Where To Stay In Jamaica

Jamaica is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful country, however, choosing the best place to stay can be confusing. The island is a tourist-favourite Caribbean destination for its culture, food and white sand beaches. Away from the beaches are bustling cities, rainforest-covered mountains and some of the best diving sites in the world. Jamaica has something to offer every kind of visitor, with every budget. Here’s where to stay in Jamaica for a fantastic vacation, with hotels to meet your every need.

Where To Stay In Jamaica

Negril

Negril is a beachside neighbourhood in Jamaica that has long been a tourist favourite.

The beach itself is the longest natural beach on the island making it one of the best spots to lay back, relax and enjoy the sun in.

Negril has a laid-back atmosphere which is perfect for those looking for the ultimate relaxing break.

Enjoy jerk chicken right on the beach from many authentic street vendors or waterside restaurants, with each restaurant and cook serving jerk their style to their own recipe.

One of the best things to do in Negril is to make the most of the crystal clear turquoise waters, either by snorkelling, scuba diving, or if you are feeling brave, cliff jumping off one of the many cliffs in the area.

Where To Stay In Negril

Luxury: Azul Beach Resort Negril

For a luxury stay in Jamaica’s most popular beach resort, look no further than Azul Beach Resort.

The hotel has a large and inviting outdoor pool with many rooms overlooking the pool or out across the sea.

The hotel’s beachfront location is perfect for instant access to the areas famous white sand beaches and of course the Caribbean Sea.

Azul Beach Resort has 3 restaurants serving a range of dishes including traditional Jamaican cuisine, and a beach bar on the hotels private section of the sands.

Bedrooms are beautifully designed with large windows showing off the view, comfortable seating areas, air conditioning, access to free WiFi and safety deposit boxes.

The hotel has a range of activities available including beach volleyball, table tennis and lawn chess, as well as scuba diving and snorkelling tours.

Mid Range: Tensing Pen

For luxury without the price tag, enjoy your relaxing Jamaican vacation at Tensing Pen, a beautiful and rustic hotel overlooking the sea.

The hotel has everything you need for the ultimate relaxing break, from its outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, to the spa offering a range of treatments and yoga classes.

Every room has a cosy and welcoming interior with dark woods, tasteful decor and soft lighting, and to add to the overall luxury vibe every bedroom has a patio with sea views.

Budget: Sunrise Club Hotel

Sunrise Club Hotel is the perfect hotel for a cheaper stay in Negril while still feeling upmarket.

The hotel offers guests spacious bedrooms with large windows and pristine private bathrooms.

Sunrise Club Hotel is within a short walk of the famous 7 Mile Beach, and is only 10 minutes from downtown Negril itself where there are restaurants and bars.

The hotel has an airport shuttle and free parking if you are planning on seeing more of the island independently.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is a popular spot as many cruise ships dock here on tours of the Caribbean.

As a result there are many popular hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions all within easy reach.

Spend some time on Montego Bay’s beautiful beaches, and venture to Doctor’s Cave Beach, one of the most popular in the area.

Those travelling with children should visit Montego Bay’s Animal Farm and Nature Reserve to meet a range of animals including rabbits, pigs and a rescued cow.

Enjoy one of the most incredible natural sights on earth on a tour of the Luminous Lagoon, a lagoon where bioluminescence lights up the water.

Where To Stay In Montego Bay

Luxury: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Enjoy a luxury stay in Montego Bay at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.

This all inclusive adults only resort is the perfect destination for couples to enjoy a relaxing break in the sun.

The hotel is on the beachfront and offers guest an outdoor swimming pool, beach spa, garden and a variety of bars and restaurants.

Each bedroom is pristine, with white walls and linens accented with rich azure blue rugs and tropical paintings, private bathrooms with complimentary luxury toiletries, air conditioning and free WiFi throughout.

Bedrooms have views across the pool area or out towards the sea, adding to the luxury appeal of this hotel.

Mid Range: SeaGarden Beach Resort

Another of Montego Bay’s excellent all inclusive resorts is SeaGarden Beach.

The hotel has a beach club with private beach area and bar for guests, and private tennis courts.

