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Whistling Bird Resort: Traveller Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
4 of 5 stars 58 reviews
58 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
33
4.0 of 5 stars
10
3.0 of 5 stars
2
2.0 of 5 stars
4
1.0 of 5 stars
9
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveller satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#35 of 99 hotels in Negril
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  • Rooms: 12
Address:
Norman Manley Blvd
Negril
Jamaica
Check Rates: £72 ($143) Avg. Price
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TripAdvisor Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Whistling Bird Resort

( 8-12 of 58 )
“Unrealized potential”

Whistling Bird Resort

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3 of 5 stars
Northeast U.S.
4 Feb 2008
2/4 found this review helpful

Midway through my week at Whistling Bird, I really expected to write a positive review of the experience. As the week drew to a close, though, some issues that were originally not so bothersome became like an itch that my traveling companion and I couldn't scratch. Would we visit again? It's hard to say.

We purchased the all-inclusive package, which included drinks and meals and the room, as well as a courtesy massage, but not airport transfers.

On our arrival in Montego Bay, Jackie (one of the resort contractor drivers) picked us up. Two hours later, as we walked through the gate of the resort, Barbara (the onsite manager) met and warmly welcomed us. Once situated in our room, we changed and headed for the beach. And that's pretty much what we did all week - all we wanted to do - sit on the beach, drink some rum drinks, toss back some Red Stripes and relax. We did a lot of that. Both Lilly (nights) and Ms. G (days) are fine bartenders, and know how to mix a fine drink, when they have the ingredients.

The biggest bone we had to pick with WB was the food, which is surprising considering some of the reviews on Trip Advisor. Without going into a lot of detail, you can eat much better (and much cheaper) at any of the surrounding restaurants within easy walking distance on the beach. I do not know why an attribute such as food service and preparation, (which was previously one of the strengths of WB), has been allowed to deteriorate. It was disappointing.

The one activity that we booked through the front desk was also an issue. We were scheduled for the activity at 1PM, the boat never showed up, and the staff didn't inform us of any problems until almost 4PM. We ended up rebooking and doing something else the next day.

It was almost like the entire staff was "unengaged" through our entire stay. My traveling companion and I are not hard to please, and rarely complain about service (particularly in a small resort), but something was definitely "off" during the week we stayed at WB.

Two words sum up our experience at WB - unrealized potential.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Location, beautiful grounds, friendly staff
    • Disliked — Food (do NOT buy the meal plan)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
EZ2Please's Summary
Date of Stay: January 2008
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 50-64
Member since: 04 February 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Older Travellers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £72 (year-round)
“Negil at simplest...”

Whistling Bird Resort

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4 of 5 stars
London, England
8 Aug 2007
1/2 found this review helpful

My friend Janet , and her father, Alphanso, and I were looking for something on the beach, that was clean, reasonably priced and comfortable. We had the added bonus of the excellent Jamaican staff, Lilly, Ms G, Annette etc.

Janet was particularly taken with James, the patios speaking son of the owner. We felt very safe and confortable. The Air Condition and mosquitos in Doctor Bird (the name of the room), need some attention, as do the bed linens and towels, but all in all we loved it. It was value for money.

We were staying at a time of low occupancy, so were able to discuss meal choices directly with the Chef which was excellent.

The beaches and bar are excellent.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Beach/Garden setting
    • Disliked — Mosquitos/Air Condition need attention - need attention at the entrance - we were confused
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
ShyGirl43's Summary
Date of Stay: July 2007
Travelled with: Friends
Visit was for: Quality time with friends
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 08 August 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £72 (year-round)
“Best Vacation Ever”

Whistling Bird Resort

6 Aug 2007
2/2 found this review helpful

After years of no family vacations, my husband and I decided to really splurge and take the entire family (four kids) to Jamiaca for Christmas. What a treat! The Whistling Bird was a wonderful place to stay with kids. All staff were friendly and helpful and made us feel like we were at home. I highly recommend it to those looking for a true Jamaican experience. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you James for all your time and guidance with our family!

Ron, Erika, Dan, Chris, Meredith & Ally

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — It was located right on the beach and the surroundings were beautiful.
    • Disliked — The beds were a little uncomfortable and the showers could use better water pressure.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
CountryGirlOhio's Summary
Date of Stay: December 2006
Travelled with: Family with teenagers
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 06 August 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older Travellers, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, People with disabilities, Great pool scene, pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine, Shopping
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £72 (year-round)
“Getting a little old”

Whistling Bird Resort

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4 of 5 stars
Factoryville, Pennsylvania
25 Jul 2007
0/2 found this review helpful

Always book thru owner for the last 5 times. Need to find another place to stay. They need to update their cottages. Staff was wonderful as always...HEAR some changes have recently occured. Contact me if you need to know. I always looked forward to going to WB but times have changed and so has WB. I will have to book another place this Nov.

Thanks
Gabby

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Staff
    • Disliked — Older Cottages
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
gabby123's Summary
Date of Stay: May 2007
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 04 January 2004
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Probably not
I recommend this hotel for:
A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, pet owners, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £72 (year-round)
“oasis going going.....”

Whistling Bird Resort

25 Jul 2007
4/4 found this review helpful

We have been coming to Negril for many years when we came upon the Whistling Bird one time where we discovered a semi rustic oasis away from the crowds where you could get a feel for the real Jamaica while interacting with the staff (Jimmy, Andrea, Mrs. G, Collin, Big Dread, Lily, Bim, Joseph, Chris and more). An atmosphere where "nothing was a problem" who would bend over backwards to make sure we felt at home and had "no worries". Now, most of the staff have been let go except for Mrs. G, Lily, and Joseph.
In addition, the owner has let the rooms deteriorate over time; pillows and mattresses are badly needing replacement. My wife and I did NOT want the Big Hotel feel, we just wanted to wake up without aching backs and necks so we could enjoy our trip.
We pay all inclusive rates. Years ago the bar was well stocked, and many gathered in the evenings.Recently were hardpressed to find a ting or coke and the liquor was sparce...and Lily sat alone at the bar. We come to enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the company of the staff....we don't want to have to go to other places on the beach then walk back after drinking. Don't pay all inclusive..IMPROVEMENTS MUST BE MADE. I hope the owner knows that the staff is why we kept coming back.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
stanza1947's Summary
Date of Stay: July 2007
Age group: 50-64
Member since: 25 July 2007
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £72 (year-round)

Reviews of Whistling Bird Resort

( 8-12 of 58 )
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Whistling Bird Resort Address

Norman Manley Blvd, Negril, Jamaica