We have just returned from our 5th visit to FDR. We can't say enough about the feeling that we get each time we arrive back to Jamaica, and
back to FDR. The resort, the staff, the families that we see year after year, have made this place one of the most special memories that we have as a family. The Nannies that work with you take such care to bond with the children. The staff is friendly and accomodating. It has to be one of the easiest places to get to know and feel a part of. It's all right there for you to take advantage of: the swimming pool, Big Blue slide pool, the Beach, tennis, the Spa, snorkeling, SCUBA, Sunfish and kayaks, the children's and adult activities going on each day, one of the best open air gyms that we have seen at a hotel (with Donovan, an amazing personal trainer who runs the gym who makes it easier to eat all of the yummy food and drinks there!). We have 4 children, and the first couple of years we arranged to have a second nanny with us to help out. Absolutely worth
it! The Nannies are happy to return in the evening so that you can take advantage of the Adult-only restaurants: the Pier, which is Italian and Overproof, which is authentic Jamaican fare. The vacation becomes one that is full of family-time and couple-time too, a balance
that is easy to achieve at FDR. The grounds abound with beautiful courtyards full of plants and flowers. Excursions are easy to plan, if you wish to leave the Resort! If you are looking for a relaxing, easy, fun filled and stress-free vacation, please give FDR a chance! We will see you there next year!

Great time at FDR. Just got back. The good:

- decent selection of food. Lots of Caribbean-style food especially - peas and rice, curry..
- lots to eat any time of day, for adults and kids
- good selection of activities for kids
- our nanny, Tanya Austin, was fantastic
- other guests were very friendly
- room was a good size for us - 2 adults, 3 year old and 1 year old - a 2 bdrm suite. We were in Block 8 - very close to the main restaurant. It was easy to sometimes just pick up food and bring it back to the room
- the resort is small so it's quick to get anywhere, or to find someone
- staff was always friendly, accomodating. Service was fantastic
- food at the "Grill" nice and greasy, American-style, nice once in a while
- great to have the fridge in the room stocked with whatever you want
- incredibly kid-friendly
- we took the advice from an earlier review and got a private transfer from the airport and were glad we did. It's a little over an hour drive, and longer if you go with the resort shuttle as they have to wait to fill the bus, and will try to stop halfway for a pit stop. It's a long trip to Montego Bay with kids so you'll want to get to the resort as quickly as possible.

The bad:

- the lunch buffet started at 12:30pm - a little late for a lot of people, especially kids that have been active all morning. This caused daily backups at the grill by noon, and less variety
- often the food wasn't served very hot - lukewarm at best
- the Italian restaurant food was mediocre at best
- not a huge amount to do for adults, but that was cool with us as we were content to soak up the sun
- nightly entertainment was a little lacking
- being a family resort, the nightlife in general was pretty much non-existent (no fault to the resort - most guests, being families, seemed to be in their rooms by 9pm). The bar and club were pretty empty after that
- their beach was ok for kids but not much more than that. There's a great beach next door at Breezes that you are allowed to use but you can't go higher than the "high water mark". This means that you can't put your stuff up much higher than the water, and certainly not in the shade. You also can't use their lounge chairs. It's pretty unlikely you'll lug your own over so your stuck sitting on the sand or on your towel.
- this is a 3 star resort and is priced accordingly so don't expect 4 or 5 star quality. Everything's a little older and used but fine for most people

We had a 3 and 1 year old, and hit a pretty good groove each day. We would hang out with one or both of them in the morning in the water, with the nanny with us or separately with the other one. After lunch we'd keep the one year old and Tanya would go do activities with the other til dinner. We'd then feed the kids, and Tanya would take them after dinner, more activities, then put to bed. We'd be able to eat on our own every night and hang out afterwards alone.

Overall an amazing time at a great family resort and we'd certainly return.

