Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios (2024 Update)

Are you interested in booking an all-inclusive family vacation in Jamaica? Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios are two of the best family resorts in the Caribbean. But with both options available, how do you choose between Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios?

This comprehensive resort comparison guide will help you decide. We break down each Beaches Jamaican property’s location, accommodations, dining, amenities, activities, and value. By the end, you’ll discover the key differences and know which resort fits your family’s needs best. You’ll be ready to book your dream tropical vacation to paradise.

About Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts operates luxury all-inclusive family resorts in idyllic beachfront destinations across the Caribbean.

The company has two resorts in Jamaica – Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios – and a third property in Turks and Caicos. A fourth Beaches Resort will open in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024.

These family-friendly resorts aim to provide everything parents and kids need for an unforgettable tropical vacation, all in one place. From waterparks and supervised camps to gourmet dining and oceanview rooms, Beaches caters to family fun. Beaches Resorts has won numerous awards for its outstanding amenities, accommodations, service, and value. They are consistently ranked among the top family resorts in the Caribbean.

All-inclusive Beaches Resorts offer a host of benefits that often surpass those of traditional accommodations. These resorts provide convenience by having everything you need, including dining, entertainment, and activities, all in one place. When you book an all-inclusive package, you know upfront how much your vacation will cost, allowing for better budget planning and the freedom to fully enjoy your stay.

Beaches Negril Overview

Beaches Negril | Image © Beaches Resorts

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Google Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Beaches Negril sits on the famous Seven Mile Beach on Jamaica’s western tip. This beach frequently ranks among the best beaches in Jamaica and the world. The resort has recently completed extensive renovations and offers 185 fresh and contemporary rooms.

Highlights of Beaches Negril Resort:

• Seven miles of white sand beach
• Eleven dining options like Stew Fish (Caribbean seafood), Yaku (South American), and Kimonos
• Seven bars, including two swim-up bars
• 18,000 sq ft Pirates Island Waterpark, kids camps, teen activities
• Three pools and three whirlpools
• Inclusive scuba diving and watersports
• 29 room and suite categories to suit every budget (as of Summer 2024)

Beaches Ocho Rios Overview

Beaches Ocho Rios Resort | Image © Beaches Resorts

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Beaches Ocho Rios is a 223-room all-inclusive resort located on a private beach cove on Jamaica’s scenic north coast. It is surrounded by tropical gardens and has the larger waterpark of the two Beaches resorts in Jamaica.

Highlights of Beaches Ocho Rios Resort:

• Private white sand beach
• Seven restaurants ranging from The Venetian to Neptune’s Seafood and Josephine’s Creperie
• Six bars, including swim-up bars
• 27,000 sq ft Pirates Island Waterpark, kids camps, teen activities
• Five pools and two whirlpools
• Inclusive scuba diving, golf at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, and watersports
• 24 room categories like Caribbean View Rooms and Oceanview Suites
• Voted among the “Best Beach Resorts” by Parents magazine

Winner: Beaches Negril

Both Beaches resorts in Jamaica have beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, all-inclusive amenities, and excellent service. The choice of which resort to stay at depends on your vacation preferences. However, for many people, a location right on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is unbeatable.

Resort Comparison: Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios

Let’s examine how Beaches Negril and Ocho Rios compare across various categories. We’ll declare a “winner” in each section to highlight which resort excels.

Location and Getting There

Beaches Negril sits on the western tip of Jamaica in the laid-back town of Negril. The resort rests along the famous Seven Mile Beach. Negril’s resort area stretches roughly seven miles from Bloody Bay in the north to Long Bay in the south.

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is the closest major airport, approximately 47 miles away, which is about a 90-minute drive. Montego Bay is well-served by direct flights from various locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Beaches Ocho Rios is situated on Jamaica’s north coast, approximately 90 minutes east of Montego Bay. The resort is located in a former fishing village and offers access to a bay and offshore reefs. Popular attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls are just minutes away.

Like Negril, Montego Bay Sangster Airport is the main gateway for Ocho Rios. It is a 57-mile drive from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, which takes about 90 minutes.

Winner: Draw

Getting to either resort takes roughly the same amount of time from Montego Bay Airport. Both offer stunning beaches – Seven Mile Beach for Negril and a private bay for Ocho Rios. The location’s appeal depends on whether you prefer Negril’s laid-back vibes or Ocho Rios’ proximity to popular attractions.

Room Categories and Accommodations

Beaches Resorts offer three distinct service levels for accommodations: Luxury, Concierge, and Butler Elite. Luxury rooms feature standard amenities and comfortable furnishings, while Concierge rooms offer additional perks like concierge service and stocked in-room bars. Butler Elite accommodations provide the highest level of service, with dedicated butlers to cater to your every need.

