The 7 Best Hotels in Jamaica for Families

Jamaica moves to the beat of its own drum and is one of the most exhilarating Caribbean islands to visit. Expect all the usual Caribbean offerings including lush jungles, white-sand beaches, and crystal clear water, alongside Jamaican-specific extras best seen in the cuisine and music scene. For families, there is a plethora of things to do including watersports, scuba diving, hiking, and caving. Many of the hotels on the island lend themselves well to family stays. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best hotels in Jamaica for families including five-star properties, activity-packed resorts, and charming self-catered stays. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next family getaway?

For a five star

• Round Hill is a sensational 5* hotel with superb amenities and service. Stunning rooms have an old-world colonial feel and private villas have dedicated staff for every need. A spa, beauty salon and gym will please parents while the outdoor pool, private beach area, tennis court and kids club will keep little ones busy.
• Goldeneye is an exquisite 5* beachfront hotel. Villas, cottages and stilted beach huts have mahogany beds, shutters and direct beach access. The restaurants serve up traditional Jamaican dishes with a twist, with many ingredients from the organic garden on site. With a wide choice of activities for children, adults will get plenty of time to enjoy their luxurious surroundings.

For a boutique

• Jakes is a chic boutique shorefront hotel on Jamaica's lesser known south coast. Rooms feature an eclectic mix of mosaic headboards, antiques and stained glass windows. Cottages feature kitchenettes making them a good choice for families. With an outdoor pool, lovely gardens, a laidback bar and dining plus access to the beach — this is a hip choice for families.

For a resort

• Half Moon Resort is a luxury resort overlooking Montego Bay. Elegant rooms feature four-poster beds, antique furniture, and seaside terraces. The wide range of activities on offer including horse riding, tennis, cycling, watersports, and more make this ideal for those travelling with kids of all ages.

For self-catering

• Hermosa Cove is a collection of nine hand-crafted villas. Bedrooms are full of warmth with dark wood and leather furniture and views of the gardens. All come with kitchens that can be stocked by the hotel. Expect private outdoor pools and an excellent seafood restaurant. Intimate, luxurious and a real home from home for families.
• Goblin Hill Villas is a charming and secluded resort with a large garden overlooking Frenchman's Cove, near Port Antonio. The indulgent villas come with self-catering facilities and a helper to prepare your meals or organise your activities. With two tennis courts and a swimming pool, this is a self-contained haven ideal for families wanting an independent stay.

For great value

• White Sands is a charming family-owned beach-front resort in Negril. Fresh and cosy white-washed rooms, suites and apartments with outdoor space are spread through the gardens and lead to a beach bar and grill with sunset views. Some come with kitchenettes for longer stays. Offers a great-value holiday in paradise.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our collection of all the best places to stay in Jamaica
• Expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Jakes St Elizabeth, Jamaica 49 rooms from AU$169

    
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    Beach Life  -  Very cool atmposhere, especially considering the Pelican bar, Jamaica’s coolest bar a boatride away

    Families  -  Full of family friendly fun, from art and cooking classes to river safari; larger suites are perfect

    Restaurant  -  Two restaurants serving locally sourced food with an emphasis on the catch of the day

    Fishing  -  Catch snapper, jackfish, kingfish, tuna or grouper and ask the chef to cook them

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Fodors, Kiwi Collection

    Chic boutique shorefront hotel. Rooms feature an eclectic mix of mosaic headboards, antiques and stained glass windows. Cottages with kitchenettes. Outdoor pool, lovely gardens and access to beach. Excellent seafood cuisine and laid back bar. A very cool stay for families or couples. See More

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  • Hermosa Cove Ocho Rios, Jamaica 9 rooms from AU$367

    
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    Hideaway  -  Private villas come with their own pools and walled gardens, if you wish, there is no need to leave as staff can prepare dinner

    Restaurant  -  Christopher's serves modern Jamaican cuisine

    Sights nearby  -  Dunn's River Falls and Dolphin Cove.

