This 35-acre, 148-room all-inclusive resort has a lush natural setting filled with waterfalls, grottos, beaches, lakes, and jungles. It still has the features of a megaresort -- three restaurants, four pools, two beaches, four bars, a spa, and tons of free activities -- but it's one of the few large-scale resorts that manages to feel crowd-free and even intimate. The rooms and public areas could use some cosmetic updates, however.
This 35-acre, 148-room all-inclusive resort has a lush natural setting filled with waterfalls, grottos, beaches, lakes, and jungles. It still has the features of a megaresort -- three restaurants, four pools, two beaches, four bars, a spa, and tons of free activities -- but it's one of the few large-scale resorts that manages to feel crowd-free and even intimate. The rooms and public areas could use some cosmetic updates, however.
Set on a private beach within a short walk of downtown Ochos Rios, the 705-room Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is a sprawling all-inclusive that’d give Vegas joints a run for their money in scale, features, and extravagance. After undergoing a full renovation, this family-friendly property reopened in 2015 as a high-end luxury resort with majestic marble interiors. The sleek beach-house-inspired rooms have balconies with water views, and include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, liquor dispensers, and welcome wine. There are four restaurants, multiple bars, four swimming pools, a world-class spa with 23 treatment rooms, a surf machine, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can even swim with dolphins (for a fee). Travelers seeking a more intimate luxury experience could try Jamaica Inn.
Set on a private beach within a short walk of downtown Ochos Rios, the 705-room Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is a sprawling all-inclusive that’d give Vegas joints a run for their money in scale, features, and extravagance. After undergoing a full renovation, this family-friendly property reopened in 2015 as a high-end luxury resort with majestic marble interiors. The sleek beach-house-inspired rooms have balconies with water views, and include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, liquor dispensers, and welcome wine. There are four restaurants, multiple bars, four swimming pools, a world-class spa with 23 treatment rooms, a surf machine, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can even swim with dolphins (for a fee). Travelers seeking a more intimate luxury experience could try Jamaica Inn.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” rings true at Fisherman’s Point Resort, a shabby value property across from the cruise port in Ocho Rios. Though the hotel is within walking distance of the cruise ship pier, and tons of shops and restaurants, it has a slightly seedy vibe, with run-down rooms and an eerily quiet atmosphere. While there’s no beach, the hotel does have a mid-size pool. The property’s one redeeming quality is the delicious on-site Indian restaurant, though rooms located above it tend to have a lingering curry smell. Budget travelers will find nicer accommodations at the Pineapple Court Hotel, but it’s far from downtown and the cruise ship pier. Travelers looking for something a bit nicer might prefer Hibiscus Lodge Hotel.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” rings true at Fisherman’s Point Resort, a shabby value property across from the cruise port in Ocho Rios. Though the hotel is within walking distance of the cruise ship pier, and tons of shops and restaurants, it has a slightly seedy vibe, with run-down rooms and an eerily quiet atmosphere. While there’s no beach, the hotel does have a mid-size pool. The property’s one redeeming quality is the delicious on-site Indian restaurant, though rooms located above it tend to have a lingering curry smell. Budget travelers will find nicer accommodations at the Pineapple Court Hotel, but it’s far from downtown and the cruise ship pier. Travelers looking for something a bit nicer might prefer Hibiscus Lodge Hotel.
Hibiscus Lodge Hotel is an excellent mid-range option in Ocho Rios. Spread across three clifftop acres, Hibiscus Lodge offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The 27 rooms are clean and comfortable, and many have stunning ocean views; just don’t expect cutting edge design of high-tech amenities. There’s a nice pool, but the beach leaves a lot of to desired — it’s a man-made plot of sand on the water. The hotel’s restaurant, The Almond Tree, is popular with guests and non-guests alike, and the adjacent Swing Bar is a fun place to hang out any time of day. Hibiscus Lodge is not without faults — the hotel’s spotty Wi-Fi, tiny beach, and so-so room decor might be deal breakers for some. Moxons Beach Club is a similarly sized mid-range hotel in the area that's also worth considering. Travelers looking for something a bit more upscale in Ocho Rios might prefer Jamaica Inn, though rates are much pricier.
