- Keep it clean
- Use the Visitor Schedule to post your trip dates
- No inflammatory remarks
|
|
 Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1
Junior Member (<31 posts)
|
OP
Junior Member (<31 posts)
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1 |
My wife and I are going to Hedonism II on April 9. This is her first time and my first time since 2001. I have a few questions:
Cash or Credit card?
I heard that if you use your credit card in Jamaica there is a fee. I don't want to pay that, but at the same time I don't want to have a lot of cash on me.
Travel to the resort
My wife and I are traveling from the airport to the resort on Jamaica Tours LTD. I just want to know if this place is good or if I should look for another option.
Being bumped
I read a post about Hedonism II being overbooked and people were asked if it would be OK to stay somewhere else. Well, that would NOT be OK with me. I need to know if this is common.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,121 Likes: 1
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,121 Likes: 1 |
Some credit cards do charge a fee for its use internationally and some do not. I have a Capital One credit card just because it does not charge for international charges. Hedonism has nothing to do with these fees; rather, it is the credit card issuer.
If this be a dream do not wake me up; if not a dream, wish me no sleep
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,291 Likes: 2
Member
|
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,291 Likes: 2 |
I take about $120 in small bills per person (ones and fives), because Jamaica is a tipping economy. I tip the bus driver, baggage handler, just about everyone who is Not working at the resort (Hedo is a special case). I usually give Rasta Ralph a few bucks when I see him out on the Cat Cruise, and you'll need at least $30 if you take the One Love bus/bar hop tour.
All in all, I'd rather be a hippy.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,760
Member
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,760 |
From what I read, "bumping" is to the Point Village next door. That wouldn't be so bad. You're actually closer to the nude beach and pool than you would be in some of the Prude side rooms!
That said, I've been there many times in April, and have never been bumped.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 156
Member
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 156 |
Never had issues with using a credit card in Jamaica, no extra charges.
I have not used JTL before, used a number of other companies though, last one in Feb was Tropical Tours, never had an issue. You may have to wait until the bus is full or close to full before leaving the airport though.
As to bumping, it does happen, I think it depends on how full the resort is and in many cases that will depend on which groups are at Hedo. On the day I left I talked with a couple, their first time at Hedo, they were bumped for a couple of days to a resort on the Negril side, wish I could remember the name, but they loved that place. They did have day passes to come back of course, not sure if they were compensated for the bumping, didn't ask.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 140
Member
|
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 140 |
We have used JTL on many trips, never had any problems. They typically stop at one or two other hotels on the way to Hedo, as well as a pit stop at a roadside bar. You may be able to talk the driver out of making the pit stop, although they usually get a small kickback from the establishment.
18°20.281N, 78°20.570W - The true location of Paradise (the intersection of Delroy Ave. and Scumba Rd.)
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 102
Member
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 102 |
Although I have not had credit card problems in Jamaica, I usually call the credit card company that I plan on using "out of country" and you can give them a date range when you will be in Jamaica and they will only allow charges during those specific dates. You can also sometimes put a maximum amount to a charge if you want.
When I return from Hedo I always monitor my credit card account on-line for a couple of weeks to see what happened to any charges that I did actually make while away and to keep an eye out for any charges that might come in that are fraudulent.
But... again I don't remember having any problems in the past but better safe then sorry.
Enjoy your trip
Next trip November 2016
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,291 Likes: 2
Member
|
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,291 Likes: 2 |
Hmmm, last time I called my CC company (Visa with a Canadian Bank), they said they don't need those out-of-country travel dates anymore, and don't record them. I guess they are using something else to track me.  Now a quick question about the buses: Which company has the LEAST lead time to pickup before returning you to the airport? My last trip I had to catch a 6:30 am bus to make a 11:30 flight. Nasty.
