Not a Disney question but Jamaica instead.

[chrisann]

We want to go to Jamaica during the Christmas holidays and we want to do it on a budget so we can maybe make a quick trip to disney in March. Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone has ever stayed at the Sunset Beach resort in Montego Bay and when the best time is to book the best price for the week in between Christmas and New years. Any tips would be great!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

No experience with that resort but we did do Sandals Ocho Rios several years ago and would not go back to Jamaica. It's just not safe there. When the resort and travel agents tell you not to leave the resort unless you are on a guided tour it makes me a little uneasy to say the least. When we were there people were openly carrying guns.

 

[crisi]

The week between Christmas and New Years will be expensive. I doubt you'll find any time where there is a price break but your best chances will be early or seeing if there is a last minute fire sale (I've never been that lucky, myself).

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My husband and I love Jamaica. This July will be our 12th visit to the island. We've stayed from Ocho Rios to Negril and over to Whitehouse. Only area we didn't like is Ocho Rios.

We are staying at the new Secrets resort which is right next to the resort you are inquiring about. I actually looked into that resort extensively for our family trip this year, but the kids want to go back to WDW.

The reviews for Sunset Beach are pretty favorable it seems as long as you realize its a value 3 star resort. But I wouldn't count on many deals the week between Christmas and New Years. Most places including the airlines give very little discounts if any for that week, due to it being a very popular time to travel. Good Luck!

 

[luckyfin]

Don't know anything about the resort, but felt the need to chime in. We have been to Jamaica twice, once to Beaches Negril and once to Riu Ocho Rios. We did see Jamaican authorities with guns when we were leaving the airport on our first trip. It was the first and last that we saw them. The Jamaican people have wonderful spirit and a love for life. We never felt like we were not safe. It is a beautiful island and they know how to treat their visitors well. I would go back again and again. That is... if I did not feel compelled to keep going back to WDW .

 

[A10560]

I stayed at Sunset Beach 10 years ago and I would not recommend it. I am not sure if they have had some restoration done but if not it was old then. It was suppose to be a private beach back then and they would still walk up and try to sell you stuff. If I was to ever go back it would probably be to Sandles or Beaches.

 

[Mathfailure]

I lived in Jamaica for two years, although in the Kingston area (Havendale for anyone who would know!) and agree that the Jamaican people are wonderful...however it is also NOT safe.

Drugs, guns and poverty are not a great combination.

I did go around the island, but did so with Jamaican friends and in certain times and areas. Do not leave the resorts, do not explore on your own, and do not try to go cheap. Pay for the security of the better resorts.

 

[travelgirl06]

I don't think Jamaica is anymore unsafe than most international travel destinations. Yes, it is poor, yes there is security, but in most places (especially near airports/customs) armed guards are not uncommon. As with any travel, you should use common sense (don't travel alone, don't go far off the beaten path without knowledge of what's out there, etc.).

We honeymooned in Ocho Rios and it was delightful. We did some off-site tours through the hotel, which were fine. Tourism is a big industry in Jamaica, and a huge boost to the economy. I would suggest a nice resort that you will be happy at, we didn't leave the resort too much, but that is because there was plenty to do.

Note: having a decent amount of international travel experience, I am probably more comfortable with cultural differences than many. DH, who hasn't traveled as much internationally was less at ease with some of the customs (e.g. more aggresive sales tactics at the market) and prefered to stay at the resort, but he never said he felt unsafe or anything like that.

 

[chrisann]

we have been to Jamaica 2x in the past and loved it!! It was awhile back though. As for the Sunset resort, the main thing drawing us to it is the amazing waterpark they put in it 5 years ago. Thanks for all your input though, keep it coming.

 

[muffyn]

we were there twice on day passes ( off a cruise).
great place, great food. the water park was really nice!!

our travel agent came back for a land vacation & got married there.

you just have to watch, the farther down the beach you go , it gets topless & then a nude beach.

its only a $3. taxi ride.