Bedrooms are clean and airy with excellent views over the gardens or the sea, and all include free WiFi access, air conditioning, cable TV and private bathrooms.

SeaGarden has two outdoor swimming pools with plenty of sun loungers for relaxing, and 4 onsite restaurants catering to your every need.

The hotel has a range of activities including scuba diving lessons and snorkelling tours.

Budget: Toby’s Resort

Toby’s Resort is an excellent 3-star hotel in Montego Bay for your Jamaica vacation.

The hotel offers bedrooms with private balconies looking out across the pool or over the gardens, spacious interiors, air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Within the grounds are two swimming pools, with plenty of space to relax and unwind on a sun lounger, and two outdoor bars.

The onsite restaurant offers guests a range of dishes including local and international cuisines, and an excellent American-style breakfast each morning.

The hotel is only a short drive from some of the best beaches in Montego Bay including Doctor’s Cove and Cornwall Beach.

Kingston

Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica, and offers visitors something a little different to the tropical appeal of the country offered in brochures.

The city is vibrant and a hub for arts and culture, and is one of the best destinations to immerse yourself in Jamaican authenticity.

The city is bustling and energetic throughout the day and into the night, with plenty of things to do and see.

While in Kingston be sure to try some typical and authentic Jamaican cuisine that may not be offered by your hotel, including saltfish, jerk chicken and patties filled with a range of delicious spiced meats and vegetables.

Learn more about the island and its neighbours at the National Gallery of Jamaica where a vast collection of Caribbean art.

Spend some time wandering the 2000 acre grounds of Hope Gardens, the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean, to see a variety of local plants, beautiful ponds, and a museum dedicated to coconuts.

Where To Stay In Kingston

Luxury: Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

Terra Nova All Suite Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels in Jamaica and will certainly make your Kingston stay a luxurious one.

The hotel gives off manor house vibes throughout, with its elegant Regency Room for fine dining, to the luxurious bedding and decor in each bedroom.

As given away by its name, Terra Nova only offers suites for accommodation, so expect large and richly designed rooms offering everything you need including balconies, coffee maker, air conditioning, free WiFi throughout and sprawling bathrooms offering both baths and showers.

Outside is a hot tub, swimming pool and gym for those looking to work out during their vacation.

There are two restaurants onsite, a bar, spacious games room and casino.

The hotel is ideally located for Devon House, a historical home, and The Bob Marley Museum.

Mid Range: Christar Villas Hotel

Enjoy your city centre stay at Christar Villas Hotel, an excellent city centre hotel with close access to a range of attractions and sights.

The hotel has neatly presented bedrooms complete with a kitchenette, however breakfast is available at the hotels restaurant.

Each room has large beds, private bathrooms, free WiFi access, cable TV and furnished balconies.

The hotel has a small swimming pool with sun loungers, gym and business centre.

The hotel offers free parking for those with their own vehicles, and can arrange transport for those who don’t.

Within a short drive of the hotel is the spectacular Hope Gardens, a relaxing botanical garden, and Devon House.

Budget: Shirley Retreat

Shirley Retreat offers guests a cosy and simple stay at a homely hotel in Kingston.

The hotel has clean and bright bedrooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, private bathroom and TV, with some bedrooms also offering a mini fridge.

While there is no onsite restaurant, a good breakfast is severed daily, and the staff are friendly and can offer you guidance on the best places to dine locally.

Shirley Retreat is close to the centre of the city and is a short walk from the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is an excellent Jamaican destination to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying a well deserved relaxing vacation.

The area is very popular among travellers who enjoy the great outdoors are there are plenty of opportunities for hikes, swimming and snorkelling.

For the brave at heart, climb deep into the beautiful Mystic Mountain rainforest before zip lining your way back down.

One of the areas most popular and must-visit landmarks is Dunn’s River Waterfall, a spectacular waterfall completely surrounded by thick lush rainforest with plenty of natural pools at its base to swim in.

Ocho Rios is a traditional fishing village and as such has excellent seafood offered in its restaurants.

For some of the best seafood in Ocho Rios dine at Sharkies Seafood Restaurant for a tasty dish of curried shrimp.

