I'm not sure if I'd consider Great Huts a "cheap" place anymore... their basic accomodations (some are shared, or at least have shared bathroom facilities) run $60-87US... the funky factor make this still an attractive price, but not really a great deal for the money tho when you can get something with private bath and hot and cold water for less

for anything "nice" at great huts (which I'd personally say MUST include private facilities) you'll pay more mid-range (upwards of 140US)... that's just me...

Great Huts is a unique place and I think the higher end rooms are a great deal still (if you are on the "adventurous" side, not really for someone who enjoys the comforts of home)

www.greathuts.com

a couple other Portland options that might be a little more "budget" oriented but not giving up on basic ammentities are

http://www.searchmeheart.com/

http://mikuzijamaica.com/

I'm sure there are others, those are just two that i thought looked okay...

Portland in general is known as one of the safest areas of the island, (of course something could happen anywhere), but at Great Huts keep in mind that some of the accomodations are tents and can't really be locked... they have a few big dogs tho :) I've never heard that Great Huts had an issue with security...

Yambia cottages look nice (www.yambia.com) but I know they were down for awhile after Dean, I can only assume that they are back up and running now as the website doesn't indicate that they are closed... I am reluctant to recommend them because I do recall hearing that at one time they had issues with security... maybe someone with good knowledge of the property can confirm that these issues have been addressed...

Chelle

correction, that should be yahimba at www.yahimba.com

too early for me i guess :)

Chelle

for cheap and safe, you can try www.zioncountry.com they are in Long Road portland, right across the road to Reich/Reach falls... ;)

"Cheap" is relative but I really liked Fern Hill CLub. Their "standard" rooms are $79. Very comfy w/AC, TV, nice furniture, lovely mountain view. It's a great hotel spread out on a mountainside, with several pools, lovely sea views, restaurant/bar, ping pong game room, hangout areas. Free pass to San San beach down the road. near Blue Lagoon and Boston Bay and Frenchmans.

If you check out Jamaicansensations.com there are quite a few options. We stay at Wright's Apartments which are very reasonable and close to Winnifred Beach. It is the small community of Fairy Hill and you watch the going's on of the local community (the goat man taking his goats to and from feeding area in the morning/evenings). We feel very safe and all the studios or 1 & 2 bedroom places have their own kitchettes/bathrooms. Very homey!