Jamaica Accommodations

Jamaica accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Rock” and “Jamrock”.

Jamaica known for: British-colonial architecture, beaches, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, mineral springs, jerk food (dry-rubbed / wet-marinated w/ spices), rum, Red Stripe (beer), Blue Mountain coffee, snorkeling, diving

In proximity to Haiti, Cuba and the Cayman Islands, Jamaica is a Caribbean island-nation. Jamaica’s main coastal tourist towns are Negril (west), Montego Bay (northwest) and Ocho Rios (north). Located on Jamaica’s southeastern coast, Kingston is the island’s capital. The word “Jamaica” derives from an indigenous Caribbean word meaning “land of wood or water” / “land of springs”.

 

 

Jamaica main attractions: Rick’s Cafe (Caribbean restaurant – Negril), Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Emancipation Park (Kingston state park), Bob Marley Museum (Kingston Museum), YS Falls (tourist attraction), Bamboo Beach Club (Falmouth beach club), Appleton Estate Rum Tour (tourist attraction), Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay beach), Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay tourist attraction), Jamaican Bobsled Rollercoaster (Ocho Rios tourist attraction), Reach Falls (Manchionea ecological park – waterfall, swimming area, wildlife), Old Spanish Bridge (tourist attraction), Island Gully Falls (tourist attraction – waterfalls, pools, jumping, rope swinging), Rocklands Bird Sanctuary (Montego Bay bird watching area), White River Calypso Rafting & Tubing (tourist attraction), Benta River (Pennycooke park), Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs (Pennycooke tourist attraction), Blue Mountain Peak (mountain peak), Sun Valley Plantation Hummingbird Garden

Jamaica main airport: Sangster International Airport (just north of Montego Bay)

Airport car rental agencies: Epic Car Rental, MoBay Car Rental

Cars travel on the left-hand side.

Rideshare service: Uber (operates in Kingston only)

Cruise ports: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Kingston , Port Antonio

Jamaica top events: Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Reggae Sumfest, Bob Marley Week, Trelawny Yam Festival, Jamaica Carnival, Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament

More fun things: Blue Hole Tour

Jamaica currency: Jamaican Dollar

Legal drinking age: 18 years old

When traveling to Jamaica there are some things to keep in mind. Jamaica’s official language is English. Tourist areas generally are safe, though it’s wise to be vigilant even in Montego Bay (if in Kingston be extra-vigilant). When venturing outside of tourist areas (ex. nature) it’s recommended to hire a tour guide. Be sure not to flaunt jewelry or smartphones out in public. Jamaicans speak a dialect known as “patois” (ex. Weh yuh ah seh  – what are you saying?, Small up yuhself – make room, Mi deh yah – everything is okay, Mi soon come – I’ll be right there, Inna di morrows – I’ll see you tomorrow, Wah gwaan – what’s up?). Jamaica accommodations are some of the Caribbean’s best. Before we get to Jamaica accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

 

 

Humans likely have inhabited Jamaica since around 600 AD when the “Redware” people arrived. Following the Redwares the “Taíno” people (South American) settled on the island circa 800. Possibly numbering 60,000 at one point, the Taino would farm and fish in southern Jamaica (Old Harbour) for several centuries. The first European country to spot Jamaica was Spain, the first individual, Italian. On his second voyage to the Americas (1494), Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain. First spotting St. Ann’s Bay, Columbus referred to it as “Saint Gloria”. Almost a decade later Columbus returned to Jamaica but became shipwrecked. Columbus was forced to live on the island for about a year while awaiting rescue. The island’s first Spanish settlement (Sevilla – due-west of St. Ann’s Bay) was established by Juan de Esquivel in 1509. Deemed unhealthy, however, Sevilla was abandoned in 1524. About a decade later “Spanish Town” became the island’s new capital. Meanwhile the island’s Taino population perished in large numbers (disease, enslavement). Consequently Spain began importing African slaves. Many African slaves escaped and fled to the island’s mountainous interior, subsequently becoming known as “Maroons”. Jamaica’s population dwindled to around 3,000 by the early-17th century. The “Wars of the Three Kingdoms” saw Irish (indentured laborers) make up about two-thirds of the island’s white population by 1655. In the same year England invaded Jamaica. Following the 1657 “Battle of Ocho Rios” and 1658 “Battle of Rio Nuevo” (with Maroon support) England took control of Jamaica from Spain. Remaining Taino fled to interior regions to merge with Maroon communities. Spain made several attempts to recapture Jamaica. In turn Britain supported pirate attacks on Spanish ships in the Caribbean. A notorious pirate center would develop at Port Royal (mouth of Kingston Harbour). By 1660 Jamaica’s population reached about 6,000 (4,500 white & 1,500 black). The 1670 “Treaty of Madrid” gave England official control of Jamaica, and African slaves began working on English sugar cane plantations (becoming majority of population). During the 18th century sugar, coffee, cotton and indigo became important products, and slaves ran away to join the Maroons. A number of conflicts would arise such as the “Maroon” and “Tacky’s” Wars. The British abolished the slave trade in 1807, but not the institution itself. The 1831 “Baptist War” (Sam Sharp Rebellion) occurred between the Colony of Jamaica and slave rebels, which ultimately resulted in a suppressed rebellion. In 1872 Jamaica’s capital moved from Spanish Town to Kingston. Jamaica gained independence from Britain on August 6, 1962, albeit with a membership into the “Commonwealth of Nations”.

