Excellence Oyster Bay: Relaxing resort

We had a lovely 10 days vacation at Excellence Oyster Bay. I think that some of the reviews are not fair. This is a new resort so some ‘hiccups’ are expected and this is Jamaica and everything goes by ‘Jamaica time’. People are very friendly and more laid-back than Mexico. So what if you are waiting for 2 hours at the restaurants? Are you in any rush? Just enjoy your vacation and take it a little bit slower than your daily routine. The setting of the hotel is gorgeous, on a private peni [... read more]nsula, close to the Montego Bay airport, with a beautiful view of the port where you can enjoy, couple of times a week, large cruise ships anchoring there. They are building another Excellence resort next door (not sure which one Beloved or Finest) and the construction is not impacting the existing resort – not noticeable. We were spending our 22nd anniversary there and I sent an email to the Concierge prior to our arrival to inform them. I cannot thank enough to Derise Forbes and her team for the way we were welcomed and for the smooth check-in. Nice decorations were waiting for us on the bed, cold champagne and cake in the room. We swap a vodka bottle for tequila. ROOMS – the rooms are huge, with a California king size bed, a little firm but comfortable. The sitting area is larger than any other resort we’ve been to. We traveled a lot to 5* hotels and resorts, including other E resorts. We asked for a room with a nice view of the sea. We were in building 7 (in front of EC beach area), 2nd floor EC. The terrace is huge and there are 2 separate large beds with 2 Muskoka chairs. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enjoy the terrace too much because of the mosquitoes and I will explain below. The rooms are serviced twice a day and you can add to your file the time when you would like the room to be cleaned. The bed sheets were changed every 2-3 days. We ordered room service one night and it arrived after 40 minutes. In the same time, our friends waited the same amount of time to be seated at the Lobster House. Nothing special in the room service menu, too much fast food like. Another morning we ordered the romantic breakfast with champagne, it came on time however they missed the cutleries. The breakfast was good. RESTAURANTS – we liked all the restaurants. We haven’t tried the Lobster House for dinner again because of the mosquitoes. They do have the coil mosquito repellent and they can put it under your table, just ask for it. The rib-eye steak was good everywhere. We went twice to the Chez Isabelle, 2nd time for our romantic dinner. We simply loved having breakfast at the Magna restaurant EC, the best French-press coffee, the best service and the best view. The dinner was very good there as well. We liked the menu and the service at the Grill. We went twice to the Spice restaurant, first time to Hibachi. We did not enjoy Hibachi but we liked the food at the regular Spice restaurant. The girls at the Aroma Café are very nice and they make good coffee. We had jerk chicken almost every day for lunch. Please do not forget to tip the cook – poor him BBQing in that heat. I loved the pasta made fresh at the Kitchen Table restaurant. BEACH – you can take a nice walk around the property however the beach is very narrow, almost non-existent in front of the main pool. There is a nice size beach at the EC. The water is mixed, patches of nice sand with patches of seaweeds and algae so not very good for swimming. There are many people along the beach cleaning it up all day long. You can do snorkeling between the main pool area and EC beach area. Blowfish, clownfish, barracuda, black sea urchins, stingrays etc. Be careful with the jelly fish and sea urchins. We saw a white sea urchin right on the beach, closer to the main pool area. Sunbeds, umbrellas and sun huts / palapas everywhere on the beach and at the main pool. The main pool is big, and it has a large jacuzzi in each corner. There are floaters and we never had an issue obtaining one. People from the Concierge service come regularly around to ask you for drinks and/or food. EC has its own pool much smaller and quieter. In general, this is a quiet resort. While we were there, it was around 70% full. ENTERTAINMENT – We were not able to stay at the nightly shows as much as we wanted to because of the mosquitoes but there are good shows and good music bands every night. Jazz band, International band, Michael Jackson show, African show, disco fever show etc. Every Wednesday at noon they have an Aquatic show by the main pool, synchronised swimming – excellente!! MOSQUITOES – this is a problem and not sure if it could be fixed. The resort is surrounded by mangroves and swamps. If you are prone to insect bites, like me, your trip could be a challenge. I knew about the mosquito problem and I came prepared. Repellent 50% DEET – 3 sprays, Off clip-on, taken vit B1 a month before the trip and during the trip, essential oils that repel insects, ultrasound insect repellent for the room and I asked the hotel to fumigate our room every day. After-bite, hydrocortisone cream, fast-aid cream. With all of these I had around 20 bites. My husband, on the other hand, not prone to mosquito bites had only a few and he also used all the above. We did not have a problem with the mosquitoes in the room but we could not open the balcony door. They spray the rooms and all areas every morning and they are very diligent (fyi they get the same bites as we get) however there are days, especially when there is no wind, when the mosquitoes are more aggressive. SPA – as part of our EC package we had included the use of the hydrotherapy facilities at the Mille Spa. We had a lot of fun and we also got a very good head and neck massage. I went back for an anti-oxidant wrap and it was amazing! Thank you Ambretta! We really enjoyed our time there and the services are very good starting with our housekeeper. Prince and his team at the EC beach area are amazing. They learned our favorite drinks and they were waiting for us every morning with a cold drink and our favourite sunbed arranged with towels. They knew our schedule and our habits and tried to make the holiday a paradise for us. We didn’t have to lift a finger. They used to work as butlers at other Jamaican resorts, so they understand what a guest wants during the holiday. Concierge called us every day to ask us if everything is okay and if we needed anything. You can always see the managers walking around the resort so if you have any complaint, I am sure they will look into it. We did tip as in any other resort. They work really hard. Our travel agent told us that you need to write a note if you would like to give away your clothes or other things to the resort staff, even when you leave the resort. Otherwise those things will go to the lost and found as they are not allowed to pass the main gate without a written note. Thank you to all the bartenders, waiters and personnel of the resort making a very nice vacation for us (sorry for not remembering all your names)!

