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Jamaican Trip Report
Montego Bay July 5th – 9th 2003
Disclaimer
Transportation
Sandals Montego Bay
Montego Bay in General
Pictures
Disclaimer
First of all I want to start off by saying that yes we stayed at an AI (all inclusive) resort, but since this was our fourth trip to Sandals and Mo Bay we did venture out into the real Jamaica as we have before. This trip report is intended for those who know little about Jamaica or Sandals Resorts. There are many more knowledgeable people on this board who can answer questions about Jamaica and its people and culture in greater detail. In fact we relied on input from many here to enhance our recent vacation.
Transportation
We flew on Delta Airlines from Ohio to Atlanta, Mo Bay to Atlanta, and Atlanta to Ohio on the return and got pretty much everything we expected out of Delta. Planes were on time and full. We had the pleasure once again to fly Jamaican Airlines from Atlanta into Mo Bay and were once again very pleasantly pleased with the over all staff, meals, and equipment of Jamaican Air. Some very major airlines could sure learn a thing or two about how to take care of paying customers from the folks at Jamaican Air.
Customs in Jamaica was somewhat slow but no problem for the three inbound flights they were handling at the time. Remember, once you set foot on the island your on “Jamaican time” Everything sloooooows downs and becomes a very welcome pace for your stay on the island and the first day or so after you’ve returned to your home. Customs in Atlanta on our return went very fast and was very organized.
Sandals Resorts
As I said this was our fourth visit to Sandals Mo Bay. We’ve officially considered this our Jamaican home. Management is investing money into the facility by upgrading and renovating the Almonds block and adding a signature series spa to the resort. We were very lucky to receive an upgrade to a beach front cottage room next to the piano bar. The resort is clean, well organized, and still employees the friendliest staff we know. Faces change from year to year but the service never does.
We did notice that shuttles to other local Sandals resorts were on time (island time) and full. Meaning that like us, guests were checking out the facilities at other local Sandals resorts. As a guest at Sandals you are welcome at all Sandals resorts and full use of all facilities. This means you have your choice of 11 restaurants, five beaches, six pools, and countless bars just in the Mo Bay area.
For more information on Sandals please email us through this board. We will be glad to provide pictures and details of our experiences over the years.
Mo Bay
We are from Midwest USA but are Jamaicans by heart! Forget what you may have heard about the island and the people and experience them for yourself! Jamaicans for the most part are a very warm, friendly, caring people. They are willing to help you in any way to make your stay pleasant. They are very hard working people who just happen not to have much need for clocks.
There have been continuous improvements made to the town of MO Bay and the parish of St James. If you really must have your Burger King, McDonalds, or KFC, they are right in town. Big Macs are $57JA (one US dollar = 57 JA dollars). Streets are crowded and traffic is wild. Drivers are courteous, but be prepared for the ride of your life! There is no road rage or obscene gestures.
Vendors in craft markets are persistent and willing to barter. However a simple no thank you and they are off to the next tourist. We have never experienced anyone who was to pushy. There are good sides of the street and bad. A good cab driver will steer you away from the bad. There are those shady offers for drugs or other questionable items but again a simple no thank you and they are on their way.
Pictures
Montego Bay July 5th – 9th 2003
Disclaimer
Transportation
Sandals Montego Bay
Montego Bay in General
Pictures
Disclaimer
First of all I want to start off by saying that yes we stayed at an AI (all inclusive) resort, but since this was our fourth trip to Sandals and Mo Bay we did venture out into the real Jamaica as we have before. This trip report is intended for those who know little about Jamaica or Sandals Resorts. There are many more knowledgeable people on this board who can answer questions about Jamaica and its people and culture in greater detail. In fact we relied on input from many here to enhance our recent vacation.
Transportation
We flew on Delta Airlines from Ohio to Atlanta, Mo Bay to Atlanta, and Atlanta to Ohio on the return and got pretty much everything we expected out of Delta. Planes were on time and full. We had the pleasure once again to fly Jamaican Airlines from Atlanta into Mo Bay and were once again very pleasantly pleased with the over all staff, meals, and equipment of Jamaican Air. Some very major airlines could sure learn a thing or two about how to take care of paying customers from the folks at Jamaican Air.
Customs in Jamaica was somewhat slow but no problem for the three inbound flights they were handling at the time. Remember, once you set foot on the island your on “Jamaican time” Everything sloooooows downs and becomes a very welcome pace for your stay on the island and the first day or so after you’ve returned to your home. Customs in Atlanta on our return went very fast and was very organized.
Sandals Resorts
As I said this was our fourth visit to Sandals Mo Bay. We’ve officially considered this our Jamaican home. Management is investing money into the facility by upgrading and renovating the Almonds block and adding a signature series spa to the resort. We were very lucky to receive an upgrade to a beach front cottage room next to the piano bar. The resort is clean, well organized, and still employees the friendliest staff we know. Faces change from year to year but the service never does.
We did notice that shuttles to other local Sandals resorts were on time (island time) and full. Meaning that like us, guests were checking out the facilities at other local Sandals resorts. As a guest at Sandals you are welcome at all Sandals resorts and full use of all facilities. This means you have your choice of 11 restaurants, five beaches, six pools, and countless bars just in the Mo Bay area.
For more information on Sandals please email us through this board. We will be glad to provide pictures and details of our experiences over the years.
Mo Bay
We are from Midwest USA but are Jamaicans by heart! Forget what you may have heard about the island and the people and experience them for yourself! Jamaicans for the most part are a very warm, friendly, caring people. They are willing to help you in any way to make your stay pleasant. They are very hard working people who just happen not to have much need for clocks.
There have been continuous improvements made to the town of MO Bay and the parish of St James. If you really must have your Burger King, McDonalds, or KFC, they are right in town. Big Macs are $57JA (one US dollar = 57 JA dollars). Streets are crowded and traffic is wild. Drivers are courteous, but be prepared for the ride of your life! There is no road rage or obscene gestures.
Vendors in craft markets are persistent and willing to barter. However a simple no thank you and they are off to the next tourist. We have never experienced anyone who was to pushy. There are good sides of the street and bad. A good cab driver will steer you away from the bad. There are those shady offers for drugs or other questionable items but again a simple no thank you and they are on their way.
Pictures
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