Accommodations in Jamaica

Like any major tourist destination, Jamaica's accommodations run the gamut from pricey, high-class resorts to bare-bones guest houses and hotels. However, Jamaica sets itself apart by being known for having the most hotel options in the Caribbean, so you can make your accommodation choice based on a large number of factors including price, location and amenities.

There are many ways to narrow down a hotel search. For some vacationers, learning about the different types of accommodations available is the best way to start their search. Others, however, may want to jump right in. Those looking for a specific hotel may find an alphabetical listing of hotels to be the most useful. Others may be searching only for the finest hotels, while still others are looking for hotels with all of the amenities they desire. Each of these lists links to detailed hotel pages, full of information about each hotel or resort mentioned on the page.

Location

When booking a room for your stay in Jamaica, you may want to consider the room location. Try to find out how far it is from key areas of the hotel and the beach. Ask for a corner room if possible, these accommodations are generally larger and closer to elevators. They also often have more windows without always paying a higher price. Also, ask if the hotel will be under renovations while you're staying there. You may be able to book a room farther from the construction.

As far as where on the island the hotel is located, there are three main cities that guests typically choose to stay.

Negril

Despite being more rural than some of the other locations on the island, Negril is perhaps the most popular location for guests to choose to stay.  This is due to the fact that the famed Seven Mile Beach is located in Negril, the multitudes of dining options, the exciting nightlife, and the easy access to well-known natural attractions like the Royal Palm Reserve.  Accommodations in Negril run the gamut, with everything from small hotels to sprawling all-inclusive resorts, and a number of villas and rental properties like Negril Beach Club Condos to choose from as well.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is a popular destination due to the fact that the airport is located nearby, and the city-like atmosphere.  Vacationers who enjoy having numerous shopping, dining, and nightlife options will find it all in Montego Bay, as well as some natural attractions like the Martha Brae River.  Lodgings around Montego Bay are fewer than Negril, but still plentiful, and are mainly hotels, including the all suites El Greco Resort.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios has a lot of diversity, if you are one who wants to have plenty of options, or if you are traveling with a group who has a lot of different opinions about what is important to see and do in Jamaica.  Ocho Rios is home to beautiful beaches, historic attractions like Bob Marley's home, and natural must-sees like Dunn's River Falls.  Most of the accommodations here are hotels and resorts, though the Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge is located in Ocho Rios.

To learn more about the layout of Jamaica, including other cities where you can find lodgings (such as Kingston and Runaway Bay), visit our Map of Jamaica.

Types of Accommodations

Hotels

Many of the most popular hotels in Jamaica are the all-inclusive resorts that the island pioneered. These resorts are run by large companies and offer everything in excess, from food and drink to social activities.  A few all-inclusive hotels in Jamaica are Beaches Sandy Bay Ultra and Point Village Resort.

Outside all-inclusives, most hotels offer four standard meal packages: the European Plan (EP); the American Plan (AP); the Modified American Plan (MAP); and the Continental (CP) or Breakfast Plan (BP). The CP includes a light breakfast with your room charge. The MAP covers breakfast and dinner while the AP covers three meals daily. The EP includes your room only. Due to the popularity of all-inclusives in Jamaica, you generally will not find hotels with an AP that are not also considered to be all-inclusive hotels.

Condo & Villa Rentals

For travelers after a more cultural experience, family-run guest houses, small hotels and private villas can provide a very different experience.  Travelers who prefer the independence of coming and going without having to make their way through a maze of pools and buildings that often make up the sprawling resort properties, and who want to enjoy a true cultural experience find that finding a rental property is the best way to do so.  Hill Seaview Villa and Skycastles Condominiums are two such choices. 

Some would argue that one of the drawbacks to staying outside a large resort in Jamaica is the possibility of crime. Most resorts are well-protected, but some smaller accommodations may not be as insulated against the outside world. However, many travelers do not mind the sacrifice in security for a less group-oriented vacation, and there are ways of protecting yourself against these unwanted occurrences. Visit our guide to Crime in Jamaica to learn more. 

Camping & Eco-Tourism

Designated camp grounds are typically hard to come by in the Caribbean, but Jamaica is an exception to the rule.  Vacationers who want to truly strike out on their own and set up camp in the middle of Jamaica's natural splendor have plenty of opportunities to do so.  There are camp sites in the Blue Mountains, Hollywell National Recreational Park, and even a few botanical gardens and other locations.

Eco-lodges are also an option, such as the previously mentioned Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge in Montego Bay, and Great Huts near Port Antonio. Click here to read more about camping and eco-tourism in Jamaica.

