Coco LaPalm Sea Side Resort

The atmosphere at CocoLaPalm is quiet and relaxed, and it’s an ideal place for travelers seeking a low-key getaway. CocoLaPalm also has a family-friendly vibe, which isn’t necessarily present at other mid-range resorts in Negril. We’re not saying the place is overrun with kids, it just doesn’t reek of weed or have a honeymoon-driven clientele. During our stay we saw plenty of families, couples, and adult friend groups -- the majority of whom were American and Canadian. CocoLaPalm’s entrance looks a lot like many of its neighbors. There’s a circular driveway with a hand-painted welcome sign and a two-story portico. The portico leads to a tiny lobby that’s painted in a bright shade of Caribbean blue. There’s a mural of Jamaica on one wall, and lots of magazine racks with pamphlets and tourist information.  

CocoLaPalm is located on the beach side of Negril’s bustling main street, Norman Manley Boulevard. The hotel is within walking distance of local shops, bars, and restaurants, but is about a 15-minute drive from the West End Cliffs neighborhood. CocoLaPalm is a two-hour drive from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Unfortunately, Negril does not have its own international airport. 

Renovated and un-renovated rooms at CocoLaPalm Resort are so different, they look like they belong to separate hotels. In our opinion, it’s definitely worth upgrading to rooms in the Coco building because they have nicer decor, newer furniture, and better amenities. Coco rooms and suites are painted in pale shades of blue, with muted green accents throughout. Dark rattan furniture gives Coco rooms a beachy vibe that still feels modern, and vibrant artwork adds local flavor. Bathrooms are small but have granite countertops and nicely tiled shower stalls. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, ironing equipment, and electronic safes. Coco Standard and Deluxe Rooms are nearly identical, but Deluxe Rooms have have outdoor patios or balconies. Coco Suites are significantly larger, and have adjoining door options for families or large groups traveling together. The Coco Owner’s Suite looks like it belongs in a five-pearl resort, with wood paneled ceilings, luxe furnishings, and an outdoor deck with ocean views and heart-shaped bathtub.  Non-renovated rooms are in need of some updates, and don’t look nearly as nice as their Coco counterparts. Guests can expect dated multi-colored bed spreads, vinyl upholstery, and dark bathrooms with old tile work.  

Features are all about the outdoors at CocoLaPalm. There are two pools -- one for families and one for adults. The family pool is located in the center of the property and is surrounded by a large patio with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The freeform pool has mosaic tile detailing and is spotlessly clean. A few feet from the pool is a large jetted hot tub that feels completely private thanks to the surrounding palms. The adult-only pool is adjacent to the Coco building and has gorgeous ocean views. It’s smaller than the family pool, but it’s ideal for adults seeking a quiet oasis. Seven Mile Beach is located directly in front of CocoLaPalm. Often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Seven Mile Beach has soft white sand, calm, crystal clear water, and excellent sunset views. Seven Mile Beach is a public beach, but CocoLaPalm has its own private lounge area with beach chairs and umbrellas. Though the hotel doesn’t have a spa, it does have a beachfront massage hut, where guests can book massages, manicures, pedicures, and hair braiding.  CocoLaPalm’s restaurant, Marley’s by the Sea, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual open-air setting. Marley’s has awesome ocean views and an adjacent beach bar. Continental breakfast is free for guests, or they can use their breakfast credit for a discount on hot entrees like pancakes, eggs Benedict, or traditional Jamaican ackee and saltfish. Lunch and dinner menus consist of Jamaican specialities like braised oxtail, jerk chicken, and snapper filet, but also include international favorites like caesar salad, chicken wings, and shrimp scampi. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.