OT - Where to stay in Jamaica for families?

[riu girl]

We are looking at two options for a December 2010 vacation:

1. Go and come back prior to Christmas. If we do this we will stay in a 4 or 5 star all inclusive since prices are resonable then as long as you come home a few days before Christmas. If we do this option we will end up booking a package out of BUF.with probably funjet vacations. Will stay approx. 10 days.

2. Go the week before Christmas, prior to Christmas stay in a 4 or 5 star all inclusive, then when prices skyrocket for the holidays around Dec 22ish, stay at a no frills hotel (Negril maybe) close to a beach until we fly home early January 2011. If we do this option we will book air and hotels seperate out of BUF. Will stay approx. 3 weeks.

We would really like to stay at a RIU resort since they are so great but prices are VERY high for these resorts in Jamaica. Checked out web site for FDR Pebbles. Looks very family friendly. Also have looked at Sunset resort just outside of Mobay (have stayed there 3 times approx. 20 ago, before it became very family friendly, it looks nice).

Any suggestions for a family friendly all inclusive as well as a safe clean no frills inexpensive room only would be really appreciated. Trying to do this trip as cheap as possible.

Thanks

 

[tarstar]

If you are looking for a budget minded Jamaican holiday for the family, I would recommend Lazy Daze on Negril beach. It is like having a cottage from up north on the best beach on the island!
Better yet, it's owned by Canadians and they will give you a rate in CND $. It's not all inclusive, you'll have to cook for yourself, but the rate and the beach and eating your own (good, well cooked, not greasy) food makes up for it.
Otherwise, i'd go in the opposite end and stay at the Beaches resort at Negril.
Jamaica is wonderful, one of my favourite places for vacation!

 

[ccudmore]

Check out the Franklyn D. Resort. I haven't stayed there but have talked to a few families who have, and they all raved about it. The big selling feature of this resort is that you get a personal vacation nanny assigned to your family throughout the trip. They'll take your kids if you want time alone, or will hand out with you at the beach to give you an extra set of hands if you want to hang out together as a family.

Also, there's 2 Beaches resorts in Jamaica (I've been to the Boscobel one) that are all Sesame Street themed and have TONS to do for kids. Highly recommend them.

 

[CarolynU]

Stayed in The Grand Palladium Resort and Spa Feb 2009 and although it gets quite picky reviews I thought it was lovely. This is just outside Montego Bay. There were several all inclusive restaurants to choose from, and lovely bars overlooking the ocean. It also had a swim up bar. I believe there were kids activities, and a nightly show although I didn't bother watching it so can't vouch for its quality.