Personal Considerations

There are a number of interests to take into consideration when planning where to stay in Jamaica.  Everything from your party size, to the amount of time you'll be on the island can affect your decision.

Party Size

The larger your party, the more effort you'll have to put into finding lodgings that will not only accommodate everyone, but remain affordable as well.  You may choose to book several rooms at a cheap hotel, but a villa rental may work out better.  This way, you'll have an entire home to yourself, everyone can split up and take over their own rooms, and there will be space to lay about, and perhaps even cook your own meals.

The specific type of group you're traveling with may make a difference as well.  Families with young children will obviously want a location that appeals to the younger set, while adults looking to party may prefer a location at which kids are not allowed at all like Hedonism II and Hedonism III.  Couples on a romantic getaway should look out for either couples-only resorts, like Couples Secret Rendezvous or small inns that offer that intimate feel that is so appealing to lovers.

Interests

You might find your stay in Jamaica easiest if you look for accommodations near all of the attractions you want to visit.  If everything you want to see is concentrated in the Montego Bay area, selecting a hotel on the other side of the island in Kingston would be a waste of travel time.  Take some time to look through what Jamaica has to offer tourists before deciding on a hotel, it may help you to narrow down your choices.  Also, many hotels cater to guests who are interested in a particular activity.  If you want to hit the links, or know you'll want to spend a night or two in a casino, be on the lookout for a hotel that has a golf course or casino on property.

Length of Stay

Jamaica's all-inclusive resorts make it easy for vacationers to plan a vacation that lasts from a weekend to a week.  If you plan to stay longer, this may not be the best route for you.  You'll probably get sick of eating in the same on-site restaurants, and run out of activities to participate in.  A regular hotel might be the best choice for a person staying for longer than average.  A rental property is also a great choice for the extended vacation, because it will allow you to create a home away from home, and you may even save money by being able to stock your own kitchen.

Quality

Using our Star Rating system can help you to narrow down your choices when it comes to choosing a hotel in Jamaica.  The Star Rating system judges each hotel independently of price, but instead focuses on the décor, amenities, cleanliness, care the staff provides, and more.  Still, it is common to see that as the Star Rating goes up, the price of the room goes up as well.  The great thing about traveling to Jamaica, however, is the great many of accommodation options.  This means that you can find a wide array of pricing within each Star Rating, so no matter what your budget, you'll be able to find the perfect place to stay.

One and Two Stars

When looking at a 1 Star property in Jamaica, you can expect to find a hotel on the smaller side, typically owned and operated by one person, or a family.  The rooms will be small as well, with few amenities, but this may be just fine for a vacationer who doesn't plan to spend much time in their room to begin with.  Jamaica's 1 Star Properties include , Verney's Tropical Resort and the Bungalo, and range in price between $45 and $100(USD).

Still small, but verging on medium-sized, the island's 2 Star hotels are often still locally owned, but might be part of a national chain.  Amenities will still be few, but you can usually expect to find an on-site restaurant, bar, or at the very least, room service during certain hours of the day.  Jamaica's 2 Star properties include White Sands and Sunflower Beach Resort, and range in price between  $50 and $300(USD).

Three Stars

Hotels classified as being 3 Star properties are more spacious than the lower rated properties, and have many more nice amenities.  The rooms may not be overtly-extravagant, but the service will over ride a plain room.  These hotels will will have room service, and perhaps a restaurant or two.  Jamaica's 3 Star properties include Whistling Bird Resort and Charela Inn, and range in price between $100 and $800(USD).

Four Stars

The 4 Star properties in Jamaica can be considered above average in size.  They are well-appointed, well-taken care of, and well-staffed.  Extras might include jacuzzi tubs in the bathroom, or specialty linens.  Jamaica's 4 Star properties include Half Moon Royal Villas and Wyndham Rose Hall Resort & Country Club, and range in price between $200 and $1000(USD).

Five Stars

Top of the line and best of the best are phrases used to describe the 5 Star hotels in Jamaica.  These properties boast the best in amenities, care, décor, and extras.  It goes without saying that when you select a property rated highly, you will be treated highly during your stay.  Jamaica's 5 Star properties include , and range in price between $300 and $2000(USD).

Hotel Search

One of our features at Jamaica Guide is an advanced hotel search tool that enables you to narrow your accommodations search down to a few choices.  Enter some details into our system regarding what you're looking for, and we will generate a list that matches your criteria. 

Whether you're looking for a getaway with the whole family or just a couple's retreat, you'll be sure to find the right accommodations in Jamaica, with its miles of beach-front hotels and intriguing little hideaways.