Negril Tree House Resort

With bright, inviting seating and a large wooden reception desk, the open-air lobby at Negril Tree House Resort is vibrant and welcoming. There are small tables set up with local tour information, taxis and drivers, and brochures on nearby attractions. Open on multiple sides, guests can see the pool, beach bar, and the water from the lobby, and stairs lead up to the breakfast buffet. Guests linger on comfortable chaise loungers and chairs topped with colorful cushions and green bolsters. Paintings of the Jamaican landscape by local artists line the walls. Potted plants add splashes of color to the lobby while a small thicket of grape trees are planted near the beach for a bit of shade. The gift shop across the way has plenty of souvenirs and necessary travel items; guests can also use the free sunscreen and insect repellant at the front desk.

Tucked amidst lush and beautiful gardens, the small Negril Tree House Resort isn’t hard to spot among the other hotels on busy Norman Manley Boulevard. The resort itself is tucked a little ways away from the road, and the greenery surrounding both the main building and all the walkways to various room buildings keep everything feeling scenic and private. While the main highway can be dangerous for pedestrians, guests can walk along the beach to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and activities. Parking is free.

It's safe to say that the majority of people who visit Jamaica come for the beach, and the sand at Negril Tree House Resort is some of the best on the island. Seven Mile Beach is a long stretch of soft and white powdery sand leading into calm blue water that feels more like a bath than the ocean. The hotel offers guests free use of blue sun loungers and white umbrellas, though the chairs are lined up close together and can get crowded. The beach is public so expect to deal with a stream of vendors selling jewelry, parasailing trips, and (illegal) marijuana. Food and drink service isn't provided on the sand, but guests can purchase items from the nearby bar and restaurant to enjoy in front of the water.

There are just 70 rooms and suites at Negril Tree House Resort and each is spacious with a semi-private balcony. Hammock seats are a comfy spot to sit and admire the ocean, though not all rooms face the water. Families should consider booking the two-bedroom suite for extra space and two bathrooms. All rooms have tile floors, white walls, and wooden ceilings. Bright floral bed coverlets and striped curtains add a hint of the tropics. Wooden furniture is simple, with the exception of the occasional four-poster bed. Bathrooms are spacious but show some wear. Each has a full bathtub, plus a doorless closet for storing suitcases and hanging clothes. Provided toiletries include packets of toothpaste, small bottles of shampoo, and soap dispensers mounted to the walls. Hair dryers are provided. Note that the balconies aren't separate and guests walk across them to access their own rooms.

Negril Tree House Resort offers several unexpected and fun amenities in addition to more standard offerings. Couples massages on the beach under a white canopy can be arranged. Yoga classes are held on a small patch of grass near the pool. Water sports rentals and activities include paddle boards, snorkeling, water-skiing, and parasailing. The hotel’s lobby features a number of conveniences such as a special events area, money exchange, and a taxi stand. The gift shop sells beach gear, snacks, rum, and Jamaican souvenirs. You'll definitely find more features at larger resorts nearby, but Negril Tree House Resort isn't as crowded. Live music is occasionally performed by local Jamaican musicians.

The property doesn't offer all-inclusive dining packages but that's part of the appeal for some, as it allows guests to explore off-site restaurants. The free breakfast buffet is served overlooking the beach and gets great reviews. The meal includes a Jamaican dish section with unique offering like saltfish or brown chicken stew, as well as American fare with bacon, an omelet and waffle station, fresh fruit, and a make-your-own toast station. Bottomless Blue Mountain coffee is a crowd pleaser. Lunch and dinner are both served a la carte.The menu features freshly grilled seafood, curried goat, and pizza. Red Stripe beer and cocktails are served throughout the day. The beachside location and quality of food makes the hotel's restaurant a popular spot for locals and guests from neighboring hotels.

The pool at Negril Tree House Resort isn't as big or tricked out as the pools at larger resorts, but it's as blue as the ocean it overlooks. Comfortable sun loungers are grouped together under the shade of grape trees. There aren't any umbrellas by the pool. The whirlpool and pear-shaped swimming pool are built into an above-ground deck which gives the spot nice views of the nearby beach and ocean. Bar and food service aren't provided, though the beach bar is adjacent to the pool's entrance so guests don't have far to go if they want a Red Stripe or a cocktail.