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"The Crown Jewel Of Treasure Beach"
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Omsibuc
San Diego
Apr 2, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful
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Jake's Resort was our third stop on our recent trip to Jamaica. Nestled along Jamaica's beautiful south coast, it's one of the most romantic places that we have ever visited. We stayed in Octopussy 1, and really loved our romantic seaside castle. The view is simply incredible, the ocean waves seem to be breaking at your doorstep. Pelicans dive into...
"incredible"
I am a Jamaican who lives in London and was back home for funeral and a short break. As usual i always stay in hotels but never at Jakes. I found the experience to be wonderful (stayed in mussels villa 8) The food is excellent and staff are always attentive and professional. I have read some of the negative reviews...
"Can't wait to go back!!!"
My friend recently got married at Jake's and it was amazing. If you are looking for an affordable, quiet way to experience Jamaica, this is it! The resort is adorable. Each of the rooms was unique and amazing. The staff was all very friendly and the food was very good. I would highly recommend Jake's for a quiet family getaway...
"Jake's is quite simply perfection"
My husband and I just returned from Jakes about two weeks ago and I just wanted to say how amazing our experience was. This was our second time at Jake's- we were there five years ago for our honeymoon and could not think of a more fitting place to spend our five year anniversary. They have an amazing staff and...
"A Magical Place"
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jezzie78
Washington, DC
May 13, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful
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I can’t say enough amazing things about our experience at Jake’s. The hotel is quirky and charming and unlike any place you will ever visit. The staff – everyone in Treasure Beach, for that matter – is incredibly warm and welcoming. We were instantly made to feel like family and a part of the authentic culture of the community. As...
"The highlight of our trip"
The jem of Jamaica. Great atmosphere and adorable rooms. The staff was always friendly and the food was amazing. The bartender was so nice and I couldn't of imagined a more amazing view.
"Jake's, a true treasure"
Jakes
We stayed at Jake's for 3 wonderfully relaxing days and nights in Seahorses Up/Down. Jake's isn't for everyone, but we loved it. Quiet and peaceful. You can't help but slow your pace there. We had just spent 6 days in Montego Bay, so our pace went from 90 to 20 in a hurry. The rooms were very comfortable. There is no air conditioning, but there are ceiling fans. We opened the windows and shutters and enjoyed the ocean breeze. Seahorses Down has a front porch swing and lounge chairs on the back patio. Seahorses Up has a half bed, chairs and table, and hammock on the front porch. The showers and hugh bathtubs were perfect. The flowers in the rooms and on the beds each day were lovely touches. The beds were comfortable. The mosquito nets are not simply there for decoration. Use them! We've come to Jamaica for the past 7 years and know that you must pack mosquito spray. Avon Skin-so-Soft works best.
Yes there were lots of lizards. And to be honest I am not a fan of lizards, but it didn't take me long to realize that they weren't interested in me. They were doing what lizards do; catch insects. The frogs come out at night and take up where the lizards leave off. No big deal, they are courteous and let you pass. Everything is so natural at Jakes, which makes it such a charming place. There are walkways through out. No tv or telephone in the rooms, but a great portable stereo. There is a lounge where you can watch tv if you like. We did watch the NBA finals one night.
We loved the beach. Solitude. We found WHOLE seashells. Unlike the other beaches we've visited in Jamaica, this one has brown and black sand. There's a beautiful old tree at the water's edge that makes for a great photograph.
The food was really good. We tried most everything. It was wonderful having breakfast outside each morning .
Great staff. Janet, Colleen, Bevon and Roger took really good care of us while we were there. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating.
We took our time and read everything we could find written about Jakes before making our decision to visit. We were not disappointed at all. Would we visit again? Yes indeed.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : June, 2006
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I recommend this hotel for : Young singles, Tourists
"Jake's is a quite and relaxing oasis"
Jakes
BUT Jake's is not for everyone. For those of you who can look past a lizard in your shower, or a few mosquitoes in your room, Jake’s is a unique, relaxing and spectacular getaway. For us, coming from NYC, Jake’s was just what we needed.
