Grand Lido Negril Trip report and resort review.

I just posted our trip report from Grand Lido Negril in the Jamaica forum. They have a c/o beach there, which made the trip nice... Otherwise, not so much..

Grand Lido trip report

Great report. You are like Memorex, next best thing to being there.

If we were to manage expectations (expect basic food) and got a first floor CO room, it might be a nice getaway given the right rate and affordable airfare.

Did they have any excursions to anything off the resort?

Thanks.

Absolutely, if you get a cheap price and totally manage expectations and get a FIRST FLOOR c/o room, you can expect a nice time. The experience on the 2nd floor is totally a whole different thing, and not anywhere near as good. Those balconies on the second floor (except for the suites) are just miniscule and you cannot even have two people sit outside on them.

They had excursions, yes, but based on the price for something as basic as a trip to Rick's, you'd be much better off just booking it yourself directly. Price to Rick's, for just transportation was something ilke $40 one way, for 4 people (I think)...

Excellent report! Thank you.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Generally speaking, resort sponsored trips ( and taxis that sit on the resort parking area) are way overpriced. Better off walking out to the road and hailing a passing red plate taxi. Negotiate price before entering the taxi.
A round trip from the beach to cliffs and return should be $20.00 for all that can fit in the taxi.

I thought they were way overpriced, but we weren't ambitious enough to worry about going out.

This is one of the best trip reports I have ever read love the pictures with it. We went to St Martin last year and love Orient beach, we were debating between Grand Lido Negril and Club Orient I know Grand Lido is allinclusive and Club O isn't we have been to Club O and Braco when it was open. How does Grand Lido Negril compare if you had the choice which would you choose. Thank you for the great trip report Carol

GLN is nowhere near what Braco was. The beach at Negril has a lot of shade, but it's pretty small, it's rocky, etc. The pool and hot tub at Negril are miniscule, as compared to Braco. Personally, if it were me, I'd pick Club O in a New York minute..

eskimo--If you have specific questions about things, let me know. If you're on a budget and you are not a foodie, GLN might work for you, so perhaps I spoke too quickly. But again, if you want to be nude 24/7, GLN isn't going to work too well either. So, it depends on your budget and your food criteria and what your expectations are..

There is something to be said for not having to prepare a meal or hike to get one after a long day on the beach. If you're not a foodie, you'll find it easy to fill your stomach with very edible food at GL.
The clothed beach on Bloody Bay is another plus. 1 1/2 miles of great sand, calm clear water and food/drink/souvenir stands.

Yes, there is something to be said for an a/i. Actually, the biggest problem I have with GLN is not the FOOD, per se, but the lack of intelligent decisions by management, with regard to a myriad of things, primarily food, yes, along with lack of training of the staff .. ..

Hi Carol we don't go to St Martin just for the food we enjoy the whole island that being said Braco was one of our favorites budget is not an option that's why we would stay at Club O the small pool and beach are a concern on the CO side it looks like another trip the friendly island

St. Martin has a pull for us that it is impossible for any other island to match. Sounds like that holds true for you also.

Enjoy, wherever you decide to go!

Not all 'all inclusives' are the same. You get what you pay for. If they would have booked 'Couples Negril' (next door) the experience would have probably been much better.
Of course, to get that experience, one must dig a little deeper in their pockets.

It just boggles the mind how people book hotels on the cheap with a property in transition, and then blame the bad experience on the all inclusive concept. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Anon--I assume that slam was aimed at me. Whatever. I believe that my report was pretty balanced. Many or most of my problems with GLN had to do with specific STUPID decisions by management, which really have very little to do with the a/i concept, but more with how to manage a resort intelligently.

Can you get to Boobie Cay from GLN or do you have to stay somewhere else? Friends were telling us that it is nice.