Thank you Sunset on the Cliffs for saving our vacation!

Let me first preface this review with the following: I have been to Jamaica numerous times but never on the cliffs of Negril. I stayed on Negril beach 5 times, Ocho Rios 6 times, Kingston once, Montego Bay once, and Port Antonio once. So I know what to expect, usually.

My wife, another couple and I booked a 4 night trip to Negril over the internet at another resort. Upon arrival at the other resort (I am keeping the name out of this review for reasons later described) my wife and I checked into our room and noticed a piece of the roof was loose outside that made a horrible slamming noise. I immediately went to the front desk (this is at 5pm) to request another room and was told that the reservation department was closed and they were no other rooms. We went to the bar and decided we could live with it after a few drinks, but after being kept up all night by what sounded like a door slamming, I was not happy. The next day, I again approached the front desk and was told that there was a room openning up (just below mine) and they would move me. We went for a walk started looking for another place to stay and came across our 2nd choice via our internet search, Sunset on the Cliffs! Don't judge by the website, it is much better than it appears!

I don't know where to start! The Staff was so friendly, the grounds immaculate, the rooms were wonderful, clean and the view perfect. We went back to the other hotel and started packing. Upon check out of the other resort we were told that we would have to forfiet our payment for the full 4 days (which would have beed fine) but after speaking to the manager were able to just lose half of the payment (the reason I left the name out. If you need to know the resort we moved from, just look for my basic review of the other hotel).

Upon arriving at Sunset on the Cliffs, I immediately felt like I was back on vacation. Nothing is better than being in a place where you feel comfortable and this was it. Sunset on the Cliffs is not a huge property, only 22 rooms, but what it lacks in size it makes up in service. The hotels was purchased last year and the new owner has made it a wonderful place to stay. The rooms are basic, but very clean with new furniture. The grounds are kept very clean, the pool area has all new furniture, the cliff area has new tables and chairs. The staff was great and made the whole experience that much better. The food was very fresh and I enjoyed all the meals I ordered. There is good snorkelling in front of the resort and a nice place to swim and jump into the water.

I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for very clean hotel on the cliffs with a staff that is 2nd to none.

We just returned from Negril (Sunset on the Cliffs), and had a wonderful 2 weeks.
The past few years we have stayed on the beach, and with "One Stop Vacations" recommendations of hotels. But this year we wanted a change and stayed at Sunset on the cliffs, this is a beautiful resort and the staff: Michelle, Allissa, Leston, Melvin, Andy, Randy, Sharmain, Samuel, Dolton but most of all the chefs who prepared the best meals, I can't thank them enough. They all were very accommodating, and attended to all of our needs.
We had the opportunity to meet June the new owner in between her busy schedule of preparing for weddings and spending time with her family, June let us know of the changes she has in mind for the resort, along with those that have already been made. I think that a live Reggae band by poolside would make a wonderful addition to the scenery in the evenings.
The grounds are spectacular, and the view from the rooms or bar/restaurant you can view the dolphins at sunset.

Sunset on the Cliffs - November 2007

Getting There...
We sandwiched this trip between two weddings we had to attend, so we had to fly US Airways out of Pittsburgh this time - 7am flight to Charlotte and then connect to MBJ. Got a bump up front for us all from my FF status (have to remember this next time I complain about business travel) and the flight was smooth.... Arrived at MBJ and couldn't believe the changes - I'm one of those who misses getting off the plane on the tarmac and getting smacked with the heat :) Long walk to immigration and a minimal wait, but there was a bit of glitch with baggage - must've came in on a belt other than where posted. Finally got the bags and jumped in a GIANT line for customs (was never like that in the "old days"). Took about 45 minutes to clear customs and get outside to catch our ride. We booked the king/queen thing through onestop, but I really wasn't interested in the stretch limo thing - told 'em a van would be fine. Apparently the transportion "powers-that-be" in Jamaica stopped listening after "really wasn't interested in the stretch limo" and never heard "a van would be fine". Booo.... no ride at the airport. Fortunately the onestop guy in the arrivals area was able to reach Winston and we FINALLY got a ride. We had paid up front for trans, so catching a cab was out of the question... next trip I'll just score transpo outside the airport - there were plenty of taxis and I'm sure we could've got a good deal. Took us longer than usual to get to Negril as there was construction in MoBay and traffic was brutal - I thought we'd be spared traveling on Sunday but no such luck. Arrived at SOTC late afternoon and started to wind down...