From the moment we met our driver outside the airport (I would definitely recommend getting a driver, we would have been completely lost if not), the trip was a perfect. The 2 ½ hour drive from the airport was long - but the ride through the mountains was amazing: most people do not see this part of Jamaica. Treasure Beach is very rural - there are few stores and bars - very little entertainment.
Most of the rooms are “rustic” (the honeymoon suites look amazing). We stayed in Starfish - which did not have air conditioning but you didn’t need it. There was a good breeze every night.
It has a lovely front porch with an outside shower, which I adored. It did have bugs in it - but it is an outside shower - what else would you expect? And all the bugs were polite enough to stay away from my soap.
We could see the water from bed. The mosquito net could have been a bit better. We got bitten at night, but once we got the whole procedure down - which was basically to spray the netting and make sure there aren’t any openings - we were okay.
We also had two lounge chairs rights on the cliff overlooking the water, if we were after an even better view.
The bathroom could have done with some better lighting but everything was clean and worked without any problems.
The pool is a bit small but clean and warm and who wants to swim in a pool when you can go down a path and basically be at your own private beach?! With clear, warm and inviting water?? A picture of me basking in my solitude is attached. We were the only people on the beach every time we went, save one. Walk down a bit to avoid the rocks.
The food was great. The seafood, veggies and fruit were the freshest I’ve ever had. The Oatmeal Porridge was to die for. Jack Sprat’s was also great -I had the shrimp curry at least 4 times.
The people who work there are also wonderful - our favorites were Zeb and Feron. They were both really nice, helpful and eager to show us around Treasure Beach - not that there’s much there - but again, this is exactly what we wanted.
YS Falls are a good side trip to take. Get up early and be the first ones there. We did and we had the entire place to ourselves and our own personal guide. It was beautiful. The Pelican Bar is also great--the perfect place to drink a few beers, play checkers or dominos and just relax.
We were at Jake’s for 5 nights and I would have stayed for another 5 if it were possible. All in all, Jake’s is a place to go if you want to get away from everything. You won’t find all the comforts you might find in the Four Seasons but the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages.
Jake’s is great! I can't wait to go back!
PS: Humpfrey the DOG rules!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : June, 2006
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I recommend this hotel for : An amazing honeymoon
"Jakesters"
Jakes
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slewis305
Miami
Jun 7, 2006
7/7 found this review helpful
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The first time we experienced Jakes Place was about 4 years ago. A friend of ours recommended the adventure and we are so glad they did! We were so sorry we waited so long to return but once we did it was like we never left. We extended our stay from the previous 4 days to 8 days. The Staff was the same as we remembered polite, courteous, helpful and always a smile! We stayed in another oceanview room which was perfect! Our first trip there we met Sally and now we have the pleasure of knowing her son Jason. He chats with the guests, and introduces himself. A real hands on owner. The food was excellent! We fell in love with porridge and pumpkin soup, which we ate everyday as long as it was on the menu. The casual and relaxed atmosphere is truly a vacation. I call it the do" something or do nothing vacation". There are plenty of sights to see if that's what you want or you can just sit back and relax at the pool, beach or at Dougies( One of the best bartenders and a very personable man). You really need to try it for yourself to understand. The saying,"Once You Go You Know" is the absolute truth. We are now and forever will be "THE JAKESTERS"! As long as their is a "JAKES" we will continue to return year after year after year etc. Stephanie & Ruben.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
"Fantastic"
Jakes
Jakes is the most unique and wonderful escape my husband and I have ever had. We didn't want to be in the the tourist areas in Jamacia, we were looking for a real getaway and found it. We passed through customs, were greeted and whisked away by those waiting for our arrival. The 3 hour drive was comfortable in an air conditioned cab with an informative and entertaining driver.
We arrived in the evening and were taken care of by wonderful, gracious hosts. We stayed in Sea Puss 1, a charming, private oceanfront cabin. Waking up there the first morning took our breath away. The view, sights and atmosphere were incredible! Everyone there is happy and so very calm, you cannot help but relax. The service was professional and first class, without the snobiness usually associated with that. Everyone soon knew our names, treated us so kindly and made the entire experiance perfect.
