Where to Stay in Jamaica • Best Jamaica Hotels + Resorts

Feb 06, 2021by Sarah Peterson

You’ve booked your flights, dug out your beach attire, and you’re getting excited for your Caribbean vacation. Now you just need to figure out exactly where to stay in Jamaica.

After a long day of sightseeing, unwind and rejuvenate at one of these top hotels and resorts in Jamaica. Your accommodations can make or break your vacation, so make sure you choose a spot that is perfect for you.

This guide will help refine your search. Save time searching and check out these accommodations.

Check Out: Jamaica Travel Guide • Plan Your Trip to Jamaica

The Districts & Neighbourhoods of Jamaica

Jamaica is divided up into three counties, with three main cities.

Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, is a bustling business district and one of the best-known cities on the island. It’s ideal to stay here if you want to easily visit tourist attractions like the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House, and the National Gallery.

At the north of Kingston, you’ll find the Blue Mountains, which is perfect for hikers and birdwatchers. Stroll around Port Antonio at the northeast coast and admire the Victorian and Caribbean architecture.

Visiting Jamaica to relax and spend time at scenic beaches? Montego Bay is the spot for you. Towns like Ocho Rios and Negril are also ideal for vacationers who want to take a break from city life and enjoy the atmosphere of beaches like the Seven Mile Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach, or Bloody Bay.

Either check out our top picks below, or find a spot that's perfect for your itinerary here:

Booking.com

4 Best Hotels in Jamaica

Ready to book your flight to Jamaica? Make sure you have the best room first with these hotels:

#1. Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Where to stay in Jamaica

Enjoy a luxurious stay at Round Hill Hotel and Villas. The classic resort offers luxurious suites where A-list celebrities and world leaders stayed.

Choose among different accommodations including 36 Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guest rooms with dark wood and white accents, 96 luxurious villa rooms, and suites, or 26 private 2 to 6 bedroom villas.

You’ll have a hard time leaving the place once you experience this five-star hotel. They offer beautiful pools, tennis courts, kids club, water-sports, gym, and spa.

Neighbourhood: Montego Bay

Restaurants: The award-winning chef Martin Maginley tempts your palate with Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine at The Restaurant at Round Hill. Seaside Terrace and The Grill boasts dishes made with local produce and Jamaican cuisine.

Best for: Luxury travel for families with children

#2. S Hotel

Book a weekend or more at S Hotel. An excellent place for your little getaway with friends or family.

You won’t miss the city once you witness the view of Doctor's Cave beach. Stay at this boutique hotel’s stylish and roomy suites adorned with dark oak and wicker that complements the fine coastal view.

Make yourself at home and enjoy swimming at the sky pool, getting massages at the spa, rafting using the traditional bamboo rafts, and other water-sports. Have a tranquil time at the private beach or have fun at Montego Bay’s hip strip for nightlife.

Neighbourhood: Montego Bay

Restaurants: Rocksteady serves Caribbean cuisine while Marketplace is perfect for those who want local delicacies.

Best for: Friends, families, or even business travellers will like this hotel

#3. Couples Tower Isle

Where to stay in Jamaica

Couples Tower Isle is the absolute location for your romantic getaway. The adults-only hotel is suitable for couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoon.

The pastel and bamboo decor looks welcoming. Rooms have king-sized beds and private balconies or patios with spectacular ocean or garden views. Relax with their unlimited spa services, take a dip in their pool or sunbathe at the private island.

Neighbourhood: Tower Isle St. Mary, Jamaica

Restaurants: Feast on Mediterranean Cuisine at Patio Restaurant or try out Asian cuisine at Bayside. Craving old Jamaican flavours? Reserve a table at Eight Rivers for dinner.

Best for: Couples and honeymooners looking for a peaceful vacation

#4. Spanish Court Hotel

The Spanish Court Hotel is a go-to destination if you want to be near tourist attractions and amazing local restaurants in Jamaica.

Boasting a luxurious Spanish-influenced exterior and 125 rooms with a rich colour palette of black, gold, and green colours. The rooms have LED TV with digital cable, mini bar, customized inset lighting, blackout blinds and more.

