J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari
J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari, Crane Road, Black River, Jamaica- Tourist Site
- Attraction
Compare nearby stays with similar location, guest experience, amenities, and class.
Private Beach Area and Outdoor Pool
Enjoy the luxury of a private beach area and relax by the outdoor swimming pool with stunning sea and pool views.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Indulge in spacious family rooms and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones at our picnic area.
Convenient Amenities and Services
Experience comfort with air-conditioned units, fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, and sightseeing tours in the neighbourhood.
Book now to unwind at Indigo Beach Villa and explore the beauty of Black River!
Check-in from
03:00 PM
Check-out by
11:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
28 sqm
Sea View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
37 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
93 sqm
Sea View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
28 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
Schönes großes Zimmer und Terrasse mit Meerblick, welches neu renoviert war. Sehr gute Zimmerausstattung und ein großes Bad. Ruhige Lage mit direktem Strandzugang.
Der vorhandener Pool war nicht nutzbar, da verschmutzt. Die Terrassen-Liegestühle waren leider defekt und nicht nutzbar. Keine Frühstücksmöglichkeit und keine Einkaufsmöglichkeit für Getränke im Hotel. Personal nur bei Check-in erreichbar, keine weiteren Informationen zum Zimmer oder Ort erhalten.
Mooie, schone kamer in deze villa vrijwel direct aan het strand gelegen. De dame was behulpzaam en gaf ons een koelkastje, borden, glazen en bestek.
Het is bewonderenswaardig hoe snel deze villa is opgeknapt nadat orkaan Melissa heeft huisgehouden. Het stadje Black River is compleet weggevaagd. Het zal jaren duren voordat ze die klap te boven zijn. Daardoor was het zwembad, de tuin en het strand niet toegankelijk of aantrekkelijk om daar te vertoeven.
I need my refund. The property is closed and left my family stranded with nowhere to stay
Garnichts, haben uns eine alternative suchen müssen.
Wir wussten vom Hurrikan und waren dchon darauf eingestellt das man das noch sieht, aber wir haben Vorort erfahren das erst seit 14 Tagen wieder Strom herrscht. Über die Lage des Landes möchte ich hier ganicht viel sagen, mir tut das so Leid was hier passiert ist. Aber die Unterkunft hat uns garnicht beschrid gegeben, die Bilder schauen super aus, als wäre alles wieder in Ordnung. Die Realität schaut leider anders aus. Der Pool ist 3/4 voll und Grün, der Garten verwüstet und es liegen immer noch Trümmerteile überrall herum. Die Fassade und Terrasse ist zerstört. Links im Garten liegt ein Fischerboot. Es tut mir so weh hier zu schreiben, was dort los ist lässt meine Augen nicht trocken. Aber die Unterkunft hätte uns darüber informieren können. Das finde ich nicht do gut.
Fantastisch uitzicht en supermooie, grote kamer.
Er was geen wifi verbinding mogelijk en het zwembad mag wel schoongemaakt worden
We kwamen rond 17.30 aan bleek het verblijf nog niet open te zijn omdat ze nog niet klaar zijn met renoveren van de stormschade onstaan door tyfoon Melissa. Dit is natuurlijk zeer treurig voor hun maar zet je accommodatie dan niet op boeking. Nu moesten wij nog iets anders zien te vinden dus naar treasure beach in het donker we hadden pas om 20.30 iets gevonden wat natuurlijk veel duurder uit pakte. Dus als je iets boekt bel of app ze of ze überhaupt al wel open zijn
I love black river 's seven mile beach! Access was steps away.pool was great for nighttime relaxation.
Hangers for clothes
Near the sea and easy to get to by car to Black River town centre
Our room was at the front overlooking the main road, so could be noisy. Housekeeping only done once over the 6 days.
There was no one to check us in at this property. Went over to the main hotel and we had to talk to kitchen staff to get service. The place had loads of clutter around and the pool was dirty.
This property is a hidden gem, but it feels like the owners don’t fully appreciate its potential. With just a $300–$400 investment, this could be the kind of destination guests never want to leave. I was cautious and only booked one night, which turned out to be the right call. The photos were somewhat misleading, and while I accept some responsibility for not scrutinizing the listing more closely, the room was supposed to include a kettle—which wasn’t there. That made late-night comfort a challenge. We encountered a few serious issues: • The toilet began leaking. • The water went out completely. • There was no response from staff for hours when we tried to report these problems. That kind of delay in communication is not acceptable, especially when guests are in need. Some missed opportunities worth addressing: • Add a microwave and kettle to each room. With no nearby convenience stores and the only kitchen being a 5–7 minute drive away (and only open during the day), guests are left with few options. • Make it clear that there are no on-site facilities. • Consider offering a small stocked minibar or emergency essentials for late-night needs. • Pool toys could use a good cleaning. On the bright side, the ocean and pool were fantastic, and the kitchen staff were the highlight of our stay—especially the ones who helped us with food by the beach the next day. This place has a lot of potential. Some TLC and better attention to guest needs, it could be top tier
I liked the location, spacious room and pool at the back, near the sea.
