Our family has just returned home from FDR. All in all we had a good time. This hotel gives you things that no other hotel gives...nanny, ability to meet other guests, employees know you and your family by name. It is almost as if you are at a family camp. The kids play all day and at night moms and dads sit around, eat dinner and get to know eachother.

Some items that would make the resort better would be: more comfortable mattresses, better maintenance and better food (though the coffee is amazing!).

All in all, this was a very laid back vacation- the kids were sad to leave their friends and my husband and I were truly sad to leave ours. I can see why guest choose to return to FDR- especially, if you time it and return with the other guest that you have met. So, if you can deal with a few negatives and you are desiring a laid back vacation- FDR is a great pick!

I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

We took our 19month old here earlier this month and it is by far the bast family holiday that we have had. The staff are generally very good, the nannies are totally amazing and everyone wants to make your stay the best possible.

The airport;
An experience !! Total disorganisation I think is the only way to describe arriving at Montego Bay. We had quite a long walk from the plane through to immigration although I'm sure this is not the case for everyone. The baggage hall was like nothing I have ever experienced - the carousel number took ages to come up on the screen and when it did it was the wrong one. When the bags had gone round once the staff were taking them off the carousel and puttng them to the side so it really was very difficult to find bags. Having said that, we got ours eventually and slipped into the Jamaica relaxed attitude !!

The transfer;
Great. The road is finished and is really good. The transfer takes about 90 mins but that includes a beer/rest stop on the way.

FDR
The room was good although we did have a few minor niggles but these were fixed quickly. (problem with the lock on the door, leaky shower)
The beach is OK but Breezes is next door and is fantastic (no nude beach to pass any more). You can easily walk out to the reef to feed the fish if you so choose.
FDR facilities are great although some are a bit worn - not 5 star but it really does not matter as your stay is made so special by the staff.
The nannies are fantastic and our little boy wanted our nanny to come home with us he liked her so much ! They do everything to make your holiday really special. They stock the fridge with whatever you want whether on the list or not. They keep the room clean and most importantly look after your child and make sure that they have a fantastic holiday. Our nanny got to know everything our little boy enjoyed doing/eating/drinking etc and we felt really comfortable leaving him with her. We did not take to the first nanny we were allocated (nothing wrong with her - she was just quite quiet and our son is himself more with chatty people ), so we asked for another one and said what we were looking for in a nanny. We got the perfect nanny for our son.
I would say that it is really important to tell your nanny at the start what you want from her eg we said that making sure our son had a good time took priority over cleaning, to chat to him lots etc.

This place is one of a kind - you must go there.

We had been checking out this resort for 2 years. I had read many reviews about FDR Pebbles. The pictures of the resort that are on applevacation.com are exactly how the resort looks.
The staff was excellent always trying to please you. We went in late May, so it was their off season. I have read complaints about weddings, peoples rooms, staff. But these people who complain need to remember your in a 3rd world country. you can't expect to have all the luxuries of America. If that's what your looking for then stay in America.
We did tip our staff because they were always right on the ball. On our second day at the resort we noticed there was no pool waitress, so we asked for one and right away they sent us one. I will say the food is not the best. But we were there to relax, you can always find something at the pool bar. We took our 7 year old son with us. They kept him so busy! even a couple we met Greg and Noel commented one day when our son walked by us, That kid doesn't even know you here! He was so sad to leave. They took him fishing, tennis, tye dying ( bring white t-shirts) he was always on the go! We tipped our nanny $100.00, seemed to be the norm. We had our nanny take us to a school and to her home so our son could see how the Jamaicans live and how fortunate he is to live in the USA. We do this with every country we visit, I think it is important for our children to see the real world and not just the resorts. If you walk down the beach there is a shopping area. But beware, it is safe to walk but the people in the first few huts will ask you to buy drugs and they do try hard to get you to buy them. Just say "no mon" I don't do that stuff and they'll leave you alone. Or ask a staff member to take you down there. They can take you there. Don't get taken, there was one piece I really wanted to buy and the guy wanted 150.00 for it. he said he hand carved it. But a few days later I found the same piece in another shop for 30.00 Bargain with these people. they expect you too. We were all sad when our time came to leave. It was if you become a part of this huge family. We loved it and we will return. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you have!

We stayed at FDR resort for six days in May and had a wonderful vacation. The resort it's self is worn and in need of repair however the wonderful staff and the nanny service were superb.

If you plan on going ask for a renovated room as ours had little water pressure and no hot water. The food was wonderful and they had many activities for our 1 and 4 year old to do. Would go back again. You might want to bring some clothes pins to hang up your clothes and some tea towels and dish clothes for the kitchen. If you want a wonderful nanny ask for Lisa.