Jamaica is famed not only for its spectacular beaches and gorgeous mountains, but for its fascinating cultural heritage and its marvellous music. There are a plethora of fabulous accommodation options to choose from, ranging from simple inns to indulgent luxury resorts, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. The best places to stay in Jamaica are scattered across the island, and we’d recommend splitting your trip between a couple of distinct regions to gain a real insight into the country.

Some of our Jamaica Collections:

• The Best Hotels in Jamaica for Families
• The Best Luxury Hotels in Jamaica
• The Best All Inclusive Hotels in Jamaica
• The Best Honeymoon Hotels in Jamaica
• Best Jamaica Hotels on the Beach
• Top Jamaica Resorts

Most travellers will land in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city. Bright and bustling, Kingston can feel a world away from the laid-back atmosphere of the resorts — and its contrast is part of the attraction. It's a fascinating place to get to grips with Jamaica’s heritage, food and music before you venture up to the lush Blue Mountains or along the coast. Kingston's Bob Marley Museum is a clear highlight for reggae fans.

The popular towns of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are known for their striking beaches, as well as their lively bars and eateries. Each town has a blend of cultural attractions and a wide array of outdoorsy activities on land and at sea. The all-inclusive resorts along Jamaica’s northern coast are popular with families, who will also appreciate the ease of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios’ airports.

Further to the west sits Negril, made famous by hippies in the 1970s. There are wonderful resorts and charming small hotels dotted along the area’s Seven Mile Beach, as well as some very special hideaways on the nearby cliffs. Negril has a more low-key vibe than busier Montego Bay, for instance.

For faded grandeur, more beautiful beaches and an easygoing charm, choose Port Antonio. Some of our favourite properties are actually nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains behind the town, close to Frenchman’s Cove or San San Bay. Finally, the tranquil community at Treasure Beach has a calm, off-the-beaten-track appeal.

Jamaica is a fantastic family holiday, friends’ adventure or romantic honeymoon destination. The best places to stay in Jamaica fill up fast over Christmas and New Year — book your trip well in advance to avoid disappointment!

The Best Places to Stay in Jamaica

For a City Break

• The Spanish Court Hotel has 125 modern rooms and suites with pops of bold red and black. Set close to many of Kingston's historic attractions, the hotel has a pool and rooftop terrace where you can savour top-notch Jamaican and international cuisine. A trendy choice, near cafés, bars and clubs.
• Jamaica Pegasus offers a contemporary New Kingston stay for couples, families or business travellers. The high-rise hotel's 300 rooms have impressive city views and swanky decor, whilst there's a gym, spa, tennis courts, swimming pool and running track for active visitors. A smart city base with great facilities.
• Terra Nova is an opulent, all-suite hotel in central Kingston. With swish interiors, antique furnishings and a superb fine dining restaurant, spa and swimming pool this is an excellent choice for couples or families looking to explore the city. The mansion was built in 1924, and retains plenty of historic charm.

For 5 Star Luxury

• GoldenEye has acquired legendary status not only as a beautiful 5-star beach hotel, but also as the place in which Ian Fleming penned many of the James Bond novels. Unwind in superb villas and cottages with direct beach access, taste Jamaican flavours in two restaurants, or kick back in the infinity pool after a day at the spa. Stylish, indulgent and very tranquil. A glamorous honeymoon, family or group pick in Orcabessa.
• The Cliff Hotel is a glitzy boutique pad with stylish contemporary suites and villas — some of which have space for larger families or groups of friends. An exquisite five star stay in a superb setting near Negril, with a spa, swimming pool, extensive wellness facilities and activities galore. Gorgeous.
• Half Moon Resort is an opulent beachfront property with antique-filled interiors and elegant seaside terraces near Montego Bay. Multi-room villas are ideal for families or groups, and there are heaps of activities for guests of all ages, including horse riding, tennis, golf and diving. Expect excellent kids clubs for little ones and great offerings for teenagers! Charming and family-friendly.
• Round Hill boasts private villas, rooms and suites, with plenty of options for larger groups, families or tranquil couples. A sensational 5-star Montego Bay resort with a spa, tennis courts, watersports and a lovely private beach. The kids club organises fun activities, whilst adults can enjoy cracking cocktails and delicious produce from the organic kitchen garden.

FOR Nature Lovers

• Mockingbird Hill is a tranquil eco escape in the hills above Frenchman's Cove. Book one of 10 blue-and-white rooms, birdwatch from your balcony and feast on some of the island's best food at onsite eatery Mille Fleurs after an afternoon hike. The property prides itself on sustainability and eco-friendly design. An intimate spot for couples or friends with a love of food and nature.
• Rockhouse Hotel & Spa consists of 40 thatched stone cottages on eight acres of leafy grounds at Pristine Cove. This iconic location has played host to the likes of Bob Marley and the Rolling Stones, evolving over more than half a century into a boutique escape with muslin-draped four-poster beds, outdoor showers, an indulgent spa and reggae tracks drifting from the bar. A dramatic Negril classic for outdoorsy types.
• Strawberry Hill is a beautiful boutique hotel tucked away on the grounds of a former coffee plantation in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. The 13 lovely cottages feature Jamaican art and antiques, spectacular views across Kingston and the mountains, and a wonderfully laid-back hideaway vibe. An elegant, romantic pick for nature enthusiasts.
• 77 West promises a remote, relaxed stay overlooking Billy's Bay. Sea-facing cottages are simple and airy, and there's a great environmentally-conscious ethos. For eco-minded travellers looking to unwind in absolute seclusion.

