Topic Wiki

Trip Reports, notes and reviews:

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=30598.msg2691625#msg2691625

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=130548.msg2629228#msg2629228

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=130962.0


Airports:
Kingston                   Kingston / St. Andrew   MKJP   KIN      
Montego Bay           Saint James                   MKJS MBJ   
Ocho Rios/Boscobel   Saint Mary   MKBS           OCJ


Where to stay:  Points?
Montego Bay
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall (All-Inclusive)
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall (All-Inclusive) (Adults Only)
Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Jamaica (All-Inclusive)
Holiday Inn Montego Bay (All-Inclusive)
Half Moon
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island (Over Water Bungaloo)
Sandals Montego Bay
Secrets
Iberostar Grand Rose Hall


Kosher:
Chabad   http://www.jewishjamaica.com/kosher/
Chabad Kosher Hot Spot  - 1-3 Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay  +1 876-452-3223   Open:10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Bringing food with you requires a Permit: https://www.moatrade.gov.jm/MOA/
apply for a Veterinary License
when your adding all your items to the list you can search Kosher for a full list. Also Consignor= Store you purchased it from
Easiest way to get through to permit department is 876.281.2601 normally takes 5 business days online

Mikvah:
Gorgeous brand new Mikvah in Chabad Center

 If you have any queries or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out to Rebbetzin Mushkee Raskin through WhatsApp at  347 268 3494 or mushkee@jewishjamaica.com

Chabad:
CHABAD JAMAICA  876-630-4400 | 876-452-3223
RABBI@CHABADOFJAMAICA.COM


What to do:
Ocho Rios Blue Hole
Dunns Falls (Hike up waterfalls)
Luminous Lagoon (Glistening Waters) and Rose Hall Great House
Horseback Ride n' Swim! through the ocean
Green Grotto Caves (From James Bond Live and Let Die)
Mystic Mountain Bobsledding (From Cool Runnings)
Zip Lining
Sailing
ATV Tour
Bamboo rafting excursion down the Martha Brae River
Floyd's Pelican Bar
PLEASE UPDATE

« Last edited by moishes on August 14, 2023, 01:23:59 PM »

Author Topic: Jamaica master thread  (Read 55053 times)

Offline davidmal

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #120 on: February 11, 2020, 04:21:51 PM »
How did you like the place besides food?
Can't complain I had a One Bedroom Suite on the Ocean 2nd floor.
I opted out of the swim up room suite because of the lack of Sun hours.


The resort is great but too big for me, I rather go to a smaller place next time.
I'm not a fan of big hotels with more than 200 rooms
service is slower and usually less personal. Here the service in general was slow, but it was friendly and personal.

The pool was great but embarrassing how they charge for a Cabana
I got one for free for 2 days They try to charge you $80-$120 per day
they have 20 per pool and the only 2 or 3 that are used got them comped.

My wife got a massage she said it was $250 for 60 mins
one of the most expensive massages she ever got and it was below par

Cigars obviously are extra as well

The feeling of the hotel is what can we sell you that's more money. They work on commission.


Summary
Rooms, Beds and in room Amenities: Excellent. Rooms are very dark with 1 lamp in the whole room. Balconies have concrete pillars which can be annoying when sitting out.
Food and Drinks: not ideal for the Kosher customer
extremely limited menu of items you can get. with few products that originated in the USA
Pools and Beach: The pools could be a bit cold since they aren't heated but relaxing when its hot out.
The Ziva pool is bigger and more spread out seating while the Zilara is overpacked with many seats surrounded by other seats.
Staff: Friendly and Awesome
Shows and Activities: Great
« Last Edit: February 11, 2020, 04:25:41 PM by davidmal »
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline sholom35

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #121 on: February 12, 2020, 02:10:29 PM »
Just got back from the hyatt. they no longer heat up kosher food thanks to one person making a huge deal when their food got burned..................................
They did say you can coordinate with chabad and they will heat up chabad food.... 

Offline outinstyle

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #122 on: February 12, 2020, 02:22:06 PM »
Just got back from the hyatt. they no longer heat up kosher food thanks to one person making a huge deal when their food got burned..................................
They did say you can coordinate with chabad and they will heat up chabad food....
So sad. Horrible

Offline davidmal

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #123 on: February 13, 2020, 01:33:06 PM »
Just got back from the hyatt. they no longer heat up kosher food thanks to one person making a huge deal when their food got burned..................................
They did say you can coordinate with chabad and they will heat up chabad food.... 
Thats insane!!!! Meet the chef
the girl I forgot her name she was very helpful I think it was angel

she's the second to top

she could have helped.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline sholom35

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #124 on: February 13, 2020, 02:17:34 PM »
Thats insane!!!! Meet the chef
the girl I forgot her name she was very helpful I think it was angel

she's the second to top

she could have helped.
nope its the resort policy i spoke to head chef of both hyatts he was really nice but explained that untill a month ago they did it with pleasure but since that guy made a huge scene and wanted to charge the resort 1000 dollars..... its too much of a liability.

