Jewel Paradise Cove: Amazing at Jewel Paradise Cove/Sunwing disappoints

The only negative thing I can say about this vacation was that our "Elite Plus" option with Sunwing was overpriced and under-delivered. The service promises "champagne flights" in both directions. It was ok going down, but on the return no champagne was offered, the smell of burnt pizza and burnt sandwich buns permeated the plane and made the food unpalatable. Sunwing crew was flogging $3 bottled water and snacks. Only one pass with beverage service of about 1/2 glass of liquid in the form of ju [... read more]ice, pop or wine...no tea or coffee offered. I'll think twice before booking another Sunwing flight...and seats so cramped. Sunwing needs to do better on inflight service and comfort. I'll think twice before booking another Sunwing flight for our next vacation. This is our 2nd trip to Jamaica. Last year at family Jewel Runaway Bay. This year at adults only Jewel Paradise Cove Apr.1-15 and are hard-pressed to find a single thing to complain about at this resort. Possibly the only negative is the ocean floor which is quite rocky...take your water shoes!!! I prefer pools so it was not an issue. The beach itself is very nice, clean, lots of chairs and shade, many watersports are included (sunset cruise, glass bottom boat, pedal boats, etc.), a rum-runner to bring our drinks, and a juice bar at the main west beach. We spent most of our time at the “quiet beach” at the opposite end. As numerous reviewers have stated, the staff at this resort is extraordinary. From gardener Uriah who greeted us warmly every morning, energetic Collin at the front desk, George who had our luggage in our room in seconds, Pearson and Tamique at the Sunken Treasure Bar, Dwaine at Aquamarina, Kerice and Abigail and Devor and the fabulous Ricardo at Coral Café/Beach BBQ, Paulo at Platinum, chefs Rodney and Shamroy at Jade Samurai...super hostesses Claudette, Lanea, Mureen, server Albert B. at Moonstone....there are just too many more to list and we appreciated them all. We are sorry to have missed the Staff Appreciation Awards held on our departure day...would love to know who got the awards and hope to see results posted on Jewel’s website. The Dining Under The Stars (Fridays) and Beach BBQ (Tuesdays) were amazing and run like a well-oiled machine...kudos to the organizers and staff who put these on each and every week. On those nights the entertainment was great. Meeting new people was one of the highlights of these events. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Silverbirds Steel Drum Band our first week at Coral Café and were a bit disappointed they didn’t perform in our second week. We saw them last year as well. We were never disappointed with the food and ate very well at all restaurants. After a long cold brutal Canadian winter, it was a treat to eat outdoors nearly every night. Platinum is definitely worth dressing up for and Jade Samurai was so much fun we did it twice. Moonstone makes the most awesome pizza and other Italian dishes at night...the chicken Florentine was awesome. The special private anniversary cocktail party event and the anniversary room treats were much appreciated surprises. Pools were always clean as were the grounds which are beautiful and well maintained. The 3 outdoor hot tubs were a luxury. We loved our daily walk on the boardwalk along the ocean in the morning, and again at night with all the lovely lighting to guide us. Our room was clean and always well maintained. We called about a clogged sink and within the hour it was fixed. Towels were plentiful and replaced regularly. We occupied 628 overlooking the ‘quiet beach’ and Aquamarina pool/grill...best location we could have asked for! Originally we asked for ground floor but we had a much better view from the 2nd floor room. My husband enjoyed 11 days of golf. The green fees are included/unlimited as stated, but yes you do have to pay for a cart/caddy/gratuity...not unusual at resorts where “golf is included”. Excursions: The Konoko Falls excursion was included in our package...it did not disappoint. (Much more enjoyable than our experience at Dunn’s River Falls last year with their aggressive vendors chasing us down.) Konoko Falls may also be climbed, but we opted for the 180 steps...not as daunting as it sounds. Our guide was very attentive and very knowledgeable taking us through the little museum and Jamaica’s history. At the top is an open-air bar offering refreshments and jerk chicken lunch at very reasonable prices, along with a lesson on how authentic jerk chicken is prepared. A tour through the gardens and aviary were also very informative and relaxing. We also took in the 3-mile Martha Brae River Raft excursion and would highly recommend it as well. I couldn’t be happier that the hotel took the new government non-smoking policy seriously. It has been a big issue for me on other islands like Cuba and Dominican where you can’t go anywhere without inhaling the stink and viewing cigarette butts everywhere. It was refreshing to breathe clean air 99% of the time. There are 3 areas provided for smokers. Of course there’s always that one person to whom the rules don’t apply, but overall people seemed to respect the new ruling. We would definitely return to this resort. The “Jewel” is aptly named.

