Seeking Recommendation for Future Trips to Jamaica, Vegas & Canada

Hi there! I've been to Jamaica and it was a great time, however, I do not have any desire to go back. I will be honest in saying that it's beautiful once you get to your resort (we stayed at the Rui Negril).....but getting there is tad bit scary. The airport, the busride, the roads, etc.....a bit scary for me. And once we arrived there...it was fun but we were warned on not leaving the resort (especially at night). We only left once the entire trip and that was to go on a boose cruise (during the day) where they take you cliffdiving....awesome experience but wouldn't do it again:) However, I've been to Cozumel and Riviera Maya, Mexico and this was (to me) a much more clean and fun environment that I definitely would go back to. We stayed at the Iberostar in Riviera Maya. There are five different levels you can choose to stay and we stayed at the Lindo and at the new one ....the Grand. The Grand is the way to go:) Built new in May 2008. Nothing but the best at this place....even the food! The Lindo was awesome too but once you stay at the Grand you don't want to turn back:) I hope this helped!

I've been to Vegas many times, the hotel's that had nice rooms to stay in but still a good value, were Luxor, Paris, Aladdin, Treasure Island. I did not like our room at MGM Grand, but they do have a great pool area and it's on the strip. Bellagio, Venetian, great rooms but on the expensive side. If you're looking for some nice buffets, Bellagio and Paris are great. Oh and it's fun to go to Rio, which is off the strip a couple of blocks, across from Palms, for their parade they have every couple of hours. Water show at Bellagio, shops at Caesar's, Venetian, and Aladdin, roller coaster at New York (although I heard this coaster runs by lots of the rooms there, so it may be a reason not to stay there), volcano at Mirage, Pirate show at Treasure Island, lions at MGM. I'd recommend if you want to go see a specific show, to get tickets ahead of time You don't need to rent a car if you're only going to be there a couple of days, there's so much to do just on the strip alone and if you want to go to downtown to see the light show there or what not, just take a cab. But there are lots of things outside of the city to do too, like Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam. There's so much to do and see there, even having gone over 5 times, there's still lots I want to go back and do! Have fun.
Oh, I've also been to Cancun and other places in the carribbean. Cancun was one of my least favorite because it was so touristy. It just reminded me of being in Florida except of course the language and food. The best thing about it was how cheap even the nice all inclusive resorts were. I've also heard the same things others have said about Jamaica, if you stay on your resort, it's great, you have to watch out for yourself and your belongings off the resort. I think it's sort of like that in the Bahamas too, except maybe not as bad. My favorite islands are St.Lucia, St.John, St.Thomas, Virgin Gorda. But I think it all depends on what you're after. If you just want to lay around on the beach at your own resort, relaxing, maybe doing some snorkeling trips that your resort offers or whatnot, I think Jamaica would be good, there are some nice looking resorts there. I've stayed at Sandals in other locations and they are nice. Also a nice all inclusive, the Wyndham in St.Thomas. I can't remember the name of the hotel we stayed at in Cancun, but it was nice for the price we paid.

I see you got a lot of responses. As for me, my husband and I honeymooned at the Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, which belongs to the SuperClub chain. The resort was inclusive and wonderful.

FOr Vegas we always stay at Caesars Palace and always had a wonderful time.

Enjoy!!!

You aren't specific about why you want to visit Jamaica... so you should probably decide on exactly what you are looking for in a trip before you choose that particular island. My husband and I have been to many islands, Jamaica being one of them, and we will never go back. There are so many places we liked much, much better -- for many reasons that haven already been mentioned by others. I would choose Cancun over Jamaica even, but I have had my share of Cancun and probably wouldn't go back there either. If you want some better alternatives - try St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Thomas... the best thing to do is first determine what you want out of your trip, then choose the destination (by talking to people and posting like you are doing). Choose Jamaica only if you want to stay at an all-inclusive hotel (like a Sandals) and make sure that hotel offers everything you want and you don't want to venture off on your own. Good Luck!!

