Best Places to Stay in Jamaica
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a hotel in Jamaica to have an enjoyable vacation. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts and hotel options in Jamaica that still offer a great value.
Best Budget Resorts
For the value, Sunset Beach Resorts are the best. There are three hotels in this chain:
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay is just 15 minutes from the airport, which is great when you are traveling with kids. The rooms are basic & clean; there’s a water park for the kids, and a pool & lounge for the adults. One great feature is free babysitting for a couple of hours each evening. A lot of included activities for everyone, plus 3 dining options.
Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios is a larger resort than Sunset Beach, Montego Bay. It has a great beach, a lot of pools, and of course, a water slide. More singles go to Sunset Jamaica Grande than Sunset Beach, but it’s still a great hotel for couples and families.
Sunset at the Palms, Negril is my favorite of the three Sunset Resorts. Here, you’ll get to stay in a treehouse, plus have a fantastic beach at the same time. It’s a small resort for adults who want to get away from it all. Many people go here on their honeymoons, then return each year.
- Sunset Beach Resort – Montego Bay
- Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa – Ocho Rios
- Sunset at the Palms – Negril
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay is just 15 minutes from the airport, which is great when you are traveling with kids. The rooms are basic & clean; there’s a water park for the kids, and a pool & lounge for the adults. One great feature is free babysitting for a couple of hours each evening. A lot of included activities for everyone, plus 3 dining options.
Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios is a larger resort than Sunset Beach, Montego Bay. It has a great beach, a lot of pools, and of course, a water slide. More singles go to Sunset Jamaica Grande than Sunset Beach, but it’s still a great hotel for couples and families.
Sunset at the Palms, Negril is my favorite of the three Sunset Resorts. Here, you’ll get to stay in a treehouse, plus have a fantastic beach at the same time. It’s a small resort for adults who want to get away from it all. Many people go here on their honeymoons, then return each year.
Best Luxury Resorts in Jamaica
There are quite a few excellent resorts in Jamaica. In order for me to pick them as a top choice, they must have good rooms, great food, alot of activities, excellent service, and a great beach. My top choices are:
1. Couples Swept Away in Negril – The rooms are great, and the bathrooms are excellent! It’s situated in the middle of Negril Beach, which is an added plus! The service is extraordinary, as is the food. There’s plenty to do activity-wise, plus, there are a number of excursions & tours added into the price that you won’t get at other resorts. Couples Swept Away is number one on my list
2. Sandals Resorts – There are 7 Sandals resorts in Jamaica, and you can’t go wrong with any of them! They are for couples only, and include everything you want in a luxury vacation, plus more! One of the great things about Sandals resorts is that when you stay at one of them, you have access to the amenities at all of them during your stay. A great way to see all the different areas of Jamaica.
1. Couples Swept Away in Negril – The rooms are great, and the bathrooms are excellent! It’s situated in the middle of Negril Beach, which is an added plus! The service is extraordinary, as is the food. There’s plenty to do activity-wise, plus, there are a number of excursions & tours added into the price that you won’t get at other resorts. Couples Swept Away is number one on my list
2. Sandals Resorts – There are 7 Sandals resorts in Jamaica, and you can’t go wrong with any of them! They are for couples only, and include everything you want in a luxury vacation, plus more! One of the great things about Sandals resorts is that when you stay at one of them, you have access to the amenities at all of them during your stay. A great way to see all the different areas of Jamaica.
Villas in Jamaica
Villas are a great way to take your family to Jamaica, but not have to pay the huge cost of a hotel and all the restaurant costs. It’s like having your own vacation home, except you have a chef to cook your meals, a maid to clean your home, and sometimes even a driver to show you around town! Villas offer:
* A professional staff including cook, maid, gardener – all of which are included in price
* Most are located on the beach. Some have a private beach.
* All have swimming pools and air conditioned bedrooms
* Great food! Better than any hotel or restaurant
* Total privacy, service and security
My favorite villas include:
Silent Waters – the ultimate getaway for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, and receptions. This is a very luxurious villa, and great if you want to get away from the crowds and be pampered.
Rockhouse Villas – An intimate resort with rooms, suites and villas, Rockhouse was named the “Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel” in 2011 by the World Travel Awards. I agree with them. Rockhouse is unique in that it sits atop a cliff, with steps leading down to the water. Great service, award winning restaurants, and just enough activities to keep you entertained.
* A professional staff including cook, maid, gardener – all of which are included in price
* Most are located on the beach. Some have a private beach.
* All have swimming pools and air conditioned bedrooms
* Great food! Better than any hotel or restaurant
* Total privacy, service and security
My favorite villas include:
Silent Waters – the ultimate getaway for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, and receptions. This is a very luxurious villa, and great if you want to get away from the crowds and be pampered.
Rockhouse Villas – An intimate resort with rooms, suites and villas, Rockhouse was named the “Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel” in 2011 by the World Travel Awards. I agree with them. Rockhouse is unique in that it sits atop a cliff, with steps leading down to the water. Great service, award winning restaurants, and just enough activities to keep you entertained.
Best Resorts for Naturists
Many people stay in Jamaica because there are resorts with nude or clothing-optional facilities. These include nude beaches, hot tubs, bars, and pools. Some resorts have really big sections, while others have tiny nude beaches. The top resorts with nude sections include:
- N Resort – This is a clothes-free resort, which means you don’t wear clothing or swimsuits throughout the property. It is adults-only, and all-inclusive. Good thing, because you won’t have a pocket to carry your wallet! Located in Trelawny, Jamaica, about 35 minutes from Montego Bay.
- Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios – has a private island with pool, Jacuzzi and bar/grill. It is all-inclusive, for couples only, and includes amenities not found at other resorts. A incredible value for a romantic getaway.
- Hedonism II – has the best nude section, with a shaded beach, swim-up bar, grill, pool, and huge Jacuzzi. Note – this is a party resort, and just about anything goes. It is not for the faint of heart!
Recommended Reading
The Rough Guide to Jamaica (Rough Guides)
This is one of the best guides for Jamaica, whether you are new to the island, or a frequent visitor. It provides information on culture, history, activities, the cities, beaches and restaurants. Great to read before your trip, and small enough to carry with you on your vacation. This book is a “must-read” if you plan to travel to Jamaica.
This is one of the best guides for Jamaica, whether you are new to the island, or a frequent visitor. It provides information on culture, history, activities, the cities, beaches and restaurants. Great to read before your trip, and small enough to carry with you on your vacation. This book is a “must-read” if you plan to travel to Jamaica.
Moon Jamaica (Moon Handbooks)
Moon Jamaica is written by Oliver Hill, who is a native Jamaican. In this book, you’ll find information on staying and playing in Jamaica, just like the locals do. It offers a lot of information that is not covered in other travel books, especially about the Jamaican culture.
Note: Keep in mind that the prices for resorts, etc in this book might be outdated. Otherwise, it is a great read for planning your vacation!
Moon Jamaica is written by Oliver Hill, who is a native Jamaican. In this book, you’ll find information on staying and playing in Jamaica, just like the locals do. It offers a lot of information that is not covered in other travel books, especially about the Jamaican culture.
Note: Keep in mind that the prices for resorts, etc in this book might be outdated. Otherwise, it is a great read for planning your vacation!