Where to Stay in Jamaica → BEST Jamaica Resorts for 2024

Ready for some reggae-music sunset cruises, world-class resorts, and amazing nature? I’m sure you will be after reading my guide on where to stay in Jamaica!

I carefully compared all the beautiful Jamaican resorts and the different areas to stay for tourists, and came up with a definitive list of 5 BEST options!

Montego Bay is the top choice for first-timers as it has it all: amazing beaches and scenery, nightlife, and the best resorts! Now I’ve included a variety of options for all budgets and traveler interests, so you’re guaranteed to find a place that suits all your needs!

I know that choosing a place to stay in Jamaica can be tricky, so I took into consideration the safety, amenities, and price, and only included places I’d personally be happy to stay in!

But before we start, remember to book your stay in Jamaica in advance! The best deals sell so fast here!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best hotels to stay in Montego Bay:

Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the best places to stay in Jamaica that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Montego Bay – nicest part to stay in Jamaica for the first time

Located on the North coast of Jamaica, Montego Bay is the 2nd largest city in Jamaica and the most popular tourist destination in the country! Mobay, as the locals call it, has the largest cruise port, some of the best beaches, and tons of giant resorts.

So if you’re visiting Jamaica for the first time and want to find yourself in a nice all-inclusive resort with everything and more, Montego Bay is the best place for that!

The thing with resorts in Montego Bay (and really anywhere in Jamaica), is that people usually stay in them for the majority of their trip. I mean, it’s no wonder, when they have all these cool pools, bars, nightclubs, sports terrains, entertainment, and whatnot! You can get scuba-certified, go snorkeling, do yoga, attend cooking classes, and do whatever your heart desires from within your resort!

Mobay is also sadly very segregated (one of the reasons why resorts are so full of entertainment). You have an Old Town with tons of locals but very few tourists. I get this since the area is very run down and has a crime issue, and there’s not really much to see there.

But the Gloucester Avenue (map), or the Hip Strip as it’s commonly called, is the place to be in Montego Bay after dark! It’s much safer than the town itself, it’s close to all the resorts, and it’s where all the bars, pubs, and clubs are. So if you want to dance, listen to music, and have a few drinks, you know where to go! 

FUN FACT: Usain Bolt, the fastest man on Earth, has multiple restaurants across Jamaica (his home country)! One of them is right on Gloucester Avenue! It’s called Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records Restaurant (map), and it serves the best jerk chicken platters!

INSIDER TIP: Grab a drink at sunset at Pier 1 (map) for some amazing views! But rather don’t get food there as it’s below average. 

Now don’t think that I forgot about the beaches! In Montego Bay, you have private, paid beaches as part of all-inclusive resorts and public ones that can be free or paid. For the paid beaches, you can either pay on the spot or get a daily pass from a resort (as is the case for Cornwall Beach, private property of Royal Decameron Hotel).

Doctor’s Cave Beach (map, entry is US$6) is the most popular public beach in Montego Bay, but it’s also the most crowded (many nearby hotels also use this beach as part of their packages). You get clean bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms for free there. 

If you’re looking for a more secluded alternative, head to Dead End Beach (map) just by the Montego Airport. This one is public and free (but also lacks beach amenities), and you can see planes landing over your head! 

GETTING AROUND: Resorts usually don’t have shuttle services to outside attractions. You can either catch a taxi (ask the hotel staff to book one for you) or rent a car if you plan to explore other parts of the island. Do note that you drive on the left side of the road here!

The roads in the North are not much different from what a US city driver is used to, so you can easily move from Montego Bay to the East coast! The South and West is a different story though and you’re safer hiring a driver for those adventures. Public buses run from Mobay to Ocho Rios but are not well-organized.

We have a whole article where we share the best hotels and areas to stay in Montego Bay, but for now, here’s a quick overview:

Other accommodation options in Montego Bay

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NOTE: S Hotel Montego Bay is another amazing all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay I wholeheartedly recommend! It has a fabulous infinity pool on the 5th floor and offers access to the Cave’s Beach where the staff will bring you drinks all day long!

Things to do in Montego Bay

• Explore the local beaches, start from Doctor’s Cave Beach and Cornwall Beach
• Party all night in the clubs on Gloucester Avenue
• Shop for souvenirs in the Harbor Street Craft and Cultural Village (map)
• Try ziplining, horse-riding, and ATV-riding on a tour 
• Visit the Rose Hall Great House (map)
• Join a reggae sunset cruise on a catamaran

2. Negril – where to stay in Jamaica for casual exploring

Negril is one of the most beautiful places in Jamaica crowned with amazing, world-renowned beaches, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of hiking opportunities. If you’re into casual exploring in a less crowded and commercial area, Negril will blow you away!

