your medical crisis, too. Hope you enjoy wherever you pick to celebrate!

 

[mdsoccermom]

Beaches Negril.

 

[luckyfin]

We loved Beaches Negril. Great family vacation. We also went to Riu Ocho Rios on a separate trip. It was nice, too, but Beaches was all around nicer and offered specific children's activities.

 

[la79al]

anyone ever stay at Sunset beach resort montego bay?

We've gone twice and we love it. Both times we have gotten a bayview room so we could watch the cruise ships come and go and look at all the lights at night. It's a gated resort, on a peninsula with a private beach so it feels very safe. We love the snorkeling in particular but the lazy river is fun too. The regular buffet was good but the other restaurants weren't impressive.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

DH and I go to Jamaica every year. We've stayed at numerous resorts. We absolutely love Jamaica.

Negril has the best stretch of Beaches on the island.

Beaches Negril is great for adults and kids. If its too expensive, price out Beaches Sandy Bay. Its cheaper and has full exchange privilages with Beaches Negril.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Are you sure they go to Sandals? Google "Jamaica's highest repeat guest rate".

I wondered what you meant so I googled it.

Hedonism is next to Sandals Negril. I've often what goes on around the bonfire and on the trapeze over there.

 

[graceesmom]

We do an all inclusive at least once a year and have since 1999. Hands down you will get more bang for your buck and much better service in Mexico than in Jamaica.

We did stay at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Jamaica a couple of years ago. We had previously sworn off Jamaica after a couple of disappointing trips, but decided to give it another try since Iberostars get such great reviews and they had just opened a beautiful property in Jamaica. The Iberostars in the Maya Riviera in Mexico are far superior in terms of service and amenities than the one in Jamaica.

We also really enjoyed the Dominican Republic for all-inclusive but there are alot more off-site tours, excursions in Mexico if you are interested in leaving the resort. E.g. In the Mayan Riviera, you can swim in underground rivers (Cenotes), visit ancient Mayan Ruins, swim in natural salt or fresh water aquariums.

I like the laid back feel of Jamaica, but if you want to be pampered and treated like Royalty, Mexico is the way to go.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I like the laid back feel of Jamaica, but if you want to be pampered and treated like Royalty, Mexico is the way to go.

See I feel about Mexico as you do Jamaica.

We have never been treated like royalty in Mexico. It is quite the opposite for us. We have given Mexico plenty of opportunities and have gone to different resorts recommended by friends with an open mind.

We have never had a good trip. We just feel the people in Jamaica are so much warmer, kinder and friendly. The resorts in Mexico are definetly more plush. But we never use the in room bars or jacuzzi's anyhow.

To each their own, everyone has their own experiences and must judge for themselves.

OP: We just took the kids to Aruba last summer and they absolutely loved it. Beautiful island!

 

[buy24me]

See I feel about Mexico as you do Jamaica.

We have never been treated like royalty in Mexico. It is quite the opposite for us. We have given Mexico plenty of opportunities and have gone to different resorts recommended by friends with an open mind.

We have never had a good trip. We just feel the people in Jamaica are so much warmer, kinder and friendly. The resorts in Mexico are definetly more plush. But we never use the in room bars or jacuzzi's anyhow.

To each their own, everyone has their own experiences and must judge for themselves.

OP: We just took the kids to Aruba last summer and they absolutely loved it. Beautiful island!

I completely agree with Gracesmom on this one. I have been to Mexico numerous times and LOVE it. My favorite spot is Riviera Maya. You can't go wrong with this place and it hands down beats Jamaica! And I LOVE the Iberostar. Yes, the Iberostar in Jamaica is definitely not as high end or as nice as the one in Riviera Maya. My kids had such a great time with their cousins in Iberostar. So much that we went back the following year. The staff does treat you so well and there is definitely no comparison when it comes to price between Jamaica and Mexico!! I LOVE Riviera Maya. Definitely think you should give it a try. So many of my friends and coworkers have also gone to Iberostar and gotten married there or gone on vacation with their kids and loved it before I even went. That would be my vote. I know everyone has their own opinions on what they prefer, but I have been to Mexico 6 times and have not been disappointed once so far!