Jakes is not a place for those looking for a Club Med or Sandals, it's for those wanting to experiance the delights of Jamacia without the crowded tourist atmosphere. The shower, one of our favorite features, was outdoors. There's no phones or TV's in the "rooms", just a kick-butt CD player. The floors are tile, the ceiling fan above the canopied bed kept us reasonably comfortable and every building a work of art. The food is first class, the drinks make you wondefully goofy and everyone there looks out for you.
Jakes is beautiful and funky, the staff is gracious and happy and a there is not another vacation spot like it. We will be back.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : March, 2006
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I recommend this hotel for : An amazing honeymoon
"Quiet Solitude"
Jakes
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rkdDallas...
dallas, tx
May 8, 2006
15/15 found this review helpful
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Spent the last 6 days at Jakes for our honeymoon. I really think I would have been in for a big surprise, and maybe a negtative one had I not read all of the reviews on Tripadvisor. All of the positive AND negative feedback really helped set our expectations and we were not in the least bit disappointed. I wanted to leave the crowds and all-inclusives behind and go someplace that had few people and little noise. And I got it at Jakes. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Polite. Patient. Always smiling. The 2-hour cab ride to the resort is just as everyone has described-harrowing but I feel I was exposed to so much of Jamaica that most people will never see so the scenery and small towns we went through were great! The drivers as set up through Jakes were very nice.(you're stuck in the car with them for over 2 hours so it helps to have nice, knowledgeable drivers) We stayed in one of the honeymoon cottages and because I knew what to expect, I was not disappointed at all. We had the luxury of air conditioning that worked well, and the outdoor showers were great.(my fiance's favorite part of the whole trip!) The lack of hot water was ok-it's so hot anyway the cool shower felt very refreshing. Never had any problems with bugs other than a few ants that disappeared once we threw the decoration flowers away.(as the prior review stated) The mosquitos did come out only in the evenings but we were able to close off the doors and windows and I was never bitten. Now if you decide to stay out late and hang around the bar or go for walks down the beach, I would highly recommend mosquito spray. Food was good but after 6 days of eating fish and rice with an occasional pizza, I was ready for something different. The price of the food was about the same as it is in the states assuming you eat at Jack Sprats or the hotel. Every breakfast cost about $20US and dinners were at least double that unless you throw in the alcohol. Red Stripes and rum punch were about $3 each unless you went off-site to some of the local hangouts/shops and I found the Red Stripe as low as $1US. Jack Sprats is a welcome break from eating at the resort every day and the pizza, as mentioned in earlier reviews is really good. I'm not a fan of having locals bombard me with requests to buy things and even though the beach and general area is public, I was only asked to buy things a total of two times and both times the people were polite and not pushy. The snorkeling is average at best. The excursions were fun although I ended up missing the quiet solitude of Jakes. We went to YS Falls, Pelican Bar and Appleton Rum. Pelican Bar is a must. The other two I could have done without-very touristy. The guests we met were all incredibly nice. If you are in the least bit high maintenance DO NOT stay at Jakes. If you are expecting an airconditioned room with cable tv, don't go. If you want to snorkel, parasail, swim on a crowded beach, drink all day, golf, play volleyball on the beach, have all-you-can-eat buffets, and mix with a crowd, DO NOT stay at Jakes. If you can't stand to see an ant in your room DO NOT go to Jakes. If you can't spend a day without looking at a clock, don't go to Jakes. If you need a long hot shower every day, don't go to Jakes. I could not recommend this place to a lot of my friends but for us, it was perfect and everything we wanted in a honeymoon.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rkdDallas_Tx's Summary
Date of Stay : April, 2006
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I recommend this hotel for : An amazing honeymoon, Older travelers
"Peaceful Bliss"
Jakes
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Carifly
Washington, DC
Apr 14, 2006
4/4 found this review helpful
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My husband and I spent five nights at Jake's for our honeymoon. We stayed in Octopussy 1 and could not have possibly been any happier. There is nothing like being able to lay in bed and stare at the ocean less than 10 feet in front of you. We had the 5 night honeymoon package, which included two excursions plus trip to the Pelican Bar, half-hour massages for each of us, and two meals and two bottles of wine. This was perfect for us- we're not good decision makers and this way we had just enough to do without having to think about it. Everyone on staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. We enjoyed all of our meals at both Jake's and Jack Sprat and were particularly fond of the banana pancakes and fresh orange juice for breakfast at Jakes and the pizza at Jack Sprat (both the lobster & jerk chicken pizzas are fantastic!) We're not big drinkers so I don't have the usual raves for Dougie as we only went to the bar once (but that time was nice!), and though it's true that the pool is less than appealling, we didn't feel any need to go in it with the beach just steps away.
