Kayla,

I was in Negril for 2 weeks in March of ‘08. We didn’t do much in the way of going to the clubs while we were there because they were all overridden with spring breakers most of the time.

I would highly recommend trying to find a place to stay in the West End, on the cliffs. It tends to be much nicer for walking around, quieter, and personally I love swimming and sunbathing off the cliffs better than the beach. The beach in Negril isn’t nearly as fantastic as some other place I’ve been in the Caribbean; also there tends to not be much shade unless you’re at a place that has umbrellas. Also on the cliffs you’ll find Rick’s bar which is world famous and you’ll definitely want to be going there.

I don’t know how large your group is but I stayed at a place 2 minutes walk from Rick’s called Citronella. Gorgeous property with cottages on the cliffs and private swimming areas for much cheaper than any of the other similar places nearby. They have one larger house that’s meant for groups, I would highly suggest staying there if it’s big enough for your group.

Have fun!

-Ben

I was there in December, and the weather was perfect – in the 80’s & sunny every day, so I’m sure November will be great for you.

I don’t know that I really felt unsafe there, but I very much disliked being accosted at every turn by locals wanting to sell you something. Even at the beach of my resort and on the catamaran ride which we paid for. This is why I’ll never go back; it was exhausting, not relaxing.

Hope you have a great time!

The weather should be beautiful in Nov. I have never been to Hedonism, as I tend to stay away from those types of places. When in Negril, I stayed at a place called Home Sweet Home on the west end, on the cliffs. There is a pool and jacuzzi and in the morning boats come and take you snorkling. My rule of thumb when getting my party on while traveling is to NOT get intoxicated outside of my hotel. Jamaica can be a little rough, it’s best to be street smart, don’t go anywhere with strangers, and keep your wits about you… although in general the people are lovely and they are the reason I keep going back. My advise is to get your party on at the hotel. During the day, I would most def recommend that you take a trip to Nine Mile and see where Bob Marley was born. It will get you out of Negril and you’ll see some of the country. I also recommend a day trip to Appleton’s Rum factory. You can talk to the folks at your hotel about either getting a taxi for the day, or going with a group in a van. If you go with a Taxi driver, make sure that he comes recommended as good people. I would not suggest trying to drive there… You’ll “mash up”. Dunns River Falls is also a great day trip. Lots of nice herb to smoke in Jamaica if you like that sort of thing. My most favorite drink is Appletons rum and Ting (grapefruit soda). Relax and go with the flow. Tell your single girlfrinds to be careful hooking up. I would advise them not to. Happy Birthday!

Personally, I’m a beach girl. There is beautiful diving and swimming off the cliffs but the party is definitely down on the beach. Every night there is a hot spot to go to for dancing. Check out Alfreds, Bourbon Beach, and Roots Bamboo for drinking and dancing on the beach. There are usually signs posted on the road for special concerts like Buju Banton, Yellowman, etc. Thursday night is Ladies Night at the Jungle, which is the only “club” in Negril except for the Scrub a Dub (the buck naked club). Which brings me to Hedonism. You can go on a day pass for about $80 if you want to check it out but I would recommend staying and partying at one of the smaller hotels on the beach. Believe me, there is no need to pay a bunch of money to get naked in Negril. Here is a link to a great map of cliffs and beach http://alink.com/personal/liz/negrilmap/Complete_Negril_Jamaica_Map_2008.pdf Check out the message board at negril.com for great info. I have been 10 times, always by myself to Negril and I have never feared for my safety. Just like anywhere, don’t leave your expensive camera on the beach, don’t flash your money around people you don’t know, treat everyone with respect and you will be fine. If you say “maybe later”, Jamaicans will remember you and keep bothering you until you give a firm but polite yes or no. As a single female, the men are VERY PERSISTANT. But that is also one of the things I love about Negril. And November is hurricane season, so get travel insurance. Chances are the weather will be fine but if your luck is anything like mine better safe than sorry. As far as “must see” places, I have been to Blue Hole out in the country and to Nine Mile where Bob Marley is buried, which is a very long but beautiful trip. I would recommend picking out a couple of places you might like to check out but don’t make any definite plans until you get there. Once you get on “Negril Time” and the beach gravity hits you, those plans have a way of escaping you. Any excursions you book now I guarantee you will find somebody who will do it cheaper once you get there. Remember everything is negotiable. DO NOT rent mopeds. Jamaican roads and drivers are extremely dangerous. Negotiate cab fares before you get in and check out the posts on negril.com about route taxis for getting around. Hope you love it as much as I do. One Love!

All lots of solid advice given to yo u already – Negril is beautiful and out of the whole island very laidback to most things. Party together. Staying up by the cliffs can be quite nice and not far from anywhere in Negril really. Ricks is a must and maybe twice. Eat at the Hungry Lion – good veggie food. Nice jamaican / Italian is Norma’s on the Beach resturant. A day trip to YS waterfalls is quite cool to see bit of the island too. And the weather will be spectacular. You guys will get hassled to buy everything from red stripe, to drugs, to t-shirts. Its part of the scenery. So be forewarned and just be firm/polite in dealing with the vendors and make up your mind to not let it bother you.And as for hedo… LOL Hedo is legendery but the toga party can be hit or miss – if you go as a group I think it would be worth it. Once in the hotel all your drinks are included, and dinner, midnight snacks, etc.. so it should be easy to have a good night. Remember to keep an open mind ;)