There are no frills at this hotel but it is clean, quiet and comfortable. The staff is amazing, Angel at the front desk is just what her name suggests. The view from the room is breathtaking. If you want real Jamaican food or anything else just order it and they arrange it for you. The service at the Crystal exceeds some of my 5 star resort experiences by far. Locals on the beach are equally as friendly and pleasant. I definitely prefer this small and quaint property full of charm versus overcrowded chain resorts which are simply like being in North America on a beach...

I returned to Jamaica and I made my way back to Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge! After my visit in March I decided immediately upon my arrival back to New York that I would be going back in the next two months to celebrate my twenty fourth birthday. Best decision I ever made! Special thanks to CRBL to helping me make this a birthday to remember! =)

Stayed August 25th-28th 2011

I purposely wanted reasonably priced accommodation so money can be better spent on day activities such as Dunns River, Dolphin cove, mystic mountain etc. It is a locally owned business, good sized rooms and bathroom with hot & cold water, excellent air conditioning you can even control the temperature if its too cold. There is cable tv in every room. Breakfast is continental - toast, tea, coffee, orange juice.you can order porridge, ackee & saltfish etc. but you have to pay extra. Its not 4 or 5 star quality but its more than adequate, and it is quiet - apart from the sea tide at night.

Early Sunday morning some local men had a small fishing boat . There isn't much nearby within short walking distance -the general tourist/downtown area is a short 5 min drive, a single taxi trip J$200 IF you ask the hotel to order it for you, also its useful to arrange for the same driver to bring you back for J$400 return if you give them a time. Jumping into a taxi on main street will usually cost you more.

Staff are most helpful, don't be afraid to ask them for help for local info for example they informed me that there were no cruise ships due that weekend which cuts down crowds significantly for places like Dunns River.

Beach wise, you can arrange a river raft trip but anything else like kayaking or powerboats would have to be arranged further down the beach perhaps with another hotel. Additionally there is no safe

Pros:
Location - The views, peace and quiet at this place is just amazing.
Friendly staff - you request them nicely and provide clear instructions and they will help you out with everything, with a lovely smile.
Charm: Local kids come and jump around the beach, a couple of fishermen try to catch their day's worth, swaying almond and other trees, wave runners, blue skies and blue green waters, buying fish straight from the boat and getting the hotel folks to make a traditional dish for us, charm and tranquility is the name of the game here.
Affordable - very much so, awesome value for money
Cons:
Location - This hotel is next to the white river rafting area entrance. Which means reaching this place takes some asking around and also a little apprehension at the surrounding areas. It is very safe, just not the fancy locality the tourism brochures tend to showcase. Till now, not so bad. The hard part comes if you don't have a car. There is hardly a restaurant, grocery store or any nightlife nearby which means you have to cab it wherever you want to go. And no last minute cravings :). The gas station close by stocks basics and is closed on sunday and the ATM next to it dispenses money only in local currency. So have a car or have a cab plan. The front desk will get you a cab to go to town at very reasonable prices though you might have to tell them in advance if you dont to wait too long.
Not fancy enough - As I said if you were thinking resort vacation, you are in the wrong place. A basic but well set room is what you get besides the breathtaking views and ample loads of relaxation and soul searching times.
Breakfast is bare bones - Think toast, butter, jam, coffee, tea, milk, orange juice and milk. Nothing more and nothing less :). They do stock beer, cold beverages and a couple of snacks at relatively cheap prices if you want it.