Although the beaches in Treasure Beach aren't the white sand, clear water beaches found elsewhere on the island, they were perfectly nice for swimming and laying on, plus they aren't very crowded. We enjoyed our excursions (to Alligator Hole, Little Ochie - yum! - YS Falls & Appleton Rum) and all of our drivers were excellent. Definitely have a meal at the Pelican Bar- the fish we had there was the best of the whole trip. We will definitely be going back, hopefully with our friends and families at some point as we can't wait to share this treasure with them!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carifly's Summary
Date of Stay : March, 2006
"An eclectic oasis"
Jakes
Jake's is an eclectic oasis in a quiet and beautiful part of Jamaica. One's privacy is assured by the unique layout of the rooms throughout the grounds, and it is easy to spend the whole day in quiet solitude if that's what you want. It is also easy to chat with staff/guests or wander off into other parts of Treasure Beach and do what you should as a visitor in another country - meet the local people.
While the room rates at Jake's are somewhat high in my opinion, it is still worth it. What you get for your money is great style in a wonderful setting. If your idea of a vacation is luxuriating in an all-inclusive setting then I would say stay within the confined walls of a hotel compound. But if you think you might enjoy seeing the Jamaican countryside (which is beautiful), riding on twisting roads through little villages and want to be adventurous and appreciate a hotel that pride's itself on standing out from the crowd, then spend the time and money to come here.
Also, invest a little energy and time in getting to know the Jamaicans. I found that at first, they are the same toward foreigners - nice, but not wanting to interact/engage right away. However, ask a question about their culture/nature/family/anything or crack a joke and the Jamaicans I met open right up and one meets the friendliness and beauty of the island. A Red Stripe also helps to break the ice....
As for rooms at Jake's - my garden view room was larger and nicer than the more expensive sea view. I was happy with both though.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : April, 2006
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I recommend this hotel for :
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
"Jakes the real Caribbean"
Jakes
Jakes is a wonderful place the staff is helpful and friendly. Dougie at the bar makes a mean rum punch and the red stripe is cold. There is quite a lot to do in the area we were there for 7 days and did not get to see everything we wanted to.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : March, 2006
My ratings for this hotel are :
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I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon
"Jake's is the perfect escape"
Jakes
If you're looking for a place in Jamaica that's a real getaway with beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere, you have to visit Jake's.
It's definately got a honeymoon feel to it but it's an amazing little resort. I spent an hour each morning just sitting by the pool drinking coffee and staring at the ocean. At night I would spend a few hours drinking rum punch and again staring at the ocean.
The view from the balcony in my room, the Sea Puss #2, was better than any balcony i've sat on in Southern California, including Malibu.
There is a restaurant next door to the hotel called Jack Spratt's, which serves good pizza and a great lobster jerk, although the service is a bit slow, but then again, it's Island time.
Do yourself a favor next time you're in Jamaica, take a few days and visit Jakes which your significant other. It truly is a paradise.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
"Paradise on the South Coast of Jamaica !!!"
Jakes
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TRAVEL74
Long Island NY
Jan 23, 2006
12/13 found this review helpful
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My Girlfriend and I visited Jakes in December just before the holiday. We are both in the Travel industry and decided to try out Jakes for only a nite to break up our All-inclusive trip, once there we realized we should have stayed longer. I really was not prepared for what was to come. We arrived mid morning and were pleased that our room was ready.
We stayed in Sea Puss II a gorgeous little cabin that was right on the water. It had a outdoor shower and little deck where we spent most of our time. It had no air conditioning but we never missed it. The bed had a mosquito net over it even know we really did not need it, we thought it added to the romantic feel of the room. The grounds are nice and not too big.