Home to around 2.8 million “Jamaicans”, Jamaica is the Caribbean’s third-largest island (4,240 square miles). Jamaica accommodates about 4.3 million annual visitors. About 77% of Jamrock’s demographic is “Afro-Jamaican”, while 70% is Christian (mostly Protestant). “Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy” (Jamaican government) means that a hereditary monarch (Great Britain) is Jamaica’s sovereign and head of state. A bioluminescent bay (glows at night when disturbed – dinoflagellate plankton), “Luminous Lagoon” is located in Montego Bay. Jamaica’s national bird is the red-billed streamertail (hummingbird). Other diverse wildlife includes Jamaican boas, Jamaican hutias (endangered, rat-like), fig-eating bats, wild boars, mongoose, American crocodiles, black-billed parrots, Jamaican blackbirds, Greater flamingos, treefrogs, Jamaican sliders (freshwater turtles), Jamaican parrotfish, dolphins and manatees. Characterized by a tropical climate, Jamaica experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year (coastline – inland more temperate). Hurricanes are possible.

Additional points of interest: Doctor’s Cave Beach Club, St. Ann Parish

 

 

Jamaica local foods: ackee and saltfish (Jamaica national dish), jerk chicken, pork and fish, pea soup, oxtail, fried breadfruit, goat curry

 

 

Popular drinks: beer (Red Stripe), rum punch, “dirty banana” (rum, coffee liqueur, banana liqueur, cream, banana), tea, ginger beer

With some background information on the island, we’re ready for Jamaica accommodations that will help make for an exciting trip.

 

 

 

S Hotel Montego Bay

7 Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Hotel amenities: restaurants, bars, buffet breakfast, swimming pools, sky pools, spa, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks, 24-hour front desk

Nearby: The Palm Terrace (wedding venue)

Within feet:

• • • Doctor’s Cave Beach
    • One Man Beach

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Closed Harbor Beach

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Catherine Hall Beach

Within 3.6 miles:

• • • Palms Entertainment Park

Within 10 miles:

• • • Blue Hole Nature Park

S Hotel Montego Bay is within feet of Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Sky -Club Ocean-View Spa Suite): $964

Cost per person (three people): $321

 

 

 

Polkerris Bed & Breakfast

13 Corniche Road, N/A Montego Bay

One Man Beach

B&B amenities: lounge, free breakfast, terrace with a swimming pool, sea views, garden, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi , flat-screen TVs, safes

Nearby restaurants / bars: Marguerites (fine dining restaurant), Margaritaville Montego Bay, Hunger’s Point (restaurant), The Pelican Grill (family restaurant), Sunset Bar & Restaurant, Brewery Sunset Restaurant & Lounge

Nearby misc.: Coral Cliff (casino), De’Beauti Studio & Spa, Trav Sun Tours Jamaica, Solomone Adventure Tours (tour operator)

Within feet:

• • • One Man Beach
    • Catherine Hall Beach

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Jarrett Park
    • The Catherine Hall Entertainment Center

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • The Howard Cooke Park

Polkerris Bed & Breakfast is 1.9 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $314

 

 

 

Jamaica Inn

1 Old Road Main Street, Ocho Rios

Coconut Grove Shopping Village

Resort amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, beach bar, poolside bar, free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, library, spa, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, electric vehicle charging point, free parking, airport transfer

Nearby: White River North (shopping plaza)

Within feet:

• • • Coconut Grove Shopping Village

Within 1 mile:

• • • Pleasure Cove Beach

Within 1.4 miles:

• • • Prospect Plantation

Jamaica Inn is 104 minutes from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Cottage – Seven): $2,049

 

 

 

 

Catcha Falling Star

West End Road, Negril

Rick’s Cafe

Resort amenities: private cove, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, sea views, hot tub, massage services, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes

Nearby: The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel (Caribbean restaurant), Kool Vybes (Jamaican restaurant), Sunset Walk (Jamaican restaurant), Shark (restaurant), Just Natural (restaurant), Murphy’s West End (restaurant), Ivan’s (restaurant & bar), Sir D’s (bar), Whoopees Park (bar), Wake N Bake Café

Within feet:

• • • Rick’s Cafe

Within 3.3 miles:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 3.5 miles:

• • • Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Within 7 miles:

• • • Nigril
    • Royal Palm Reserve

Catcha Falling Star is 51 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night : $307