I would like to express my happiness and satisfaction from my stay at the Franklyn D Resorts & Spa in Runaway Bay. This is the best resort I've ever stayed at and must commend the staff on their well mannered, well disciplined, friendly, knowledgability, willingness, jovial and professional attitude that was displayed to colleagues and I during our stay, I was extremely impressed. I've never gone to a resort that the staff knew my first name and the entire group of 40 people in a day, who stayed at the resort. I would like to thank the following nannies, Coretta, Carmelina, Natasha & Tricia. Sabrina, Chrissy, and the handsome gentleman from the bar. I would like to make special mention to Dia, wedding coordinator for perfecting Corine's and Everton's engagement party, it was simple the best. I have been to many resorts but nothing stands out in my mind like FDR resorts and Spa in Runaway Bay. I had the pleasure of attending Tyrese's bday party and was totally blown away with the set up done by Co-ordinators Dale, Sheneka, and Tamika Green. The party was choreographed by MC Leecia Watson, who came all the way from the Pebbles Resort to host Tyrese's party for yet another time. She was back by popular demand! Not to mention the spiderman cakes done by the Chefs from the Kitchen, the cakes were beautifully decorated. I had the pleasure of sitting in the VIP lounge while celebrating Everton, Enid(Corine's mom) & Ann-marie's birthday dinner which was coordinated by Anesha Johnson, the entertainment manager. Tamika Green another talented Coordinator, a true product of FDR sang a beautiful rendition of "Stick wit u" at Corine's and Everton's engagement party. An appropriate song for the most perfect bride and groom to be. This was an all white affair and was nothing less than a mini wedding. Last but not least, i would like to thank the staff at the front desk, Sophine Miller, Fushia, Tanika & Dannette for their warm welcome. I'd also like to mention the help from the Bellman Ricardo and the other helpful fellow. FDR Resorts and staff are truly a masterpiece that has perfected the art in coordinating, planning, executing the latest fashion and styles , from dance moves to party platter on a perfect day. I would like to thank each and everyone that has interacted with me during my stay and would recommend FDR resorts to my many friends and associates.

Jacquie Grant

I have to agree with the last review. As a matter of fact our family was probably there the same week. We just got back on Sept 1st. We were not expecting anything more than a 3 star and that is all we got. We really did however enjoy ourselves. I write this review with mixed feelings. My husband and I decided if we were asked to recommend it, we would. The hotel was definitely dated but clean. The play ground for the little ones was a disaster but the playroom and beach were great. Our nanny cleaned the room and stocked the fridge which was awesome. If you need anything while you are there just ask the nanny. As previously posted, the hotel is sorely lacking in information. We stopped calling the front desk (They just kept saying "I don't know) and started asking the nanny. There were alot of activities listed but they were not always done. We were thinking maybe that was because there were not a lot of people there. If there is something listed on the board and you don't see it happening ask...that's right...the nanny.... and she will find out about it for you. I have three kids 13, 11 and almost 3. I found that the girls were able to do enough to keep them busy most of the time. The nanny taught them how to make necklaces, bracelets and shirts. They enjoyed that. The got snorkeling lessons, swam in the pool, really liked the big slide and trampeline. The trampolene was in the inlet. They swam to it and got to jump around.

The food was good though there really was no variety in the buffets or restaurants but it was nice to be able to order from a menu all but two nights. The kids did not like the food for lunch and dinner. They ordered from the grill for lunch and ate the children's buffet for dinner. The children' s buffet was a really nice plus for all the kids.

My husband enjoyed the health club. Donovan who works there is extremely nice and a lot of fun to talk to. He also played tennis almost every day with the tennis guy there. Can't think of his name but my husband really liked him.

The service was ok. I was a little suprised that some of the people were not overly friendly, not mean, just not outgoing. I had read some really nice reviews. I guess maybe I was expecting too much. Yes, we did tip and it was appreciated.

The ABSOLUTE worst part was the shuttle to nad from the hotel. We waited 1 hour at the airport for the shuttle to fill up then after 1/2 hr into the trip they stopped at a roadside stand for a "break". After traveling and wiaitng for so long that was my breaking point. The on the way home we had a 12 flight. They wanted to pick us up at 7:30!!!!! We complained and they made it 8:00. Again, they stopped for a "break" to give locals some business I guess. If you do go get a private car. What a nightmare!

Please email me directly if you have any questions. I would be glad to help.