I just want to reiterate that unless you want to be glued to your hotel, and still get a bunch of people offering you drugs on the beach, skip Jamaica and go just about anywhere else in the Caribbean. I'm of the opinion that Jamaica is the reason they started all inclusive deals..because there you just can not leave your hotel. It's pretty rough. If you haven't been anywhere I just wouldn't start with there..that is one place that I will never go back to. Mexico is fine, Barbados, Aruba, any of the Virgin Islands, Cozumel, Cayman Islands, etc. Oh...and the Dominican Republic is just like Jamaica, you have to stay in your hotel. Costa Rica and Belize are nice alternatives to Jamaica if you were interested in Jamaica for the land/outdoor tour/activities - jungles, volcanoes, waterfalls, river rafting, etc.
You really can't go wrong with anything in Vegas, although I would just say if it's your first trip, spend the extra money to stay on the strip rather than downtown so you get the full effect and just go downtown to gamble. I usually try to stay in the middle of the strip, the tried and true "older" hotels without some of the bells and whistles so that it's easier to walk around to one end and come back, especially if you are there in the summer when it's 150 degrees .. Caesar's, Mirage, Flamingo Hilton etc. Or the pool at the Hard Rock is awesome and you almost always run into celebrities there, but it is off strip. The pool at the Mandalay Bay is great too ..this hotel is more to one end though. The shopping is fun (expensive, mostly high end, window shopping) at Caesar's, Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian. The food is great everywhere.

Ah, Vegas...my second home. :) In truth, we looked into moving out there before we had our first son. I've been there about 15 times since 2002 (I don't even gamble that much). It's just a great place for a short trip to escape from "real life". I've stayed at Luxor, Paris, Bally's, Excalibur, Monte Carlo, MGM, NYNY and New Frontier (gone, now).

Luxor - nice, but high tables. On the Strip, but a bit of a walk to get to the main hotels. I wouldn't stay here again, personally.

Paris - attached to Bally's, pricey rooms. Personally, I wasn't that impressed and wouldn't pay the extra $ for the hotel.

Bally's - good price, great location - across from Bellagio where you can see the Fountain show (a must). Nothing too exciting, though. But, I'd stay here again without a doubt.

Excalibur - ok, very good prices, but a bit older. I've stayed here a few times because they have the best rates and they were one of the first casinos to have "War" as a table game. Fun. My husband doesn't like it, though and wouldn't stay there again.

Monte Carlo - one of my favorites, actually. I've stayed here a few times, too. Not very crowded, but a good location. When I went this past September, they had added a really cool bar/Mexican restaurant to the front of the hotel and it made it much more "lively".

MGM - Another favorite. I just love the hotel itself (and they have War, too!). The room we had was great, but the hall ways are the longest I've ever seen in my life. We were at the beginning - thankfully. My favorite part is they have the MGM Lions to watch. I could sit there and watch them forever. And it's free. Lol.

New York, New York - I stayed there this past September and it was ok. Fair price, good location, nice rooms, but not one of my favorites. Our room was over looking the roller coaster (it's fun, try it) and we didn't hear a thing.

I've done two "sister-trips" with my sister and we loved it. MGM has an amazing pool area. Monte Carlo and NYNY have pools, but they are in the shade for some of the day. Bally's pool is huge.

I've been to Vegas in just about every season, too. My husband and I go during March Madness for the NCAA Tournament (and our anniversary). It's a ton of fun, but not very hot yet. We don't even hit the pools then, usually. June-July is hot as HELL (literally!). But, I don't mind. We sit at the pool during the day and play at night. September this past year was great, but it was hot. I think it was unseasonably warm, though. December is chilly. I actually had to buy a jacket when I was out there.

We've never rented a car - but we've thought about it. We just have our days so filled that we don't leave the strip. For a first trip out there, I would recommend doing the same. There is SO much to do that you don't need to worry about a car. There are cabs EVERYWHERE and even a tram now on the MGM side of the strip.

Ok, I could go on and on here - I didn't even get into where to eat! If you want more information, send me a message and I'll answer any questions you have.

T.

I know everyone loves where they stayed, but the place I went on my honeymoon seven years ago was the best! I plan to return for my 10th anniversary.
It's called Swept Away, Negril. It's a couples resort so NO children, no TVs, all-inclusive. They'll take you scuba diving, included with training, and snorkeling as many times as you want (also included). The food was fantastic, and it's not a huge hotel. It's two-story bungalow type rooms. Four units per building. Really fantastic. A travel agent who visited recommended it at the time, and man...she knows her stuff.
They also have a five star restaurant on the property, salon and spa, golf course and exercise facilities, if that's you thing. Look for yourself.
http://www.couples.com/12sw/index.html

I have always enjoyed traveling with apple vacations. In order to ensure a fantastic resort I would always do a six apple or six golden apple.

My husband and I went to Jamaica for our honeymoon 6 years ago and plan to go again this year! We went to Sandals - Montego Bay! It's one of those all-inclusive resorts. The people there were so great and accomadating! It was the best vacation ever! Hope this helps!

I have a great travel agent who knows the resorts and the internet - she can save you lots of time and money - let me know if you want her phone or email address.