We made friends with Humphrey one of the owner Jason
Henzells dogs. I'm not even the biggest animal person
but I took to him and even let him stay with us. We had dinner at Jack Sprat of course trying the Jerk sausage pizza which was so good I went back and ate it for lunch the next day. We hung out with Dougie and lounged around not really doing anything but enjoying the beauty of the resort. It was so nice to get out of the typical All-inclusive resort and try something new. My only regret is that we should have spent more time there. I really hope the property never changes not even alittle, it is perfect in every way. If you are heading to Jakes say hello to Dougie and Humphrey for me. Enjoy "Real Jamaica "
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
"Quiet and Amazing"
Jakes
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whystherum...
West Michigan
Jan 15, 2006
33/34 found this review helpful
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Being able to spend 4 nights together with my husband soaking up the sun, unwinding, and gazing at the ocean was just what we needed to forget our hectic lives in the snow.
We stayed in Octopussy 3 and it was the most unique room with the most amazing view we've ever had. The ocean is about 5 feet from the edge of your patio! It We spent 4 days and nights at Jakes with almost no people and nothing but the sound of the ocean at our feet. Much different than the crowded pools and beaches and clanging dishes of the kitchens at a mega hotel. Well, the ceiling fan was a little noisy at first, but it quieted down after a few minutes and we slept comfortably with it on all night. The mattresses are never comfortable in Jamaica , but we each found our dip and slept just fine. The lounge chairs on the patio were the most comfortable we've ever been in. The outdoor shower had an open view to the ocean so you might want to turn if a boat comes by, but I'm pretty sure no one really cares. It was THE coolest outdoor shower anywhere!! There's even a tub out there if you're so inclined. The floors are cement, but cool and very clean. The upper balcony was ultra cool and extrememly hot. It made for great pictures of sunset and the property. It was difficult to spend any time up there during the heat of the day. The room itself was a little warm, but we made sure the louvers were wide open at night with the ceiling fan on and we were cool enough. We never turned on the air conditioning. The mosquitos didn't bother us much, but we made sure the doors were closed before sundown each day and did not sleep with them open.
The pool was in fact saltwater, but plenty good for a refreshing dip after frying in the sun. We didn't spend a ton of time around the pool as it didn't seem you could get much sun there. We soaked up the sun on our patio and cooled off in our outdoor shower. When we needed a change of scenery and couldn't take anymore sun we headed down to the pool to stare at the water there and check out what Dougie was up to.
Yes, we did get to meet Dougie. He's very nice and makes some killer drinks. (Even the virgin kind as I was 4 months pregnant.) Just sit at the bar and talk to him a little. I've found that -Newsflash- when you're nice to people, they're usually pretty nice back. Ask him about the Absolut Jakes picture hanging in the bar.
We've spent lots of time in the caribbean vacationing 1-2 times per year for the 13 years of our marriage to either the caribbean (Turks & Caicos, St. John, 8 trips to Key West, 5 trips to Jamaica and 2 cruises) or the pacific coast of Mexico (Puerto Vallarta and 3 trips to Cabo). We do love Jamaica , the beautiful land and the friendly people. If you've never been before, do not expect " Fantasy Island ." These are 3rd world countries and very poor. Do your research. Know what to expect coming in. If you expect marble bathrooms, Frette towels and linens, everything in perfect repair all the time, high end amenities and amazingly fast service, then stay in the US and pay $1000 per night - and even then there're no guarantees. If you're vacationing in the Caribbean , understand you're going to get a taste of their world on their time. Everything is usually a little 'off' and the mini fridges are usually rusty, but relax, and enjoy the experience of a different culture.
You will be offered various types of merchandise for sale. Just chat with the people, ask their name, tell them you're "good" but you think their merchandise is beautiful, ask them how long they've been in the carving/boat making/jewelry making/drug pushing business, and to have a great day. They're just regular folks tring to make a living. Heck, it's too hot for them to be too pushy. :)
The cd player in our room didn't work, just the radio portion and the stations aren't that great unless you like rap. I apologize to whomever had the room after us because we didn't say anything. Sorry. Bring your ipod with you and an fm transmitter to avoid any inconvenience.
