Customer Reviews

The Rough Guide to Jamaica

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have been to Jamaica many times since 1972, doing research as an anthropologist, which includes reading everything I can about its people and culture as well as traveling about and living in various communities. I picked up this book shortly before my most recent trip, hoping to get some hints on places to stay as it's been awhile since I've been back. I read it thoroughly as I traveled extensively around the island for 18 days. And I'm quite impressed. It is an extremely informative and accurate guide to the history, culture, things to see and do, places to eat and stay. The hotel reviews are brief but to the point. The advice is sound. The maps are very helpful. The only criticism I can make is that in at least two cases I found the directions to be wrong. I am most impressed with the fact that the book can really get you out of the tourist areas and into the real Jamaica. It is a great guide for those who want to EXPLORE the island and come to know it well. This takes time, a car, and money, though. Finally, I'd like to add that the book is just the right size, easy to carry, and has a very sturdy cover and binding, so it'll survive more than one trip. I suppose the greatest compliment is that a Jamaican friend wanted me to give it to her after she discovered it had information on her own town that she didn't know.

A good all around Jamaica travel guide. Add to it the following: 1] DO NOT rent a car and drive in Jamaica. 2] The locals drive like banshees, death or dismemberment on the highways is common. 3] there are numerous drivers willing to take you around cheaper than you can hire a car with insurance and they give out great tips and advice 4] There are no roadsigns you will get lost, then try to find gas stations and the Jamaician Police write lots of tickets--especially to tourists who are expected to pay in cash roadside.

This book was absolutely indispensable on my first trip to the fascinating island of Jamaica. All sections of the island are thoroughly covered, including recommendations for lodging, restaurants, and the multitude of places to visit.

This is a must-buy guide to anyone traveling to Jamaica for the first time or the tenth.

The Rough Guide covers the gamut in no-nonsense, tell it like it is terminology. This is not a guide designed to explain how wonderful Jamaica is -- the reader gets a good sense of the great opportunities for fun and adventure Jamaica provides, as well as enormously valuable tips on how to deal with some of the less pleasant aspects of traveling there. The book makes no bones, for instance, about the constant presence of hawkers and ganja pushers no matter where you are -- and it gives travelers a good idea of how to stay safe and happy on vacation. Where the book lacks is in its profiles of hotels and restaurants -- the Rough Guide favors info on how to get around, local culture, unusual local haunts, etc. The editors do welcome input from readers based on their experiences in Jamaica, though. I highly recommend buying this book well before you go to Jamaica, and be sure to bring it with you!

Great overall look at Jamaica. I have traveled there before and this books covers it well!

This book was my best companion on the streets of Jamaica! Many pages (500), many informations. But if you travel there around, it's a good idea to use this guide.

I bought this book for our move to Jamaica, chronicled at JamaicaMAX.com, because I wanted to have the most up to date guide for our travels. My last experience with a guide was wiht a book over 5 years old and the iformation was nearly useless. This book has some great features and tips and thus far everything has been very accurate. It's been a lot of fun in Jamaica for the last 6 months and this book made it so much nicer.

Jamaica has a distinct attitude and unique character unlike any other Caribbean island you are likely to visit. The people of this country are proud of their history, sportsmen, and artistic and musical genius. Yet the inequity of wealth, growing poverty, governmental corruption, and grave social tensions have created an attitude within Jamaicans that can be brash, sassy, rude, and often in-your-face. This is especially true around the big, all-inclusive resorts, which exacerbate the inequity of wealth.

A good guidebook should give you more than just star ratings on hotels and restaurants - it should help the savvy and curious traveler learn about the culture, politics, and people as well as tell you where to find the best beaches and hottest night clubs.

"Jamaica: The Rough Guide" is a good source for travel in Jamaica, although some content is lacking.

The authors have adequately covered all the basic information for visiting Jamaica. The accommodation and restaurant sections are ample enough to help the reader make a decision, but I found the ratings systems in guides such as Fielding to be easier to comprehend and use. A significant shortcoming is the lack of web sites or e-mail address...today, most hotels have e-mail and web sites that make booking a reservation easy and cheap. Since the guide is a 1999 reprint, this information should be included.

There are some very interesting and occasionally fascinating tidbits of information found in sidebars on the pages of this guidebook. For example, "Sexual Stamina Potions ensure a sexual libido in Jamaican men" and "Ackee: the national dish kills up to 10 people a year."

Overall, "Jamaica: The Rough Guide" is a valuable guide and will help you understand this wonderful country. It is an adequate guidebook as it pertains to recommending hotels and restaurants. Recommended >

If you plan to stay at an all-inclusive resort during your entire stay, this book is NOT for you.
If you plan to tour around the island the back packer way, this book is for you.
We spent 2 weeks in Jamaica and did the whole circle (started in Montego Bay, went to Negril, Treasure Beach, Kingston, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and then back to Montego Bay). In general, the book has good info about places to visit, to stay and to eat. Some info are outdated since the 4th edition we used was published in 2007, but most are good and useful.
BTW, our favorite place is Treasure Beach (South Shore) and Port Antonio.

I recently purchased this book, with high expecatations. It has a good 'grass roots' theme of Jamaica. A more intimate look at Jamaica, but don't look to buy this book if you plan to stay in the tourist district. There isn't much substance to find for tourists, but if your looking for a 'locals guide' this is the book for you.