Mother/daughter trip to Ocho Rios - Judy. Date of travel: Jul 2006
Just got back from Ocho Rios - July 2006: These reviews really helped us prior to our trip so I just had to come back and give you the scoop as we saw it. The things you have heard about the long, hot lines at the airport to get through immigration are true. We waited over an hour in a hot (no aircondition) room with one fan. The road from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios is under construction and won't be completed for many years so the 2 hour bus ride to the Riu was very bumpy. It was raining and the vent above my daughter's seat was leaking water. She had to put a newspaper in her lap to catch the water. When we arrived at the Riu we got in line to check in and were immediately given drinks (rum optional but flowing freely). We were supposed to get a standard room but we were given an upgrade to a junior suite. When we got to the room the key card didn't work so we had to go all the way back to get it scanned again with no apology. The rooms are gorgeous with marble everywhere. The airconditioning was a welcomed friend and there was a ceiling fan as well. The airconditioning shuts off automatically when you open the balcony door. All the employees are friendly. I didn't see any hands out for tips as I had read in another review, but we did tip the one's who paid special attention to us and the cleaning ladies, but they didn't give us clean sheets each night, just made up the bed. Our first night there my daughter came down with a sore throat and fever (from a meningitis vaccine she had received prior to our trip). I had no idea what their medical care was like so I called the front desk. They connected me to the nurse (from Cuba) who was in our room in 10 minutes. He was awesome. He suggested that since we just started our vacation that we should see a doctor. I was envisioning an ER with goats and chickens everywhere, but he said he would have a doctor in our room in 20 minutes. He did! The doctor was so nice and carried medication with him. He put my daughter on antibiotics and a fever reducer and she was better the next morning - wow! The doctor's fee was $170 and it was $50 for the meds, but he filled out a form so we could submit it to our insurance when we got home. The food (buffet) was average and in order to eat at one of the better restaurants you have to get up by 7 a.m. that morning to get a reservation. I waited in line an hour since there was only one person taking reservations! Everyone was upset about this. If the restaurant you wanted to eat at was full when you got up to the woman then you had to choose another restaurant and perhaps a 9:30 seating. The entertainment was loud and mostly boring. The Michael Jackson impersonator was the only show we really liked. He did a great job and the dancers were unbelievable! Don't miss it if they have it while you're there. I had read about personal tour guides in these reviews. I chose Trevor Hudlin. He was reasonable ($90US) and was right there (9:00 a.m.) when he said he would be with his airconditioned van. I felt sorry for the other tourists waiting for the big tour buses that only went to one place. This was the highlight of our trip. Trevor took us to Dunn's River Falls (don't miss it) and admission for both of us was included in the $90, a pottery factory, Fern Gully, great shopping and all around his favorite spots. He was incredible! He knew everyone and waved and honked to them. We felt very safe. The advantage of Trevor is that when you're done with one attraction you can move on. When you take a tour bus you have to wait until the very last person gets on the bus to leave. When Trevor dropped us off at the hotel, with hibiscuses in our hair, some of the other tourists stared at us and some asked how we got a personal tour guide as they waited for the big buses. I was so glad I planned ahead. The vendors at the beach were harmless and I didn't see where they bothered anyone. Security was there to run them off if he felt they were talking too long to a guest. They can't come above the water line anyway. The bartenders at the swimup bars in the pools were very lively and fun. They work very hard. My daughter and I elected to get a massage in the spa (approx $80US ea.). It was devine. One of the things that ticked us off was that they closed the pool at 6 p.m. for cleaning. They opened it back up at 7:30, but by then you don't want to swim anymore and are ready for dinner. Many guests were irrate about this, so be forewarned this is what they do. Some of the male employees came up to my daughter saying they wanted to "reason with her". We assumed it was their way of coming on to her. She just smiled and walked away. Jamaican's are very laid back and everything is "no problem mon". So don't get in any hurry about anything or you'll be frustrated. Just relax and go with the flow. We can say that we had a nice trip because we were prepared. We will treasure it always. If I can answer any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at judysattic@yahoo.com with the words "Jamaica" in the heading so I'll know it's from someone wanting info. Tour Operator: Vacation Outlet