Frenchman's Cove Resort

We arrived within the mentioned check-in time, but no one answered the phone at the "hotel". After traveling for more than 20 hours, we arrived at a completely empty villa with no water or anything in the refrigerator. There was no internet for the first four days, which the hotel knew about before our stay but did not inform us. The villas on the property are dilapidated and worn out, desperately needing renovation. The marketing on the website (the pictures) is not trustworthy. That being said, the location is truly unique and very, very beautiful, with the most stunning nature, beach, and streams. It could be the best place to vacation if it were refurbished.

We chose this resort due to word of mouth from friends and family who remembered it from years before as an amazing family-friendly place. We went on line and chose the “great house” option, since a villa seemed large for 2 people. On arrival, the grounds are exceptionally kept, and I will leave the one star in this review for that and also the friendliness of the staff. But that’s where the good aspects end. The “great house” was about a mile drive through the extensive grounds to a pretty remote area of the estate, to a building that looked like a dilapidated motel 6. We were literally the only people there-2 females, the only car, no land phones, and no evidence of recent upkeep. There was a dead grasshopper in front of the stairwell to the second floor where our room was located. There was mold and peeling paint in the common areas. We were afraid to turn on the AC in the room for fear of breathing dust or mold. The beds looked like they had been made months before and then never changed or aired. It was extremely stressful while we tried to decide to stay or not, but we decided decided in less than minutes of checking in that we would not be staying. We went back to the front desk to explain the concerns, and they were kind and apologetic, but did not offer any alternative for us. We thus decided to seek another place, and ended going to Geejam. Coincidentally, another family arrived almost at the same time as we did, and less than an hour later, we were checking in together at Geejam, which was a lovely experience from start to finish. We contacted the resort management who denied us any refunds or other offers of compensation, which we thought may happen, but wanted them to be aware nonetheless. It is a shame because the grounds, preservation And beach are spectacular and wasted by lack of upkeep of the living quarters. areas and beach

We stayed over the Easter holiday and my god we have never stayed in a more run down and filthy place. The room was horrible, the bedding was even worst. The day before we went I read a few reviews and so I decided to walk with our own bedding and if we didn’t I couldn’t sleep. It was so bad and even tho we tried to make it work we ended up leaving before we were supposed to. We could not spend another night in that place. The villas are nothing I would think it would be. The name “French Men Cove” is overrated. Owners take no pride in their brand. The beach is filthy with kids pampers, bottles, plastics etc laying around. The only positive thing to this place was the staff.

I stayed at this hotel in the 1970s when it was at its peak. The resort is now under new ownership but hasn’t been updated since that time owing to Jamaica’s disastrous experiment with “democratic socialism” which created social instability and the flight of capital and tourists. It is sad to see the resort in disrepair, such as patio doors that must be jerry-rigged with bolts and a two by four to lock. But there is a wild beauty to the place, like waves crashing up on the rocks below the villa, and the encroaching jungle all around. There is a creek alongside the beach that empties into the sea. I learned that tourists share the beach with hawksbill turtles. The Cove’s beach is a designated nesting ground for these endangered animals. We were privileged to witness the hatchlings from one nest begin their improbable odds of survival at sea. They will stay at sea for life but in 20 years the females released that day will return to the beach at Frenchman’s Cove to lay their first clutch of eggs. Kudos to the Alligator Head Foundation for their conservation work.

Just to confirm all the bad reviews below are totally justified. I can see that resort just replies back with same things over and over again but nothing really has been done about all the complaints being given about the resort. I can confirm that there is absolutely no deep cleaning being done, windows dirty, no upkeep what so ever. We were given villa instead as something was wrong with the room we booked so this was a one of exception. Empty beer bottles welcomed us on our patio as well as the doors to the patio are completely broken. This is not the resort as there is no place to eat besides a little place at the beach where staff is completely lazy and rude. When we checked in we wanted to have breakfast and we were told as it is 11 am they do not serve breakfast anylonger. So the morning after we came early to make sure we eat, now all staff was in their chairs chilling claiming they do not serve breakfasf (even tho they have it in their menu) so they suggested to come later and maybe I can get a burger. Well maybe not, this resort is not worth a penny. On the bright side beach is beautiful but definitely bring your own food if planing on staying in the resort!

Firstly, this review is for the resort and NOT the Frenchman's Cove beach itself. I have always dreamed of visiting Frenchman's Cove resort since 2018 as the photos of the cove itself looked breath-taking. I finally got the chance and booked up for early January 2023. My friend and I stayed in villa 15 and our faces simultaneously dropped as soon as we walked inside. I appreciate the resort was built sometime in the fifties or sixties, but it doesn't excuse the state of the villa. The windows were FILTHY with bugs piled in every nook and cranny you could find. The kitchen was unusable - we refused to even enter. The bathroom taps and showerhead were encrusted with limescale, the tiles were grubby, there was an old dirty scrubbing sponge left on the side (as if we were expected use it!) and the bathroom sinks were stained yellow. I just don't understand why - considering there are very few villas on the resort - some general maintenance couldn't be upheld. Dated doesn't have to mean dirty! There is no restaurant on the resort and the nearest grocery store is a ten min drive away. They couldn't even offer coffee in the mornings. There is a restaurant at the cove but this is PRIVATELY owned and rundown and expensive for what it is. The grounds and the cove itself are beautiful but it wasn't enough for us to want to stay there, so unfortunately we checked out early and demanded a refund. The biggest disappointment, however, was the owner who despite being on site, and knew of our grievances, refused to meet with us face to face. Considering the resort manager was off sick, he should have stepped up and took responsibility. I would advise you to be mindful of all the glowing reviews which are probably of the cove itself and not the actual resort. I now know why there are no photos online of interiors! This whole experience ruined a good chunk of our holiday. Despite this, I would like to mention that Dean and big Mark from the security team, and Kemash on the front desk, did their best to help. Just a shame same couldn't be said of the resort's owner, Mr Weston.

I had heard so much about this place to the point i planned a trip around it. Prently staying at a beautiful villa a few mile away but had to do the beach here. Upon approching the main gate, the security was ok. He told me i had to pay, which i already knew. Being Jamaican i figured he felt he had to put it out their. Paid him and he directed me where to park. Only to find out to my horror and sick right knee, i had to walk about 500 meters to the beach. The beach, although rough was ok. I made the mistake of asking about ordering food. Ok...cheese burger got ready and was told the **** chicken had 45 minutes to go....need i say more about that? Went on the beach and secured a lounge chair so my 2 year old daughter could sit. A staff quickly ran over to let me know that they were reserved. After a while a bunch of white people came and of course all the beach lounge chairs were given to them. I tried to be calm because it was clear to me what was going on. I asked how i could get a couple of lounges and was told...."you have to pay for them" in the most condescending tone ever. I asked how much and was told JA$300 per chair. I took 2. So JA$1500 per person just to enter....amazing The burger was ok.....i am still here right now hoping things will improve