Merrils Beach Resort I

With fast, consistent traffic zipping by the front entrance, most people favor strolling the soft beach sands to get from place to place. Many mid-range spots in Negril, especially in off-season, can feel a little abandoned, but that is not the case here. The constant foot traffic along Merril I's beach area -- full of locals, tourists, and merchants -- adds life and local flavor to the vibe of the tiny resort while the scattering of beach loungers, shady almond trees, and glittering waves reinforce a feeling of relaxation. As with most of the beachside spots on Seven Mile Beach, the action is by the shore. The majority of Merril I's guests (mostly European) can be found at either three of the properties draped over sun chairs, eating on the restaurant's sun deck, or walking the short stretch of beach between Merrils I and Merrils II or III. However, once the sun goes down and dinner has been cleared, lacking much of a nightlife scene, the hotel gets quiet as most guests revisit the bar only to grab drinks to enjoy back in their rooms. 

Located right off Normal Manley Boulevard, Merrils Beach Resort I starts off the collection of beach boutiques along the Seven Mile Strip. Front entrance neighbors include a few hotels, craft stands, and roadside eatery shacks -- with even more hidden off the road down closer toward the beachfront -- and the popular Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is less than five minutes' walk down the road (on the same side of the street). The highest concentration of local restaurants and bars isn't quite within walking distance, so its advisable to hop in a registered cab for the short trip. For slightly farther-flung outings to the West End, you'll want to budget about 15 to 20 minutes -- or just five to get to the central city roundabout. A trip to and from the closest airport, Sangster International in Montego Bay, will take roughly an hour-and-a-half. 

Rooms at Merrils I are simple, and a tad more basic than those found at Merrils II. Yellow and white exteriors with white latticed wood accents, tile floors, slightly dated furniture, and flat-screen TVs are found across all rooms, with suites having separate spots for sofas and overall more legroom. Closet bound in-room safes need keys that are available for a fee from reception -- the place where you can also snag snorkel gear, hairdryers, beach towels, and power adaptors. Bathrooms are standard shower/tub combos with just enough space to not feel cramped, although some bathrooms were in the process of being updated during our visit in 2014. Toiletries stop at generic bar soap. All rooms have private outdoor patio space, mostly facing the garden (the Executive Suite has an ocean view). 

Merrils I is simple and its features reflect the basic barebones comforts of a budget, all-inclusive holiday. On-site the hotel has a beachfront buffet restaurant with rigid meal times, sea views, a small attached bar, and plenty of open-air seating both indoors and outdoors. There's also a small and busy beach area packed with sturdy loungers and partially shaded by almond trees. Also on the beach is a decent-size gift shop/market open to the public which sells anything from soda to swimsuits to souvenirs. Connecting the beach area to the entrance -- where there is 24-hour security, free parking, and a small front desk/lobby area -- are nicely maintained tropical gardens full of flowers, various palms, and stone seating areas. Guests also have access to the other two Merrils properties down the beach where they will find additional features like a small pool (Merrils II), ping-pong, and pool tables. The restaurants and bars at the other Merrils are also available for use although there is no real difference in menu or atmosphere.