21 Reviews
Traveller Rating
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Excellent8
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Very Good9
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Good4
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Average0
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Poor0
Review Overview
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Cleanliness
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Entertainment
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Food
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Service
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Location
The location of the hotel in our opinion was far from ideal but each to his own on that. The staff service was very variable.....some were excellent, friendly amd efficient whilst others quite honestly could not have cared less. In our opinion the evening entertainment was abysmal but again it's each to their own. We were woken more than once!!!!!!! in the early hours of the morning by loud music....and just for information I have less than 50% of normal hearing about which the hotel could do nothing as it was off property.....be prepared!
Would we go again.....definitly not....not even if we were paid to go.
Travel operator: Virgin
Travel operator: Thomson
Travel operator: First Choice
Travel operator: First Choice
The cleanliness of the place was second to none. The rooms were always cleaned to the highest standard every day, the bars were always clean, the restaurants were clean, and there were always staff around the hotel clearing away any rubbish which may be there or making the gardens looking more presentable than they already were.
The food and drink was fantastic, the only fault being that in the main restaurant, the food selection was a little limited if you are used to the selections offered in a 4 or 5 star hotel. However, there are two additional restaurants which offer a decent selection of food as well, however you need to book for these in the morning, and with so many people wanting to eat there, it was often the case that you would need to book a place there early in the morning. The bars were very well stocked, and I was surprised that in addition to the huge amounts of rum that was offered, they even serve Smirnoff, Jack Daniels and Jim Bean as a part of the all inclusive package instead of a lower quality local substitute. The main bar was not a favourite of ours, mainly due to the staff not being as accomodating as the rest of the hotel staff, however it did not prove to be a big problem as we just went to the jetty bar each night instead, which was one of the best parts of the hotel. It is a square bar with swings around it which proved to be a personal favourite element of the hotel. The staff at the jetty bar were always friendlier, and often topped up your drink without you needing to ask; something which helped to win me over! George was a particularly great barman, so he deserves extra credit!
The location of the place was perfect for us. It is far enough from the busy places to be able to have some peace and quiet, but close enough to Ocho Rios to be able to go to any one of the main attractions there, such as the Dunns River Falls, the Cool Runnings boat trip, Dolphin Cove or just shopping in the craft market. There were also a few local bars just outside of the complex, but we didnt venture too far to those.
The staff made the whole holiday that little bit more special. As I mentioned, George was a superb bar tender, there were plenty of other bar tenders which also deserve credit. Godfrey, the Thomson rep was amazing; he was always in a good mood, and was on top of everything, even finding us to let us know we were delayed so that we didnt have to wait at the airport for too long, and we could stay in the hotel. Even the beach attendants, gardeners, lifeguards and the general helpers at the hotel were all superb. All of them found time to stop and talk to you, making you feel so welcome.
The entertainment was not always amazing, but there were a few nights which were superb. The staffs effort could not be faulted at all, and they were always putting 100% in to making sure you have a good time. A favourite bit of entertainment for me was the local band which played at the main bar most evenings. They were absolutely amazing.
All in all, I'm absolutely gutted that i'm home now, and i'm already planning when I can go back to the same place - sooner rather than later!!
Travel operator: Thomson
Travel operator: thomson
We couldnt book an Ocean front loft room with Virgin and they had various rules and regs about the kids having to be under 12. We had emailed the Hotel over the past few moths who agreed to reserve an ocean front for us. When we arrived we were put in a Mountain Suite as was booked with Virgin. I have to say they are not good. The one we had (407) overlooked the road and was very tatty. We met with Diane to discuss the wedding the next morning and by 1 pm she had placed us in an oceanfront (number 11), This was great with a separate lounge and loft sleeping area for the children with 2 single beds. We had a separate double room and a fridge. It was 2 steps to the ocean and about 20 to the jetty/swing bar.
