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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Holiday Inn Sun Spree Montego Bay
This all inclusive property is located approximately 5 minutes from Sangster Airport in Mongtego Bay. A low rise resort with 4 floors, is one of my favorite places to stay. I have fond memories of this hotel. I was introduced to this hotel during my first visit to Jamaica in 1989. It was like home away from home. Even though I only toured the resort during my latest visit to Jamaica, I still got that home like feel. Comparing this resort to other resorts I toured, the Holiday Inn Sun Spree has a Caribbean feel which I personally like. Whereas the others feel like mega resorts; they lack that personal,intimate touch. I'm not saying that I don't like Iberostar, RIU and the The Hilton Rose Hall, it's just a different vibe. They are clean, modern and lively with great decor and amenities.

It was nice to see that they've done some renovations over the years. However,The one thing that stands out for me is that they have not renovated the exterior of the buildings yet. Although it doesn't look bad, however, it is due for a make-over. They will also definitely want to throw in new signage. I was very impressed with the lobby. This is what gives it that airy, Caribbean feel. Although covered, the area is open on 3 sides; one can enjoy a nice tropical breeze while waiting for your room or while arranging an excursion at the concierge desk. There is also a bar in the area with a cozy sitting area. The stress just leaves your body once you enter the lobby.

Room Accommodations -
Buildings 1 & 2 are the more popular rooms for those that want to be close to the action. They are along side of the main pool area, restaurant and entertainment. The rooms have been refurbished to include more ocean view and oceanfront rooms.
Buildings 5, 6 & 7 are further away from the action and the main area of the resort. These buildings have a separate ADULTS ONLY pool and a little strip of beach. All of the rooms are the same size. The view is what differentiates pricing. Standard rooms usually have a garden or resort view, superior rooms usually have a garden and pool or a partial ocean view and the deluxe rooms have an ocean view.

The Beach
The beaches along the Rose Hall corridor are intimate and quaint in my opinion. They are nice but don't compare to the beaches in Negril. If you are a beach bum like me, you must take a trip to Negril and get the full experience of a beach. There are more water sports to take advantage of as well!
At the Holiday Inn there is a beach party every Tuesday and Friday. Activities throughout change weekly.

The Young Ones:
Children 12 and under stay and eat FREE at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree. At the KidsSpree Vacation Club, children from ages 6 months to 12 years old have a place to hang out. The rooms are separated by age groups. A game room is available for the older kids with an XBox 360 (fees apply).

Overall, I really like this resort. Although it does not compare to the amenities of the newer properties like the Iberostar and RIU, I give this resort 4 conch shells (out of 5).

For pictures of the Holiday Inn Sun Spree, go to my facebook page - Island Breeze Travel

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