Riu Palace Tropical Bay: Very nice resort

Loved our week here! The food is fantastic, the people are friendly, and the beach is beautiful, all sand, no rocks and easy going waves - no need to wake up early for a spot and the waiters/waitresses serve right on the beach! There is a wonderful animation team that makes a point to meet and great every guest. We will definitely be back next year.

Couples Swept Away: Great experience

The beach was amazing. The watersports were so fun. We loved the Hobie cat and snorkelling. The sports facility was a hidden gem. we played tennis and a had a swim several mornings. Sumptuous gourmet food everyday. What more could you ask for?

Melia Braco Village: amazing resort beautiful property

Everything was excellent food was excellent room was Duckflat the only disappointment was we had a spa room which include it romantic turndown service was room decorated which Wasn't very nice I was very disappointed it being our wedding anniversary

Catalonia Montego Bay: Breathtaking

In a word – stunning! One of the most beautiful resorts we have ever stayed at. For us we felt like we were in Santorini Greece minus the blue domes. Pros • Not very busy • Friendly staff • Food • Beautiful location and building • Free Wifi (slow but good enough to check in) • Air transat rep was excellent and always available • Very clean • Bar fridge and coffee in the room • Good swimming beach To be Aware of: • Be prepared to tip a lot, ATM is on location • Smoking is [... read more] allowed anywhere on the resort even the restaurants • Be prepared for lots of stairs or be willing to wait for a pick-up • Communication on events or activities is limited- could be improved upon as we missed out on several special events and food servings • Bring bug spray and itch treatment • Lounge chairs hard to sit on as don’t put out cushions • Some of higher end drinks are an up charge such as spiced rum • Cannot drink the tap water We would return to this resort again, we were very happy with the experience.

Grand Muthu Runaway Bay Club Caribbean: It was just ok

The place was a little run down, the staff weren't very friendly which was odd for Jamaica. Didn't care for the food and they wouldn't let you take good back to your room. The beach looks nice but you can only walk out about 15 ft and it was all rocks, nobody was swimming in the ocean which sucks. I wouldn't go back, and Aruba sounds awesome! Always wanted to go there

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Very good resort

Hotel was great the food was just slightly above average. Hotel services were inconsistent at best, three days in a row with no coffee in the room after asking twice,to no avail. One day no fresh towels . Relatively minor once I found out how to get the coffee myself. Overall ,staff was very good. Pleasant stay!

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall: Amazing and friendly resort

We got upgraded to the adults only, Hyatt Zilara. Pool was great, food amazing and we didn't have to make any reservations for dinner. Staff friendly and helpful. Beach was limited with fence on each side. Very clean resort and safe. They had a water issue for 24 hrs. and didn't have a back up system so that was somewhat inconvenient. It was our before last day. Loved it and would go back.

Catalonia Montego Bay: Family resort

The rooms were clean minus the cockroach I found. The food was good but if you are looking for an adult oriented getaway, this resort is not for you. Lots of kids running around. Our plane was delayed two hours in Toronto and nothing was offered by Air Transat to compensate for this inconvenience. Then we had to wait for three hours for a room at resort only to find out we couldn't get a room with two beds, another disappointment.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Terrible service!!!

It's a resort that over books, puts you up in another resort for a night losing one day of your vacation and then on your second day you get bused to the resort arriving mid afternoon to here your room is still not ready !!!! Getting in your room at 5:00 taking away another day of your vacation!!!

Grand Decameron Montego Beach: Amazing View!

This resort is perfect for anyone that is looking for a simple vacation at a small property. The hotel only has 144 rooms, one buffet restaurant, one a'la carte restaurant and a beachfront grill. There was eleven in our party and we all enjoyed the food. For a small resort they offered a great variety of food. The pools were small but both were very clean and there were always loungers available. The beach was small compared to other resorts but there were always loungers available, the water wa [... read more]s beautifully clear and warm. There are three bars and depending on what you liked to drink you will soon pick your favorite. The rooms are in need of an upgrade. Our room was large, clean, the king size bed was comfortable and there were lots of pillows. The bedding was changed daily and we were always provided with plenty of towels and face cloths. The bathroom fixtures need to be upgraded and the lighting was horrible. The resort only supplies a hair dryer, bar soap, shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom, very basic. They do have issues with the water pressure and temperature control but fortunately we didn't experience any problems in our room. The room has a flat screen tv, iron, ironing board and a safe but they don't have a clock or a refrigerator. We were provided with a fridge that we rented for the week. The staff were great and we felt very welcomed from the time we arrived. A lot of the staff took the time to familiarize themselves with our group even to the point that if we arrived at the buffet separately they immediately pointed out what table the rest of the party was sitting at. A definite perk of a small resort and an attentive staff. The airport is 10 minutes away so the commute was very easy and the oceanfront location provided some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Overall we enjoyed this resort!

