Originally Posted by
onelove
If you have never been to Jamaica...please do not rent a car. Even with the new roads it is very challenging to dirive in Jamaica. By the time you pay the rental and mandatory insurance it will only be a few dollars more to hire a driver for the entire day.
While there is nothing really within walking distance from the Ritz, there are several good options for eating in the area.
Scotchies is close by (you could walk there) and it is a good traditional Jerk Pit. There are also restaurants at the Shoppes at Rose Hall and the Half-Moon Shopping Center.
There is a new shopping mall at Ironshore that has several places to eat as well. A trip to the Hip Strip will give you about a dozen options like Margaritaville, Marguerites, Blue Note, Bobsled Cafe, Groovey Grouper and even Burger King. Street food in Jamaica is great! Look for the oilpan chicken guys. They grill the chicken in converted oildrums. Yummy and safe.
Have fun!
onelove
You are going a bit overboard on the fees and driving bit (atleast during the day). The fees charged are nothing more or less than you would pay in the US and there is no such thing as mandatory insurance. I just rented a car at MBJ and was told by the rep that my card Citibank World MC covers the rental (the reason why I am on the board at this moment) - this was confirmed by the manager and they even wrote on my rental agreement they were so sure. Also, I was not charged the $1,500.00 deductible (usually refunded if no issues).