Relax at Zen Spa for full-service wellness or hang out at The Sky Terrace's 50-foot infinity lap pool.

Neighbourhood: Kingston

Restaurants: Enjoy international and Jamaican cuisine at The Rojo Restaurant, Sky Terrace, and Cabana Pool Restaurant.

Best for: Families or group of friends

4 Top Resorts in Jamaica

From an all-inclusive accommodation or a budget-friendly one, here are our top resort picks:

#1. GoldenEye

Feel your tropical vacation at GoldenEye. This five-star beachfront resort showcases all cane and bamboo furnishings, mahogany beds, and retro artworks. And did you know that it’s where Ian Fleming wrote all the fourteen James Bond novels?

Experience world-class amenities and find a private beach area, 3 outdoor pools, and a spa perfect for families and couples. Attend yoga classes or have a tennis match with your peers. There are tons of children's activities too in this resort.

There are 47 villas, cottages, and beach huts on stilts where you can lazily lounge in the afternoon. All the villas and cottages are provided with kitchen facilities, but you can also eat at Bizot Bar bistro or The Gazebo which are GoldenEye's restaurants.

Neighbourhood: Oracabessa Bay in Ocho Rios

Restaurants: Bizot Bar serves fresh salads. burger, and authentic Jamaican food while The Gazebo is known for international flavours. Another dining option is the Bamboo Bar known for seafood, Jamaican Jerk BBQ, and rum.

Amenities: Outdoor pool, tennis court, private beach, yoga classes, children’s activities

Best for: Luxury travel for families with children or couples

#2. Jamaica Inn

Where to stay in Jamaica

Watch the waves meet the white sandy beach while sitting under a thatched umbrella on a beautiful sunny day. Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios offers this and more!

Have an unrivalled view of the Caribbean Sea from each room. A total of 52 elegant and spacious suites for a comfortable stay awaits every type of traveler. The resort also offers a pool, spa, gym, and a 700-foot private beach for a special vacation with your partner, friends, or the entire family.

Neighbourhood: Ocho Rios

Restaurants: Sea Shanty Restaurant offers traditional and local food and Terrace Restaurant serves international cuisine infused with local Jamaican flavours.

Amenities: Pools, gym, spa, private beach

Best for: Families and couples

#3. Half Moon

Looking for a luxury vacation for your family? Half Moon resort with an overlooking view of Montego Bay is an idyllic location for a tropical trip.

The resort provides plenty of activities to keep kids and adults entertained the whole time. It’s also attractive especially to nature and animal lovers. Swim with the dolphins, try horseback riding, kayak on the turquoise sea or play at the tennis courts.

The all-inclusive resort has a total of 228 rooms with a fairly traditional style. Choose a room overlooking the shoreline or a sweeping garden view.

Neighbourhood: Montego Bay

Restaurants: Have a fine dinner at Sugar Mill or opt for different views and fresh seafood dishes at Delmare. Ital Cafe offers a vegan menu and freshly made juice shots.

Amenities: Tennis court, clubs for kids, pool, spa, gym

Best for: Luxury travel for families with kids or group of friends

#4. Travellers Beach Resort

Travellers Beach Resort offers a premium experience for tourists at a lower price. This budget-friendly resort exudes a warm and friendly vibe. The resort is at Negril's Seven Mile Beach which gives you a beautiful view of the shoreline during your stay.

Have a delightful stay wherever you're from all around the globe. This resort boasts water sports and scuba diving, art gym, swimming pool, and family room.

Neighbourhood: Negril, Jamaica

Restaurants: Travellers’ seaside bar & restaurant highlights authentic Jamaican food.

Amenities: Pool, gym, poolside bar, banquet room, conference facilities

Best for: Budget travellers

Sarah Peterson

@sarah

Sarah Peterson

@sarah

Sarah Peterson is the co-founder and head of marketing at FLIGHTFŪD. She's a travel health expert and after having visited 20+ countries as a digital nomad and flying every 4-6 weeks for business, she became passionate about empowering others to protect their bodies on the go.