Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma

Arrival to Jamaica Second time coming to Montego Bay Airport on a Sunday and once again, we flew threw customs/security within 20 minutes to our private transfer. I don’t know if it was because we were familiar with the airport and had more confidence going through or isn’t busy on Sundays. Either way, I will continue flying in on Sundays!

Private Transfer We booked through Sunwing/West Jet which included a shuttle transfer. We decided this time to book a private transfer as the resort was an 1 hour and 30 minutes away with no traffic. With the shuttle through Sunwing, there is multiple stops, so it easily turns into a 2 hour plus bus ride. We booked through Vern’s Jamaica Taxi and Tours. It was $180 USD roundtrip for two travellers. I can’t remember the drivers name, but he was great! The drivers in Jamaica can be a bit chaotic, but he took his time as he was pointing out popular spots and telling us some history about Jamaica.

However, the driver on the way back from the resort to the airport was not great. He was silent the entire ride, which is fine. But his driving was erratic. I was pushing on the imaginary brake and squeezing my fiancé hand constantly. We went through a check point right before the airport and the driver got pulled over by police for expired tags on the plates. I was dumbfounded that a DRIVING company would allow that to happen. To make matters worse, the driver almost hit a police officer reversing the vehicle and got into a huge fight with him. Never again with private transfers.

Arrival at Resort We arrived at the resort around 2:00pm. As we were ahead of the Sunwing shuttle, check in was very fast and smooth. You will need a credit card as they charge a damage deposit of $250 USD and refund it a few days after checkout. Our room was not ready, so we went and got a quick bite at Oceans Grill.

Room Review We booked the standard Oceanview Deluxe Room. The room at first glance was underwhelming but felt very spacious. The ceiling was very high and had an authentic beach house vibe. We never book luxury rooms as we spend as little time as possible in it. The room had the typical hotel complimentary items, a safe, iron, blow dryer, robes, etc. The air conditioner worked very well, and the bed was extremely comfy. If you are a person who prefers a firmer bed, these beds will not work for you. You sink right in. We were put in building number 1 which was very close to the main building and had a great view of the ocean and the pool was a right outside our building. A major con was that the door had half an inch gap with no weather seal strip and your door is facing the road. So, you heard EVERYTHING! I am a light sleeper and heard constant honking, people walking/talking. If someone closed/opened their door, your door would move as well. I have never been to a resort where it was this bad. I understand noise will get in, but this was so bad there may have been no door at all.

Restaurants Di Romagna (Italian) – Reservations were not required for this a la carte. Our first meal here was good. I got the chicken parm which was excellent and my fiancé got the rose ravioli which was unfortunately way too salty. Our second meal here was not much better. I got the seafood linguine that made me sick and my fiancé got the pizza that tasted no different than the buffet one. The service overall was good, and the atmosphere did feel Italian. I suggest start lining up to eat at around 5:45pm when they open at 6:00pm or else it could be possibly up to a 90-minute wait to be seated.

Hua Hin (Asian) and Ackee (Jamaican) – We did not eat at either of these restaurants as Asian does not interest my fiancé and when we went to eat at Ackee it was a long wait. I was too hungry to wait after a day excursion, so we went to the buffet. It was my understanding there was no reservations required for either a la carte restaurants.

Palms (Buffet) – This was the smaller buffet of the two in the main building. It was not always open for lunch and dinner. They seemed to switch days with some overlapping with the other buffet Mahogany. Still a nice variety and selection at all mealtimes.

Mahogany (Buffet) – This buffet was at the very end of the resort. As we were staying in building 1, we would walk the beach and it take about 5 minutes. A much larger variety and selection of food than the other buffet including theme nights. The servers were great and kitchen staff kept the food bar full and clean. We came to this buffet over the other one even with it being further.

Beans Gourmet Coffee Shop – We stopped here multiple times a day to get a coffee or pastry/treat. The baristas were always great and made a good cup of coffee. Only disappointment was they kept running out of flavoring syrups. They would continuously say ‘someone was getting it’ but they went almost 2 straight days without caramel. I understand things run out and you can’t do anything till your next order/shipment… but don’t lie.

Garfield Beach House – The restaurant was closed for whatever reason. They said it was due to the hurricane.

Bars & Drinks This trip was more of a rest and relaxation vacation. Even though the drinks were good and consistent between bar to bar, we were more tamed than other vacations we have been on. Same drinks you see at any resort, disappointed I didn’t see any signature or specialty drinks for the resort(namesake).

Pools There were 4 pools in total – main pool with swim up bar, activity pool right by the lobby, an adult only pool and another family pool. The pools were never busy as everyone situated themselves on the beach. This was the first resort we saw chair wars. Guests waking up at the crack of dawn putting towels onto chairs to reserve. There were not enough lounge chairs to guests.

Beach The Negril beach is famous for a reason. It truly was beautiful and pristine as the photos. Unfortunately, the vendor vultures were RIDICULOUS. To the point I was getting aggravated. We expect the vendors, we know it’s how locals make a living. But no thank you means no thank you.

Entertainment This resort was not a party resort by any means. I would dare say not even lively. If you want peace and quiet, then this resort is for you. We like watching the shows and dances but was quickly disappointed to see that their stage was just on the deck by the pool and seating was lounge chairs laid flat. It rained almost every night so most shows were canceled and the nights we did want to watch, we couldn’t. The performers are not on an elevated stage and with not enough appropriate tables and seats, guests were all standing blocking the view. Most nights were spent in our room playing games and watching TV. Nothing to entice us to stay out and enjoy.

Conclusion This resort heavily relied on the fact it was on the famous Negril Beach, and no other effort or thought put into the property. I do have to point out that the staff was friendly and great. Very attentive and energetic. Truly no complaints there. We unfortunately will not be returning to this resort and say there is much to improve on. We also experienced our first attempt of time share/exclusive member club. I don’t know how guests still fall for these things or think it’s a good investment. The free romantic dinner is not worth your time wasted listening to the presentation.

Worse hotel, do not go. No food to eat, very limited to none. No beach towels, room isn't fresh ...waited hour and half for one burger and then waited 2 hours to be seated in a restaurant thst was empty then another hour and half to get my meal. Fell asleep in an area I did not know it was prestige members and it was a regular beach plastic chair and one guest decided she wanted that chair specifically and the entire area was empty. She looked at my band and went to call security to remove me, she then woke me up out of my sleep yo tell me the other guest need this spot. Never going back there. Worse hotel and it needs an upgrading. Not worth the money period.

Beautiful location,Negril 7 miles. Such a lovely atmosphere relaxing. Our room was lovely nice comfy king size bed,lovely shower. Great value nothing was too much bother for womderful staff. So peaceful. The servive was excellent from all staff. Thank you we had a amazimg time.x