Hotels in Jamaica

The Caribbean is the birthplace of the modern all-inclusive hotel, where all food, drinks and often water sports and other activities are included in a daily or weekly rate, and these often work out as a very good deal.

That being said, there’s plenty of choice to be found across the island, from cheap B&Bs to chain hotels, luxury accommodation and exclusive boutique hotels patronised by the super-wealthy and celebrity jet-setters, so you should be able to find the best hotel to suit you.

The three main areas that travellers flock to in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. Montego Bay (colloquially known as Mobay) is the largest beach resort area and is the best spot if you want an all-inclusive hotel.

Negril, on the western coast, still has pockets that exude a hippy vibe, particularly around its rocky stretch. Cheap guest houses, perched on the edge of the cliffs, are in stark contrast to the upmarket resorts dotted around the Seven Mile beach.

Ocho Rios, on the northern coast, said to be the first place in Jamaica that Christopher Columbus landed at, is now the main cruise ship port. It’s where you’ll find Dunn’s River Falls, one of the island’s national treasures, and a landmark that’s featured on pretty much all promotional literature for the island.

Port Antonio, a sleepy market town on the island’s north-east coast, had its heyday in the 1950s when stars like Errol Flynn, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were drawn to its tranquil colonial vibe and glorious deserted beaches.

Today, it has a faded, romantic glamour, with winding back-streets, gently-decaying mansions and untamed tropical gardens. Check out the beach at Frenchman’s Cove, and the ice-cold turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon. Accommodation options run from informal B&Bs which cost around £50 a night to guesthouses, eco resorts and some of the best luxury boutique hideaways in Jamaica.

Another off-the-beaten-track destination is Treasure Beach on the south coast. The area has a really relaxed atmosphere, but the downsides are that it’s 2.5 hours from the nearest airport (Montego Bay), and the beaches sport brown or black sand. This is compensated for with a rustic flavour, and you’ll be able to find deals at guesthouses with kitchen facilities, as well as private villas that come with a personal cook and swimming pool.

Runaway Bay, on the north coast, is easily reached from Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Here, you’ll find the Green Grotto Caves, complete with stalactites and stalagmites. It’s also close to Nine Mile, birthplace of the legendary reggae musician, Bob Marley.

Most hotels are in an area called New Kingston. Prices aren’t cheap – except to pay over £200 a night for international chains and boutique hotels. However, if you travel between June and October, when the weather is hot, rainy and with a risk of hurricanes, you may be able to bag a much better deal.