Hi shamus, been to both mexico and jamaica , for me and my family, mexico wins hands down . Don't get me wrong, we had a fab time in jamaica, but there was just a few niggly things about jamaica that put it well behind mexico for me . Mostly, for us, ( I'm sure jamaican fans will dissagree with me here ) I found outside the hotel, say, montego bay, the locals to be on the pushy, intimidating side, had an incident with a seemingly nice, helpful guy who offered to show us where the market was, great, we thought, not knowing where it was, then he asked for $60 for this , well, to be honest, being a northerner, proceeded to tell him that we would show someone the same thing for nowt and we were'nt about to part with $60 for him to give us directions ! He got a bit shirty and threatening, but, I thought ' naah, don't think so' we just walked away with a 'thanks for giving us directions ' and that was that ! plus, the constant offer of ganji, even though we had our then 8yr old with us was a bit much .
Mexico is another kettle of fish, we've been twice now and I love the mexican people, never had a problem at all, also, I think there's far more to do for all ages.
Have a great time whichever place you decide

Hi Juby 5 Thanks for your advice, Ive been looking on trip adviser and people are saying the same. To be honest we have stayed in a lot 5* hotels different countries and nothing beats mexico. Have you been to dominican?

Hi shamus, no, never been to the domincan, hubby not over keen ( think its so many reports of people getting sick in hotels !).
To be honest, with jamaica, its a great island, lots to see and do, but the people we met really put me off, even our barmen were surly, no crack about them at all, whereas the mexicans, as you know, were a right laugh !!
Cuba gets the thumbs up from me too, again, lovely island, fantastic culture and plenty to do, but I think mexico is my particular favourite so far !

We've done both Jamaica and Mexico and love them both. Probably Mexico just edges it, but that's more down to the hotel than the place.
Agree with juby5 that the hassle in Jamaica can be a pain. Also agree that whilst I'd like to try the DM, the hotel sickness problems and need for malaria tablets keep putting me off.

Have you thought about Aruba ? We tried it last year, very nice safe island with stunning beaches. Only Caribbean island I've been to that wherever we went, we got absolutely no hassle whatsoever.
Quite reasonable prices at the Tamarijn/Divi with Thomson/First Choice.

We have thought about Aruba but we want to go in november for our 30th anniversay, they only go to october. Could you walk out in jamaica? Was there shops outside resort?

I have never been to Mexico but I went to Jamaica last April, a place that I wanted to go to for some many years, and I was not disappointed. Yes there are problems in certain areas, but I am sure those same problems are not too unlike problems in other countries too. I did go outside the 'complex' and alone to the shopping mall across a busy road and yes I felt safe too - although my son had a kitten when he found out back at the Hotel Pool later (he is not as trusting as I am). I loved it, and would go back in a heart beat.

Hi there.. just seen this...

We've been to most of the islads:
Mexico, DR, Cuba (twice and going again this year), Jamaica,St lucia,Antigua,Bahamas,Grenada

Can honestly say that we've ventured out of complex on all of these islands and NEVER felt threatened...

Usual "rules" apply... don't "flash the cash" or bling (including cameras and the like)
Dress sensibly, handbags across shoulder etc
keep to well lit areas

just imagine that you are in a strange town anywhere and adopt the usual precautions.....

Above all.. ENJOY

ATB,J.

Which is the best resort to stay in in jamaica? can you visit kingston easily to see where bob marly lived?

I was in Mo'Bay and did go to Kingston, but on a guided tour which I would recommend unless you go by taxi that Hotel recommends. NExt time I would like to go to Ocho Rios that's lovely there too.

just got back after a 2 week stay at riu ocho rios,which was fantastic.it was our 1st visit to jamaica,mainly due to taking too much notice of the negative stories/comments about jamaica over the years.It is a gem of a place,and a simple NO when offered anything,and you are left alone.you are no more in danger over there than in any town or city over here,and the jamaican's are a lot more polite and friendly. i stayed in riu cancun in mexico last year,and most things were better at riu ocho rios

I am thinking of staying at that hotel in Jamaica or the Riu Negrill can't decide........

riu ocho rios beats riu negril hands down,check out the reviews.Its a fantastic hotel and the beach is gorgeous.

Thanks Dave think i'm gonna go for that one then Just liked the picture in brochure of Negril but it doesn't seem as popular.

your welcome mari,i have posted an in depth review of riu ocho rios on another website the 1 that gives you ADVICE for your TRIP

I'd be a little wary of staying at the Club Hotel Riu Negril as it has long had problems with security and did of course have the shooting incident last Christmas. In general it does seem to have a love it or hate it clientelle.

Not heard of any issues at the Riu Palace Tropical bay (Negril), but that is normally a fair bit more expensive than the Club Hotel.

Thanks i will have a look at your review Dave : - )

oh I didn't know about a shooting thats why this website is brill in making the right choice. I wanna be somewhere safe

We stayed at Couples Negril... no security probs...

Although 5+ years old... my review is here:

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/caribbean/jamaica/negril/couples-negril-resort-hotel/
ATB,J.