A resort does not restrict you unless you allow it to - Jamaica Talk

1stParadigm · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 11:58 AM

I don't get why people feel restricted if they stay at a resort, to me it is just where my base accomodation is, I eat there if I feel like it, go where I want do what I want.
........other than the obvious problem of additional costs for guests where's the restriction, and why would you not be able to see Jamaica if you stayed at a resort

JamCan · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 12:20 PM

Of course you can see or do whatever you want at a resort. But if you pay the price to be at one....which is a much bigger price, you'd probably feel compelled to stay there as much as you can to get your money's worth. I mean the cost includes food and drink right? So unless you like to throw money away you're most likely to stick around the resort to eat and drink. Hence you wouldn't be experiencing the local stuff...like vendors on the road, etc.

MY issue from experience: I've won two out of 8 of my trips. Of course those two I stayed at mega-resorts. BOTH resorts were far removed from the main parts of the town, makes it harder to get out and see things when you have to catch an expensive taxi ride just to get to anywhere for shopping, touring, etc.

Resorts aren't for everyone but they're definitely suitable for some people. Just not me.

1stParadigm · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamCan

Of course you can see or do whatever you want at a resort. But if you pay the price to be at one....which is a much bigger price,

It works out cheaper for me to get a package deal than other options other than family, thats one of the attractions

you'd probably feel compelled to stay there as much as you can to get your money's worth.

Because of the above I don't feel compelled to stay there at all, on my last trip I took my self off to Hanover for a couple of days

I mean the cost includes food and drink right? So unless you like to throw money away you're most likely to stick around the resort to eat and drink.

.....I don't like to throw money away, I am yet to come across someone who does

......as this is the cheaper option for me I'm actually saving money! whilst having acces to very comfortable facilities. i accept that may well be the issue though for some, the difference in flight costs depending where you are. It is not unusual in the UK to pay £800+ and more depending when you go, for a flight only to Jamaica

Hence you wouldn't be experiencing the local stuff...like vendors on the road, etc.

Never been a problem for me I simply could not imagine being confined to the walls of a resort, it makes no sense to me.

MY issue from experience: I've won two out of 8 of my trips. Of course those two I stayed at mega-resorts. BOTH resorts were far removed from the main parts of the town, makes it harder to get out and see things when you have to catch an expensive taxi ride just to get to anywhere for shopping, touring, etc.

Guess you have more options when you choose the resort yourself, many are on highway 2000 and the 100 dollar taxi route LOL

Resorts aren't for everyone but they're definitely suitable for some people. Just not me.

Yeah I love resorts, guest houses, appartments, family homes, where ever I stay I can have a fantastic holiday. My next trip I'm mixing and matching as is usual, a week resort for the total relaxation and pampering that I so desperately need and a week with family........simply can't wait.

Stay_Irie · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 12:42 PM

I agree resorts arent my thing. Ive never been to one in Jamaica. But I stayed at a Disney resort in orlando.
And its true at night its simpler after youve done your day stuff its easier to eat there, drink there.
Aswell as when you stay at a resort in Jamaica I find that you dont really get out and truly experience it. You experience the heat and the tourist attractions. yes.
If your lucky they may serve a bit of Jamaican food.

No one I know who has stayed at the all inclusives, have ever gone to the Market in St.Anns. Or to A Dance in the hills.
UNLESS you actually know a local and are going because you have no where else to stay.
Or just looking for that alone time for a bit on the beach with everything done for you.
But than again, theres always cheaper places than an all inclusive.

chelby · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 01:07 PM

i love a good resort, enjoying no-braining it... its has never limited me... my hubby is from kingston and has stayed at just about every major AI resort on the island at some point or other... he loves them too... i had to talk him out of getitng married at one

i have jamaican friend who goes back 2x a year, once to see family and once on the downlow to an AI resort... she says the trip to see family ALWAYS costs her more...

1stParadigm · #6 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stay_Irie

Aswell as when you stay at a resort in Jamaica I find that you dont really get out and truly experience it. You experience the heat and the tourist attractions. yes.