Jewel Paradise Cove: Fantastic Resort

We really enjoyed our time at this resort, very clean, staff super friendly The food was great and entertainment was fun to watch and participate in. Had a very relaxing time, beach was lovely. We would visit this resort again.

Royalton Negril Resort And Spa: Well worth it....

Spent 2 weeks (Nov 04-18) at the Royalton for my 50th birthday. What can be said that hasn't been said already? Fantastic resort and the people go out of their way to make sure you're happy. Good snorkelling right off the beach. Saw turtles, Sting rays and Octopi, Squids. All within the buoy line. Great food at all the restaurants, but for some reason my wife and I didn't like Armadillo (tex mex). Everything seemed like it was microwaved and sauce put on top. Best restaurant was Grazie. Oven bak [... read more]ed pizza and good pasta and risotto. You have to wait a bit longer to get your food but they're making it fresh. Make sure you got to the buffet on Mondays for Jamaican night. Food was to die for, especially the lobster tails. Night time entertainment was fun. Beach party on Wednesdays and the Michael Jackson show was great!. Our room location was wasn't the best. We were in Block 7, which is connected to the main lobby above. This location is convenient because it's connected to most everything. If it's raining you don't need to walk outside to eat. You can get to all the restaurants/buffet, and the lounge by going down the elevator. The problem with block 7 is that it faces the bandstand and after the night show they blast music until 1-2am. Good thing i brought my earplugs but if you're a light sleeper this block might not be best for you. Block 3 is the quietest at night (not during the day, it faces the kids/adult pool) but you have to walk to get to everything except for the Grazie restaurant. it's attached to Block 3 One more slight annoyance was the maid service/turn down service. At the latter end of our trip the maid seemed to arrive at the room very late in the afternoon (4pm). We had to turn her away a couple of times because we were getting back from the beach and she was showing up at that time. Also turn down service once came at 10pm. The people are what makes this place special. They work so hard to make things right and I'm sure they're under appreciated for the work that they do. Special thanks goes to Oraldo in the Buffet who made my birthday extra special, Alison, Shanika and Shakila. These 3 ladies made lemonade out of a messed up Birthday dinner. I can't thank them enough for making my night memorable (thanks for the belly laughs Shanika). Our experience there was a memorable one. Will definitely be returning.

Jewel Paradise Cove: Best Beach Vacation!

This hotel was amazing! From the staff to the food to the activities it was never a dull moment! I would highly recommend this hotel and booking a vacation with Danielle to anyone! This was the best vacation I’ve been on in a while!

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: We will be back again!!!!

We had such an amazing time !!! We went for a wedding and I can’t tell you how beautiful it was!!!! We will definitely be back again ! My only complaint is that the main buffet is not air conditioned therefore we didn’t eat in it ever !!! It was that hot !!! So over all this hotel gets a 9/10 !!!!!!!

Grand Pineapple Beach: Beautiful little spot!

Not a five star resort but a beautiful little spot. Great staff, good food and drinks. Beautiful beach, all sand with no rocks easy to walk bare feet. Easy to wander off the resort and felt safe. Will definitely go again.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Lovely resort

Had a great time , resort was very nice, clean and pretty good service, , help with kids overall was. Good resort , beachand pools were lovely, white wine wasnt very good, red was better, we had to ask almost daily for coffee to be replenished in our room, overall ,, i would return to this resort!