Beaches Negril offers 29 room categories ranging from standard hotel rooms to opulent suites:

• Entry-level rooms like Grande Luxe Double w/ tropical garden views
• Mid-range options like Tropical Beachfront Walkout Concierge 2BR Junior Suite
• Top suites like the Firesky Reserve Villa Four Bedroom Butler

Beaches Negril is a 185-room resort with newly added luxury villas. Most rooms have views of the 12 acres of ocean, gardens, or resort pools. Butler service is available in the top categories.

Beaches Ocho Rios provides 24 room types, from tropical view rooms to multi-bedroom suites:

• Budget-friendly rooms like Caribbean Deluxe Family Sized Room King w/ garden views
• Mid-tier choices like Caribbean Oceanview Luxury Suite Double
• Ultra-luxurious options like Caribbean Oceanview Penthouse 1BR Concierge Suite

The resort has 223 rooms set amidst 22 beachfront acres. Guests can select ocean views, tropical views, or beachfront locales. The best suites include concierge and butler service.

Winner: Beaches Negril

Beaches Ocho Rios offers more space to spread out due to its larger size and number of rooms. However, based on recent renovations and the intimate setting along Seven Mile Beach, we give the edge to Beaches Negril for accommodations. The rooms feel fresh, and most offer desirable beach views.

Costs & Value Comparison

When it comes to value, Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios both offer a range of options to suit different budgets in 2024.

Beaches Ocho Rios tends to have more budget-friendly pricing, with entry-level rates starting at:

• Adult: $160 per person/night
• Child: $60 per person/night

The most luxurious suites at Beaches Ocho Rios start at:

• Adult: $313 per person/night
• Child: $47 per person/night

Beaches Negril also offers affordable packages, with rates beginning at:

• Adult: $233 per person/night
• Child: $47 per person/night

However, Beaches Negril shines when it comes to ultra-luxury accommodations. The most opulent 4-bedroom butler villas on Seven Mile Beach start at:

• Adult: $502 per person/night
• Child: $47 per person/night

*prices are subject to change.

So, while Ocho Rios appeals more to value-focused families, Negril offers incredible high-end suites and villas for those with larger budgets wanting a truly indulgent vacation. Ultimately, both resorts cater to a wide range of travel styles and budgets in 2024.

Winner: Beaches Ocho Rios

Pools and Grounds

Beaches Negril sits along the famous Seven Mile Beach. The center of the resort features three freshwater pools and three whirlpools surrounded by palms. A swim-up pool bar provides tropical cocktails. The grounds are well-manicured with local flowers and plants.

Beaches Ocho Rios lies along a picturesque private cove with offshore reefs. The resort has five pools, including an impressive main pool with a swim-up bar. Two whirlpools provide relaxation. Twenty-two acres of tropical grounds surround the pools and beach.

Winner: Beaches Ocho Rios

While Seven Mile Beach is spectacular, we have to give this category to Beaches Ocho Rios. The resort’s five pools and immaculate grounds edged by the sea win out. The tropical gardens and bay setting create an idyllic Caribbean feel.

Dining Options

Beaches Negril offers eleven restaurants spanning casual venues to upscale dining:

• Stew Fish Grill (Jamaican seafood)
• Cafes de Paris (French café)
• Kimonos (Teppanyaki grills)
• The Mill (Caribbean buffet)
• Yaku (Peruvian eatery)
• Soy Sushi Bar
• And more

The resort also has a self-serve frozen yogurt and gelato café, plus seven bars.

Beaches Ocho Rios provides seven dining options, from gourmet restaurants to beachside cafes:

• The Venetian (Italian fare)
• Bayside Restaurant (Oceanfront)
• Neptune’s Seafood (Mediterranean)
• Bar B.Q. Park (Jamaican)
• La Parisienne (French)
• Bella Napoli Pizzeria
• Soy Sushi Bar

Six bars are scattered across the resort, including a lively swim-up pool bar.

Winner: Beaches Negril

Beaches Ocho Rios Resort has the high-end Northern Italian restaurant The Venetian, while Beaches Negril has a wider variety of dining options, including South American, Asian, and Jamaican cuisine. Both resorts offer excellent dining, but we chose Beaches Negril for its wider diversity of cuisine.

Amenities & Activities

Beaches Negril offers an 18,000 square foot waterpark, watersports, land sports, and scheduled entertainment.

• Pirate’s Island Waterpark with slides, splash areas
• PADI scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding
• Tennis, volleyball, basketball, pool tables, game rooms
• Live shows, parties, concerts, comedy nights
• Exciting, enjoyable, and educational excursions for all ages.

Beaches Ocho Rios provides a 27,000-square-foot waterpark, watersports, golf, land activities, and nightly entertainment.

• Pirates Island Waterpark with slides, lazy river
• Waterskiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking
• Whirlpools, fitness center, tennis, basketball
• Live bands, piano bar, parties, talent shows
• Golf green fees and transfers included at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club
• Range of thrill, fun, and educational family-friendly excursions

Both resorts offer supervised kids camps for ages 0-17.