I agree with one reviewer who thought more than 3-4 nights may get a little boring considering there's not much to do. The food at Jakes and Jack Sprat was good to very good, yes, even the pizza. I wish we would have ventured into town to check out one or two other places. It was just too hot to do much of anything. Service is slow by US standards, but just right for island time. Try not to kick over the mosquito coils on the floors.
You do have to check out the Pelican Bar and get lunch while you're out there. The food is delicious!! You have the choice of curried Lobster or garlic lobster or grilled fish. You probably should order before you go out, but some people did place orders after they arrived and they were served at the same time as we were. It takes about 30-45 minutes by boat to get there and back and the water taxi drivers are very nice and will tell you about the coastline on the way there and back. Everyone there thought their driver was the best. We had Peck and he was very nice, even let us reel in a fish on the trip out.
We saw a good size sting ray while we were sitting in the bar and met a nice family from Pennsylvania and another nice couple from Santa Monica . Locals and the water taxi drivers all hang out here and it lends to the ambiance. The water is very shallow around the bar so you can swim or snorkel if you like. Bring your own snorkle gear and a towel if you're going to swim. If you're not going to swim, you don't need to wear a swim suit. The boat can drop you off right by the stairs which look more rickety than they were, although not for everyone. I wouldn't put my older old out of shape mom/dad/aunt on them. The rungs are kinda far apart, only about 3" in diameter and on the way up, I had to climb through a smallish opening between a bench and rail. There were a one or two well behaved dogs in the bar and they helped clean up after lunch. Bring some cash. The method of payment is very strange. There are no posted prices for drinks or lunch and definitely no menu of any kind. We didn't really understand what to do, but we brought plenty of cash and when we were ready to leave the bartender told us how much we owed. We're not sure if we paid for lunch at the hotel when we booked the trip or if we paid while we were at the bar. It didn't cause us any concern, I just mention it because some people might freak out if they think they're being jipped out of a few $$. Just ask when you book the trip to Pelican Bar for details about when and how much you pay for food, transportation and drinks.
We left after our 4th night to spend 4 nights at Rockhouse in Negril. (Also highly recommended.) It was another perfect vacation.
OH! And I would be remiss if I didn't tell you, when you're in Jamaica , call CLIVE'S TRANSPORT SERVICE. He has a website and is very good about responding quickly. He's the best!!! Clive's will do transfers to and from the airport as well as tours during your stay. They really understands customer service, are always prompt, and the cars are clean. We've used them the last 3 times we were in Jamaica and all of the drivers are great. We've been lucky enough to get a car or mini bus to ourselves almost every time, but then we never travel on Saturdays or Sundays. Too many crazy tourists!! :)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
whystherumgone's Summary
Date of Stay : December, 2005
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"Perfect Place To Lay Low"
Jakes
We went to jakes at the end of November. First, the ride from the airport wasn't nearly as "harrowing" as some have suggested. Yes, you drive across the mountians. But it was great to see the real jamaica ...even if it was from a car window. We were greeted warmly by the staff at Jakes. We initially stayed in Tiki Tiki. It was a pretty standard room. There is a fridge and a CD player. The hot water buttons took a bit of figuring out. A few ants here and there but nothing digusting. The view was incredible and we were a 1 minute walk to the beach. The beaches are NOT Negril beaches. They are pretty much open to anyone and there are lots of locals. But we didn't want to be enclosed in a barbed wire hotel so it was nice to be able to talk to people. There are some hawkers on the beach, but after a day or two you kind of get to know them. Stanley , for one, was a very nice guy. I went fishing with Joseph and he was fantastic. He also took me to Pelican bar and that is a "must do".
A word to women: Jamaican men can come on a bit strong at times. If you are with your husband or boyfriend the men tend to be gracious, but if you are alone or only with other women they can be a little "icky".
