Negril Tree House Resort Rating: 3.0 Pearls

Negril, Jamaica

The beach

The hotel is located smack in the middle of gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, and both tourists and vendors constantly stroll by and often hop into the beachfront bar to watch the sunset and listen to low-volume reggae. It’s a fairly active part of the beach, and from the hotel you can hear the music and see the bright lights of surrounding restaurants and bars. Locals, hotel guests, and visitors passing by mingle with one another here, unlike at virtually every other hotel in Jamaica.

There really isn't much to the tiny property, outside the lush and charming garden courtyard. Several circular rondel buildings are tucked amongst fruit trees and the beach, where all activity is centered.

The hotel has 70 rooms, and attracts visitors from all over the world, and these guests range from spring-breakers to wedding parties (the hotel hosts weddings on a balcony overlooking the water). Room decor was updgraded in 2011 with modern rustic looks (and flat-screen TVs), but not taking away from the miminalistic vibe of the property. Occasionally, the hotel even hosts cruise ship passengers, but this doesn’t really alter the intimate, laid-back atmosphere.

View on a Larger Map

From the hotel, I was able to stroll along the beach in both directions to various restaurants and bars, and also walked out to and across Norman Manley Boulevard to try a recommended lunch spot. Traffic wasn't overly noisy at night, and I never had a tough time crossing the road. The Treehouse is 10-15 minutes from downtown Negril and the Cliffs, and taxi drivers charged anywhere from $5-$15 for a one-way trip.

Seven Mile Beach is lined with bars, restaurants, souvenir stalls, and other hotels. Two minutes to the left of the Treehosue is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. To the right, next door to the Treehouse, is Norma's on the Beach, considered one of the best upscale dining establishments in Negril.

Water sports at Negril's Seven Mile Beach

Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is widely held as the best beach in Jamaica. The water is sparkling turquoise from afar, crystal clear up close, warm, and never crowded. As evidenced by this picture, I basically had the water to myself.

At the Treehouse, there are always plenty of chairs, and the jerk pit and beach bar are never more than a few steps away. There’s a water-sports tent on the right side of the hotel's beach. It's run by the hotel, but nothing is included. Jet Skis and snorkel equipment are avalable for a fee. Glass-bottomed boat tours are also available at negotiable rates.

There isn't much in the way of security along this stretch of Seven Mile Beach, so vendors walk through quite frequently (as do people staying at other places along the beach). I was never harassed by any vendors, but belongings are less secure here than they might be at an all-inclusive beach or on the cliff side of Negril.

Rooms are located in round, wooden rondel buildings reminiscent of old beachside summer houses—not actual tree houses. The property is fairly small, but there are two buildings with ocean views (one has standard rooms, one has six suites). Stunning views of the beach and the sounds of the waves are well worth any upgrades on a Jamaican vacation. The suites feature kitchenettes, a large living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The décor in all rooms is pretty basic, but

The amenities are very simple (flat-screen TVs, no fridge, only soap in the bathroom) and the furnishings were replaced in 2011, and the rooms are extremely clean and very comfortable. Bathrooms have shampoo dispensers and only common areas have Wi-Fi (which is free), and that's about the extent of in-room amenities.

A balcony or terrace stretches around every room, each with its own table and chairs, and comfy hammock swing (an unfortunate rarity in Jamaica).

Outdoor massage area

• Small 24-hour pool and Jacuzzi just off the beach behind the bar with chairs and ocean views.
• A tour desk
• There is no spa on site, but a certified therapist is available for beachfront massages.
• There is also a nail salon next door in a small block of shops that also has a convenience store with cheap sundries and souvenirs
• Free Wi-Fi in public areas

The beach is about all the onsite entertainment

At just 70 rooms, the property is fairly small, but rooms are spacious and many come with two twin beds. There are also about a dozen two-bedroom suites. There's no activities staff or babysitting service, so families will need to make their own fun. There's a small pool, and the beach has very calm, gentle waters, but that's about it for on-site entertainment.

The restaurant has kid-friendly pasta, pizza, and fried foods on its menu.

The Beach Bar

• Free breakfast is included
• Treehouse Restaurant is an on-site restaurant specializing in seafood, Caribbean, and pizza, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Beach Bar serves seaside cocktails and beers
• There are plenty of other (better) dining options within walking distance