READ THIS REVIEW, IT'S THE TRUTH. Before we were married, my husband and I stayed at Samsara in 2006. We had a good time, and thought that the price was fair for the accomodations. We knew that Samsara was rated as a 2 1/2 star property, and expected a 2 1/2 star stay. We agreed with the rating and were not disappointed with our stay. After we returned, and several months later, I was looking at Trip Advisor to assist us in finding a 4+ star property for our Wedding in Negril. Long story short, we married back home and decided on a 2 week honeymoon at Samsara instead. However, on Trip Advisor I read a few reviews for Samsara, and some people were dissatisfied with the Hotel. The reason I bring this up, is because, having been there, I know that these people were expecting more than what was advertised. And, now having recently stayed with Samsara again, I can tell you that the location should be rated at 3 1/2 star property. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived for our 2 week honeymoon. Samsara had made many upgrades to their property, including: An outdoor Spa area (massages, mani-pedi, and more), a tanning pool with fountain, gift shop, new sundecks, newly remodeled pool area, and outdoor dining area right on the cliffs. Everyone raves about Ricks Cafe and the sunset view. Well, in my opinion the sunset was better right at our hotel. They have always had the scuba shop and facilities on the property, and that alone will save you a ton of money if you are a diver. The dive staff are professional, and make you feel very safe. The food and service were even better than our previous stay. They have obviously paid attention to detail and are in direct competition with some of the other "cliff resorts". We requested a larger room for our extended stay, and not only did they accomodate us, they decorated the room very cute for a honeymooning couple. I was amazed and our friends that joined us for the vacation, were very pleased with their decision and we all felt that we got a great deal for our money. If you are looking for extreme luxury, sleep number beds, grey goose and filet mignon, with Americanized atmoshpere..........then stay at an "ultra all-inculsive" on the east end, and spend $600 a night per couple. You probably won't be leaving your hotel property or your room, and that's fine if that's the way you vacation. If you want to experience "authentic" Jamaica, stay at a great hotel, with fantasic new up-grades, all-inclusive options, courteous service, delicious drinks, and good food...... then book with Samsara. Hey, I forgot............you wanna see the beach too...........well, the best part is that Samsara's sister property "Legends" is only a short distance away, located on the 7 mile beach, there's a free shuttle twice a day, oh yeah, your all-inclusive package works at their property as well. WOW!! p.s--up the west end road, one block and on the left, is the "Spice and Spice" jerk hut restaurant. EAT THERE. it is the best food we had in Jamaica, and we jerk chicken fanatics!! The couple that owns and runs it, are very sweet, and the experience is very affordable. Some of the best snorkeling and diving in Negril are right out front of Samsara, but a trip out to Booby Cay Island is only 30 minutes, they can pick you up right at the hotel and it is super relaxing. Beautiful picture opportunities, and unique story making awaits!!

Oh, BTW, we have vacationed in Maui, Hawaii, and have experienced the best of the best on Ka'anapali Beach. We are qualified to submit this great review. ; )

The Wiebers from Minnesota

They have no hot water available 24 7, you can only receive hot water during the day. The beds were dirty and stained... DO NOT STAY HERE. It's the type of all-inclusive ---that makes you wish you could eat somewhere else. There was construction right outside of our room ---that travelocity denied and the hotel lied to travelocity to help them deny our claim. I WILL NOT BOOK WITH TRAVELOCITY OR EVER GO TO THIS "HOTEL" SAMARA. Please do the same. Cheap and all is good but not at the price of misery.

First of all ...I am not a picky person what so ever. If I have a decent room to stay in ... I'm happy. I'm outside more than inside. So here is my review.
I booked an oceanview room w/ AC. NO WAY were we staying in that room. Got really nervous. I asked if a pillar house was availabe and yeah for us, there was. I / we LOVED IT!!!! No AC but with a ceiling fan and the breeze from the SEA ... it was PERFECT!! We will be going back to SamSara and will have to have a pillar house! Taking a shower is outside is wonderful! Our days at the beach, in the sand ... are history. The cliffs are beautiful. Staff was really nice. We were told about Choices across the street! Great little place to eat.
Families - I don't think I would take kids under 15.
Meals - If there are just two of you and you are not heavy drinkers, I would not get the all-inclusive plan.

My husband and I stayed at Samsara June 13-18.

I spent alot of time on TA reading reviews to try to make the right decision about what hotel to choose. We did not want to spend a ton of money considering we just use our room too shower and sleep.

Overall we were pleased with the hotel. We stayed in T5 which had a kitchen/living area downstairs and the bedroom/bathroom upstairs. The room was clean but I was disappointed by lack of upkeep of the rooms. But, for the price I wasn't complaining.

We did non AI. Ate at their restaurant our first night. I had the jerk chicken and my husband had a club sandwich...they were both good. We also had breakfast one morning. We thought we could order off a menu, but they only had a buffet, which was not soo good.

The views at the hotel were awesome. It is so peaceful and relaxing. Just what the doctor ordered! The pool/lounge area have definitely been updated and maintained.

We also took advantage of the free shuttle that took us to Samsara's sister property, Legends. It took us there at 10am and brought us back at 4pm. This was very convenient and allowed us to experience both cliffside and beachside of Negril.

If you are on a budget, this hotel is for you. We enjoyed our stay there and would return. Next time, maybe we will stay in the pillar houses.