Family Complex beside Beach w/Pool Montego Bay #1

They did have power when other places nearby didn't, which mattered after Hurricane Melissa disrupted service across the island. I came home to see my 95 yr old Uncle and Cousin after the hurricane devastated half the island, and needed a night before flying out of MBJ airport. Still, this place felt adequate at best, certainly not luxury. Booking through a third party was difficult, there were large gaps beneath the exterior doors, and the bedroom AC was unreliable. Each unit ran for about 10 minutes before showing an error code, so the sleeping areas were very hot. The rooms also need proper blackout curtains, and the furnishings were old. There was an iron-shaped burn on the living room rug, corroded water fixtures, and a huge tear in the couch. Laundry was in a poorly lit room under the pool, while plywood and construction blocks blocked the main balcony view. Checkout felt rushed and strict. Housekeeping knocked right at 11:00 am after we had checked in late the night before, and extending checkout was quoted at $50 per hour. I had read a review from a year ago saying some of these issues had been addressed. Hmmm. Normally I would look elsewhere for a stay longer than one day.

Neena was quick to resolve every question I had, usually in five minutes or less. The townhouse was clean and comfortable, with everything I needed for a weekend away. It worked especially well for meeting up with my family, who were at a nearby hotel. There are several places to get food close by, so I didn't need to bring any. If you arrive before check-in, you can spend time at Tropical Bliss beach club or at their deli. I'd happily stay again.

We decided not to stay after seeing the unit in person. The outside looked cared for, and they initially allowed a 1 pm early check-in, but then asked us to wait until 3 because a new fridge was supposedly being installed. A worker suggested my bf go to Tropical bliss beach and say we only needed the restroom, so we could pass the time without paying a fee. At 3, the cleaning lady gave my bf a quick two-minute tour while my daughter and I waited in the car. Once inside with our things, we did a fuller walk-through. It felt like a low-budget frat house. There were no-smoking signs, but burn marks on the rug; barbed wire that made us uneasy; and a strong chemical smell over a musty, mildewy odor. The promised new fridge wasn't there, just an old peeling one with standing water. We found trash under the bed, buildup on the shower heads as if they had never been cleaned, rust on all the metal, and doors that didn't fit their frames. I watched bugs come through the large gaps. We put our bags back in the cars and told a worker we wouldn't stay. He said, “it’s different” and didn't offer to accommodate us, though he was extremely sweet. I messaged the host with the reasons, including that the place didn't match the online photos, and sent a bulleted list. She asked what was wrong, then became passive aggressive and rude, offering another unit while making excuses for each point. She needs to take criticism without attacking or belittling guests.

The gated grounds, parking, and infinity pool were great, and the apartment had two large bedrooms with bathrooms, AC, comfortable beds, and mesh on the windows so we could open them without letting insects or lizards in. The kitchen was roomy and had all the utensils we needed, a good cooker, and ironing facilities. We were close to the sea, town, and local shops. My family had a great holiday here. I loved the apartment, and the folder with the address, activities, spa, and massage services was a good idea. The concierge was so helpful. Thanks for a lovely experience, I'd recommend the place.