The weather was a little windy and cloudy but very warm and we met with the photographer Paul and the Minister before our wedding on Monday 2nd. The gazebo was decorated beautifully. We had a few spectators who we now consider to be friends. Hello Gary & Maria, Caroline & Bryan, Lee & Becky, Becky & Chris and those who I may have forgotten. The ceremony was relaxed and short and we followed the champagne and cake with a few drinks at the jetty bar with the infamous George and then dinner at the Jasmine Delta. I would recommend the Jasmine, it has a varied menu from Chinese to Asian and we had no trouble reserving this when required.
The buffet was fine. Also had dinner a couple of times in the Jamaican - the menu doesnt change but the food was good.
The Jasmine doubles up as a snack bar during the day serving good burgers pizzas and chicken wings - would usually find our kids there of an afternoon!
A big hello to Mel/Malcolm and Sharon/Mark. Mark and Sharon renewed their vows when we were there and we had many a great time together at the swing bar and fish spotting alongside it!
I know everyone gives George a mention and yes he is great but Stewie who is a very tall 21 year old barman was fantastic. He usually covers the jetty bar on a Monday and perhaps Tuesday evening. You must try a Bob Marley and a Diablo (made with chilli sauce!!). he is very entertaining and fun as is Smiley.
We visited Salem Basic School with a cash contribution arranged via Carla of Babashak. Wow what a lady she is ! Her B & B which she runs with her husband Dave is very cool and is next door to RDCC - it is safe to take a stroll over there and to the beach at Fishermans Cove where we met fishermen and a resident Pelican. The reception we had from the school was amazing and the children were so bright and happy given that they dont have a lot.
We hired 2 taxi drivers from outside the hotel gates Trevor and Noel. A big hello to Trevor who was great company. We paid $100 for the day to take us where we wanted to go - Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and $50 for a trip to Dunns River. Noel charged $60 to take us to 9 mile. Enjoyed all 3 trips.
Went to Ocho Rios on the free Virgin bus that was offered - very good - expect to be hassled a little in the markets but we found it to be good fun higgling!
The hotel entertainment was sometimes good sometimes just ok. A big up to Albert aged 72. He makes and sells hats and fruit bowls around the hotel by day and sings with his group on occasion of an evening, He will tell you he is awful. He was absolutely great and had us all on stage singing and dancing to Bob Marley.
The owners were at the resort whilst we were there Richard and his sons Andrew and Tim. Spent a bit of time with Andrew at the bar, very friendly and good company although a major show off when water skiing,. All water sports and boat trips were free. We gave a few dollars to the speed boat guy who took us out along the coast with Andrew water skiing behing - great fun.
We were all very sad to leave and met and made some lovely friends along the way. A final thank you to Diane Fairchild who made out wedding run like clockwork and her new assistant Davian. Hope to be back some time soon.
Travel operator: Virgin
We went there to get married and opted for one of the beach cottages which was exactly what we expected. It literally was a round thatched cottage 9 paces from the Caribbean sea.
Very roomy and a fantastic huge comfy bed. The food was very good plenty to choose from and lots of variety, cannot fault it. Our cottage was cleaned, bed made and clean towels every day.
The lady who cleaned ours was very friendly and interesting to speak to. The entertainment we did not like except for New Year's eve when a group of three sang all the old soul and reggie stuff. It was the best New Year's Eve I have ever had. We thought the rest of the entertainment was pretty much like Butlins!!!
Thank God for the Jetty Bar further down the beach. Where most of the adults spent our evenings. I would return but to a different part of the island.
Travel operator: First Choice
Travel operator: Thomas Cook
The hotel is very clean they were always cleaning.
The food was excellent, I am picky with my food but I found no problems with the variety. The 2 a la carte restaurants were great too although a bit slow but was worth the wait.
The location was excellent too was near all the places you want to visit like Dunns river which is a must do and swimming with the dolphins, expensive but worth it. There
Travel operator: FIRST CHOCIE
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