Hibiscus Lodge Hotel is an excellent mid-range option in Ocho Rios. Spread across three clifftop acres, Hibiscus Lodge offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The 27 rooms are clean and comfortable, and many have stunning ocean views; just don’t expect cutting edge design of high-tech amenities. There’s a nice pool, but the beach leaves a lot of to desired — it’s a man-made plot of sand on the water. The hotel’s restaurant, The Almond Tree, is popular with guests and non-guests alike, and the adjacent Swing Bar is a fun place to hang out any time of day. Hibiscus Lodge is not without faults — the hotel’s spotty Wi-Fi, tiny beach, and so-so room decor might be deal breakers for some. Moxons Beach Club is a similarly sized mid-range hotel in the area that's also worth considering. Travelers looking for something a bit more upscale in Ocho Rios might prefer Jamaica Inn, though rates are much pricier.
Situated along Jamaica’s resort-heavy northwest shore, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is one half of a luxury two-resort beachfront Hyatt compound. Along with its sister property, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, the two collectively offer excellent communal amenities, including nearly a dozen restaurants, two large pools, and an oceanfront spa. The quiet, elegant vibe is what most guests would expect of a luxury adult-only Jamaican resort. Each of its 234 rooms features a spacious floor plan and bright, modern decor. Amenities include fully-stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, luxurious marble bathrooms, butlers in some rooms, and private balconies or terraces -- many with ocean views. For a luxury property, though, the small, man-made beach is surprisingly rough and rocky. The adjacent Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall offers identical amenities in a more affordable, kid-friendly package.
Situated along Jamaica’s resort-heavy northwest shore, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is one half of a luxury two-resort beachfront Hyatt compound. Along with its sister property, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, the two collectively offer excellent communal amenities, including nearly a dozen restaurants, two large pools, and an oceanfront spa. The quiet, elegant vibe is what most guests would expect of a luxury adult-only Jamaican resort. Each of its 234 rooms features a spacious floor plan and bright, modern decor. Amenities include fully-stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, luxurious marble bathrooms, butlers in some rooms, and private balconies or terraces -- many with ocean views. For a luxury property, though, the small, man-made beach is surprisingly rough and rocky. The adjacent Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall offers identical amenities in a more affordable, kid-friendly package.
The all-inclusive Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club is one of the most kid-friendly hotels in Jamaica, offering an Xbox Garage for teens and tweens, as well as Camp Sesame (where Sesame Street characters can be found), a water park, and babysitting services. There are activities for adults too, with golf and scuba lessons, the Red Lane Spa, and an adults-only piano bar. Since the majority of guests are families, the resort can be noisy. The 223 rooms have upscale Caribbean style. This Beaches property has a private beach, unlike Beaches Negril Resort & Spa which only has access to a public one.
The all-inclusive Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club is one of the most kid-friendly hotels in Jamaica, offering an Xbox Garage for teens and tweens, as well as Camp Sesame (where Sesame Street characters can be found), a water park, and babysitting services. There are activities for adults too, with golf and scuba lessons, the Red Lane Spa, and an adults-only piano bar. Since the majority of guests are families, the resort can be noisy. The 223 rooms have upscale Caribbean style. This Beaches property has a private beach, unlike Beaches Negril Resort & Spa which only has access to a public one.
Just east of Sangster International Airport, Hotel Riu Montego Bay is a five- to 10-minute drive from Montego Bay's shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The large, three-and-a-half pearl, all-inclusive resort offers pretty much everything for a Caribbean vacation: four restaurants, a large pool, a huge beach, and a modern spa all top the list. Rooms are spacious and clean, though the dark, colonial decor frequently looks dated. All feature minibars with premium liquor and private balconies -- some with sea views -- though the tube TVs in some rooms and lack of free Wi-Fi are a let down. Check rates at the neighboring Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica for a more affordable, adult-only alternative with similar amenities.
Just east of Sangster International Airport, Hotel Riu Montego Bay is a five- to 10-minute drive from Montego Bay's shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The large, three-and-a-half pearl, all-inclusive resort offers pretty much everything for a Caribbean vacation: four restaurants, a large pool, a huge beach, and a modern spa all top the list. Rooms are spacious and clean, though the dark, colonial decor frequently looks dated. All feature minibars with premium liquor and private balconies -- some with sea views -- though the tube TVs in some rooms and lack of free Wi-Fi are a let down. Check rates at the neighboring Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica for a more affordable, adult-only alternative with similar amenities.
