Our second time to Negril and this time we stayed the full last week of January. Glad we chose to stay across the road from the beach at the Bungalo this time.
Much quieter than the beach hotels - no loud music at night! Manager Onie and relief manager Vincent both VERY helpful.and did everything to accommodate and help us...including the use of her phone (no charge) to call our son in Canada due to an emergency. She also provided us with a bar fridge when it came available and fulfilled many other requests. We had a spacious room (14B) with two queen beds, color TV/remote, air con, screens on windows, good cross ventilation and a standard bathroom with lots of hot water on demand. The mattress was a bit on the hard side for our liking.
Nisha the room attendant kept our place spotless. Richard and William took turns for security and were always attentive and pleasant. The gardener, whose name we didn't ask, kept the grounds immaculate. I especially like the mature bamboo and palms that provide a fair amount of shade. We especially liked the option of the large pool --- and a respite from the beach activities. It was surprisingly, largely underused. We also made friends with many other travelers at the Bungalo, some have been returning year after year, others with children, yet others solo travellers. All we spoke with gave good feedback about their experiences. Though there is no restaurant service presently,there are many options for meals: from Biggs' jerk chicken stand (freshest & tastiest), and next to it Helen's Blue Mountain Coffee shop (great home cooking especially the fresh fish and best coffee as Helen roasts her own )--- located a five minute walk away from town on "land" side of the road. The Sweet Spot close by is also top notch. And there's endless restaurants on the beach: high prices don't always equate with great food, but you will catch the sunset. There are also two convenience stores across the road from each other and next to the Bungalo for the snacks, rum, etc . All in all, we had a great holiday and will return to the Bungalo, next time for at least two weeks, and a room with a kitchen. The Bungalo is also well situated and is only about a one kilometer walk into town. Your choice of walking along the beach or going down the road.
We take a respectful attitude towards the beach vendors, taxi drivers and everyone in between. If we're interested, we'll take a look, bargain or just say, "no thanks, man". In no time the locals know who you are and what you're about. Simply put, they're just trying to make a living. "No problem!"
. Our attitude is: you show respect, you'll get respect. And Jamaicans understand respect!
- Bungalo Hotel Negril
