Travelers to Jamaica have lots of choices of where to stay on the Caribbean island. For most, that includes some of Jamaica’s outstanding all-inclusive resorts (which we’ll cover in a later article). But the island has a strong selection of independent, authentic hotels that offer an intimate, personalized travel experience. The best hotels in Jamaica, according to the hotel experts at Caribbean Journal, include:
How we choose the hotels
CJ’s hotel roundups are curated by our editorial team, which includes the Caribbean’s leading travel and tourism experts, along with our broad group of contributors who are on the ground all year round experiencing hotels and destinations. Our contributors and writers have more than a century of combined experience covering the region’s tourism industry and hotel product. We look at factors like value, price, service levels, personality, food and beverage quality and more. Above all, we seek out hotels that emphasize a truly Jamaican experience.
Where are the best places to stay in Jamaica?
You may be familiar with Jamaica’s tourism capital, Montego Bay. But the island has a host of unique, fascinating destinations ranging from Ocho Rios and Negril to up-and-coming hotspots like Treasure Beach and Port Antonio. In recent years, Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, has also been increasingly popular, drawing travelers in with a unique cultural and artistic offering and some new places to stay, too. Our roundup covers hotels across all of these destinations.
Half Moon, Montego Bay $$$$
The signature hotel in Jamaica: Half Moon has been open for seven decades, entertaining everyone from Queen Elizabeth to John F. Kennedy and cementing its place in the pantheon of Caribbean hospitality. In 2021, the hotel debuted its new Eclipse at Half Moon, a 57-room hotel-within-a-hotel that features a stunning beachfront infinity pool, outstanding food and service and an elevated room aesthetic. The hotel’s Founder’s Cove rooms are also lovely, many of them with their own private plunge pools and just steps from the beach. It’s the most complete hotel in Jamaica, with 400 acres that comprise everything from a golf course dubbed the “Caribbean Augusta” to a terrific spa. Book Now
Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Hopewell $$$$
Another historic Jamaica hotel, the most notable thing about this property is one of its co-owners: Ralph Lauren, who owns several villas at the property and, crucially, designed the guest rooms. You know the moment you open the door to your room that you’re in a special place, with a look straight out of Architectural Digest and charming box windows perched right above the pool and the sea. The vibe here is the golden age of jet-set travel: think black-and-white tile, old-fashioned room key alcoves and seriously good concierge work. This is a magical place to stay, whether you in the rooms or one of the large collection of staffed villas — that come with daily breakfast prepared right in your villa (make sure you have it served by your private pool). Book Now
Rockhouse, Negril $$$
Rock House is famous for having hosted the likes of The Rolling Stones and Bob Marley back in the 1970s. The 40-room retreat set on Negril’s ethereal cliffs definitely has a discrete personality: it’s cool, low-key and unforgettable. There’s a speaker in every room, one that just asks you to play roots reggae as you look out at the blue beyond the cliffs. The food is loyally, wonderfully Jamaican (including the Pushcart that was a favorite when we stayed here) and the spa is small but outstanding. If you want to experience the funky, creative spirit of Negril, this is the epicenter. Book Now
Goldeneye, Oracabessa $$$$
Yes, it’s the name of the first (and best) Pierce Brosnan-led James Bond film. But that name comes fro Bond creator Ian Fleming’s luxury villa just outside of Ocho Rios in Jamaica, where he conceived of Bond and wrote all the Bond novels, and where American Airlines now flies direct to an airport that also bears the legendary writer’s name. The best part? It’s now a hotel led by music legend Chris Blackwell, who has helped steward the hotel into one of the region’s top luxury accommodations. You can stay in a wide selection of rooms ranging from beach huts to lagoon cottages. But if you want to splurge, you can actually stay in the Fleming Villa — where the author did his work and where his desk still sits. Just make sure you order the right martini. Book Now.
Strawberry Hill, St Andrew $$
Blackwell’s Island Outpost has three properties in Jamaica (including the all-inclusive Caves in Negril), and we’re rather fond of this Blue Mountain retreat. There are just over a dozen rooms, with all done in a classic, comfortable style (yes, that includes four-poster beds) and the on-site restaurant is lovely: as with all of Blackwell’s hotels, this is a place that is true to Jamaica and where the food exemplified the best and most delicious of the island’s local flavors. The bar is a must, too. (A Blackwell Rum Punch, made with Chris’ family rum, is essential). Book Now
Jakes, Treasure Beach $$
Jamaica’s Treasure Beach is a colorful, unique destination on the south coast of Jamaica. It is also a place that was pummeled by the recent Hurricane Beryl. But the area is emerging out of its adversity, and that includes one of our favorite retreats in the islands: Jakes, the family-run, quirky, cool, fantastic collection of bungalows, hotel rooms and villas right on the coast. Jakes has already reopened some of its accommodations, and that means you can come and experience the unrivaled, inimitable spirit of Treasure Beach. Book Now
Geejam, Port Antonio $$$
Music is part of the Jamaican soul. Music is also at the center of this hotel in lush, under-the-radar Port Antonio, where the world-famous Jolly Boys became the house band and the on-site recording studio has received a who’s who of top artists from around the world. The rooms pop with color and eclectic interior details, from red chairs on the balcony to unusual light fixtures. But that is all part of the charm at a resort that has long been the top place to stay in Port Antonio, where the rainforest meets the beach. (You can also choose from a handful of spectacular villas on offer, too, if you’re looking for more space or traveling with a group). Book Now
S Hotel, Kingston $$
While Kingston has become more popular as a city getaway in the last few years, the S Hotel was cool long before that, drawing in the artists, newsmakers and creative types to its fabulous rooftop pool and lounge in the heart of town. And it’s still a great option whether you’re coming for a weekend to listen to records, explore reggae history and check out the abundant street art, or just in the city for a few days for work. Its sister hotel, the S Hotel in Montego Bay, is one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica (but, as we said, more on that in the next installment).
The Cliff Hotel, Negril $$$
This is a different sort of hotel for Negril: it’s sleek and upscale; a luxury, modern place to stay with beautiful suites (and villas) with beautiful manicured grounds. But the two things we like most about The Cliff are the food and the wellness program. On the culinary side, you get food from the world-class team of Cindy Hutson and Delius Shirley who, if you’re familiar with the Miami food scene, were the people behind the marvelous Ortanique on the Mile in Coral Gables. Their food is reason enough to come here, featuring Hutson and Shirley’s famous “cuisine of the sun.” For spa lovers, there is a bit of everything: the Kiyara spa, yoga, a sparkling fitness center and beauty options, too. Book Now
AC Hotel, Kingston $$
This is the product of a partnership between two major hotel brands: Sandals Resorts International and Marriott, and the result has become a hip, wonderfully executed hotel that has provided another great option in the emerging capital. It’s in line with the AC formula: small but crisply-designed rooms, a host of amenities like a fitness center and a beautiful pool, Wi-Fi and a happening bar, too. It’s a sign of how far Kingston has come, and where it’s going. Book Now
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