One of the main reasons Negril is less commercial is that there are no cruise ship harbors here. The main draw of the area is the iconic and super-long Seven-Mile Beach (map) on one side, and the beautiful rocky coast on the other side (known as West End). 

Tourists usually stay either on the beach or on the rocky side, but honestly, if you make Negril your base, I say try (or at least visit) both! There are convenient route taxis that run between the 2 areas for less than US$2!

Now Seven Mile Beach is the ultimate hotspot with bars, restaurants, shops, and water sports activities. And the beach has some of the bluest waters you’ll see in all of Jamaica!

INSIDER TIP: It’s often cheaper to book water activities at the beach directly rather than through your hotel. Just double-check at the beach in case you get a better rate than that at your hotel! But also know that resorts can always hook you up with guides for tours, and this holds for every resort in Jamaica.

On the West Side of Negril, which is predominantly rocky, you’ll also find amazing restaurants and places to stay. I recommend Ivan’s (map) for casual dining and the wonderful sunset views! Rick’s Café (map) is another super popular spot for sunsets from where you can watch professional cliff jumpers! It’s a really cool sight!

Now all of Negril is full of extraordinary resorts. 

One of the most spectacular, award-winning boutique hotels is located right off the rocky coast of Negril, and it’s called Rock House. When two architects meet in Chicago and design their dream island getaway, you get Rock House as the result! 

Also, fancy an adult-only resort where clothing is optional? Hedonism is for you!

Here’s my quick recommendation of the best accommodation options for most traveler types:

Other accommodation options in Negril

Things to do in Negril 

• Go scuba diving with One Love Scuba (map)
• Explore the Xtabi caves and eat at the nice restaurant there (map)
• Try the best ice lollies of your life at Chillpops Jamaica (map)
• Go on a cruise tour in Negril
• Experience the real Jamaica on a safari UTV experience
• Grab a bite at the iconic Flag City Seafood & Grill (map)
• Visit the nearby Botanical Garden (map)

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3. Ocho Rios – where to stay in Jamaica for families

Ocho Rios is a former fishing village in the North of Jamaica that has grown to become one of the most popular resort towns for families. 

Ocho Rios means “8 Rivers” in Spanish, so there’s water all around it! Allegedly, this is the spot where Christopher Columbus made landfall back in 1494. 

And this is not the only thing that makes this town super popular. It was also used as a filming location for 2 James Bond movies, Dr. No and Live and Let Die. Plus, Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s second-largest cruise port after Mobay!

The town has that old-world charm, but it’s much better integrated vs. Mobay. You can actually see tourists here shopping for handmade goods in local artisanal shops. When it comes to food, I’d rather recommend eating in your resort because Ocho Rios isn’t known as a foodie spot!

The main reason I recommend Ocho Rios to families is the nice selection of resorts with kid-friendly amenities, tons of beautiful nature spots in the vicinity, and easy access to popular adventure and marine parks that cater to kids.

The highlight is definitely the Dunn’s River Falls (map), an impressive park with waterfalls, lush greenery, and natural swimming pools that you can climb together with the kids! It takes around one and a half hours to get to the top, and you can choose between a wet and a dry climb.

INSIDER TIP: Avoid visiting on Wednesdays as this is a cruise ship day, and it’ll be absolutely packed! Also, climbing is only allowed with a tour guide. Dunn’s River Falls Tours is a reputable company for this (map).

GETTING TO OCHO RIOS: Ocho Rios is almost in the middle between Kingston and Montego Bay, so you can basically choose which airport to land in. The ride to Ocho Rios will take 1 hour 30 minutes either way!

NOTE: A lot of the country outside of the resorts is sadly underdeveloped (reminds me of Egypt with lavish resorts for tourists and the poorest people living in the country). The many attractions you’ll find online are in bad shape and there are a lot of scams. Double-check the attractions you want to visit and do proper internet research before going on unknown adventures.

