Question - Riu Tropical Bay - Negril, Jamaica

[Bob D]

We are planning a trip to Jamaica with college friends in late April. I
found a lot of positive reviews for the Riu Tropical Bay in Negril, Jamaica.
From what I can tell, it sounds like the resort re-opened in Dec-2008 after
renovations - which apparently upgraded it to "Palace" status, although it
does not include "palace" in its name as listed on various travel sites.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We are looking for a nice
environment to kick back and relax on the beach and/or by the pool with good
food and drinks.

Also - my college friends still enjoy their herb. Is pot readily available
and accepted in Jamaica as I've heard via urban legend - or a tourist trap
or international crisis waiting to happen?

Thanks,

Bob D.

[hackamore]

Hi,

I have several friends who've stayed at the Riu in Negril and they LOVED it.

and yes... Jamaica is still very herb friendly...

I've been offered a bag of weed while waiting for the car in the mobay
airport while my 80something mother, wife, 2 kids, brother and sister in
law were all standing RIGHT THERE! (but it's cleaner, neater, more
respectable now)

still you won't have ANY problem finding something to smoke.

like if/when your bus/van stops en-route to the hotel for a break see if
there's like a carving vendor... if he sells pipes ask him if he's got
something to put IN the pipe.

you almost can't avoid being offered herb... it can almost be a nuisance.

or if you're willing to pay more wait until you get to the hotel... make
it discretely known you'd like some herb and it will appear... haggle a
little to be polite... then pay WAY to much... still cheap by US
standards... you might find all sorts of other stuff available including
hand rubbed hash.

--

Hackamore
http://www.hackamore.com
http://hackamoretravel.blogspot.com