Jamaica Accommodations

Jamaica accommodations

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

Jamaica known for: beaches, coral reefs, diving, snorkeling, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, mineral springs, British-colonial architecture, jerk food (dry-rubbed / wet-marinated with hot spices), Caribbean restaurants & bars, rum, Red Stripe beer, Blue Mountain coffee

Jamaica is located on picturesque Caribbean sea and fairly close to the islands of Haiti, Cuba and the Cayman Islands. A Caribbean island-nation, Jamaica is home to the tourist towns Negril (western coast), Montego Bay (northwestern coast) and Ocho Rios (northern coast). Kingston, the island-nation’s capital city, is located on the southeastern coast. Meaning “land of wood or water” / “land of springs”, the word “Jamaica” derives from an indigenous Caribbean word.

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

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’s official language is English, though most islanders speak a dialect known as Patois. Patois examples are 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) and Wah Gwaan (what’s up?). When visiting Jamaica, be sure to take extra precautions in Kingston, and be mindful of your surroundings even in Montego Bay, while not flaunting jewelry or smartphones. When traveling outside of tourist areas, it’s best to use a tour agency. In Jamaica, Cars travel on the left-hand side, the drinking age is 18 years old and currency is the Jamaican Dollar. 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.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the first human presence in Jamaica dates to around 600 AD. At that time, it is believed that the “Redware people” arrived, followed by the South American Taíno people circa 800. The Taino, possibly numbering 60,000 at one point, farmed and fished in south Jamaica near Old Harbour. When England took control of the island in 1655, some of the remaining Taino fled into interior regions and merged with African Maroon communities. Prior to England, however, Spain was the first European country to spot Jamaica. Christopher Columbus, in 1494 on his second voyage to the Americas, claimed the island for Spain. Columbus’ first sighting was of St. Ann’s Bay, which he named “Saint Gloria”. Columbus returned to Jamaica in 1503 and became shipwrecked, causing him and his crew to live on the island for a year while awaiting rescue. Juan de Esquivel established the island’s first Spanish settlement, Sevilla, circa 1509 just west of St. Ann’s Bay. Deemed unhealthy, Sevilla was abandoned in 1524, and Spanish Town became the new capital around 1534. The Taino perished in large numbers due to introduced diseases and enslavement by the Spanish. Consequently, Spain began importing African slaves, many of which escaped enslavement to the mountainous interior and became known as Maroons. Jamaica’s population dwindled to no more than 3,000 by the early17th century. Beginning with the 1655 invasion of Jamaica, England took control of the island from Spain by way of the 1657 Battle of Ocho Rios and the 1658 Battle of Rio Nuevo, with support from the Maroon community. Spain made several attempts to recapture Jamaica. In turn, Britain supported pirates’ attacks on Spanish ships in the Caribbean. Port Royal, at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, became a notorious pirate center. With the 1670 Treaty of Madrid, Spain gave up their ambitions to recapture Jamaica. Jamaica’s population numbered about 4,500 white and 1,500 in 1660. A decade later, African slaves working on English sugar cane plantations made up a majority of the population. Becoming indentured laborers as a consequence of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Irish made up about two-thirds of the island’s white population around 1655. Sugar, coffee, cotton and indigo accounted for a strong economy in Jamaica during the 1700s. During the 18th century, slaves ran away to join the Maroons, which resulted in a number of wars such as the Maroon and Tacky’s Wars. In 1807, the British abolished the slave trade, but not the institution itself, which led to the 1831 Baptist War. Also known as the Sam Sharp Rebellion, the Baptist War between the Colony of Jamaica and slave rebels resulted in a suppressed rebellion. In 1872, Jamaica’s capital transferred from Spanish Town to Kingston. Jamaica gained independence on August 6, 1962, albeit with a membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Caribbean’s third-largest island at 4,240 square miles, Jamaica is home to around 2.8 million Jamaicans. Roughly 77% of the population is made up of Afro-Jamaicans. Around 70% of Jamaica’s population identifies as Christian, almost entirely practicing Protestantism. Jamaica’s government is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning that a hereditary monarch (Great Britain) is the sovereign and head of state. Heavily dependent on tourism, Jamaica welcomes around 4.3 tourists annually. Top sports are cricket and football, while the island also is known for its world-class track-and-field sprinters. Jamaica’s climate is tropical,  with hot, humid weather throughout the year along the coastline. Inland regions tend to be more temperate, and hurricanes are entirely possible. Jamaica’s national bird is the red-billed streamertail, which is a type of hummingbird. Other animals include Jamaican boas, Jamaican hutias (endangered rat-like mammal), fig-eating bats, wild boars, mongoose, American crocodiles, black-billed parrots, Jamaican blackbirds, Greater flamingos, treefrogs, Jamaican sliders (freshwater turtle), Jamaican parrotfish, dolphins and manatees. Additional points of interest include Doctor’s Cave Beach Club and St. Ann Parish. Located in Montego Bay, Luminous Lagoon is a bioluminescent bay that glows at night when disturbed due to dinoflagellate plankton. Local foods include jerk chicken, pork & fish, pea soup, oxtail, fried breadfruit and goat curry, while Jamaica’s national dish is ackee and saltfish. Popular drinks are beer (Red Stripe), rum, tea, ginger beer, rum punch and the “dirty banana” (rum, coffee liqueur, banana liqueur, a fresh banana, half and half cream). With some background information on the island, we’re ready for Jamaica accommodations that will help make for an exciting adventure.

 

 

 

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!