What can I expect in Ocho Rios? April 2007.?

Answer 1

Steve:

I'm going to give you a version of the answer I gave to a similar question from someone else.

Let me start by asking -- Do you want me to be honest or diplomatic? I'll be honest with you -- assuming that is what you really want.

I am not a big fan of Jamaica. My wife and I have been to Hawaii several times (Big Island, Kaui, Oahu, Maui) and the Bahamas and St Thomas and all throughout Florida and the Keys. By far, Jamaica was our greatest disappointment.

My wife and I travelled there in early 2005. We stayed in both Ocho Rios and in Rosehall (just east of Montego Bay). We stayed at an independent hotel (can't recall the name) in Ocho Rios -- and at the Ritz Carlton in Rosehall.

The positives were the weather (beautiful); Dunn River Falls was fun and staying at the Ritz Carlton was very nice. Staying at any Ritz Carlton is nice.

The only other positive -- and this is a real stretch -- is that there are purported to be several nude resorts (Hedonism and Grand Lido Braco). We're not into that -- but we met people who had been there and evidently many people go to Jamaica for that reason only.

The negatives seem to out-weigh the positives. Neither of us ever felt safe. This was particularly true in Oho Rios. There are people everywhere trying to shake you down -- either begging for money or pestering you to buy/negotiate for some piece of crap. There are shops to stroll through but it is all really cheal stuff and you have to haggle over everything.

I didn't find that the Jamaican people were particularly friendly or happy that you were there. They just seem to deal with tourists with benign neglect -- they don't do anything to hurt you, but they don't do anything to help either. They are completely disinterested that you are there visiting their country.

Other than at the Ritz Carlton, the food was terrible. We literally had a hard time finding places to eat that were not incredibly dirty serving food that was unappealing. I love to eat -- especially when I am on vacation. Exploring the region cuisine is one of my favorite things to do. Just not in Jamaica.

I finally figured out that Jamaican jerk chicken is another way of saying poorly prepared, bad and dirty chicken that you eat in incredibly dirty surroundings. Fast food places in Jamaica are literally cinder blocks staked up with tin leaning against them for a roof. Food is prepared over a fire from an oil can. This setting is usually also the proprietors home as well.

The poverty in Jamaica is at such an extreme that there really are not nice places to go on the island. Your choices are limited to staying at your resort for the whole time or only go out among groups of people to a really limited number of places where you feel as if it is safe.

Driving around in Jamaica was a nightmare. People drive like maniacs. No speed limits are acknowledged as are no passing zones. It just seemed like it was everyone for themselves. Yet (of course) I get stopped by the Jamaican police for speeding (no speed limit sign was in sight) and (I kid you not) the policeman tried to extort money from me. This happened right outside of Ocho Rios going to Dunn River Falls.

Another friend from our group actually was involved in an automobile accident and he and his wife spent five hours in jail in MOntego Bay -- as the police tried to get them to give them money; telling them they had no rights in Jamaica.

I am NOT making any of this up. It all happened.

What should you expect -- expect to be shocked. You will be shocked by the beauty of the island, you will be shocked at how little the country of Jamaica has done to present this beauty in a positive light; expect bad roads as you drive or are driven to Ochos Rios; expect to see poverty and apathy in the form of people who seem to just not care; expect very few good places to eat; expect to stay at your resort to feel safe and to eat some semblance of good food; and expect to stay there unless you have a desire to get out and see more of all of what I have listed for you.

I'm sure this sounds incredibly negative to you -- and I sound like the ugly American -- but that is simply not true. As I stated before, I have been to many tropical locales and Jamaica stands out for its lack of concern or care for you as a tourist of their country. I just don't get why the people or country of Jamaica wouldn't want to present themselves or their people in a more favorable light.

It seems to me to be the result of decades of poverty layered on top of incredibly poor leadership within the country. The people are uneducated, unmotivated and seem to be stuck in chronic poverty -- and as far as I can tell, it isn't changing for them.

I actually do like to get my answers voted as "best answers" -- but when it comes to putting some attractive "spin" that you know the reader wants to hear versus telling the truth -- I opt to tell you the truth.

I'm sure this isn't what you were looking for -- but as I started off with -- I am going to be honest with you. This is as honest and real as any answer you are going to get.

Good luck.

Answer 2

It is a lovely place, I was there last May.
Humid and warm.
Beware of the agressive street vendors.
You need to be able to haggle with them. There is always a better deal around the corner, and you should say so whether you know it's true or not, just to get them to deal with you.
They rely heavily on the tourism $$, as they do pay a ridiculous amount of tax there, even 17% on groceries!!
The locals are very interesting and kind, take the time to converse with them.
Have a great time!!

Answer 3

If you go around easter, check out the Carnival in chukka cove (st. ann parish) This is a party thast not to be missed. Be prepared to dance and don't worry about getting wet!!!!

Answer 4

The time of your life! Bring water shoes for the ocean and sunscreen.

Answer 5

Depends on where you'll be staying... I hear it's fabulous.