The Penny Pincher Travel Blog

Shaw Park Gardens Ocho Rios Jamaica A must see attraction Waterfall at Shaw Park Gardens image copyright Ashauntae 2014 A visit to this luscious garden in the mountains of Ocho Rios Jamaica was a pleasant surprise. The hidden gem that is the Shaw Park Gardens was originally the location of the original Shaw Park garden Resort which is now located closer to the city center. The old hotel still remains and is sometimes used for guests who crave the natural environment. You will be taken to the top of the mountain by cab or tour bus. Once up there, you are able to take spectacular photos of the city below. After paying your $10.00 admission fee, you are assigned a tour guide who is very knowledge about the landscape and history of the garden. Our tour guide was the gardener. The 45 minute tour takes you down the mountains where you are amazed by the beauty of the natural landscape that includes a spectacular water falls, streams, exotic plants, flowers and trees. There is a natura...

 The Jamaica Sunset Grand is a lot more affordable today than it used to be but still a good deal. Jamaica Sunset Grand Ocho Rios, Image copyright Ashauntae 2014 Visited Jamaica and stayed at the Sunset Jamaica Grand all inclusive resort in the heart of Ocho Rios Jamaica in February 2014. This was an excellent choice for us because we love to mingle with the locals  and browse the local markets and the resort is just a step away from downtown Ocho Rios. It was our first trip to the Sunset Grand. The saying that you get what you pay for is entirely true for hotels and resorts. We choose this resort because compared to the the other vacations packages for the period we traveled, it was reasonably priced. Overall the hotel was quite nice especially the exterior. The views were great, the pools and beach area were well maintained and beautiful. While the beach was small, and there was minimal shaded areas the beach was always clean. However, the interior has deteriorated a...