For Families or Groups

• Hermosa Cove features just nine characterful, hand-crafted villas with fully-equipped kitchens and private pools. A brilliant hideaway for couples, families or small groups, the hotel also boasts a great seafood restaurant. Serene boutique bliss in a striking seaside setting near Ocho Rios. Very quirky.
• The Tryall Club has been a hub for active holidaymakers since its opening in 1959. Centred around a historic residence, the Club sits on 2,200 lush acres of coastal land, with nine tennis courts, a golf course and heaps to see and do. The accommodation consists of private villas, each with their own pool. A classic family or group choice in Montego Bay.
• Jakes is a funky Treasure Beach hotel with 49 rooms, suites and cottages. Stay here as a family or group for direct beach access, two great eateries, an outdoor pool and classes — from cooking to art — aplenty. A fun bohemian choice in an under-rated part of Jamaica.
• Goblin Hill Villas sits within 12 acres of leafy gardens overlooking the white sands of San San Bay near Port Antonio. One and two-bedroom villas are perfect for families or small groups, and there's a great swimming pool and restaurant onsite, as well as plenty of space for little ones to play outside. The decor harks back to classic 1970s Jamaica, which is very charming.
• Skylark is a playful small hotel on Negril's Seven Mile Beach, with bright, bold interiors and retro artwork in 28 rooms. Pick this place for a fun beach holiday, complete with delectable modern Jamaican fare at Miss Lily’s — of New York fame — as well as oceanside activities aplenty. Fun for couples or families.

For Couples

• S Hotel promises swish, sophisticated rooms and suites overlooking dazzling Doctor's Cave beach. The indulgent wellness focus, lively bar and superb eateries make this a fun pick for a romantic escape. We're big fans of the chic monochrome interiors, too. For design-conscious couples.
• The Caves is a glamorous hotel set atop the cliffs of West End. Expect 12 characterful private cottages — some of which have ladder access to the sea — and one larger villa, candlelit dining spots, a soothing spa and an impressive cave bar. Adults-only & a honeymoon dream.
• Sunset at the Palms has a well-deserved reputation for romance, with 85 'treehouse-style' guestrooms and suites in 10-acres of gardens on the edge of Bloody Bay. Think elegant, Asian-inspired decor, a serene setting and delicious fare served at three restaurants and bars. A luxurious all-inclusive hideaway with lots of land and sea activities. Adults-only.
• Jamaica Inn offers elegant suites and cottages dotted along a magnificent private beach near Ocho Rios. Stay here for a sophisticated, grown-up feel, blue-and-white interiors and fabulous cuisine. There's a spa, swimming pool and water sports aplenty, as well as verdant gardens. A classic Caribbean escape for couples.
• Geejam is a seriously cool collection of grown-up rooms, cabins and villas with a music-production theme — think records and artists' prints aplenty. Hidden within six acres of forest leading towards a private beach near Port Antonio, this luxurious property boasts a hip bar with a top-notch sound system and a gorgeous infinity pool. One for well-heeled music lovers and creatives.

For great value

• Catcha Falling Star is a rustic, adults-only hotel on the cliffs at Negril's West End. Pick this place for the charming cottages hidden amongst bougainvillea-filled gardens, and terraces overlooking the sea. Simple, friendly and great value.
• Hibiscus Lodge sits on a clifftop just a few minutes' walk from central Ocho Rios. A simple, tropical hotel with a friendly vibe, sea-facing terraces, a lively eatery and shared swimming pool. A great value choice tucked within 3 acres of gardens.
• Lashings has a fun house-party feel, with a happening bar and restaurant and a big infinity pool. Rooms feature reclaimed wood and ocean views. One for sociable travellers on a budget, set near Treasure Beach.
• White Sands offers contemporary, white-washed rooms, suites and apartments with space for couples, friends or families on Seven Mile Beach. The family-owned hotel also has a fun bar and swimming pool. Some apartments have kitchenettes, making this an affordable choice for longer stays.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport, Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport or the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance. Alternatively, you can travel across much of the island by taxi or bus.
• You'll find lots to explore by road in Jamaica! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Balmy temperatures average between 25 - 29°C throughout the year, with the peak season lasting from December to mid-April. May and October/November are generally rainy, with the hurricane season falling between June and November. Travel in late April or early December for fewer crowds and great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Kingston.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Jamaica