Legends Beach Hotel

There are two principle types of travelers who come to Negril -- the partiers and beach bums who stay on Seven Mile Beach, and the romantic, mellow folks who prefer the clifftop resorts of West End Road. At Legends Beach Resort, you technically get both; this budget-friendly option is right on the sand, but a free shuttle transports guests to its cliffside sister property. This 49-room resort is modest, with a garden and beach side split by a major road, both of which have pools. A security guard is on hand to help guests travel from one side to the other. Travelers typically tend to hang on the beach, which is packed tightly with loungers. Guests can also take a free shuttle to the resort’s sister property, Samsara Cliffs Resort, which offers a cliffside setting and spa instead of the beach setting. Travelers will be hard-pressed to get access to more features anywhere in Negril for these low rates. However, with those cheap rooms comes dated furnishings and evident wear. Also note that there's the minor inconvenience of having to settle your bill by 9 p.m. the night before check-out.

Located just off the main two-way highway that connects Negril with the rest of the island, Legends Beach Resort has an excellent setting along the famous Seven Mile Beach. There are plenty of dining and drinking options within a quick stroll. Those who wish to escape the sand in favor of some nightlife, dining, and activities, such as golf and a water park, will find spots within walking distance or a short cab ride away. Additionally, the resort’s free seven-minute shuttle to sister property Samsara Cliffs Resort provides close access to more venues on West End Road, such as the famous Rick's Cafe. On the downside, however, is the over 90-minute drive to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

Rooms at Legends are dated and basic, featuring simple wood furniture, gray tile floors, white quilted bedspreads, and colorful striped curtains. Cracked tiles and scratched furniture are evident. However, rooms are comfy and spacious, equipped with air-conditioning, wardrobes, desks, flat-screen TVs, and spotty free Wi-Fi. All units feature private balconies, but only a few have ocean views and half are on the garden side of the property. Simple bathrooms have showers and a few bars of soap, no shampoo or conditioner. Rooms lack mini-fridges and safes, though the latter is available behind the front desk.

Seven Mile Beach is one of Jamaica's best beaches, with soft white sand and warm, clear water. It's packed with other small hotels, restaurants and bars, and vendors selling everything from Jamaican patties and local crafts to less-legal substances. Note that vendors can be a frequent nuisance. Legend’s strip of sand is small and crowded -- especially since a shuttle brings in guests from the property’s sister property -- packed with free padded lounge chairs and umbrellas.

There are two rectangular pools at Legends -- a small one just behind the restaurant on the beach side, and another larger one within the garden side. They're lined with loungers, but towels are not provided. The pools here stay rather empty, with guests favoring either the beach, or the more alluring pool at Samsara Cliffs Resort, which guests can access via free twice-daily shuttles. Legends has a massage hut on the beach, plus there's a small spa located by the pool at Samsara. Treatment options include Swedish and hot stone massages, body scrubs, facials, and manicures, and pedicures. Samsara also offers a game room and shabby tennis court. Free parking and Wi-Fi are provided, but the latter is spotty and unreliable. Staff can arrange excursions and wedding ceremonies, plus there's free live entertainment twice a week.

Legend’s beachfront restaurant is pretty standard as far as Caribbean eateries go. Jerk chicken is a favorite on the menu and there's also a focus on seafood. Those who opt for the all-inclusive package will be covered for the thrice-daily buffets, as well as beer and cocktails, though not wine, snacks, or bottled water. Dining at Samsara Cliffs Resort is also covered under the all-inclusive rates. At the center of the Legend's restaurant is a bar that offers happy hour specials and Red Stripe on tap. For those not dining on-site, there are numerous restaurants and bars within easy walking distance.