Ms. Lena's Inn Thing

Lena and Lester Celebrate 50 years of Marriage

In the early eighties Lena Donaldson had a really bright idea, it was,  why not use her charm, resourcefulness and love of people to create a small, intimate, family owned restaurant on the beach in Negril, Jamaica . Ms. Lena as she was affectionately called had been wife to Lester for over thirty years. She had never owned or operated a business, but had enough courage and the support of her husband and family. She experimented with many names but finally decided on “the Inn Thing”, the name was suppose to connote style, something fashionable with easy access and good food. One thing Lena was sure about that this gathering place would provide friendship and good company to anyone and everyone who strolled on the beach. She wanted to create the same atmosphere in the restaurant as was present around her dining table and in her home.

The Inn Thing soon became known for its warmth and beautiful view of the sunset. It was also the place where guests at Lena’s Cabins could swap stories, make up stories and court the young at heart. In over twenty years of serving a diverse and broadening population Ms. Lena’s Inn thing have seen second and third generation families sitting on those stools. American, Canadian, Italian, German, and British visitors have all tasted good food, experienced love and have been romanced by the grace and delightfulness of each worker. Very few have walked away unsatisfied with the cuisine or fellowship that accompanied a wonderful traditional Jamaican breakfast or simply an ice-cold Red Stripe beer.

With little desire to compete with the high-rise buildings and large complexes, The Inn Thing has remained a cuddly little place nestled in the middle of seven miles of white sand beach. It is this unobtrusive nature that has made this place special. Ms. Lena prided herself in hiring staff that reflected her family values, understood good service and share the common view of “Life is just for living”. Dining at the Inn Thing has always been more than just consuming ackee and saltfish or drinking carrot juice, it has become a social event, accompanied by good conversations, good atmosphere and friendly faces.

Although Ms. Lena passed away in 1997, the Inn Thing has remained vibrant and alluring, her legacy of treating everyone with respect and dignity has followed beyond her passing. Her children have honored her by keeping her passion for a belly full of food and a belly full of laughter in one place. So Ms. Lena’s Inn Thing has survived many hurricanes, tropical depressions and just commercial development in Negril and still boast as the place to be. Make sure when you plan your vacation you squeeze in some time to sit in one of those stools and see the sunset or just take in the view of para-sailors or skimpily clad beauties on the beach.

The Donaldson Family

FOR Reservations call:  (876) 957-4377

OR email: REVAUDS@AOL.COM