Various AI in Jamaica

I have sort of scheduled my wedding/honeymoon at Beaches Boscobel and Sandals Ocho Rios, respectively. I am seeing a lot of RIU and other AI plans on these boards. Naturally, that is making me second guess my decision thus far. For those who have decided on their location, what were the reasons for the decisions you made? Cost is important to me but my #1 concern in that the guests who come have a good time (I would hate to feel guilty for them having spent so much money if things go horribly wrong). I realize that all things can't be controlled, but want to explore all options in hopes of making the best possible decision. Thanks.

We are getting married at Riu Ocho Rios. The main reasons we booked here are that it is a family resort and it is very affordable. It is a very nice resort, and most of the Jamaica brides on this forum are getting married there.

 

We are honeymooning at Couples Swept Away in Negril . We chose this because it is a couples only resort. I love kids, but I don't want them running around on my honeymoon. Plus this is a more intimate resort than RIU and it has more included with the all inclusive plan. We really wanted to feel like we were getting more for our honeymoon, so we would be disappointed about leaving the Riu.

We chose Couple Ocho Rios because:

1. there're no kids coming so it will be mostly couples and a few singles so everyone can have a great vacation

2. it is cheaper than Sandals

3. most of the excursions are included in their price so I don't have to pay extra to organize group activities

4. we can customize the wedding more - such as bring in an outside photographer with a day pass if we choose to

 

We will be going to Couples Swept Away for our HM.

We chose RIU Ocho Rios because:

 

1. We wanted a very large hotel since we are having a lot of guests.

2. We liked the idea of the 24 hour AI and the liquor dispensers/fridges in the rooms.

3. It looks gorgeous.

4. It was affordable for all of our guests.

5. I needed a family-friendly resort because my young nephews are coming.

 

 

I'm still deciding on my honeymoon resort...

 

I think Beaches Boscobel and Sandals Ocho Rios look awesome too! I wouldn't be too worried about your decision. Carly (carlymcmullen) is getting married at Beaches in May, so maybe ask her what her experience has been with planning a wedding there.

I'm sure you chose the right places for you We all had different wants when looking at places.

 

I'm having a very small wedding, and I didn't want a large resort. We are getting married in a small bed and breakfast - 13 rooms total Jamaica Vacation - Little Bay Bed Breakfast Inn. Its AI, very affordable for our guests, and a little off-the-beaten-path, which is exactly what we wanted.

 

We're going to Sunset at the Palms and The Caves for our honeymoon.

We chose Riu Ocho Rios for a few reasons...

 

1. It is a large resort and can accomodate our guest list (Approx. 50+)

2. AI - Everything is included!!

3. Absolutely gorgeous resort & only 2-3 years old.

4. A lot of destination weddings are performed here!

 

Good luck on choosing your resort!!

I chose Beaches Boscobel b/c I liked the look of it better then the Riu and I doubt my decision daily since there are so many Riu brides no here. But it was AI, the price was right and it was child friendly. Those were my reasons.

 

I still like Beaches better, but the Riu girls get such better customer service from Chandlyn then I do from Renee and that is my only concern so far. Renee gives me half-ass info or doesn't respond at all. But I have read that once you are there, they are super accommodating, so I am not too concerned about it just yet.

 

What were your reasons for choosing Beaches? Perhaps if we know why you are doubing your decision, it might be more clear.

I chose Sandals Grande Ocho Rios because we were offered a great deal on the rooms and it turned out much less expensive than I originally thought. Since I'm expecting 50+ guests, I wanted a larger resort that offered a myriad of activities and restaurants to keep them entertained.

 

I also loved the AI aspect of it and the fact that at Sandals, with the size of my wedding, I get a free welcome cocktail reception and rehearsal dinner as part of my wedding package.

 

I felt there were cons also, (very small beach, older resort, etc.) but when I compared with other resorts, the pros helped me make the decision to stay at SGOR. My wedding budget also seems to be smaller than most of the other girls on this board, so this resort is giving me the opportunity to have a "more expensive" wedding on a smaller budget and that's been the biggest plus of all.

I guess because I have seen some bad reviews on Sandals and there doesn't seem to be a high number of brides that post here and on The Know who are going to Boscobel. Just the lack of information is scaring me, I guess.

Some of my guests will stay at Sandals and just come over to Beaches for the ceremony. It is a lot of money and I would feel horribly guilty if their experience (and my own) was not wonderful. Also b/c my honeymoon is planned for Sandals Ocho Rios.

I am not a perfectionist and I am not picky...I just want us to get our moneys worth and keep the disappointments at a low level. I am just beginning this planning so this all may just be the nervousness of it all.

I can totally understand that. I sent out my STD's and after that, to me, there was no looking back on the resort. It's for better or for worse! But honestly, I have heard good things as well. Here are some sites that I found (or most likely that Heidi found for me!)

Bio

Beaches Boscobel Ocho Rios Resrt Reviews - Jamaica - Debbie's Caribbean Travel Resort Reviews - Beaches Boscobel

Jamaica 2006: Dscf0284_copy

don-allison : photos : Allison and Don's Wedding : The Arizona Gazebo at Beaches Boscobel, where the wedding was held - powered by SmugMug

 

I haven't checked those sites to see if any new things were added, but last time I read thru them I was totally reassured. Until I came back no here and again realized how much more info the Riu girls were getting. But I am going to trust that when I get there they will work it all out.