Ocho Rios vs Negril?

Hi everyone! My fiance & I are deciding between Jamaica and Belize for our DW in April 2008.

 

Here's a question for anyone who has visited/researched Ocho Rios &/or Negril...which do you recommend? We will be traveling with a group of ~20 people (friends & family) and we want it to be affordable for them. All-inclusive would be best, but not the Sandals/Beaches/etc resorts. For Negril my favorite is Sunset at the Palms (www.sunsetatthepalms.com). I haven't researched Ocho Rios as much, but at first glance, I like Riu Ocho Rios. Any advice would be much appreciated!!!

 

Thank you,

Heidi

Never been to Belize but I know many Belizeans who speak highly of its natural beauty. We're honeymooning at Riu Ocho Rios and that was highly recommended to me by people who have stayed there, it is fairly new. Check tripadvisor.com too, they ususally have informative reviews and candid pics from people who have stayed there. Good luck!

Hello,

 

Great to hear of another "maybe" Negril bride!!!

 

We are getting married at the Club RIU in Negril.

After many long hours of researching, the Club RIU was the best choice.

The all inclusive prices are very affordable as well as they offer "kids for free"!! This was a big plus for us. We were trying to find a resort that even allowed children as i have 2 stading up in the wedding.

 

The wedding packages are very affordable and everything is included!

 

Let me know if you have any questions or need any help. I will gladly assit!

Riu Hotels & Resorts

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out! Which package did you end up going with, if you don't mind me asking (Caprice/Classic/Free/Royal)? Looks like we may end up having the same wedding dates!! Ours isn't set yet, but we were looking at the 11th, 12th, 18th or 19th.

My only hesitation with Jamaica is the safety issue. Personally, I'm not worried, not at all. I have traveled to much "less safe" areas and has ZERO problems. But, a lot of my family/friends are worried about it. Have you (or anyone) run into anything like this? If so, how did you handle it? Just book it anyway?

Hi Heidi,

 

I am so excited to hear that you are getting married right around our dates! Its fun to share ideas and thoughts

 

We decided on the Royal package. We have about 30 peolple coming and i was worried that if we booked the package just for 10 it would turn out bad...not enought chairs, etc....

Our date as of today is April 18th.

Wouldnt that be great if you guys were there at the same time!!!

 

I never had any safety issues with Jamaica. Since we have booked, we have met and talked to many different peole who have been to the CLUB RIU NEGRIL and they have all said GREAT things about it. The beach is beautiful!!!

One of my best friends was born and raised in Jamaica. He grew up there and then moved on to Toronto, ON when he was 15. He now lives in Detroit (right near us) and we work together.

He loves Jamaica and i love seeing the pictures, videos and hearing stories about Jamaica.

There is something about that Caribbean lifestyle that interests me.

 

If you want to PM me your emial address, i can give you more info about the resort

 

Talk to you soon!!!

I know Amanda knows a ton about Riu in Negril... as of now, I'm leaning more towards Riu Ocho Rios, just because I like all of the excursions you can take in Ocho Rios (I'm a sucker for hiking & waterfalls!) - has anyone been here?

I researched both Ocho Rios and Negril and both are beautiful, it depends what you are looking for...Safety in either of these places should not be an issue, as they are very safe while on the resort!! IF you plan to go off resort, it can be very scary, for us, we chose Negril but again, if you plan to stay on resort, no worries!! You have to remember even in places like Mexico, if you stay on the resort and do not venture into the "poverty" like areas, you are safe, if you do decide to venture outside the resort by yourself, venture with caution as I have heard of many people who have been robbed and so forth...

 

Good Luck in your choice..