Jamaica?

I am currently in holiday planning mode and am considering a return to the Caribbean. Having visited Antigua and Barbados a couple of times, we are thinking of trying Jamaica next. I know nothing about the island and wonder whether anybody could offer relevant advice or tips. As it is a much larger island, I imagine there is more to do (OH is not keen on spending too much time sitting in the sun!). I am looking at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios for accommodation. Seems very well recommended on TA, but do any of you have personal experience of this Hotel.

We are looking to go in late November/early December before the prices zoom for the Christmas period.

Would appreciate advice! Thanks!

Ocho Rios is over a hour and a half drive from MBJ and two hours from KIN along a few bumpy roads here and there. The Dunns River Falls climb is quite near. Jamaica has a reputation for being one of the more unsafe islands to travel around, although we found Ocho Rios fairly safe and not intimidating. Food and drink are expensive so we usually choose an all inclusive hotel. Negril has lovely beaches but again quite a distance from the airport. Cycling in the Blue mountains is very popular. If you have any more specific questions I will try to answer.
Regards
Daffodil

[Neil]

We've done both Negril and Ocho Rios and while we enjoyed them both I can't say we have any desire to return in the near future. In my opinion it is very much a beach holiday and very much an all inclusive resort type holiday. We found Negril better for this as there were a number of resorts all interlinked and we could move between them all, where as Ocho Rios felt more isolated, although we loved Dunns River Falls.

Jamaica is a wonderful island and very safe as long as you are sensible. Ocho Rios is safe and I have left the resort there with no problems. Sandals resort here is excellent. I have also stayed at the Rose Hall at Montego Bay. His resort has its own water park . again my wife and then 7year old daughter took a taxi to down town Monetego Bay without any problems. Finally Negril with its seven mile beach if fabulous. Aain we have stayed at Sandals and Beaches resort. There are numerous activities, Dolphins and Dunns River falls ( the famous James Bond scene with Ursulines Andress in the bikini ) plus the blue mountain bike rides, river rafting the James Bond crocodile farm plus much much more plus beautiful scenery and lovely people. Yes I can definitely recommend Jamaica

For a different, but still Caribbean, experience how about Cuba? You can combine a non beach experience in Havana with a few days at a resort, and experience a familar but slightly off kilter way of life.