Cost per person (four people): $76

 

 

 

Ocean Cliff Hotel

West End Road Negril

Sangster International Airport

Hotel amenities: private beach area, restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, balconies, garden, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, free private parking, airport transportation

Nearby restaurants / bars: Blue Mahoe (restaurant & bar), Chicken Lavish Restaurant (restaurant), Pirates Dock (bar & grill), Connie’s Country & Western Bar, Canoe Beach Bar

Nearby misc.: Patsy’s Coffeeshop, Moya Spa (massage therapist)

Within feet:

• • • Sangster International Airport

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 1.8 miles:

• • • Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Within 5 miles:

• • • Bloody Bay Beach
    • Hedonism II Beach

Approximate cost per night (Deluxe Double Room): $481

 

 

 

 

Montego Bay Villa

Calypso Dr., Montego Bay

Freeport Peninsula

Villa amenities: 4 bedrooms, infinity pool, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kitchen, washer, garage parking

Nearby: The Lagoons (apartment complex)

Within feet:

• • • Freeport Peninsula

Within 9 minutes:

• • • Doctor’s Cave Beach

Montego Bay Villa is 11 minutes from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $1,681

Cost per person (eight people): $210

 

 

 

 

Hermosa Cove Villa Resort and Suites

Hermosa Street, Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Clock Tower | Mahogany Beach | Shaw Park Gardens

Hotel amenities: private beach, restaurant, 2 bars, beach bar, 3 outdoor pools, rooftop terrace, garden, barbecue grills, library, spa, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, front desk (limited hours), concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, airport transfer

Nearby: Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove (restaurant)

Within feet:

• • • Ocho Rios Clock Tower
    • Mahogany Beach
    • Shaw Park Gardens

Within 1 mile:

• • • Turtle River Park

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • Turtle Beach

Hermosa Cove Villa Resort and Suites is 102 minutes from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Room – Pimento): $1,501

Cost per person (six people): $250

 

 

 

 

Orchid Cottage

12 Norbrook Drive, Kingston

Constant Spring Golf Course | Manor Park Plaza

Guesthouse amenities: pool with a view, sun terrace, garden, garden views, barbecue facilities, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens (select rooms), safety deposit boxes, walk-in showers, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk, billiards, picnic area, free private parking

Within feet:

• • • Constant Spring Golf Course
    • Manor Park Plaza

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • K. S. A. C. Maloney Park

Within 5 miles:

• • • Tinson Pen Airdrome
    • Park of World Heroes
    • The Eric Bell Tennis Centre
    • Hope Botanical Garden
    • Temple Hall Estates

Within 6 miles:

• • • Old Railway Station

Within 17 miles:

• • • Norman Manley International Airport

Approximate cost per night: $108

 

 

 

 

The Caves

Light House , Negril

Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Hotel bells and whistles: on-site dining, private cave dining for an extra cost (reserved upon check-in), rum bar, bar made from two limestone grottos, 24-hour self-service bar, private terraces, cliff-side guest suites, cottages with ocean views, cliffside hot tub, coffee-making facilities, mini-bars, in-room dining options, free bike rentals, snorkeling tours, local transfer service

Nearby: Jamaican Roots Tropical Farm

Within feet:

• • • Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Within 1 mile:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 5 miles:

• • • Nigril

The Caves is 52 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Ocean Front Cottage): $1,292

Cost per person (four people): $323

 

 

 

 

Whispering Seas Penthouse

A1 Whispering Seas, Tower Isle St. Mary, Ocho Rios

Sapphire Island

Penthouse amenities: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, patio with pool views, balcony, garden, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen, free private parking

Nearby: Delly’s Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant, Heaven’s Wynter Lodge Sports Bar & Restaurant, Twist Ice Cream & Cheesecake Parlor

Within feet:

• • • Sapphire Island
    • Bambu Beach

Within 4.5 miles:

• • • Ocho Rios Market

Within 5 miles:

• • • Dunn’s River Falls

Within 33 miles:

• • • Tinson Pen Airdrome

Approximate cost per night: $378

Cost per person (four people): $94

 

 

 

 

Penthouse On The Ridge

Main Street, Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Bay Beach

Penthouse amenities: panoramic harbor / town views, private gazebos, free Wi-Fi, private parking

Nearby: Konoko Falls, Turtle River Falls And Garden, Little Dunn’s River Beach, Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures

Within feet:

• • • Ocho Rios Bay Beach

Within 1 mile:

• • • Jerk Center Restaurant
    • Oceans 11 Restaurant
    • General Foods Supermarket

Within  2 miles:

• • • Farmers Market

Within 3 miles:

• • • Dunns River Falls

Penthouse on the Ridge is 53 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (4 Bedroom Signature Villa): $324

Cost per person (five people): $64

 

 

 

 

 

So there they are, Jamaica accommodations that will help make for an outstanding trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in the Caribbean!

Jamaica accommodations