Grand Palladium Jamaica: Great Family Trip

Very nice property for a family-oriented trip in Jamaica. Visited with two other families - 13 in total, 7 under 7-years old - and found lots to do for everyone. Easy/quick transfer from the airport. Beautiful property and layout. Huge pool and brand new kids splash pad, as well as a choice of beaches. Excellent, friendly staff (special notice for the Kids Club leaders who were not only personable, but also led nightly "mini shows" featuring the little ones). Good food, and wide range of options [... read more] - Blue Lagoon for breakfast, Jerk Hut at lunch and variety of a la cartes for dinner (Indian and Steakhouse amongst the best). Exceptional (strong) drinks from all the bars, with best eveings at the Infinity Bar. Highly recommended for groups like ours, but met people who had a similarly positive experience from singles and couples young and older.

Grand Decameron Montego Beach: wonderful small resort!

we were on the 3rd floor, overlooking pool and beach area. everything is close. the perfect resort for relaxing by the beach or pool. Montego Bay Hip Strip just a few minute walk away. Would definitely recommend this resort to anyone who prefers smaller resorts. bonus: very few children when we were there.

Sandals Jamaica South Coast: Beautiful Resort and Excellent Service

The Sandals experience came through once again! The resort is clean and well maintained. The room was the nicest of the Sandal's resorts we've stayed at. Food was fantastic and the staff worked really hard to accommodate dietary restrictions. The resort is a bit more isolated that I like, but that was a very minor thing.

Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach: Nice place but not 4 star

We were looking for a last minute deal at a 4 star. The place is rated 4-5 stars but it is closer to a 3+ star. The room was comfortable and clean. Furnishings could use updating. Pool and beach areas were in fair to good shape. The entertainment crew was lethargic at best. The wait staff were very nice and attentive. The food was fair except for the jerk chicken which my husband said was great. The drinks were good.

Rooms on the Beach Negril: Great location on a super Negril beach

hotel staff very friendly and responsive; security good and attentive to leaving and arriving; cleanliness good within the room and on the general grounds; comfort good - what more could we ask - a wonderful holiday!

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: 100% full but still perfectly maintained!

The resort was completely booked up which was expected fro Easter week, but because of the enormous size, I never felt crowded. I was really impressed by how well it ran with the crowds. I did not encounter ONE rude, or even unfriendly employee. The only "problem" encountered was one attempt to eat breakfast in the adult side with my 16 year old, and on that day she was politely and apologetically told she couldn't eat there. Special commendation to our maid who ran to the lobby to find me befor [... read more]e I got on the bus to leave---I left a drawer full of clothes and a fanny pack---she wanted to make sure I got it before I left. The staff was Excellent! We left tips throughout the week. If you want the best service, be pleasant, smile, TIP. I saw a few demanding guest ordering staff around at the breakfast buffet. Even then I noticed the staff remained composed. The only staff suggestion: Have the waitstaff complete the meals in the ala carte restaurants. Several tmes they just served and faded away. Maybe that's typical of all inclusives?

Sandals Jamaica Dunn's River: great resort

We traveled as a couple. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this resort. The staff makes this resort. Friendly and courteous. Customer service to a Tee. Damion the bar keep was especially great. Food was good. Beach was small but beautiful. Our room was nice inside, but lower priced rooms have unusable balconies when facing the massive Riu resort beside. AC units in rooms need upgrading. They had to run constantly to keep up and were very noisy, especially when trying to sleep. Overall we had a g [... read more]reat time at this resort.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Great resort

Had a great holiday but was marred but a number of minor issues. Never had the full complement of towels etc. everyday something was short. Tried 3 times to get the patio door fixed as my wife was unable to open or close it. Spent 5 days to get the honeymoon package that was promise. Also the bed was in danger of collapsing as the footboard was separating from the posts, numerous requests to fix this were ignored. Pools were great but beaches were disappointing.

Sandals Jamaica Negril: amazing honeymoon

The booking of the trip was flawless and so convenient. The trip itself was amazing. We will be returning. It's beautiful and the staff are so amazing. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone!.