M. in Elk Grove Vlg.

I have never been to Jamaica, but have heard the same thing from several people... alot of crime and poverty. I have heard good things about Mexico, but have never been there. St. John's in the U.S. Virgin Islands was beautiful and St. Maartin was even nicer, but on the pricier side. We had a villa with our own private pool, and the restaurants and beaches are incredible there! Vegas is one of my favorite places in the world! I've been there 6 or 7 times now. I just took my 13 year old son there a couple months ago and we had a fantastic time! If you can go for a few days rather than just a weekend you're much better off. It gets crazy busy on the weekends and there's SO much to do you really need a few days. Definitely rent a car and go see Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon...they are must sees. If you want to take in an incredible show see Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo...one of the best shows in town. We stayed at the Hilton this time because they are one of the few places that keep their pool (rooftop)open year round and heated, unless you want to spend an absolute fortune. They were located about a block off the strip. When you tour the strip take your car and valet park everywhere. You will get out right at the door and it only costs whatever you want to tip when you pick up your car. It saves on ALOT of walking and cab fares are ridiculous! You have to see Fremont Street in downtown Vegas for the famous light show at night. Park at the Golden Nugget's valet. Also, I highly recommend the Gondola ride at the Venetian, the Gardens and fountains at the Bellagio, the buffet at Mandalay Bay, walk through Caesar's Forum Shoppes (beautiful!), the Mirage, and the waterfall show at the Wynn. Alot of the above mentioned are free! I could go on and on! If you're going to gamble try downtown instead of the strip...you'll find a lot lower limits and the people are MUCH friendlier and laid back. Write back to me if you have any other questions! Viva Las Vegas!

If you go to Jamaica I can recommend the BEST resort there. It's called The Caves. It's perfect. There are only 25 people there including staff at any given time. There are beautiful cliffs where you can watch or participate in cliff jumping/diving, snorkling, swimming, the works. But the best part is that it's intimate and catered to you personally. For eg. you tell the chef what you want to eat during your stay when you first arrive and he arranges to cook it for you. Then each day there's a menu and you can choose one thing, or another, or everything (it's all-inclusive). The bar is almost always attended by someone but when it's not you can go behind it and serve yourself (there's also a wet bar in your room).

The stuff unique to The Caves is this however: You can dine actually in a cave in a private room lit only by candles, and you can have a private hot tub in a tub carved out of the cliff. There's a 2 person lie-down sauna with an ocean view. It's just the most wonderful place ever. I loved it. Have fun!

Hi J.,
I lived in Jamaica for a little over a year, and while I agree there are some issues with lots of opportunist Jamaicans trying to make a buck by trying to sell you whatever it is they think you might want to buy, most Jamaicans are very warm, friendly people. I would avoid Ocho Rios or Montego Bay altogether, unless you want to stay in an all-inlcusive. Negril now has some security on the beach, so there is far less harassment from the some of the annoying locals than there was in previous years. I have heard good things about Swept Away and the Caves and love Tensing Pen. One of my favorite places to stay is Jakes in Treasure Beach, which is on the South Coast, but it does take awhile to get there from the airport. It is less touristy, so there is far less of the harassment mentioned by so many others. It is very laid back. There is also Silver Sands which is a group of privately owned villas that are available for rental, which are on secure grounds and provide you with a cook and maid who are pretty much all awesome. They will cook whatever you want. It is located in Duncans, which is about an hour east of the airport in Montego Bay. There is a nice beach on the premises and many of the villas have pools. There are many different price points and you can pay a driver through Silver Sands to take you to some different tourist spots if you wish. I would arrange your airport transfer through whichever place you stay, if possible. There is a brand new highway on the North Coast, so the roads are improved some, but there are some hairball roads (it is a third world country after all) so I would avoid driving yourself. I would be happy to give you any other info if you would be interested. I think Jamaica is an awesome place with great people and good food, but there certainly are some places to avoid, as with any country. Regardless of where you go, I hope you and your husband have an amazing 10th anniversary - congratulations!
C.

I love venturing to Montego Bay and negril in Jamaica for the past fifteen years every year it is so romantic and serene. The Sandals is always a great place to stay. Once you are in Jamaica you can visit near by islands with ease make sure this is at least a seven day venture. Cozemel and Cancun Mexico is wonderful and it is hard to go wrong in Vegas! From New York New York hotel to the Ballys, MGM, but I can definitely give you this price busting travel agent that you and your family will enjoy it has every thing from pacages to car rentals resturants any and everything you need to travel plus some the agency website is www.queenroyaltytravel.com check this site out before you book anywhere else I have used this agent several times for my family and friends and we all are so pleased with his site. We have a large family and they stretch the dollar yet you still gain five star treatment.

