White Sands Negril

White Sands was built in 1971 by Henry Moo-Young and his wife Gloria, beginning with just four apartment-style rooms. Today, the property is managed by their daughter and her husband, and the hotel has grown to 45 rooms. The friendly atmosphere attracts lots of repeat guests, including couples, groups of friends, and some families. The hotel is divided by the beach and garden side, which are split via a major, busy road. A tiny reception area was redone in 2017, though it houses a large painting of Gloria along Seven Mile Beach. It's set in the garden section, along with free parking, a good-sized pool with adjacent covered game area, and three blocks of rooms amid lush greenery and fruit trees. A golf cart is available to shuttle guests to the beach side, where there are more rooms, an open-air restaurant and bar, and loungers in the sand. The bar is covered with colorful license plates given to the owner by past guests, enhancing the familiar vibe. Note that the hotel closes every September (during the rainy season) to make improvements.

White Sands Negril has an outstanding location on the famous Seven Mile Beach, a long stretch of white sand lined with other family-owned hotels, restaurants, and vendors. Several eateries and bars are within easy walking distance, plus there's free parking on-site for those with cars. Negril's town center, which has a supermarkets, Burger King, and banks, is a five-minute drive. The West End area of Negril, which is home to cliffside resorts, including popular Rick's Cafe, is about a 13-minute drive. Montego Bay and its Sangster International Airport are close to two hours away by car. 

The 45 rooms range from Standard Gardenside Rooms to One Bedroom Apartments on the beach side, plus there's one four-bedroom Villa in the garden. Decor varies a bit between rooms, as some were updated in 2016-17, though all are largely simple and basic in terms of decor. Expect wood furniture, beige tile floors, patterned pillows, and wall decor that's either floral paintings or bronze sunburst mirrors. They're homey and pleasant, offering all the necessary basics such as fridges (mini or full-size), air-conditioning (in bedroom spaces only), ceiling fans, dressers, free Wi-Fi, and seating areas. All units have furnished outdoor spaces, though they aren't very private. Junior Suites and higher come with separate living areas, dining tables, and kitchens with stoves, as well as microwaves and coffeemakers in some. Bathrooms have showers and soap, but no shampoo. On the downside, some wear and tear is evident, and occasionally there are reports of noise due to thin walls. Safes are only available in the reception area.

A highlight here is the oceanfront, open-air restaurant that's open for breakfast and lunch. It serves delicious Jamaican fare such as ackee and saltfish (the national dish) and jerk chicken. Next to it is the bar, which is open until late and serves a variety of cocktails and Red Stripe. The adjacent beach is beautiful and there are plenty of plastic loungers, though beach towels are not provided. A decent-sized palapa provides some shade, but there are no umbrellas. On the other side of the road is the garden-set pool, which is a good size and lined by loungers. Off to one side is a covered area housing pool and ping-pong tables. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property. Staff can help arrange wedding ceremonies on-site and outside activities.