Where To Stay In Ocho Rios

Luxury: Jewel Paradise Cove

Enjoy your Ocho Rios stay in luxury at Jewel Paradise Cove, an exclusive adults only beach resort.

The hotel offers everything you need to completely surround yourself in luxurious paradise vibes including its own private beach.

The hotel has 8 excellent restaurants to choose from, a bar, large swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers, and a fitness centre.

Each bedroom is light and airy with decorative touches and furnishings in warm reds and oranges.

Bedrooms come with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, flat screen TVs, balconies and private bathrooms with luxury complimentary toiletries.

Runway Bay Beach, the closest public beach to the resort, is only a 300m (984.25ft) walk from the hotel.

The hotel is also ideally placed for hiking along the coastline or into the surrounding rainforest, or snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.

Mid Range: Edes Phoenix Grandeur Getaway

For a relaxing and cosy stay, book your accommodation at Edes Phoenix Grandeur Getaway.

The hotel is a little further from the beach, 2 kilometres (1.24 miles) to be precise, however it is well placed for hiking trails.

Each bedroom has views across the gardens or out towards the sea, and includes private bathrooms, fresh linens and flat screen TVs.

There is a small swimming pool and hot tub to relax and unwind in after a days exploring.

Budget: Ocean Palms

Ocean Palms is an excellent beachfront hotel to stay at in Ocho Rios on a budget.

The hotel’s outdoor swimming pool has sun loungers and spectacular views across the sea.

Many of the bedrooms have balconies with views over the sea, and all include private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, plenty of storage, and flat screen TVs.

The hotel has an excellent onsite restaurant serving breakfast and a variety of dishes both local and international throughout the day.

Ocean Palms is only a short drive from some of Ocho Rios’ most beautiful landmarks including Blue Hole, Mystic Mountain and Dunn’s River Falls.

Port Antonio

Port Antonio is one of the most beautiful Jamaican destinations for its architecture and art.

The area is home to a range of attractions including a variety of natural beauty spots, excellent beaches, and the Errol Flynn Marina filled with luxury yachts.

The port is one of the largest in Jamaica and sees bananas, coconuts and cocoa leave its shores.

Port Antonio is less touristy than other areas of Jamaica, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

Visit the historic Trident Castle on its perch over the peninsula for beautiful views and plenty of historical tales.

Another must-visit landmark in Port Antonio is the Blue Lagoon with its deep blue waters, making it perfect for a swim and some incredible photographs.

Where To Stay In Port Antonio

Luxury: Geejam

Enjoy a luxury break in Port Antonio at Geejam, an excellent 4-star hotel close to the sea and surrounded by lush green landscapes.

The hotel offers rooms with soft colours and large windows creating an airy and pleasant atmosphere, digital surround sound systems, private patios and mini bars, as well as private bathrooms.

Uniquely, the hotel provides guests with a complimentary mobile phone to use during their stay, which they can use to contact the reception team or concierge for anything they may need.

The hotel has two pools, a spa offering aromatherapy, massages and hot tubs.

There is an excellent restaurant serving traditional Jamaican cuisine and Asian fusion dishes, and a bar.

Mid Range: Jamaica Palace Hotel

Jamaica Palace Hotel is an excellent hotel with views across Turtle Harbour and out towards the sea.

The hotel’s spacious outdoor pool has plenty of sun loungers, surrounded by the hotels garden.

There is also an art gallery and 2 restaurants onsite offering a la carte meals and a buffet.

Each bedroom has air conditioning, free WiFi, safes and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.

The staff are friendly and welcoming, and are able to help guest with a range of things to help make their stay even better including car hire and booking onto a range of tours and excursions.

Budget: Moon San Villa

Moon San Villa is a great 3-star hotel to base yourself in for your Jamaican vacation.

The hotel looks out towards the sea and is perfectly placed for the Blue Lagoon which is a mere 300ft (91.44m) from its doors.

Each bedroom is lightly decorated and includes large windows, TVs with access to Netflix, air conditioning, and tea and coffee facilities, with the countries famous Blue Mountain Coffee provided.

The hotel provides an excellent continental breakfast with vegetarian options.

While there is no onsite restaurant, the staff are friendly and helpful and can recommend the best places to dine at in the immediate area.