Jakes food was very good, but a bit pricey. Venture into town and try the food at some of the small restaurants...local and delicious and much less taxing on the wallet. Try the Fisherman's Bar at night for a Red Stripe. Vickers, the owner, is an incredible man. Jack Sprats is owned by Jakes and is just off the hotel property. Really good food and, yes, they do have great pizza. I was just as happy riding my bike to the market to get Meat Patties.
We upgraded to Abalone later in the week. The room was small, and because of some rain, the mosquiotos came out in full force. It made for an uncomfortable night. Jakes sprayed and that helped and we made good use of the mosquito netting and burned lots of insect coils.
We rented bikes from Viking Tours for the week as well as snorkeling equipment (There is great snorkeling right of the beach at Jack Sprats.)
Douggie, the fixture at the bar, was very nice...but that is Douggie's turf...and you need to respect that. The hotel staff goes out of its way to be helpful with tours. We did the YS Falls/Appleton tour but felt closed in by all the obnoxious cruise ship people who were trying to cram in the entire island in 4 hours.
Had the great pleasure of meeting the designer/founder of Jakes, Sally Henzel. She is wonderful and asked lots of questions about our stay.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because of the mosquitos...and the rooms could have been a little nicer...they didn't really cool down at night.
Jakes...and all of St. Elizabeth pretty much shut down by 11PM . This is NOT a party place at all. So get a good book, some sunscreen, and lay back...because at Jake's...that's what you do.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : November, 2005
My ratings for this hotel are :
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I recommend this hotel for : An amazing honeymoon, Older travelers
"Best vacation spot!"
Jakes
We just returned from Jakes. We went for one week and could have stayed longer. The staff made us feel very special. The food was incredible. It was true Jamican food unlike Negril. The rooms were funky and comfortable. This was very romantic for us. It is impossible not to feel peaceful with the constant sound of waves crashing, the beautiful scenery, bright sun, and lovely people. The price is right for the rooms. Although the food is not cheap it is very high quality and delicious. We will definetly return. If you are looking for a true Jamiacan experience go to Jakes. Skip all the other touristy places.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
"Off the beaten track and wonderful"
Jakes
I had dreamed of staying at Jakes since I saw a press article about it a full year before our visit. It is the only place ever to exceed every photograph I've seen of it and, believe me, I looked for plenty.
We stayed in Sweetlips which is a two bedroomed cottage with air conditioning in the bedrooms. Myself and my husband were there with our two teenage daughters. For us oldies it was our retreat from the busy all inclusive we had chosen for the rest of our vacation for the sake of our daughters' social lives! Within minutes of being there both girls said, quite independently, that they loved it and were fully intending to spend their honeymoon at Jakes (not bad when you think that the younger one is 14 and has - I hope! - no plans to marry for quite some time yet).
We were only there for two nights. I would recommend you spend a little longer. There is as much to do in the area as you want to do though some of it is a little expensive.
The food in the restaurant was uniformly good and reasonably priced. The service (in the restaurant and elsewere) was the most friendly I have ever experienced. For those people who don't like to go to places alone I have one message - on our first morning there I woke up long before the rest of the family and really wanted to enjoy the view from our cottage with a juice and a coffee. I'm always wary of going to unfamiliar places on my own but felt safe enough to try going to the restaurant and asking to take the drinks to our room. I was greeted immediately with "Hello [my first name] and how are you this morning". I couldn't have felt more at home if I was sitting in front of my grandmother's fire.
The pizzas at Jack Sprats were great and cheap and there was a great atmosphere about the place. The bar at Jakes was great. There have been comments posted about Dougie being a little grumpy but the only evidence I saw of that was when he was being treated with disrespect and he simply stood up for what was right. We thought he was wonderful as, apparently, did many of the (very friendly and welcoming) locals who popped in for a Red Stripe or two.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough for people who don't want absolute luxury but do want somewhere very comfortable that you can get a taste of the real country and real people. Oh, and about the insects. There are mosquitoes in this part of Jamaica . They do bite (surprise, surprise!) but with the appropriate antihistamines the bites stop itching within 24 hours and disappear completely within 48 hours. So even the insects are more friendly here than elsewhere!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
"Peaceful!"
Jakes
My trip to Jake's this past weekend was like coming home. I never fully unpack on vacation, but this time, though it was for only two nights, I did.
