Beaches Ocho Rios Review & Travel Guide

[@mattm8108]

we went here back in 2017 (I was 13 and I'm now 19) and miss this place. I remember the food being especially good!

[@rebeccapress8238]

Hi there! We just got back (2 days ago) from Beaches Ocho Rios and wanted to leave a couple of comments for folks considering it. We found your video so, so helpful when making our decision so just wanted to throw some thoughts here. First and foremost, we had a great time. The kids did not want to leave (11 and 8 years old). That said, there were some things I wish I had given more thought before reserving. Please know that the beach is pretty mediocre. It's just really small and frankly not all that pretty (sounds impossible but true!). If the beach is important to you (as it is to us), this might not be the right resort. Second, as the video discusses, this is the smallest of the Beaches Resorts and it was very noticeable. We were super spoiled by Turks and Caicos last year (at 25% capacity!!), which is huge by comparison. Ocho Rios really only has one large pool and it's always packed. People claimed seats at 7 a.m. and then didn't give them up the whole day. Same with the Pirates Island area. Third, if you want to do a day trip, definitely ask about them as soon as you get there. The two we were interested in weren't available by the time I asked on day 2. We really did have a great time but wanted to leave these thoughts in case they are helpful to others.

[@Meg_O]

Thank you for your comment and some updated thoughts! I really appreciate it! I'm also glad you found my video helpful as you booked. We did not experience those issues at the pool and the waterpark, but I wonder if it's because it was lower capacity. The beach is not big at all, but I thought it was great for my youngest who wasn't quite two. I didn't really think it was mediocre, but I also had lower expectations going into it. We're not huge on swimming in the beach all day - we really like to look at the water more, lol. So you're probably right about if the beach really matters to you - Turks may be a better choice. Nothing beats Grace Bay at Beaches Turks & Caicos (I've been there twice), so it's hard to even compare the two. I've noticed that a lot of Beaches in Jamaica are very similar to what Ocho Rios has - a small cove of sandy area. Lots of it is rocky. The exception seems to be Negril, which is a 7-mile stretch of sandy beach. I haven't been there, though, so I can't fully speak to it. I am glad your family had a great time despite a few setbacks!

[@garywoodcock4634]

I have booked for me and my partner and my 3 kids….4,5,5….I’m hoping it’s as amazing as it’s mad out to be as i have spent a fortune on this….

[@Lonerlovegood]

Yikes - This has me slightly concerned. I go on vacation so I don't have to feel like cattle waiting in line for spots. I'm hoping we get lucky and it won't be as packed as you're saying.

[@alexmanzo1759]

@@Lonerlovegood would you happen to have an update on your experience?

[@robcaton2994]

There’s a trade off for the beach size. When we were in Turks and negril beaches it was a constant conversation with venders daily. Didn’t bother me much but ocho rios is a private beach.

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

Definitely plan on going for the water park I went Mexico n there was so much seaweed on the beach

[@liamclinetheater]

There is an airport now in ocho rios to cut down on those transfer times.

[@ChuckleBisquit]

Your video is so helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@tiptote31]

Thanks for all this information and sharing! We go in November 2022 for our wedding with our family. ❤️

[@Meg_O]

How special!! Congratulations! I hope you have the best time!

[@queensmith2469]

Hi I know this is a year old but would you recommend this place or beaches negril thanks

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

Great video thank you.

[@kj1443]

Really helpful review, thank you 💛

[@Meg_O]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@tiffanyhooks7751]

This review was so helpful, thanks! We are headed there in June! Can’t wait!

[@Meg_O]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@andrewjackson5127]

Agree, Club Mobay is worth EVERY penny.

[@NYGOGUIDE]

nice video and big help for me to choose place to go with kids. 😄😃😍 I can't wait to go here.

[@jacquelineharnois8007]

Thanks for your wonderful review! We are considering it for this June. Was the weather brutally hot on your summer trip? Hoping there is a breeze at least near the water. Thanks.

[@kenfrombarbie17]

I miss jamaica. same as caroline! we want to go back, mama!

[@Meg_O]

We have a few fun trips planned this year, don't worry! Maybe we'll get to go back to Jamaica soon, too!

[@rodneymckissick8575]

Thx for the video-researching for my next vacation with 2 year old. For the waterslides, does the resort allow a toddler to sit on one’s lap down the slide?

[@Meg_O]

I am not 100% sure about the taller/larger slides, but my toddler sat on my lap on the smaller ones!

[@nicoleziegler8465]

Thanks for the review!! Did you guys have to quarantine to your room upon arrival??? I keep reading that you have to quarantine.

[@Meg_O]

In June 2021, we did not. We arrived with negative COVID tests. Apparently there were some "quarantine hours" for the country of Jamaica, but quarantining at the hotel counts. Not necessarily in your room. You'll need to check with the resort what the updated policy is!

[@keyring86]

What dates were you there? We were there in June as well. Love it. Going back next year :)

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

Did u guys get to eat all day was it 24hr room service?

[@tharris2853]

Did you all book directly with the website or use a travel agency?

