Hi there,

May it first introduce myself as I've just found your forum. My name is Paul and I live in the UK. I discovered TB by accident back in about 2005/6 (memory failing!) when I travelled to Black River and wasn't overly impressed with it, and one of the locals suggested I move on to TB. So I did, and stayed nearly a week and loved your wonderful hometown.
My wife and I planning to stay in TB for a week or two later this year and wondered what's the best (and cost effective) way to get from Montego Bay to TB? Last time we used a private Taxi both ways but others have suggested on this forum that is too expensive now. What are our options?

Also, is anyone able to recommend a nice romantic place to stay that isnt overly expensive? Main things for us are clean and modern, sea view preferred. But not bothered about fancy facilites or pool. We would mostly eat 'local' food and don't mind wandering around to find it.

What's wrong with Black River ?

Hi Paul its nice to meet you. I don't have any recommendations for you (I'm sure others will), but I would like to say that your original post is very valid and don't feel deterred by the follow up by James.

I would normally not waste my time on saying this, but it seems that sometimes first-time posters here are put off by other's "interesting"** replies which may seem intimidating.

Best of luck planning your trip.

James, if you were truly inquiring about what's wrong with Black River I give my apologies (and would say "nothing, but its not a place to hang out on a vacation"). I read your post as a defensive reaction rather than a serious question.


** I hope this neutral word gets past the censors here :-)

Sunset Resort & Villas may be just what your looking for Ocean View rooms from 115.00 per night inc. tax and breakfast.

Paul your only other option other than the "private taxi" is "public transport" (bus and route taxi). They are very cheap, but will take a long time and require a few changes from MoBay to TB. Also, large luggage may be a problem using public transport. If there is not any room to store it, you may have to pay extra for it.
Also, some places you choose to stay at may provide transport for free are at a discounted price, so ask when you book the room.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Good vibes Paul. I don't know the local rates, as I stay with family when I'm in TB, but I'm confident there are places to fit your description. I would suggest, if you are unfamiliar with the environment, that you contact Treasure Tours (on this site) for your trip. I believe they charge the going rate and will give you a safe and enjoyable ride. Enjoy your stay.

I will second Sunset Resort....perfect location to be able to walk around TB, beautiful seaview, awesome staff and owner, reasonable rates and Kory can help you with any of your questions and/or help you if you want to go fishing or touring.

Thanks so much for the shout out Joy! Paul has contacted us and we are currently assisting him.

Thanks everyone for the advice, it's good to hear. Hopefully we will meet one ot two of you when we come!

All that remains now is to choose from one of the many great establishments to stay and book some flights. Decisions, decisions.

thanks,
Paul.

Oh, and forgot to say - I'm quite used to forums and newsgroups so no risk of offending me - just be free and open (like me!).

How much does it cost in JA dollars from Mo Bay to Treasure Beach?

All sorted now, we have booked our flights, accommodation and transfers. thanks everyone who helped me along the way! looking forward to a nice relaxing stay - it's been a long time!

I have one question to ask - why does almost everyone in the travel industry in Jamaica quote prices in USD? I find it quite irritating because it means I have to do a 'double conversion' in my head - i.e. GBP to JAD to USD as I prefer to carry only the local currency of any countries that I visit.

Then, if I am carrying only JAD it means that I then have made two currency conversion losses. Also some less scrupulous vendors can make extra profit by using an unfair exchange rate to convert my JAD to their USD prices.

cheers
Paul.

Paul, I can't answer the reason prices are quoted in USD except maybe because although Jamaica gets visitors from a variety of countries they have alot of US visitor and/or it's just easier to quote in one price? I don't know where you chose to stay or who you chose for a transfer but I can say that if you are using Treasure Tours for the transfer you can certainly pay in JAD with no problem and even if you didn't choose Sunset Resort I would be surprised if the hotel would not allow you to pay in JAD and I would be surprised if they tried to cheat you. I have found people in TB to be extremely honest with exchanges.
But I can tell you that I also do prefer to use the country currency (it's just easier for me) that I have never had a problem with "unscrupulous" vendors in TB if I used USD. I have had drivers now and again that when I wanted to stop at the cambio in Black River to exchange money they tried to talk me into using one of their 'friends' off the street to do it but I refused.
I often have paid for the transfer in JAD with no worries

One reason is the JA$ fluctuates a lot and the US$ is more stable. Prices would have to be changed more often if they were quotes in JA.

Because Jamaicans accept payment in USD, and actually prefer USD over JAD, because of the fluctuation of the JAD.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

As a Uk ex pat I use GB £ and JA dollars everywhere in JA. Don't bother with the double exchange. The £ is always strong against the JA dollar and is readily accepted and easily exchanged at good rates.
Enjoy your stay.

Dear Paul

I saw your post on treasurebeach.net, asking about a reasonably priced place for your visit to Treasure Beach later this year. With a view of the sea from our balconies, delightful sea breezes, a 10-15 minute walk to the nearest beach, restaurants and bars, located in a quiet neighbourhood setting, Two Seasons Guest House (www.2seasonsguesthouse.com), where the welcome is warm and the runnings cool, is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate your spirit.

We have two types of room:
deluxe (ground floor) with kitchenette with mircrowave oven, fridge, kettle, toaster oven, coffee maker, and utensils,

and standard (first and second floors) with fridge and kettle.

All rooms have cable tv, ceiling fans, and are screened. There is free Internet access on property. Also have a private pool, and an entertainment area with dvd, stereo, board games.

The deluxe room is for US$100 per night and the standard for US$80 per night (Jan 16-Dec 14). Rates include breakfast. Gratuity is not included and is at the discretion of guests. As of Sept 1, there will be an additional US$1 per night special room tax.


Please contact me at info@2seasonsguesthouse.com and let me know if you require further information.

I look forward to welcoming you to Two Seasons Guest House.

Warm regards

Christine



--
Christine Marrett
Proprietor
Two Seasons Guest House
Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
Jamaica
Tel: 876-571-0818
www.2seasonsguesthouse.com
"Where the welcome is warm and the runnings cool"
South coast organizational finalist, 2010 Tourism Service Excellence Programme
Registered with the Jamaica Tourist Board
Member, Jamaica Association of Villas and Apartments