Everything was ok, I would suggest that they have someone onsite to show guests around and answer any questions
Easy access to beach & Spacious accommodation area 👍
the view was amazing. My room faced the beach, and the pool. I found a cab driver to take me to the airport at 5am which is 2 hours away.
I want to say that the staff that worked there were lovely and it's not their fault, it's the horrible leadership of the owner. No water in the rooms upon arrival or the entire trip, no coffee or coffee maker offered. The restaurant and resort is advertised as next door to the villa but it was a mile away. No public transport and no help with it. No place to eat at the villa. we were all starving. No promised transport the literary festival. No one cared. We all complained, everyone that was staying here for the festival complained. This place is not ready to be open yet. I've traveled all over the world and never had such a horrible hospitality experience.
My family and I had a wonderful stay at this property. Great location in Black River on the beach. The place was easy to find, safe, and clean. The beds were very comfy, cool AC, and had great wifi. I highly recommend staying here and will stay again in the future.
Excellent property Prime location for beach,room was wonderful, host Josh really helpful and accommodating will definitely be going back and recommending to everyone.. thanks for a Great time Hotel Indigo you are a real credit to booking.com..*****
Nothing
Clean and comfortable needs more practical amenities however
Excellent area to visit by the beach... place was very quiet and peaceful... we had the place to ourselves.
a lot of bugs at night.... maybe need to put screened patio.
Great little gem and Josh was great and kind and helpful
we were unable to check in due to lack of staff availability . We showed to the property 3 times. I want full refund
Do not stay here. I have noticed the owner has a response to deny every negative review and I am sure he will call me a scammer too. But I am not. Upon entry we were hit with a pungent smell. We called the maintenance man, Josh back to see what could be done about the chemical smell. It was like a bug fogger or other poisonous chemical. It was intense. We opened all the doors and windows but the smell was still toxic the next morning. At 9 am we were greeted with jack hammering in the unit above us. We again called Josh. We told him we had to leave as my wife woke with a migraine headache and a sore throat. We had paid for two nights but could not get out fast enough. The housekeeping was also poor. no towels at all and dead bugs in the sinks and floor. I am attaching a photo of the coffee maker full of mold that had been there a long time. Customers beware, I learned that Hotels.com always supports the hotel. We asked for a refund and because the owner refuses to answer Hotel.com we are denied a refund no matter how bad the situation is. My wife has had a sore throat ever since staying there. It had to be some chemical that caused the smell and the sore throat. When we left, Josh lied to my face by saying there was no smell although had said he smelled it the night before. I am getting a Jamaican Lawyer as this was dangerous. Do not trust Indigo Villa or the hotel.
Easy Communication and we were welcomed by Josh on arrival- He is a very friendly guy. Located directly on the Beach and with a clean Pool, we could enjoy the Day and relax.The Room was comfortable and clean.
The Sunloungers are a bit done.
the access to the beach.
No TV, Weird water closet (toilet) installation, poor drainage of the shower
We booked an ocean view deluxe room with a balcony for Feb 14th on Jan 22nd and paid for it and received a confirmation of the booking. When we arrived, the room they gave us was not what we booked. The room was bare bones. No bedside lamps, no blanket on the bed, only sheets, no place to put luggage on, closet was a hole in the wall with no shelf or clothes rack, the bathroom had no mirror, no racks for towels or toilet paper. I phoned them and complained and was told the management would call me back, but that did not happen. The room we got was less expensive than the one we paid for. We should get a refund on the difference. Don't think that will happen. On a better note, the pool was nice and the beach was nearby, and the room was clean. We were very disappointed, as the pictures of the room we booked were really nice.
The breach and pool on the property..
The property sits on the main road and it is very noisy. There was no TV, kettle or coffee making facilities. We had a balcony that we had to share with the room next door. We could not sit on the balcony at night because there was no light switch. The bed was 3 ft high and we had to pull ourselves onto the bed. Very dangerous getting up in the night getting off and on the bed. We did not have a chair or anywhere to hand our clothes just drawers.
Avoid. Assessments do not reflect the reality of the situation. Right next to the street. The fence does not protect against the rumble of the road. Construction debris in the yard. We did not find or could not find any link or path to the swimming pool, dining room. No eating utensils. There was a fork and microwave. A man met us, let us in and promised to come in the morning, but we did not see him. We went to the sister hotel Indigo nearby to pay. They found our registration after searching for fiddles. They asked us to pay a higher amount. Finally, we got it sorted out. But shamed 2 times. Later refunded that part. I asked for a price reduction for low-quality horseshoes, they refused. I asked for a glass of water, they told me to go to a restaurant to buy it. Unfriendly, inhospitable and overpriced. We avoid such people because they not only spoil the image of the country, but they also harm their owners. I would urge managers to audit their staff and assess whether they are worth working for and spoiling the business.