[@Meg_O]

For this trip we booked directly on their website! But if you're looking for some extra help and support, I definitely recommend a travel agent. We have used Stephanie from Traveling Ears to book some of our other vacations and she does Beaches/Sandals. She's really great about finding the best deals and pricing. Here's her website if you want to get a quote from her: travelingears.com/

[@cyber8329]

I caught elmo going to the bar with the gang after a show

[@Rondman]

What time of the year did Y'all go

[@EP-vq2wo]

We’ve been to Sandals (Royal Bahamian and emerald bay). We love Sandals but we always go for the butlers and beachfront rooms. I booked Ocho Rios for June 22. I have a 19 year old daughter and 16 year old son. We booked a concierge room, but I’m really worried that beaches Ocho Rios isn’t going to live up to our expectations compared to our sandals visits. No room service, no butler. Im just not sure we are going to like this resort. Can you put me at ease? It’s a really expensive trip, even if Ocho Rios is the least expensive beaches.

[@Meg_O]

In June 2021, I noticed a TON of teenagers and college aged kids around the resort. They seemed to be having a lot of fun, and it appears that they have really solid youth programming for that age group. We stumbled on them playing some beach games at night and I was shocked to see so many teenagers having the best time. I taught high school / junior high for 10 years so I know that age group can be tricky when it comes to keeping them entertained, lol. I personally have never had a Butler at Beaches (I've been to Turks & Caicos twice and Ocho Rios once), and the no room service thing didn't really ever bother me. The breakfast buffet was such a short walk! It's small and boutique feeling and it's definitely not grand like Turks. This didn't bother us with small kids. I would recommend doing some excursions (I bet they'd love Dunn River Falls!) to keep things super fun. I think if you keep realistic expectations about it being small and boutique feeling you will be happy!

[@tarynshelton1423]

Did you do the excursions through beaches? How much extra was it?

[@Meg_O]

Yes we did through Island Routes, which is Beaches/Sandals tour company. They have all of their prices listed on their website and you can pre-book: www.islandroutes.com/caribbean-tours/jamaica/ocho-rios

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

Wait where was the baby when u did the doom ride?

[@Meg_O]

He was in the resort childcare. We didn’t bring him on the excursions but made arrangements for him to stay at the resort. They had our phone numbers in case they needed to reach us, and we had theirs.

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

Oh wow I’m so afraid to do that. I’m Definitely thinking about going for Mother’s Day weekend I’m gonna have my baby with me at all times. Love ur video. Was it very hot? Did u book your trip directly with beaches website or customer service?

[@Meg_O]

@@ItsMeDeeDee I promise it's safe, I did extensive research on their childcare programs and nannies (all are certified and are trained to deal with so much including different disabilities), they were amazing. It's always hot in Jamaica haha! We went in 2021 and we booked directly on their site but a travel planner is always a good idea because they can try to get you the best pricing. I recommend Stephanie from Traveling Ears to do this! travelingears.com/

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

@@Meg_Othank you I just reached out to her!

[@PeterBluth]

We booked for late February, but can't seem to get clarification on dress code. Do the restaurants require 'dress' attire for dinner? Or is it casual as described?

[@Meg_O]

As long as you aren't walking in the restaurants wearing a swimsuit, you're good! We dressed up a little bit for dinners (sun dresses for me and my girls, my husband wore breezy button up short sleeves with shorts or pants). I would say everyone looked "resort-y" at dinner but no swimsuits/coverups/etc.

[@Meg_O]

The family picture of us at 7:40 is about as dressy as we got!

[@charleencolletta7451]

How much a person for Club Mobay? I am from Houston too and have a toddler so thinking to buy this. This is very helpful tip. Thanks a lot for that. Wondering besides Beach Ocho Rios, do you know any other good family resorts that could recommend me? I got overwhelmed by looking all of them. The drive to Ocho Rios is kind of tough for my mom & my crazy toddler so I would prefer Montego Bay .

[@amt2be]

Charleen, the price for club mobay is $50 per adult and $25 per child (2-12) on arrival. Departure is $30 per adult and $20 per child (2-12). You can book one or both if you wish. Some only book arrival, some only departure, and some (like myself) do both. There is no discount for adults for booking both, but children do save $5 when booking both. The drive honestly goes by far faster than you'd imagine with all the scenery to look at. Be sure to bring a drink with you from the lounge and you'll be at the resort in no time!

[@paigedudovick5981]

Did you do a rapid NAAT test(24hr) or a PCR test(2-3 day)? We are going next week and I’m worried the PCR results won’t come back in time, but also worried the 24 hr NAAT test isn’t accepted. I’m seeing different requirements at different sites.

[@Meg_O]

We did a PCR test and got our results in about 12 hours. But this was in June 2021 when Covid cases were really low! I’m not sure what the requirements are right now but we decided to go the PCR route since it’s the most reliable. I would definitely call around and see if you can find a place with a quick turnaround!

[@Jordak55]

Dunns River Falls by itself is in my opinion as waste of time, looks like you did a multi-stop excursion which is better idea. For other potential travelers don't waste any of your time on vacation going to Dunns River Fall by itself. I'd just stay at the resort.

[@jessical4721]

Is it extra for the excursions?

[@Meg_O]

Yes, those are an extra cost!

[@MoneagueCollege-y7k]

its in boscobel, not ochi. its close to ochi

[@ShakirisP]

2 and up need a covid test to come back to the US?

[@Meg_O]

In June it was 12 and up to get into Jamaica, and 2 and up to get back home. It appears those requirements are still the same: www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/

[@Meg_O]

This is also some good info: www.southwest.com/coronavirus/jamaica/