The Hotel...
Checked in quickly and met the new owner, who personally checked that our room was ready and off we went. The rooms are basic, but comfortable - two double beds, large bathroom, and a VERY large area just inside the door of our room that we affectionately called "the garage" as all our snorkeling gear/sandals/misc junk seemed to collect there (just like at home). Nice patio with table & chairs with an awesome view of the sea... Our room did not have a chain on the main door, but did on the patio door - no big deal after the initial "ooh boy... don't know about this" thoughts... Our safe could not be opened, so it was basically unusable the whole trip, which also ended up being no big deal. Light fixtures were just bare bulbs, but I'm sure that will soon change as the new owner continues touching things up... I'll also suggest they get more substantial curtains in the room... what's there is VERY sheer...

Restaurant/Food
We booked AI with the thought that we would probably do breakfast/lunch at the hotel and then wander out for dinner in the evening. Rates were reasonable enough that we wouldn't feel guilty spending for AI and then spending again for meals off property. Oh well... the best laid plans.... we ended up venturing out for lunch twice (more on that later) and took the rest of our meals at the hotel - we really liked being able to order off a menu and the food was pretty good. We did stop at Erica's on the way back from Ricks one night, but our kiddo wasn't feeling well and we ended up back at the hotel. Breakfasts were great and the service was very good. I don't think we had one bad thing to eat there... yes, everything was good. I wasn't a big fan of their jerk chicken, but that's just me - it was OK, just different than what I like.

The Bar
OK... my home away from home... had my bubba mug and always kept it full with something cold. Bartenders were friendly and made all my favorites, so I was a happy camper. We had the usual "out of bananas" here and there, but no big deal - just drank something else. It was off-season, so we expected to run into "sorry, we're out of..." situations. The bar area was nice, with a great view of the sea and the sunsets (not much this trip - lotsa clouds in the evening). There was an area by the bar that would be perfect for a small band (hint hint) during the busier times of the year.

Cliffs/Swimming/Pool
We had spent some time in the sea the first few days, but then it kicked up and we retreated to the pool. While we were there the diving platform was being built, so we didn't get a chance to try that - did various spots on the cliffs around the cove instead. Did a bit of snorkeling, but didn't get too far around the end of the cove before seing a big jellyfish (basketball-sized!), so we came back around into the cove. The sea wasn't that calm so we couldn't get too close to the cliffs. The pool was great - always clean, nice temp, and it has a ledge all around it that made a nice spot to sit and down the adult beverages.

General Stuff
Like I've said in some of my other reviews, the vibe of any resort is driven by the guests that are there... for most of our trip it seemed like we were the only people there, so we had the place to ourselves. We weren't looking for mad partying this trip, so that suited us just fine. We did chat with June (new owner) and heard about her plans for the hotel - and I would defintely say we'd like to go back to check things out after she's had some time. All the "this place would be great if..." things my wife and I talked about were actually things that June was planning. We did walk down to 3 Dives for lunch one day, and - quite honestly - I wasn't thrilled with the food. I thought the sauce was WAY too salty and just didn't seem the same as last time we were there a few years ago. Another day we cabbed down to Bourbon Beach for a late lunch, which my son & I really enjoyed (too spicy for mom!). I had the opportunity to corner the chef to quiz him on jerk chicken (I've been working on my recipe for over a year now), but he was not giving anything up! I told him what I do and the best I could get was "you're on the right track"... that works for me! After Bourbon Beach we walked over to Times Square for all of about 2 minutes - not our thing, and then cabbed it back to SOTC.

I will say that this trip there were some VERY aggressive vendors/bar owners up on the cliff road... We're used to a little pressure, but a polite "no thanks" has always been sufficient.... I understand it was off-season, but some pushed a bit too hard. Nothing to do with the hotel, so I'll save my comments for a forum thread some day....

Summary
Back to hotel.... we enjoyed our visit and would definitely go back again. Sure, the rooms are basic, but we didn't spend a lot of time there. The wife and I commented that it would be great to have a bunch of tables/chairs/umbrellas/etc down by the cliffs, which seeing the new website has already happened. We have stayed at many resorts in Jamaica including GLN, San Souci, Beaches, Hedonism, Starfish, and SATP, and now we're adding Sunset on the Cliffs to our "will return" list. Our family gives it 3 thumbs up!!

Any questions, feel free to ask....

I've been going to Negril since '89. Missed 4 years & stayed at the same place (2 properties south of the Coral Seas) every time. Ivan took care of that property & they did'nt rebuild leaving me to make a change. Now I used to past the Coarl Seas every day on my way to beach but never checked it out. After talking to a freind who lives there he told me to try it. What a wonderful surprise. My only regret...I wish I found this little gem sooner! I love this place, I'm a cliff person for it's low keyed, & spectaclor sunsets! The staff is great, you need it they'll get it. Stayed 3 weeks. Love it so much...I'm booked for next year! Never booked in advance in the past.