I'm doing leg work for my 34 yr old daughter who wants to finally get Jamaica under her skin.My experience in recent years from mo bay to ocho rios to negril has been disappointing because of all the bothersome harassment by locals.I started going in 1970 and don't feel that good about things anymore but still have a great love of the island.I've recommended Port Antonio as have heard from someone who thought that might be an option.Can't really find much out there that's recent--2004,2007 but not 2008.How am I missing the ball?Can you recommend a good site?Was PA hurt badly from the last hurricanes in this area?I've been on a couple sites and it seems great for the girls as they want to relax and don't like all-inclusives.can't seem to get recent info on the Bonnie View---looks like it has the killer views.Looked at .wwwvillaswithclass.com---a few looked good.They will only be able to swing 3 nites plus travel time.Mid-price-------where should they fly into?I've never done kingstons airport--how far to PA and how are the roads,etc?Thank you so much,wish I was going-----my dad is in hospital and both of his nurses are from Jamaica --I've fallen in love with them both----they don't know the PA area sorry to say.MY daughter is coming from Key West so she likes charming.

Welcome Valentine.

My first advice is to search Portland and Port Antonio in our vacation section. There are several threads with info.

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I would fly into Kingston - it's about a 2-3 hour ride over to PA from there, around $100 and up for a taxi - be forwarned, the roads in PA are not good AT ALL - they have done a lot of work on the roads to PA, but once in town they are still bad. From MBJ, it's about a 5-6 hr drive, and around $225 for the ride.

What price range are you looking for? San San is beautiful, and right on the main road - So is Jamaica Palace Hotel - Fern Hill Club is gorgeous and has beautiful views, but it's about a mile up a rutted road that has a big nasty dog running loose on it - not a place to walk from.

Mikuzi is a funky little spot - less expensive, but unique. PA is really really quiet though - what are they looking for?

Another option might be to check out Duncan's Bay - it's about 40 min outside of Montego Bay, and there is a great guest house there - google Jamaica Jewel - No hassles from the vendors there, and there are beach parties and stuff to do at night.

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Add to that - I don't know that I would recommend PA for such a short trip - they will spend a lot of time in the car and not much relaxing.

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Looks like it is further than I thought to get to PA.I'll look into Duncan's Bay for them.Any comments from other folks on this area?Price would be ,not cheap but not top of the line.Mid range--charming,atmosphere,beach--shopping not a necessity.Relaxed but with charm.Sorry to be repetitive.Somewhere i read Greg Connell with raggae tours for a driver,any comments?Thank you.

I was just in Port Antonio in November. It's my favorite place in Jamaica. It is so different than Mobay, Ochi and Negril, that it is almost like you're on a different island.

I recommend Goblin Hill for mid-range. Ask for a room with a view. There is also a house called Jamaica Heights that I have heard great things about, but it was closed when we were there. I would stay away from Jamaica Palace House and Mockingbird Hill.

Regarding the roads, there is still construction going on, but the majority of it has been repaved from Ochi to PA. I have never taken the road to Kingston.

For sightseeing, be sure to raft on the Rio grande and take a bamboo boat ride at Blue Lagoon.

I love Port Antonio but I fell in love with Duncans Bay last trip. I'll be spending a few nights in both this next trip. in Porty I am staying at Ivanhoes and may spend a night at Mikuzi...can't report on either one until I get back. I loved Fern Hill but it's good to have a car if you stay there.

Jamaica Jewel Bed and Breakfast Villa Apartments located between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios Jamaica