Grand Pineapple Beach: Wonderful resort

Everyone was really helpful and friendly. Great food and drinks. The drive to the resort was a little long but I got to see some of the countryside. Beautiful beach and lovely warm water. Staff were very helpful.

Catalonia Montego Bay: Beautiful resort

Beautiful hotel, 10 minute drive from airport. Nice restaurants, food was amazing. Entertainment was very good. Rooms very clean. Staff was friendly and very helpful. Something for everyone, mini golfing, tennis courts, and a gym. We have been there 5 times and our room was upgraded and went to a special dinner. Made us feel special.

Royalton Negril Resort And Spa: Beautiful resort

The resort was amazing,the people running it to the tour operators The room was very clean and the swim-up was super,it was cleaned every morning. The food on the resort was fantastic the steak house hunters was off the hook.The beach was clean water was clear most days,had seaweed one day was cleared up by the afternoon.The ride from the airport was long but we had a driver that knew alot about the island and that made for a short drive. There where some negative about the resort but the posi [... read more]tive out weighs the negative so no sence in dragging the negative around.I would recomend the resort the familys and adults.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Jamaican experience

Had a great time in Jamaica. Experienced everything it has to offer. Met lots of very nice people and eveyone was truly helpful. Soaked in all the views of the lush gardens, beautiful mountains and fantastic food. Absolutely an overall luxurious experience.

Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton: Nice Resort!

The resort is lovely , but very big. The beach is manmade on the poolside and not for for swimming. If you walk around the side of the lady Hamilton , you will find a much better beach with more amenities. Service was great, lots of people serving the bar area. I would have preferred to see more lunch type foods around the pool.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: What a Trip!

This resort left nothing of beauty, comfort, dining, and service untouched. We had such a great vacation. Everything you could ever want and more is available, always. So accommodating and created such a beautiful wedding ceremony for my friends. I’m coming back for sure!

Bahia Principe Escape Runaway Bay: Fantastic Trip

Resort was beautiful and our superior junior suite was perfect,the beds were so cozy although I wouldn't recommend garden view because of a main road close by. The restaurants and night life were ones to remember. The pools and grounds were in top shape and the staff were the friendliest I have ever encountered

Bahia Principe Escape Runaway Bay: very clean resort

resort was very clean food was amazing staff somewhat friendly however the locals that cruise the beach can be VERY disruptive and a nuisance-they bagger the guests and unfortunately the security does nothing to stop them! everything in this hotel was in slow motion...room service states upto 45 mins however it would take much much longer over 1 hour to come... breakfast was not available for early risers...I noticed a lot of the older guest just wondering til buffet would open last [... read more]ly...I had a $75.00 massage on the beach for 40mins which I paid for in cash($80.00American) I asked for receipt after payment and she told me the desk on check out will provide me with proof of purchase...I believed her! The masseuse billed it to my room anyway! I even tipped her $5.00 grrrr...but on check out morning I was delayed from getting on the bus on time, and the rest of the guests waited until the hotel was able to reach there staff (who was off of work) to confirm payment. I felt as though I had to prove I paid her and it caused me much distress. eventually the hotel apologized and stated that she was new and did not know to report cash...she stated that she believed I tipped her...I felt she tried to rob me and the hotel...in hindsight she asked many questions about my itinerary and felt like a victim however despite that I did have a lovely time

Hedonism II: Profound Life Experiences

This place is truly amazing! I came here to find myself and even as a single guy I had the time of my life and met some of the best people in my life. The staff were awesome and the whole resort was one of the best I’ve ever stayed at. I highly recommend Hedonism 2 and will be a repeat guest for life. Congrats Hedo you got everything right!

Melia Braco Village: Beautiful Resort

Kevin from Tripcentral was amazing and very helpful throughout the booking. We had an amazing time and awesome view from our room, the service was great. We had fresh towels and housekeeping in our room every day, bar fridge re-stocked on a daily basis. Grounds are very well maintained and food was awesome. Plenty of room to sit at the pool and the beach with plenty of beach towels every day. Hoping to return one day.

Grand Palladium Jamaica: Poor entertainment/bedbugs

The food was great but they need better entertainment throughout the day. Had no Jamaican music playing (reggae or island music) and a few of us were bitten by bedbugs in different rooms and rooms spelled moldy. Awful experience!!

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Great Resort

It was an amazing adventure to the Hotel it was clean beautiful on the inside rooms were great the views were great food atmosphere all over a great hotel clean beaches staff was friendly only bad part not alot of smoking areas

Coco La Palm: Comfortable second home

My wife and I have stayed at Coco Lapalm several times and the staff is always accommodating and friendly. Once again a great trip. The beach and water are always the best part of our vacation. I would recommend this small boutique hotel to anyone look to relax and escape of hectic everyday lives