All in all, I'd rather be a hippy.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,316 Likes: 1
Member
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,316 Likes: 1 |
Which company has the LEAST lead time to pickup before returning you to the airport? It has a lot to do with the number of people returning around the same time. The transfer companies try to maximize their usage. Sometimes they will pick up someone quite early rather than sending another bus later for just a handful of people. It is also tied to their anticipated dropoff schedule so they can turn the bus around as full as possible.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 140
Member
|
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 140 |
On my last several trips to Hedo, the bus pickup time was 4 hours prior to my flight time. I was told this was a resort policy.
18°20.281N, 78°20.570W - The true location of Paradise (the intersection of Delroy Ave. and Scumba Rd.)
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 336
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 336 |
I use my Master Card and no fees.
In 29 trips to Hedo, most during the very full Ms No Swimsuit week, we have never been bumped.
When we checked in at the airport for transport, the lady set our departure time for a 12:47 flight to 8:00. They don't want to take any chances in case of unforeseen delay in route, so it's four hours minimum.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 325
Member
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 325 |
16 trips to Jamaica and we have never used a credit or debit card there, but I do notify the companies just in case there is an emergency.
We use a private transfer. No stops and direct to the resort. We love the drive to the resort.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 933 Likes: 1
Member
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 933 Likes: 1 |
Back when Hedo used to provide the transportation, we were on a bus that got a flat tire near Tryall Golf Course. The driver got it changed, and we all made our flights. So I think the amount of time that they schedule for delays is excessive.
Respect.
The more you look, the more you see.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,291 Likes: 2
Member
|
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,291 Likes: 2 |
Yes, and such excessive times are not just a bad way to end a week, but in my case I had to be up at 5:30 am to get my bags out, and at midnight I was in a car driving 1 hour to get home. Hard to do on little sleep.
All in all, I'd rather be a hippy.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 130
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 130 |
To get the least amount of time you need a private taxi. If you google taxi's in Jamaica, there are many that come up, read the reviews on Trip Advisor. I have one that I love, and since it is private, we have no required stops, and you save more time at Hedo. I will not violate the rules stating the company, but it is $130 round trip, and or course we throw in a tip. I strongly suggest private taxi, and if you would like to know the company I prefer, just private message me here on Denny's site.
"if you always tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,504 Likes: 4
Member
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,504 Likes: 4 |
For private taxi, I use Anna Grant's husband Linley...clean/timely/professional. LinleyGrant@yahoo.com. Paying $130 + tip up front buys you a round trip in comfort.
Regards, Chris "The Naked Truth About Hedonism II" New 3rd edition! at www.chrissantilli.comPrint, audiobook and ebooks
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 301
Member
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 301 |
Is there still air service between Montego Bay and Negril?
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,759
Member
|
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,759 |
TimAir and AirLink both still fly that route. TimAir still chartered flying on your schedule (usually... pretty much) and AirLink which is usually a scheduled flight.
RIP Air Negril, AirJaMaybe Express....
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 529 Likes: 4
Member
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 529 Likes: 4 |
At last check a few months ago, TimAir and JA Airlink were about $100pp each way. A far cry from the good old days of $65. The usual rate for a private taxi is $60/couple each way. It's fine to recommend specific folks. We use Biggs (friend of Myron, the old H2 divemaster), at 876-410-0536.
Chris in FL (previously VT)
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 14
Junior Member (<31 posts)
|
Junior Member (<31 posts)
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 14 |
Another transport option is Clive's. Perfect, dependable record with us so far.
Better to have tripped than never danced at all.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 163
Member
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 163 |
Have traveled with Clive several times, always perfect.
Have done Tim Air/Air Link a couple of times. Think they allowed for getting to airport 2 hours prior to departure time.
|
|
|
 Re: Questions? Going to Hedo April 9 - 17
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 52 Likes: 3
Member
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 52 Likes: 3 |
We have used Alrick Allen at Your Jamaican Tour Guide on our 3 trips. (also for some tours). Always a great trip.
|
|
|
Forums21
Topics10,466
Posts117,902
Members23,560
|
Most Online332 Jan 13th, 2020
|
|
1 members (spreglguy),
62
guests, and
0
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|