The property was even more beautiful and romantic than pictured on the internet. The sheer beauty was the highlight for me and my fiance.
On a less pleasant note: after the initial thrill of arriving and falling asleep to the the sounds of the ocean, I woke with multiple mosquito bites. Neither the net nor the electronic device helped. For the second night I purchased 'no mosquito' a spray which worked fine, though I had to reapply it during the night. The bed and pillow were also uncomfortable.
I would have been more relaxed on leaving but the stay was so short. The property does take some getting used to. It has a very well earned reputation of being eclectic.
Some advice, take your own cd's with you. Their cd library needs serious updating. There are games that you can borrow but you might want to take along something to keep you occupied, outside of likely in-room adventures that is.
All in all - a good place to relax and unwind. Make it a minimum of 3 nights and go heavy on the insect repellant.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : July, 2005
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I recommend this hotel for : An amazing honeymoon, Pet owners
"The real Jamaica"
Jakes
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Robry
San Diego
Jun 18, 2005
10/12 found this review helpful
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Just back after 10 days in Jamaica. Was with college students on a Rotary project in Kingston, and we spend the weekend at Jakes to check out out their community foundation, BREDS.
I have stayed at all the major tourist places in Jamaica ...Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios...and this is the best by far. If you want to experience the REAL Jamaica, or Jamaica how it was 30 years ago, then Jakes and Treasure Beach is the shot! We went to a street session at a gas station with speakers 10ft. tall put on by Guinness, not one problem, and the next day went to a funeral..Miss 'Nicey' ..that says it all!
Dougie is a stitch, keeps his bar open until the last man falls..usually in the pool, which is so small and intimate you meet everyone, even the two lobsters in the pool next door. Food there and at Jack Spratt is excellent..even the pizza, but the brown stew and steam fish is to die for. Dennis took us in his canoe to Black River and Pelican Bar on the Sunday....imagine Robinson Crusoe on a sandbar in the Caribbean and you might have an inkling...
Owner Jason Henzell and his two dogs came along for the ride...he's as cool as his property.
Do it...you will not regret it, 'specially if its romance you have in mind....
Rob Mullally.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : July, 2005
My ratings for this hotel are :
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I recommend this hotel for : An amazing honeymoon, Pet owners
"Amazing if you want Mellow"
Jakes
Spent four nights at Jakes recently and it definately surpassed all expectations. The vibe there is definately laid back, and if you are a big activities person, this might not be the best place. Definately no golf, tennis, scuba, jet skiing, drag racing or whale hunting; for that (and more) you'd be better seved in one of the resort towns like Negril. There are a number of day trips organized from the resort like fishing, a boat trip to the Black River , and a trip to natural springs. These are a nice way to break up the day, but they're expensive.
The design of the resort is really exceptional. Many of the rooms (we stayed in Abalone Down) are beautiful. Unique and clever with a great private sitting area with nice wooden deck chairs with a private view of the water. Taken as a whole, one of the nicest rooms I've stayed in. Ours also had A/C which was fantastic.
The pool area isn't like what you'll find at a big resort. The pool is small and salt-water and fits perfectly with the asthetic of the place. It's great for a dip and there's lots of places to sit and nurse a Red Stripe and read your book. The food is better than you'd expect and there's plenty of choices at the 2 restaurants (and good jerk outside the resort on Friday and Saturday nights). The restaurant did an amazing job and cooked up a fish I cought for 4 of us, served it for lunch with sides, all at no charge.
Service is genuinely friendly, laid back and informal; like the place as a whole. Expect at 20% service charge to the total bill added on the end.
You might NOT have a great time there if :
You need a lot of activity, clubs, dancing or nightlife.
You want a more formal 'upscale' environment or are used to all-inclusive
or big hotels which can (for better or worse) isolate you from the
community
For us, it was perfect. After a week I would have been bored, though.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A TripAdvisor Member's Summary
Date of Stay : April, 2005
My ratings for this hotel are :
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I recommend this hotel for : Young singles, An amazing honeymoon
"A Bohemian Honeymooner's Delight"
Jakes
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