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.

My mom and I stayed at WB the first week of May 2007 for my 40th birthday vacation - here's my list of pros and cons in no particular order:
PROS:
1) Location is FABULOUS! Not too far from town and in the middle of the famous stretch of beach; 2) Service is great! Barbara, Ms. G, everyone made us feel very welcome and as comfortable as possible - upon arriving we determined the small studio cottage was too small for 2 roommates and they allowed us to pay extra and upgrade to a 1BDRM wherein they put a full size bed in what would've been the livingroom for my mother; 3) The food was very good - Chefs Turner, Annette and Sonia are talented - fresh breads and fruits, seafood bisque, pineapple flambe, etc. - not "run of the mill" resort food but high-end restaurant food. There's a catch, though, and I'll get to that shortly; 4) The resort grounds are tropical and lush - Chris, the handyman does a great job of keeping the pretty plant life and the sand looking nice; 5) The place is very clean - our cottage, the bar and dining areas were always clean and the gorgeous hardwood floors in our cottage were mopped everyday; 6) air conditioning in the cottage was so nice.

CONS:
1) The resort needs to be rehabbed - it looks like a work in progress - it looks and is rustic - holes in walls need to be patched and painted, door knobs on bathrooms installed, wood work in bathrooms finished, missing ceiling tiles replaced (our cottage was 1 large building split into 2 units, so we could hear our neighbors and experience their "highs...") to keep the flying roaches out, linens should be replaced and upgraded (our towels were so bleach stained and frayed they looked like tye-dyed rags and the bed sheets had holes), put small refridgerators or iceboxes in rooms to store leftover food and cold drinks, paper lanterns in dining room are old and shredded and dangle over your table while your dining; 2) Food prices - make sure it you understand the resort's meal processes. You can either purchase a food plan and pay a lump sum for your food or pay "a la carte" from a menu which has no prices on it - this is what I did- so you don't know how much your meal costs until after your tab is run. Midway during our stay, we learned that each time we had a meal, it was automatically $14 per person regardless of what type of food and $16 per person if the meal involved seafood (the only disappointing meal we had was a tuna salad that was made with canned tuna when we expected fresh tuna being by the sea and it was $16). One morning, we didn't want a large breakfast and we paid $14 per person for small plates of fruit, bread, coffee and juice. The only prices posted are the bar prices - beer, alcoholic drinks, water is $2 per bottle, so we started keeping pitchers of ice with us all day and night and drank the melted ice water; 3) Security - people can walk from the beach and through the resort to the main street in front of the resort and the gate was never locked - because our cottage was near the entrance of the resort & next to the street, I repeatedly latched the gate. Further, a boat operator took a fancy to my mom and one night, the evening bartender dialed our room and put the guy on the phone to speak with my mom without her permission; 4) Jungle - this club is huge problem - it causes so much noise with the loud music, taxis, motorcycles, food vendors, unruly patrons. Our cottage was next to the street, directly across from Jungle, so because of Jungle and keeping the lights on all night to the keep the roaches at bay, we didn't sleep much that entire week . We found ourselves sleeping on the beach during the day because Jungle rocks until 5am - we heard guests of the resort next door arguing with club patrons to quiet down. I'm no prude, but it was ridiculous; 5) Contractors- do your research in advance and don't depend on WB's contractors to necessarily give you fair prices for airport shuttle or tour activities. We paid $35 each one way from the airport to the resort but had I been alone, the price would've been $70. While I was there, I found airport transportation for $14 and the same waterfall tours and activities being offered at half the price.

So, if you like rustic charm, this may be the place for you.

This was my second time at the Whistling Bird and it definitely won't be my last. This IS true Jamaica. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how caring and sharing the staff really is. They made me feel like I was part of their family. I recommend this beautiful place to anyone who wants to experience Jamaica at its rootsiest. From the healthy food to the lush gardens,and amazingly clean beaches. The W.B. runs a tight ship. This will be the only place I will ever stay when I'm Jamaica.

This was my second stay at the Whistling Bird and it was just as amazing as the first stay. I know without a doubt in my mind that I would not stay elsewhere when I do actually make it back to Negril. I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be back after my first trip (service trip that is), but I was blessed and offered yet another amazing opportunity to return and give back to the wonderful country of Jamaica. I know that the Whistling Bird is a place I would personally choose to stay if I had just gone on a vacation. There is a certain charm about the Bird that I absolutely love. The cabins are ideal and the landscaping of the resort is just beautiful. Yes, there is a dance club across the street but that is part of the experience. During my first stay, I never once had a hard time falling asleep at night due to the music. In fact, the music actually put me to sleep. And words can not even express how wonderful and welcoming the staff of the Bird is. It was so nice to return and see the familiar faces and smiles welcoming me back. If you want a nice, relaxing, low key vacation, I personally feel the Whistling Bird is the place to stay!!!