Offline davidmal

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #125 on: February 14, 2020, 12:39:48 PM »
nope its the resort policy i spoke to head chef of both hyatts he was really nice but explained that untill a month ago they did it with pleasure but since that guy made a huge scene and wanted to charge the resort 1000 dollars..... its too much of a liability.
Crazy I was there a month ago....

luckily I wasn't the guy


also just tell them you'll sign a waiver.

-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline ALINN

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #126 on: November 06, 2020, 11:44:06 AM »
Any ideas of really nice well priced/0point hotel

Offline smaxber

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #127 on: December 02, 2020, 11:13:55 PM »
What’s difference between the rooms in zilara?
Debating if I should hope to be upgraded at check in or just opt to redeem for upgrade from start?

Currently booked through chase reward and redeemed for 1.5ppd an ocean front/view king ( not possible through awards, its mid tier room)
Question is if I should cancel and redeem 25k basic room and hope to be upgraded and get 25% points back due to current promotion for card holders. Or go crazy and opt for 40k suite award and still get 25% back but stuck in Hyatt program.  Thought?

Offline Ploni3

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #128 on: December 04, 2020, 06:58:04 AM »
Suite with Butler is a huge benefit if you are going to be dealing with the kitchen and heating meals. Our butler was an amazing liaison dealing with all the technical issues after we explained what we needed and when.
The ocean front suites are also great views and beautiful rooms with separate living areas.
Only my personal opinion, though.

Offline davidmal

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #129 on: December 26, 2020, 11:50:02 PM »
Suite with Butler is a huge benefit if you are going to be dealing with the kitchen and heating meals. Our butler was an amazing liaison dealing with all the technical issues after we explained what we needed and when.
The ocean front suites are also great views and beautiful rooms with separate living areas.
Only my personal opinion, though.
nice to have a butler who is responsible. If not ask to meet the assistant or main chef. They are the main people who will be even more on top of your food. Because when they say something everyone down the ladder listens.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline nbnuti

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #130 on: December 31, 2020, 08:43:23 PM »
What’s the current COVID situation in Jamaica. Are pools beaches open. Also any updated on Hyatt’s do they warm up kosher food?

Offline davidmal

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #131 on: January 18, 2021, 02:59:08 PM »
What’s the current COVID situation in Jamaica. Are pools beaches open.
Not sure

Also any updated on Hyatt’s do they warm up kosher food?
before Covid
they did
they stored them as well

Just label each meal with a number
and tell them tonight please heat up number 1 and 2 etc.

DO NOT OPEN THE TIN FOIL

and make sure you speak to your butler or to the Executive or Assistant Chef to make sure it gets done
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline besttaylor

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #132 on: April 18, 2021, 11:40:29 AM »
Was anyone in Jamaica recently? How is the travel restrictions now?
Planning a trip to Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, and would appreciate some new info

Offline CountValentine

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #133 on: April 18, 2021, 09:10:39 PM »
Was anyone in Jamaica recently? How is the travel restrictions now?
Planning a trip to Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, and would appreciate some new info
Easter weekend they were on lockdown. This can happen at anytime.
ETA: https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/caribbean-breaking-news-featured/stay-home-on-weekends-jamaica-pm-imposes-lockdown-for-the-next-three-weeks/
« Last Edit: April 18, 2021, 09:15:08 PM by CountValentine »
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline outinstyle

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #134 on: April 23, 2021, 04:50:13 PM »
Was anyone in Jamaica recently? How is the travel restrictions now?
Planning a trip to Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, and would appreciate some new info
Let us know when you get there... I also have a trip planned in June to the Zilara... Thanks

Offline aisrael

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #135 on: April 26, 2021, 12:26:17 PM »
Let us know when you get there... I also have a trip planned in June to the Zilara... Thanks
ii was just there things were fine and everything was open some places made u wear a mask and some didnt

Offline besttaylor

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #136 on: April 26, 2021, 12:30:58 PM »
ii was just there things were fine and everything was open some places made u wear a mask and some didnt
Nice. How did you enjoy the resort? Were you ever at a different Hyatt Ziva/Zilara, how does it compare? What did you do regarding food? Any Kosher restaurants in the area?

Offline outinstyle

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #137 on: April 26, 2021, 01:17:15 PM »
Nice. How did you enjoy the resort? Were you ever at a different Hyatt Ziva/Zilara, how does it compare? What did you do regarding food? Any Kosher restaurants in the area?
Chabad is nearby, as per my understanding.

Any updates on hotel policy on heating up private frozen dinners?

Offline CountValentine

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #138 on: April 26, 2021, 10:44:03 PM »
Nice. How did you enjoy the resort? Were you ever at a different Hyatt Ziva/Zilara, how does it compare? What did you do regarding food? Any Kosher restaurants in the area?
Unfortunately if you eat Kosher this won't help you. The food is better than other Ziva/Zilara's. The French restaurant is outstanding and probably the best restaurant of any Ziva/Zilara I have been to.

The drawback is the beach. It is man made and not very big.
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline aisrael

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #139 on: April 27, 2021, 01:15:59 PM »
Chabad is nearby, as per my understanding.

Any updates on hotel policy on heating up private frozen dinners?
they heated up meals for me no problem and they chef even made me fresh fish and veges everyday