Review: CocoLaPalm Resort in Negril, Jamaica

CocoLaPalm Resort in Negril, Jamaica was voted as one of the Top Value hotels in Jamaica. For about $80 per night, you can stay at a three-star hotel right on the famous seven mile beach in Negril.

The hotel is very relaxing. It has a large pool right on the beach and a huge whirlpool hot tub. We never found the pool or hot tub to be overcrowded during our stay. It was nice to be able to hop in the pool after being in salty water of the ocean. There is also an adult pool that overlooks the water and the great sunsets. The pools are kept very warm if you like to swim in bath water.

On Monday nights, there is a cocktail party at CocoLaPalm. They offer horsd'oeuvre, rum punch, beer, wine, and soft drinks while a musician plays Jamaican music. On Friday nights, it is Beach Bash Night and a Rastafarian band plays on the veranda.

CocoLaPalm has two restaurants right on the beach. The Seaside Restaurant is outdoors and serves sea food and goat, as well as chicken, pork, and burgers. The Beach Bar and Grill is the place to go if you are looking for jerk chicken. The restaurants are very overpriced compared to what you will find in town, but the food is good and it is convenient if you don't want to walk.

The hotel is in a good location. It is easy to walk right onto the beach. A short walk will take you to the Town Center where you can find restaurants, shops and craft markets. The hotel also seems to be located in a safe area and we felt comfortable walking between town and the hotel after dark. The hotel has security guards at the entrances which made us feel extra safe.

The guest rooms are nicely decorated and very airy. Many have private patio areas where you can enjoy the outdoors. The rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Even though hotel coffee is usually terrible, we tried the complimentary Jamaican coffee with the coffee maker in our room and were pleasantly surprised. We did find a gecko that seems to enjoy hanging out in our bathroom. He wasn't bothering anybody so we just let him stay.

CocoLaPalm is a great hotel if you are looking for a reasonably priced place to stay while you visit Jamaica and enjoy the beach.