Royalton Blue Waters is a four-pearl family-friendly all-inclusive resort that's a 10-minute drive from Falmouth. The resort’s 228 suites have modern interiors with whirlpool tubs, huge flat-screen TVs, and private ocean-view balconies. Blue Waters shares amenities with Royalton White Sands Resort next door, including a small water park. Its own dedicated amenities include an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous beach, a lazy river pool, and free non-motorized water sports. Restaurants get positive reviews and include a buffet, steak house, Mediterranean, and gourmet Chef's Table. Other amenities include multiple bars, a full-service spa, and a kids' club that's open late. Note that lots of kids mean that it's a boisterous place. For a quieter, family-friendly resort with a gorgeous beach and delicious restaurants, it’s worth pricing out Melia Braco Village.
Royalton Blue Waters is a four-pearl family-friendly all-inclusive resort that's a 10-minute drive from Falmouth. The resort’s 228 suites have modern interiors with whirlpool tubs, huge flat-screen TVs, and private ocean-view balconies. Blue Waters shares amenities with Royalton White Sands Resort next door, including a small water park. Its own dedicated amenities include an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous beach, a lazy river pool, and free non-motorized water sports. Restaurants get positive reviews and include a buffet, steak house, Mediterranean, and gourmet Chef's Table. Other amenities include multiple bars, a full-service spa, and a kids' club that's open late. Note that lots of kids mean that it's a boisterous place. For a quieter, family-friendly resort with a gorgeous beach and delicious restaurants, it’s worth pricing out Melia Braco Village.
Tucked away in its own private corner of paradise, the Excellence Oyster Bay is one of northern Jamaica's nicest all-inclusive resorts. This luxury adults-only property, which occupies its own peninsula about 40 minutes west of Montego Bay, has an exclusive, but light-hearted vibe. From the gorgeous pool to the pristine beach and numerous dining options, the vibe is elegantly casual. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, and feature spacious terraces, plus private jetted tubs, plunge pools, or beach views in most. There's also a full gym with cutting-edge equipment, plus a beautiful spa featuring a beautiful hydrotherapy circuit. A stay here isn't cheap, but its easily one of the poshest spots in Trelawny Parish or Montego Bay. The only real competitor around is the Royalton Blue Waters, though it lacks the same secluded atmosphere.
Tucked away in its own private corner of paradise, the Excellence Oyster Bay is one of northern Jamaica's nicest all-inclusive resorts. This luxury adults-only property, which occupies its own peninsula about 40 minutes west of Montego Bay, has an exclusive, but light-hearted vibe. From the gorgeous pool to the pristine beach and numerous dining options, the vibe is elegantly casual. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, and feature spacious terraces, plus private jetted tubs, plunge pools, or beach views in most. There's also a full gym with cutting-edge equipment, plus a beautiful spa featuring a beautiful hydrotherapy circuit. A stay here isn't cheap, but its easily one of the poshest spots in Trelawny Parish or Montego Bay. The only real competitor around is the Royalton Blue Waters, though it lacks the same secluded atmosphere.
Jakes is arguably Jamaica’s first boutique hotel with 84 hippy-chic cottages, rooms, and villas set along secluded Treasure Beach. Rated three-and-a-half pearls, Jakes is a member of the trendy, luxury hotel group Bespoke Hotels, and guests come here specifically to unplug -- there's no phone, internet, or TV in guest rooms. Water’s edge treatments in the Driftwood Spa, on-site classes in painting, mosaics, cooking, and yoga, and a revered restaurant serving top-notch, farm-to-table food shapes Jakes as a one-off gem that’s the furthest thing possible from "hotel chain." While its craggy black-sand beach isn't spectacular, there's a saltwater pool and a bar built on a sandbar that guests reach after a 20-minute boat ride. Travelers seeking less rustic exclusivity and a better swimming beach should compare rates with the Jamaica Inn.
Jakes is arguably Jamaica’s first boutique hotel with 84 hippy-chic cottages, rooms, and villas set along secluded Treasure Beach. Rated three-and-a-half pearls, Jakes is a member of the trendy, luxury hotel group Bespoke Hotels, and guests come here specifically to unplug -- there's no phone, internet, or TV in guest rooms. Water’s edge treatments in the Driftwood Spa, on-site classes in painting, mosaics, cooking, and yoga, and a revered restaurant serving top-notch, farm-to-table food shapes Jakes as a one-off gem that’s the furthest thing possible from "hotel chain." While its craggy black-sand beach isn't spectacular, there's a saltwater pool and a bar built on a sandbar that guests reach after a 20-minute boat ride. Travelers seeking less rustic exclusivity and a better swimming beach should compare rates with the Jamaica Inn.