I had booked the Negril Beach Club Resort last minute through Hotels.com the morning of the day I was to arrive because I am an airline employee travelling stand-by. After a long day of travelling out of a Toronto winter storm, I finally arrived in Negril only to find out that the Negril Beach Club Resort was full, and did not have a room for me, nor were they aware of my booking! ( I find it incredible in this day of technology that a hotel cannot simply let the travel websites know they are full to avoid this). Anyway, I was directed to Caribbean Sunset Resort, and I was very unhappy (and tired), as I took this as a major downgrade. I did not resist giving the front desk clerk at CSR a full piece of my mind, plus I insisted on calling Negril Beach Club Resort and doing the same. The clerk at CSR however was incredibly patient and professional ( I didn't catch his name, but a guy of Indian desent, who also runs a gift shop at the hotel). He put us into an Oceanview King Room. Obviously this hotel is not a 5 star property, "you get what you pay for" is a reality. However, I can honestly say that I was quite comfortable at Caribbean Sunset Resort. The room was clean and the a/c worked fine ( the main things!). The T.V. had plenty of good channels ( although the tv converter never worked, but I did not mention that to them, no problem for me). It is not a private balcony from outside the Ocean view room, more of an outside hallway leading to other rooms, however the view of the Caribbean Sea and Negril was quite nice, and rarely did anyone walk past our door. It is not a beachfront property, it is located within the downtown west-end area of Negril near the roundabout (google search the map, there is only one roundabout). It is a bit of a walk to the beach, at least 7 minutes over the bridge, unless you are able to take a short-cut across the river behind Burger King, which my girl and I had no problems with. I personally have no issues dealing with local Jamaicans, as my girlfriend is one. I am a white Canadian who has been to Jamaica many times. I could see how a possibly older, maybe first time visitor to Jamaica might me intimidated walking through the heart of their city (which is basically where CSR is) to get anywhere without a taxi. You will be called out to and asked to buy certain things. This is nothing to worry about though. If you can stop and be friendly and offer some small help, that seems greatly appreciated, if not, a simple "no thanks" does the trick. The good thing is you are close to supermarkets, food, bank etc. The beach in Negril is great. It all depends on you and what you are comfortable with. It seems to be more locals toward the end of the beach, where CSR is located, it is easier to find a little piece of the beach to yourself. Maybe two white tourists would feel out of place towards this end, but I personally found it great to be away from everyone else (maybe keep an eye on your things for sure, as some young locals may walk by looking for an opportunity) You could easily take a taxi to the main part of the beach with the tourists if you felt more comfortable that way. We swam in the pool at CSR one afternoon and it was fine. We did not eat there because there were many food options nearby.

Anyways, overall I definately enjoyed Caribbean Sunset Resort and would return. The location is not glamourous, but I found it clean and comfortable, and the price is affordable considering other spots in Negril. The staff was very good. The Jamaican guy on the daytime front desk was very professional as well. Cleaning staff friendly and did a good job. The girl by the pool played some good music for us. Jennifer the manager was friendly, professional and made me feel welcome. Thanks for cool stay CSR, see you again! Sean