Winner: Beaches Ocho Rios

While the activity offerings are fairly even, we give Beaches Ocho Rios a slight edge. The huge waterpark, expansive grounds, and access to an 18-hole golf course make for endless fun. However, active families will love either resort.

Spa and Wellness

Beaches Negril provides the Red Lane Spa, nestled in a tropical garden. Massages, body treatments, and salon services help guests relax and rejuvenate. Some packages are designed for couples.

Beaches Ocho Rios offers the luxury Red Lane Spa for treatments like massages, facials, and body wraps. The lushly landscaped spa includes a menu of services for couples to enjoy together. Most spa treatments cost extra beyond the all-inclusive package rates.

Winner: Draw

Both Beaches resorts offer the high-end Red Lane Spa brand. The spas are similar in size and service menus. We declare this category a draw since guests can enjoy world-class spa treatments at either location.

Family Friendliness

Both Beaches properties excel at family vacations by providing supervised kids camps, teen activities, waterparks, and family suites.

Beaches Negril offers:

• Kids Camps for infants through teens
• Club Liquid nightclub for tweens and teens
• Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street
• Family-sized suites
• Kids pools and playgrounds

Beaches Ocho Rios provides:

• Certified nannies at kids camps
• The Hangout for tweens
• Kid-friendly pools
• Family suites with extra bedrooms

Winner: Draw

Beaches Negril and Ocho Rios both offer exceptional family programming. Resort layouts make it easy for parents and kids to enjoy time separately and together. We score this category a draw since both Jamaican resorts emphasize family fun.

Beach Experience

Beaches Negril boasts a prime location on the famous Seven Mile Beach, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of beach activities and entertainment. The resort ensures guests have easy access to all amenities, making for a convenient and enjoyable beach vacation.

In contrast, Beaches Ocho Rios features a more secluded beach, perfect for those seeking a tranquil and private experience. The shallow waters make it an ideal choice for families with young children, while the stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters invite guests to relax and unwind.

Winner: Draw

Both Beaches Negril and Ocho Rios offer excellent family beaches, catering to different preferences for a beach vacation.

Overall Best Family Resort: Beaches Negril

When comparing the two Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, Beaches Negril stands out as the premier option for families.

What gives Beaches Negril the edge?

• Seven Mile Beach stretches over 7 miles with powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters – it’s considered one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.
• The cozy resort layout means everything is close by – you’re just steps from the beach, pools, restaurants, and activities.
• With 11 dining options and 7 bars throughout the resort, even picky eaters will find options they love.

Our friends Heather and Jay have vacationed with their kids at both resorts. While Beaches Ocho Rios impressed them too, they favored Negril for its beauty and convenience.

Heather said, “Our room was so close to everything we needed with the kids. We also loved exploring Negril town for shopping and local culture.”

And Jay noted, “I loved the budget-friendly options at Beaches Ocho Rios to save money. But, for me, Negril wins for its gorgeous beach and amazing dining.”

Still, Ocho Rios provides many family perks across its 22 beachfront acres. Families will enjoy the expansive pools, massive waterpark, endless activities, and affordable rates.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either resort for an incredible all-inclusive family vacation.

FAQ: Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios

Which is the best beach in Jamaica?

Two of Jamaica’s most iconic beaches are Seven Mile Beach in Negril and Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay. Seven Mile Beach stretches over 7 miles with powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and beach bars. It’s perfect for long leisurely walks, swimming, and water sports. Doctor’s Cave Beach features vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, beach clubs, restaurants, and central Montego Bay access. Ultimately, the “best” beach depends on the experience you’re seeking.

When is the best time to visit a Jamaican Beaches Resort?

The ideal time to visit a Beaches resort in Jamaica is during the peak winter season from mid-December through April. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures in the 80s, low humidity, minimal rain, and sunny blue skies perfect for the beach. Summer sees higher prices and more crowds, while the fall has a risk of storms. Aim for a winter or spring Beaches Jamaica vacation for ideal weather and lower hotel rates.

What does the price include at Beaches Resorts?

Beaches Resorts offer a complete all-inclusive vacation experience. The nightly rate covers your accommodation, all gourmet meals and premium drinks, land and water activities, nightly entertainment, kids camps, airport transfers to/from the resort, and gratuities. About the only thing not included are spa treatments, weddings, and select excursions. With nearly everything covered, you can truly relax at Beaches.

What is the difference between Beaches and Sandals resorts?

While both are all-inclusive brands, Sandals Resorts cater to adults-only romantic getaways, whereas Beaches Resorts are designed for families. Sandals offers amenities like private plunge pools, hammocks for two, and tranquil spas perfect for couples. Beaches Resorts provide kid-friendly amenities, including waterparks, family suites, supervised kids camps, and teen activities, making them ideal for vacations with children.

Related Articles: Sandals Resorts vs. Beaches Resorts, Best Sandals Resorts. Sandals Resorts locations, Ways to Save on a Sandals Resort, Best Time to Visit a Sandals Resort.