J.,
I have been to both Vegas and Canada and they are beautiful. I have been to Vegas 2 times with my husband, and I have been to Canada 2 times back in high school. The Luxor, Caesar's Palace, Bellagio, The "W" are amazing thematic hotels'. There are so many others, you just have to go and see for yourselves. I know they say many places there do not compare to the real thing, but the concept of creating thematic resorts is awesome.

Canada is gorgeous! When I get older I would love to live there. Toronto and London,Ontario and of course Niagra are all beautiful. Oh yeah...haven't been to Jamaica yet, but I couldn't tell you where to go first because they are all beautiful places. Make sure you check out places online and go to cheap tickets and cheap air. com for the best deals.

All the Best,
D.

Hi J.: I would highly recommend Cabo San Lucas! We took the kids with us and stayed at the RIU All-Inclusive resort there and the kids had a blast. They loved that they could go into the pool bar, order a soda, and not have to pay. And the beach was beautiful. They were happy just playing on it all day long. Though we did go into town for some shopping and took a sailboat ride. The kids got to ride wave runners and my sister and niece even did some para-sailing. My husband and I went to Maui last year, and I'll tell you, I think Cabo still won out.

Have fun!

C. K

I definitely recommend Jamaica. We went on our honeymoon and loved it!! We stayed at a Sandals resort in Negril-it was just beautiful. We loved Sandals, everything was included-and I believe they resorts scattered all throughout Jamaica, so you don't necessarily have to go to Negril. Definitely look into an all inclusive resort-well worth it!

I just went back and read the other reviews...we only left the resort once to go on a boat ride. We didn't stay at the resort because it was dangerous, we just didn't feel the need to leave because there was so much to do there!

We stayed at the Point Villeges in jamaica. We went on our honeymoon almost 20 years ago and stayed in montego bay and then about 10 years ago when my daughter was in a program there. we stayed at the point villeges with all of our children it is an all inclusive resort. it was wonderful. no carrying money for meals, tips etc. all was included. the kids loved it. there was entertainment each night, several bars / restraunts in the resort and a huge buffet for every meal also. we went on several of the excursions also. we went on the dunn river falls. and also on a cruise and also on a deep sea fishing excursion (I do not recomment that one if you have any sort of motion sickness I threw up for 4 hours) we took the kids snorkling, and kayaking all part of the inclusive stuff but the outside stuff was extra. there are open markets that the hotels will usually take you to if you ask. the last time we went it was just my husband and myself again and we stayed in a place called blackriver. stayed at a place called the sunset motel. very small, very cheap and wonderful. right on the ocean. my daughter was in a program there for out of control teens and this was the closest hotel. turned out to be a great place.
sherry

Hi J.,

Just back from Vegas. Stayed at the Bellagio - it was awesome! If you go during the month of April you get the best of all worlds - I used to go the last weekend every year with girlfriends and it was ALWAYS 80-90 deg...not too hot and not too crowded.

Mexio I've stayed north and south of Cancun-

Playa Del Carmen (just south of Cancun)- the Royal Hideaway is second to none - very private - very quiet - adult copuples only - a very impressive stay.

Excellence Playa Mujeres (just north of Cancun) - OMG - amazing rooms, amazing property, adults only.

Canada - Toronto is to me a lot like other big cities but is also so cool b/c it has an entire underground that you can travel in the downtown area so you never have to go outside...you can go from hotels, to shopping, banking, you name it - all underground. The CN tower is there - - they have fantastic theater and night life...fun fun.

British Columia is historic and so breathtaking - the mountains, the water, boating, dining.

When you and your hubby travel I recommend staying at adults only places - it's so nice to not have to miss your kids b/c you see everyone else is doing the same thing as you - taking time for themselves and then no little ones running around to make your heart sink :-)

Have fun planning and email if you want more detail on any of the above.

N.

I've never been to Jamaica, but if they have an Occidental resort, I would stay there. We have stayed in a few in other tropical places, and they are amazing! You may also want to stick with places that are in multiple locations, such as RIU, Westins, etc. As for Vegas, I like Cesars the best, but we are staying at the new tower in the Venetian this month, which is supposed to be great. Tripadvisor.com is great to read reviews about anything from hotels, to restaurants. Have fun!

Sandals Whitehouse!!! Just look up Sandals resorts on line and you can get a great view of the resort.
Good luck and have fun!

We went to Montego Bay - Sandals for our honeymoon and loved it!

