Idle Awhile Resort

Couldn’t have been better.

This small, garden-lush hotel was perfectly located, wonderfully staffed, and extremely comfortable. I cannot imagine a better choice for someone seeking a quiet retreat while still within easy distance of rowdier party spots.

Jamaica’s best kept secret

Idle A While is by far one of Jamaica’s best kept secrets. I was made to feel at home from the moment I arrived to the the moment I left. All the staff go above and beyond to provide excellent service and make sure you have the best possible vacation. 24 hour security provided a safe environment, the waiting staff always had a smile and a drink ready after a long swim, and the room was always kept clean by the housekeeping staff. The garden room was spacious and very comfortable. I will be back to Idle and Chill A While in the very near future.

Traveler's tip on dining

Chill A While has excellent food. I highly recommend the banana pancakes or fruit plate for breakfast, the jerk chicken for lunch, and the Shrimp Rundown or Curry chicken for Dinner. Also, try the jerk chicken stand across the street for some local cuisine. Just ask the staff, they’ll tell you where to eat.

Love it every time!

We’ve stayed here a few times. It is consistently top notch. The restaurant is casual with great food. Beach is perfect. Say hi to Needle at the bar if you go, he’ll take good care of you.

Will Idle again!

Extremely friendly staff, great location on beach, barefoot for breakfast, lots of breeze thru wood louvers, have AC but not needed. Lots of palms and garden shade. Must like a firm mattress.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Less than 5 minute beach walk to Margueritaville. Go to Xtabi for lunch and to explore the caves for free (rent snorkel gear at bar). It’s on the way to Rick’s Cafe.

Needs some work but great location

I like the setup of this hotel but it very much needs some upgrading. The beds are very uncomfortable and the bathroom needs renovation. The staff is great and they do try to accomdate all of your request. I loved the sitting area outside of our room, I really enjoyed that and the beach is incredible. The food was also really good and moderatly priced. If this place gets renovated I will be sure to stay here again.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

The jerk chicken across the street is amazing!

Fantastic stay on negril’s best beach

This was our first time to Jamaica and we LOVED this hotel. It is small but they do everything right - the rooms are gorgeous (especially the suites!), the service is excellent, the staff is always friendly, the beach is BEAUTIFUL! Great location right on the ocean. The rooms were very large and well maintained. No bugs. The soap was really great too! The food isn’t fantastic but the banana pancakes are, and there are plenty of other restaurants around. We are definitely planning a return trip, and will stay at this hotel for sure.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

If you are planning to go to Rick’s Cafe (famous cliff jumping) or the Rockhouse (great restaurant), which you should, make sure you ask the desk to call the free shuttle!

The Ultimate

When it comes to design, decor, maintenance of the rooms and property - Idle wins the top prize. My husband and I were in a deluxe garden view room and were delighted with our accomodations. The room and bathroom were spacious, light and airy with so many louvres that when opened made one feel so very close to nature, especially with all the palms and coconut trees on the property. The deluxe room comes with a huge verandah equiped with sofa, chairs, table, lights and even a ceiling fan. Of course the room offered all the ammenities anyone would require: a/c, ceiling fan, cable tv, etc. The 1 bdrm ocean view suite would be my choice next time. Even though the restaurant has limited hours; it is still quite adequate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Traveler's tip on dining

For that special dining experience, check out Rock HOuse, located on the cliffs. They’ve got a very eclectic menu and provides free transportation 1 way. If you are on a budget, walk across the road from Idle and get some jerk chicken from Best in the West - excellent and quite reasonable

Impressed but bitten to death

Great little hideaway in the mids of Norman Manley Blvd. Higher priced then the average, but worth the money: security, friendly staff, private beach front and accessible to everything. Extremly unique gift shop with local artist work. Sand flies are a big issue. Be prepared to be bitten.

Inspect repellent a million times over your body. Garden view much more private then ocean view. Can sit out on the nice patio without others seeing you when they are passing by.

Awsome Hotel, but not for everyone`

The Idle Awhile was a beautiful hotel, with awsome, attentive staff. The room, surroundings and hotel grounds were peaceful & beautiful. The place isn’t for everyone though. If you are looking for the party scene, this is not it. It’s a small intimate hotel for those that are looking to relax and just chill. Their restaurant is aptly named Chill Awhile. And that is exactly what we did. Our 2 boys ages 17 & 21 loved the place as well. Those with younger children may not find enough activities. The rooms were clean and spacious the veranda was an awsome place to hang out to escape from the sun for a while. The staff were all very attentive and friendly. The food was good, prices were very similar at the other places that we visited, ended up eating most meals right there. Don’t let the talk of pushy beach vendors scare you away. The vendors are just trying to make a living. We bought some food that was very good. If you are not interested just say no, they will leave and if they don’t the hotel staff was there immediately. Only downside, and I mean only as there was nothing else to complain about, is that the beds are really, really firm. If you’re not used to that, you will have sore back. Can’t get back there soon enough!

great time

we went for our honeymoon and were completely happy. the hotel is affordable with awesome views and friendly people. i would recommend this to anyone.

A First Class Experience

My three day stay at Idle Awhile was the best expeience with a hotel in many years. The hotel staff went out of their way to see that everything was to my satisfaction. Especially the hotel drivers Mark and Bran. As for Mark for the grand tour. The food was very good. Everything was done with a high professional air. I recommend this hotel to all

Traveler's tip on local attractions

3 dive jerk chicken is a must. The food at Norma’ was very good. Please take the sunset tour to Rick’s cafe to see cliff divers. The local town of Lucia give’s a great impresiion of the locals lifestyle