We just got back from our second trip to FDR Pebbles in as many years and are already planning to book for next year. If you have children and want them to have a great vacation, while getting the opportunity to actually enjoy yourself too, then this is the place to go. Although the hotel is anything but luxurious, the staff is great. Our nanny, Sheryl Guthrie, was exceptional. Our children (ages 4, 8 and 10) LOVE her. Being that this was our second year with Sheryl, we felt more comfortable than ever leaving our children in her care morning, noon and night. And that we did! We kept Sheryl late every night (8 nights total) so that we could enjoy ourselves at dinner (Sabbia restaurant is for adults only and offers surprisingly good Italian food)! Although it was only $4/hr to keep her past 5:00 (can't beat that), we tipped her generously each night and then again at the end of the trip. Everyone really wants you to enjoy yourself and is eager to please. Natalie at the pool bar will visit you often on the beach with delicious cocktails, but be careful, they are anything but watered down and will hit you all at once! The only bad side is leaving. I found myself calling out for Sheryl at the airport, in the car and several times at home. You definately get spoiled. It is a far cry from the Ritz, but you will be treated like royalty!

At first I was very disappointed with the hotel. Room water was luke-warm (if that), rooms were not comfortable, and every thing was "repaired" as opposed to fixed. After a few days I realized the problem was not with the hotel at all, it was that I am a spoiled American! Talking to our Nanny - who was great -about the education system, government and seeing living conditions outside from the hotel, I realized that we were very lucky. If you want a 5 star experience or if can not step outside your lifestyle, you will not fully enjoy what Pebbles has to offer. You will however have great food, conversation and free time in a casual secluded place. Game room is not kept with functional equipment....but we did not need that room much....Dinners were excellent. It was a great and realxing vacation . We might go back, but I really do like hot water.....

Just returned today after 4 days at Pebbles in Falmouth. Our 2.5 year old loved her time with nanny Givannah- she was great. The grounds were well kept and the pool was a big hit for all the kids. Service was great throughout. Rooms were comfortable- request block 10 right on the beach front. Food is just ok at best- don't think you're going to a 4 or 5 star place. If you're going to relax and have your children well cared for, then this is the place for you. If you're used to higher end places with 6-8 bars and restaurants, etc. then pass. One potential issue- they host local schools with "day passes" and when the kids arrived, the pool area got out of control. This got old after three straight days.

We arrived at FDR Pebbles on April 25th and stayed for 7 days. We were nervous about the nanny's but optimistic. They are awesome. We had two Latoya and Judy Ann Williams, both were wonderful and I would highly recommend them. We had JudyAnn longer and she got very close to the kids (2 1/2 and 6 months). My kids took right to both nanny's and loved them. My 2 year old did crafts, made tye dye tees for the family and had the best time. They were very protective of the kids and I couldn't say more. Judy Ann watched the kids 2 nights while we went to the adult restaurants (which were better than expected). They charge 4 dollars per hour, we gave her more. The people of Jamaica are awesome and they don't have many opportunities to make money, give them tips! The food overall was better than expected. Not many choices, but what was there was generally pretty good. The beach and pool were great. The room we found to be very comfortable. We liked that it had carpet instead of tile floors, as we find the tile is slippery with the kids. Misquitoes are really bad. Off didn't work for me and I'm still itchy! THough my husband and kids were hardly bit, go figure. There are 2 complimentary trips, which we skipped, but heard they were good. The snorkeling was good. All in all, there isn't much that I would change and we will go back again. The nanny's are awesome and made the trip. Thank you Judy Ann Williams and Latoya!!!