Beaches is all inclusive and great for children. I like Negril best but we have visited the Ocho Rios and Montego bay locations. The Ritz Carleton is beautiful. Also check out the Half Moon Club. Most of the upscale hotels are beautiful with wonderful service and have everything you need so there is really no reason to leave the resort. Most hotels offer tours to Dunns River Falls, the rum factory etc... Like most countries with poverty that rely on tourism there are bound to be people who are up to no good.Don't let the negative posts scare you. Jamaica is beautiful... Ya Mon'

Hi J.,
I have travel a lot!My husband and I went to Jamaica 7 years ago before we had kids and I really didn't care for it. Let me tell you why there is a lot of poverty there and in order to go to the good resorts you have to take a bus trip for 2 hours to get either to Ocho Rios or Negril and the bus ride sucks. There is also a lot of drugs there and my husband and I were offered all kinds of stuff. You don't want to head off your resort because it can be dangerous. This is just the truth. My recommendation if you want to go to an island is St. Lucia or the Riveria Maya in Mexico which is about an hour from Cancun. Cancun is very Americanized so just go to the Playa del Carmen along the Riveria Maya and it is just beautiful. Hope this helps. Vegas is a blast make sure to check out Bellagio's butterfly garden and Paris Hotels!

Don't leave Canada just to you and girlfriend. Niagara Falls is one of the greatest places to travel as a couple. I personally have been they 3 times. Once for my honeymoon, second with a girlfriend and third time with my son around age 13. All three times I loved it.
The first time it was so romantic. We spent time just walking around looking at the falls. But did not do any of the extras because of lack of funds.
Second time went with my girlfriend after we traveled to Massachusetts to visit another friend who had just had a baby. It was in the colder months. The falls only has stop a couple times in history (on the American Side, never on the Canadian Side) and this was not one of those times but the river was frozen below, it was cool watching chunks of ice come over the falls.
Third time I went with my son, my husband could not go out to Vermont for the wedding of the same friend I visited in Massachusetts. My son and I had such a great time. We went to the bottom of the falls and my son went out on the hurricane deck. He was standing feet away from where the American falls over. We went on the Maiden of the Mist (the boat ride) it goes right up close to both falls. We walked out on to Goat Island and took a picture of my son standing in the still waters by the shore while in the background the water was churning and moving very fast preparing to go over the falls. We laughed a enjoyed the who experience.
My son who is now 18 said he would love to go back one day and experience the many more attractions that you can experience up river.
Just a thought.

S.

SILVER SANDS JAMAICA ROCKS...been going for years with my hubby and now my two young girls.....you can get a nanny too. m

If you're leaving the kids at home, I highly recommend the El Dorado Royale in the Mexican Riviera. (Not the El Dorado; the El Dorado Royale.) It is adults only and all inclusive. The food and service and drinks (top shelf) and scenery were sublime. Jacuzzis in every room. You can take day or night trips to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, if you want to get out of the resort for a while. That vacation was waaaaaaaaay better than our trip to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where you do need to pretty much stay in the hotel because of crime. In Vegas, I like the Venetian and the Bellagio. Have fun!!

My hubby and I went to Jamacia for our honeymoon in 2004. We had never been out of the country when we went and truthfully, it was the most terrifying experience of my life. You do not feel safe once you land at the airport. My husband got stopped and searched because he looked "suspicious." The airport workers, the customs workers, the baggage people, no one is really friendly. There are men walking around with machine guns. The van driver to our hotel told us not to leave our resort. We stayed at Sandals in Negril. One day we went out in the ocean on a hoby cat (that was the most fun thing that we did) and one of the "natives" circled us all afternoon asking us to buy his "ganja" Needless to say, we spent a lot of $$ and were really nervous the whole time. I don't know if they do this at every resort but if you leave your resort's beach area, they take your room number and name to make sure you come back at the end of the day. Besides all of that, i have never seen more beautiful scenery and sunsets. I hope you make the decision that is right for you. Good luck.

Wow, Jamaica is getting a bad rap here!! We went to Jamaica on our honeymoon and I can't wait to go back! We stayed at Grand Lido Braco Village and everything about it was wonderful! We did take an excursion to Dunns River Falls but other than that we did stay on the resort property the whole time we were there but there was plenty to do!
Niagara Falls in Canada is beautiful, we went for our anniversary and I can't wait to go back with the kids. There are many hotels to choose from with beautiful views and many of them have indoor pools with waterslides.
Good luck!!

Hi,

I don't want to offend anyone, but Jamaica would not be my choice of vacations. We stopped there on a cruise and did the waterfall excursion--which was fun and beautiful. I'm sure the resorts are wonderful, but it was difficult for me to see so many people washing their clothes along the rivers.