Avoid. Assessments do not reflect the reality of the situation. Right next to the street. The fence does not protect against the rumble of the road. Construction debris in the yard. We did not find or could not find any link or path to the swimming pool, dining room. No eating utensils. There was a fork and microwave. A man met us, let us in and promised to come in the morning, but we did not see him. We went to the sister hotel Indigo nearby to pay. They found our registration after searching for fiddles. They asked us to pay a higher amount. Finally, we got it sorted out. But shamed 2 times. Later refunded that part. I asked for a price reduction for low-quality horseshoes, they refused. I asked for a glass of water, they told me to go to a restaurant to buy it. Unfriendly, inhospitable and overpriced. We avoid such people because they not only spoil the image of the country, but they also harm their owners. I would urge managers to audit their staff and assess whether they are worth working for and
Stand alone location. Personel only available upon appointment. Large Room Nice view. Big terrace. Location is near road. No restaurant.
Bed is way too high. Noise from traffic Lack of restaurant facilities
Absolutely wonderful place! Great communication via messaging prior to arrival. The staff at the property were very nice and accommodating. We had a gorgeous view of the ocean from the balcony and the sunsets were amazing! The room was beautiful! The bed and pillows were very comfortable! Floats were available to use at the pool. The grounds were impeccable!
Pool and Beach did not meet expectation.
Location and spacious room. It’s located on the beach. I loved that our room had a sofa area. The breakfast was delicious but there is a $25 fee for two ppl. I thought it was a bed and breakfast but the breakfast is not included in the price. You have to pay for breakfast separately. The breakfast was reasonably priced.
The bathroom needs updated. The tv didn’t work in our room and I love to watch tv in bed.
.
The location is perfect a 5 minute drive to the centre for shopping and the Black river safari tour to visit the crocodiles an restaurants walking distance as this is a villa an amazing view of the sea you just open the gate and you are right on the beach no walking involved and has a lovely swimming pool it is a fisherman area so you will see fishermen in the morning where you can get fresh fish and the place is located where you can go on boat tours to the Pelican bar where the bar is built out at sea the place is very unspoiled and no hustle and bustle so if you are looking for a relaxing vacation with that I own the island to myself feel free to this is the place to be
Location and staff were great - breakfast was OK.
Water pressure in shower needs to be improved. Gas stove needs attention - could not be used for a portion of stay.
Breakfast was really well cooked. Staff awesome..
It was fine. No complaints.
Fantastic location, private beach, literally a stone's throw away to the rear of the property. A pool and the patio area was a nice touch.
There wasn't anything that I didn't like
Clean and very spacious rooms. We were a party of 6. The adjoining rooms were a pleasant surprise. The beds were very comfortable and the perfect end to long days. The pool and patio were a great space for a laid- back evening, and being so close to the beach ⛱️ to the rear of the property, the audible lapping of the waves created a tranquil environment. Excellent location within walking distance of Las Vegas Cafe and Cloggys for great food and drink.
My expectations were exceeded, so there wasn't anything that I didn't like.
The stay was most enjoyable. Friendly service. Great property and accommodation.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet & a relaxing stay this is definitely the place for you. Beautiful back yard with a pool and just a short walk to the beach. Josh is extremely helpful, no matter the time (literally) & can give info of restaurants and tours near by if needed. Overall great experience 10/10 if you ask my fiancé ( he’s picky about everything). Highly recommend & Big up Josh!!
The private facility and beach access was perfect for our family vacation.
The property is under new ownership and still working out a few maintenance issues. But Josh in the property was amazing and responsive. Have to arrange off property activity as it is not super close to things. But we still were able to go to town and explore fairly easy.
I was so excited to book this property because of its amazing location, but little did I know that it would also provide me with a sense of peace and tranquility that exceeded all my expectations.
I had a fantastic stay at this hotel. The beach and pool were very nice, the location was amazing and gave me a great view of the sunset. It made me feel a truly authentic Jamaican experience, will most definitely be back.
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
Areas to consider
Cleanliness
6.69/10The pool was dirty and there was clutter around the property, indicating a lack of attention to cleanliness.
Service
8.16/10Service was lacking due to delayed check-in and response times, but kitchen staff received positive remarks.
Location
9.7/10Convenient access to Black River's seven-mile beach and proximity to town center.
Room Quality
7.15/10Issues with room amenities and misrepresentation in the listing led to dissatisfaction.
Amenities
7.18/10Lack of essential amenities like kettle and microwave were noted as direct problems.
Value for Money
8.64/10While some issues existed, the beautiful location and potential of the property offer reasonable value.
Food and Beverage
9.69/10Positive comments about food service by kitchen staff on the beach.
Overall Experience
9.16/10The property's potential as a hidden gem is recognized, despite challenges faced during the stay.