Family Vacation Paradise
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 7/7/05
We just got back from Boscobel yesterday (Tuesday, July 5, 2005) My family and I were very skeptical about Boscobel prior to departure due to some of the negative reviews out there. However, we did our research. We knew exactly what to expect upon arrival in Montego Bay. We knew that their was a 2 1/2 hour air conditioned bus trip to Ocho Rios and we actually enjoyed it (the 1/2 way rest stop was great) It was a terrific opportunity to see the Jamaican culture. Our Son is 8 years old and WOW what an eye opener for him. We knew that the resort was recently remodeled a few years ago and the staff at Boscobel are continuously cleaning, painting, etc, etc in order to keep its appearance at such high standards. Yes, it is true about the cats - that was kinda wild and did freak my son out a bit. We stayed in a premium family room with a view of the main pool. The room was very clean and the room service staff did a fantastic job everyday (bring the 10 packs of m&m's and give one each day and you will be pleased at your room).I was amazed at the vast selections offered at the various restaraunts. The Venitian restaraunt was top line and is one of the best restaraunts that I have ever eaten at. Keep in mind when you go to eat get there early and you will not have to wait. If you wait until 8:00 - 9:00 at night expect to wait!! The times of meals being served was perfect. They coincided well with early and late night snack times. There was plenty of places to grab alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the resort (try the dirty bananas - YUM). The beach is quite small however I believe this is due to the amount of children that are present at this resort. As far as the beach chairs and towels, yes, you need to get down there early and get you a chair, you can't wait until 9:00 - 10:00 and expect to get a chair. The towels were plentiful, I thought. I always grabbed extra. There are alot of water activities for adults and children at this beach. The water is fairly clear,on a sunny day, it was gorgeous, and the sand is a light brown - not white sand. Quite alot of rocks in the water, (bring your water shoes) as well as, sea grass.Be prepared to tip, all bus drivers and airport staff. Be prepared to be subjected to a different culture. Jamaican people are very nice and easy to get along with. Don't be afraid to go on the other side of the dock to see what the locals have to offer. We were skeptical at first due to the bad reviews, but they are just people trying to make a living. The Jamaican locals are genuinely nice people. (That is where you can also do jet ski's and the parasailing, for additional cost) You must be prepared to bargar with the shop vendors as there are no prices on the merchandise. Never go with the first price offered. You can generally cut their first price in half for most merchandise. Our return flight on Air Jamaica back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport was delayed for nearly three hours. The airplane staff on this flight did not serve mid flight refreshments due to what I believe was a lack of ambition. Other than that "NO Problem, Irie Mon". Well worth the money....... P.S. Bring your 30-50 sunblock the sun is hot, hot, hot. Got fried the first day