But you just said you have never stayed at a Jamaican resort

You experience whatever you choose to experience, if you tun frighten friday and nuh wah move from di area then yuh restrict yuh self by choice not because your accomodation is based in a resort

If your lucky they may serve a bit of Jamaican food.

Ok I hear that for real LOL that can be annoying but not major for a Jamaican who eats the food daily sometimes a change is as good as a rest

No one I know who has stayed at the all inclusives, have ever gone to the Market in St.Anns. Or to A Dance in the hills.

You are joking, whats that about? Is that out of fear

Or just looking for that alone time for a bit on the beach with everything done for you.

That is one of the main things that I am looking forward to my next trip.......1st time that I am travelling on my own

But than again, theres always cheaper places than an all inclusive.

I guess everyone picks the type of place that suits their needs, just trying to explode the myth on resorts LOL

1stParadigm · #7 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelby

i love a good resort, enjoying no-braining it... its has never limited me... my hubby is from kingston and has stayed at just about every major AI resort on the island at some point or other... he loves them too... i had to talk him out of getitng married at one

i have jamaican friend who goes back 2x a year, once to see family and once on the downlow to an AI resort... she says the trip to see family ALWAYS costs her more...

A woman after my own heart, i'll be coming to you for the reviews.......and yes I certainly relate to the cost thing

JamCan · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 01:20 PM

You're right 1stP, that those package deals sometimes depend on where you live. With our unbelievable cheap flights right now and that apartment I found in Ochi, no package could beat it. And at such a cheap price per night for me, I don't mind if I leave and stay somewhere else a couple nights.

Like I said...to each his own and whatever works out best. Hell if I found a better package price I'd probably buy it. And the "guest" thing hasn't been an issue for me til now so I'd be unwilling to stay somewhere NOW if a guest would be an issue.

1stParadigm · #9 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 01:49 PM

Yes JC I hear you, just wanted to hear some thoughts and perhaps add a different perspective to the resort discussion as I really have found it to be the best of both worlds and far from restrictive.

chelby · #10 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stParadigm

A woman after my own heart, i'll be coming to you for the reviews.......and yes I certainly relate to the cost thing

where are you staying this time if you don't mind me asking?

out of all the AIs on the island, our favourite was strawberry hill, but that's kind of cheating

Stay_Irie · #11 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 02:25 PM

Well Ive never stayed on a resort.
I know that if I did id die cause Ricky wouldnt be able to come to the resort unless I payed for it. Plus I have places I can stay low cost.
My Trip this year is under 1500 with everything included.
My flight, where Im staying, my groceries, my taxi fare, A trip to Negril.
When staying across the street at the Riu or Sandels is 2100 for 9 nights!

1stParadigm · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelby

where are you staying this time if you don't mind me asking?

out of all the AIs on the island, our favourite was strawberry hill, but that's kind of cheating

I havent decided yet this was going to be a family only holiday, but after I booked my flight I realised that I am really in need of a week of pampering, so will do half and half, It will be in Negril or Mobay, I did look at Rose Hall Resort but the single room prices are a real rip off. Negril is my preference. Tell me about Strawberry Hill, where is that?

The package deals for next Easter are fantastic

1stParadigm · #13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeesaJ

I really enjoy the AI environment. I have a great time and meet a lot of great people from all over the world. But it doesn't stop me from leaving the resort if I want to, and I also don't mind paying for my friend to join me there on a pass. He gets to do some things (snorkelling and boating etc) that he hasn't done prior to meeting me and we have a blast!!!!!!

That is my experience too I have never travelled alone though so I am not sure how I will feel, but friends assure me that I will meet folk to hang out with if thats what I choose. I will book somewhere near enough to family though so I can jump in a cab if need be. But if I am honest I am sooooo looking forward to some "me time" where I dont have to worry about anything else other than what I want to do.

1stParadigm · #14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stay_Irie

Well Ive never stayed on a resort.
I know that if I did id die cause Ricky wouldnt be able to come to the resort unless I payed for it.

Aaaaaaw young love.......LOL you would not die dear, just go to him, they dont lock you in you know

Stay_Irie · #15 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 04:47 PM

ahahahhaahaha. I guess.