This barren-looking, middle-grade, adults-only all-inclusive resort offers little of what its name promises. The massive parking lot in front and the building's motel appearance reinforce the starkness of the property, and the rocky shoreline does little to soften the hard lines. Exhaust-fuming buses deliver passengers from Montego Bay airport (an hour's drive away) to the unappealing public areas. The two-story whitewashed structures with shingled roofs, though, hold some hint of refuge.
The lobby breezeway has an ably staffed reception desk, but there is not much here to induce one to loiter. Most dining is in a large open area where guests either slide trays cafeteria-style or dine from an a la carte menu. Expect to pay a stiff surcharge of $20 for the lobster and steak, but those mesmerized by the little details will be impressed by staff members who call guests by name or remember their cocktail of choice. On Thursday, the buffet celebrates the weekly Jamaican night, and a barbecue is thrown on Saturday. Other enticing options include Italian spreads, Cajun-spiced smorgasbords, and a mouthwatering breakfast buffet packed with tropical fruits.
In addition to the modest rectangular pool and whirlpool at opposite ends of the resort, recreational facilities include two sandy terraces for sunbathing, a beach kiosk for drinks, and a pier jutting out into shallow seas that terminates
at a wedding gazebo. Reggae bands frequently bang out island melodies nearby. The beach is sheltered but also short and a bit rocky. Shuffleboard, table tennis, darts and a pool top the recreational menu. Guests who want to exercise rather than sunbathe enjoy the bicycles and minimal fitness room, and the tour desk organizes excursions. Guests have privileges at the Runaway Bay Golf Course, but greens fees run $56, not counting the mandatory caddy and cart rental. The on-site dive shop is not covered in the all-inclusive rates.
The lifeguard at the pool goes off duty at 5 pm, and guests can still swim at their own risk after that hour. This leaves little to do until the evening entertainment begins with a show on the terrace (limbo dancers, fire twirlers). The action then moves into the mirrored, black-walled disco or into the gazebo on the pier, where a reggae band plays and drinks are served until 11 pm. Although nightly entertainment is part of the deal, the intimate setting reduces the need for elaborate performances. An Internet station in the lobby keeps guests well-connected.
Air-conditioned guest rooms are housed in five two-story structures, and their dimensions vary from generous to quite small. Rooms show tiled or carpeted floors, regional art on walls, glass-topped tables and wicker furniture. However, a feeling of bland sterility still possesses the guest quarters. 
Fading pastel fabrics cover either paired double beds or kings with thinning linens, and tiny, aging combination baths provide hair dryers, robes and (sporadically) hot water. Sliding-glass doors open to balconies or patios, many with sea views (although the bottom-floor rooms have the obvious land-based obstructions). Common throughout are phones, TVs with fuzzy reception, radios, louvered closets and luggage racks.
Standard rooms lie in two-story wings away from the beach. Larger deluxe rooms feature four-poster king beds, as well as refrigerators and coffeemakers. All honeymoon suites offer sea views and add a sitting area with two sofas and chairs. The best views are from rooms 12-15, 49 and 50. The largest suite features three bedrooms and a fully stocked fridge with a variety of beverages.
Pets and room-service requests are seldom the norm, as both are nonexistent. Although the limited facilities and salt-worn character of this hotel can disappoint, the enthusiastic, friendly staff and some of the island's lowest all-inclusive rates turn things around for many. This low-tier property amid the Jamaican ranks is a pleasant lodging, but far from the high standards of its closest physical rivals (the Riu and Sandals properties in Ocho Rios).
