The Westender Inn

A peaceful cliffside property, quiet and full of flowers. We had a jerk chicken sandwich with potato salad. There were dolphins to spot, and the snorkeling was amazing when the weather allowed.

After ten weeks of trying almost daily to get a deposit refund, I had to claim through my trip insurance to recover the money. The Westender didn’t answer numerous emails or voicemails, or even respond after the Jamaican Board of Tourism intervened. When I finally reached someone, he said he wasn’t physically at the inn to handle the refund, which seemed odd. I called again and spoke to the same person, Bundeno, the “Junior Manager.” He said he couldn’t refund the deposit to my VISA, then asked about a bank transfer. I wasn’t about to give them my bank details. I’d repeatedly asked to speak to an owner and got nowhere. It was also strange that the Jamaican Board of Tourism listed the inn as “Closed” while he said it was open. They could still manage their Facebook page, posting pre-hurricane photos. It’s not a good sign when an inn creates a GoFundMe to rebuild. Other hotels and resorts in the area addressed the hurricane on their websites, with information on rebuilding, cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds. The Westender website never mentioned the hurricane and let people book for just two weeks after it, when the inn was clearly closed. Other reviewers have said similar things. Don’t only read the positive reviews, check the critical ones too. Westender, I’ll gladly remove this post if you refund the deposit I’m owed under your reservation policies, as I’ve repeatedly requested. I’ll reimburse my insurance company for what it paid me, since keeping both would be insurance fraud. You have my address to send a paper check, since you say you can’t return the money to the credit card on file. You also have my email if you want to talk. The phone number you tried calling from is now marked as SPAM by my phone.

I loved the laid-back atmosphere, the pools, and the bar perched above the ocean on the cliffs. The drinks were top tier, and the staff went out of their way to make the stay great. Spending the day in the pool right by the ocean felt magical. One of the most peaceful places I’ve ever experienced.

A great place to unwind, far enough from the town’s tourist traps. There’s a convenient daily shuttle to and from the companion hotel, where you can experience the bustle on the beach. The staff were courteous and made us feel at home. Our room was exceptional, the food was amazing, and the seawater pools are pumped from the beach. There’s a chlorinated pool too. I recommend it for anyone looking for a secluded getaway. Big up, WESTENDER!