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Nine hand-crafted villas. Bedrooms are full of warmth with dark wood and leather furniture and views of the gardens. All come with kitchens which can be stocked by the hotel. Private outdoor pools, and excellent seafood restaurant. Intimate, luxurious and a real home from home. See More

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  • Half Moon Resort St. James, Jamaica 197 rooms from AU$468

    
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    Families  -  Clubs for younger children and teenagers, along with plenty of kid-friendly activities within hotel

    Active Holiday  -  Horse riding, watersports, tennis, yoga and swimming with dolphins to keep all active types happy

    Groups  -  Villas with up to seven ensuite bedrooms are perfect for larger families and groups.

    Spa breaks  -  A 68,000 square foot spa awaits you, with wonderful treatments, pool and views

    

    Luxury resort overlooking Montego Bay. Elegant rooms feature four poster beds, antique furniture and seaside terraces. Riding, tennis and gym facilities. Outdoor pool and large spa. Superb traditional regional cuisine in choice of restaurants and bars. Secluded, opulent and family friendly. See More

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  • Round Hill Montego Bay, Jamaica 110 rooms from AU$570

    
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    Families  -  Plenty for children's entertainment, kid's club and restaurants are child-friendly

    Romantic Break  -  Enjoy the spa, beach front horse rides, sailing, scuba diving and gourmet seafood

    Kids Club  -  Complimentary kids club. Activities incl nature walks, arts & crafts, watersports, talent shows, reggae lessons ...

    Restaurant  -  Highly acclaimed restaurant which uses produce from the onsite organic garden.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    Sensational 5* hotel. Large rooms feature white shutters, dark wood furniture and gorgeous bathrooms. Private villas have dedicated staff for every need. Spa, beauty salon and gym at your disposal. Outdoor pool, private beach area, tennis court & kids club. Luxurious, romantic and laid back. See More

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  • White Sands Negril 45 rooms from AU$98

    
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    Total relaxation  -  The place to do very little; sleep late, hit the beach, relax by the pool and head to the bar for ocean-front sundowner

    Beach Life  -  Direct access to Negril's famous white-sand 7 Mile Beach. Enjoy meals and relaxation with prime ocean views

    Value chic  -  Unbelieveable value for this slice of prime beach real estate with resort facilities and amenities

    Restaurant  -  Located on the beach, 957 Bar & Grill offers reassuring home-style cooking in a relaxed setting; food is available all day

    

    Charming family-owned beach-front resort. Fresh and cosy white-washed rooms, suites and apartments with outdoor space are spread over gardens and lead to a beach bar and grill with sunset views. Some come with kitchenettes for longer stays. Offers a great-value holiday in paradise. See More

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  • Goblin Hill Villas Port Antonio (San San) 27 rooms from AU$271

    
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    Birdwatching  -  This resort teams with feathered friends, from Doctor Birds to Hummingbirds- ask for a bird guide at reception

    Beach Life  -  Swimming, rafting, surfing, fishing, scuba diving and of course lounging on the white sands

    Diving  -  Head out scuba diving and meet the local marine life

    Surfing  -  Nearby Boston Beach offers fantastic surfing

    

    A charming and secluded resort with a large garden overlooking San San Bay. The indulgent villas come with self catering facilities and a helper to prepare your meals or organise your activities. With two tennis courts and a swimming pool this is a self contained haven. See More

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  • GoldenEye Ocho Rios (Oracabessa) 47 rooms from AU$586

    
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    Groups  -  The enormous villas have kitchen facilities, living room area, hammocks and private terraces

    Writing a novel  -  In the spot where all Bond novels were penned, find peace, quiet and inspiration

    Swimming Pool  -  Freshwater outdoor infinity pool, plus four acre private lagoon

    Birdwatching  -  255 bird species can be viewed from the surrounding area.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, I Escape, Kiwi Collection

    Exquisite 5* beach front hotel. Villas, cottages and stilted beach huts have mahogany beds, shutters and direct beach access. On site restaurants serve up traditional Jamaican styles with a twist, from their organic garden. Historic and luxurious with the emphasis on privacy. Honeymoon heaven! See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Monday, 4th October 2021