We have a special article on the best family-friendly resorts in Jamaica, but for now, here’s my top selection of what Ocho Rios has to offer:

Other accommodation options in Ocho Rios

Things to do in Ocho Rios 

• Head to Dunn’s River Falls to admire the views
• Take the kids to the Dolphin Cove Marine Park (map)
• Relax on Ocho Rios Bay Beach (map)
• Spend a fun day at Mystic Mountain Adventure Park (map)
• Swim by the scenic waterfalls in Cool Blue Hole (map)
• Visit the Ocho Rios Market (map)
• Have fun on an ATV-guided safari tour 
• Visit the Turtle River Falls & Gardens (map)

4. Port Antonio & Drapers – best place to stay in Jamaica for nature lovers

As you have noticed by now, all major resort towns are located along the Northern coast of Jamaica. Port Antonio is no different! If you’d like to spend your time in Jamaica walking the tropical jungles, admiring the waterfalls, but also experiencing local life, definitely consider Port Antonio.

Port Antonio is located in the Portland province, which is the raw, unspoiled part of Jamaica with pristine beaches, small islands, and tons of river rafting opportunities in Rio Grande. Most of the resorts are closer to Port Antonio, but there are no mega ones like in Mobay.

Port Antonio is not as hectic as Montego Bay or the capital city Kingston, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches around! Frenchman’s Cove Beach (map) and Winnifred Beach (map) are some of the best ones here. 

Drapers (map) is the closest village to Frenchman’s Cove and it has some nice vacation rentals, plus it’s been gaining popularity over the years.

Also being a gateway town for the jungles and mountains of the island, Port Antonio is the place to be if you enjoy different outdoor activities like hiking. Just east of the city, you’ll find the Blue Lagoon (map), a stunning place with incredibly blue waters! You can swim at its entrance or join boat tours available on-site. I’m telling you, the Port Antonio area has some of the most beautiful places in Jamaica!

For adventure lovers, the Somerset Falls (map) also offers incredible views!

Oh, and the views of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains will be the ideal backdrop for your pictures! Out of all the towns on the island, Port Antonio is for sure the most photogenic in my opinion! 

Now since Port Antonio is a 4-hour drive from Mobay, it’s much faster to fly in Kingston and then get a ride here (only 2 hours drive from Kingston).
TIP: Most all-inclusive packages include an airport pickup/dropoff from the airport. Check for details. If yours doesn’t, it’s better to pre-schedule a private transfer just to avoid being scammed at the airport.

Other accommodation options in Port Antonio & Drapers

Things to do in Port Antonio & Drapers

• Swim in the beautiful Frenchman’s Cove Beach
• Check out the beautiful Nanny Falls (map)
• Take lots of pictures at the stunning Blue Lagoon 
• Go hiking around the Blue Mountains
• Go rafting along the Rio Grande (map)

5. Runaway Bay – best area to stay in Jamaica for a laid-back vibe

Runaway Bay is a small town some 10 miles (16 km) West of Ocho Rios on the Northern coast of Jamaica. It’s a very laid-back area without the cruise ship crowds and pushy sellers, but with just enough attractions to keep you busy outside of your resort. 

Best known for half-a million-year-old Green Grotto Caves (map) that bring both Jamaica’s history and geography to life, and for some of the best spots for snorkeling in the area, Runaway Bay is definitely worth the trip.

You’ll see the reefs start right off the shore, and the marine life is super diverse! You can even see barracudas, stingrays, lionfish, and sea urchins!

TIP: The best areas for snorkeling are Runaway Bay Beach (map) and Cardiff Hall Beach (map). By the way, all beaches here are free and open to the public!

FUN FACT: Bob Marley was born in a small village called Nine Mile, which is just an hour’s drive south of Runaway Bay. You can visit his Mausoleum (map), where he and his family are buried! 

This being said, I only recommend you visit if you’re a big fan of the artist. The road to the mausoleum goes through the mountains, it’s very narrow, and you need to walk for a long time before reaching the entrance. 

In terms of accommodation, Runaway Bay doesn’t have many resorts (really just 1 big one), but there are plenty of vacation rentals. Let’s see what the best options are. 

Other accommodation options in Runaway Bay

Things to do in Runaway Bay

• Visit the Green Grotto Caves
• Chill at the nearby beaches
• Go snorkeling at the Runaway Beach
• Eat out with style at L’Escargot French restaurant (map)

👑 Luxury price:	US$300
🧳 Mid-range:	US$160
🛏️ Budget:	US$90
📍 Best area:	Montego Bay
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Riu Palace
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Hilton Rose Hall
👛 Best budget hotel:	Mobay Kotch

Other places to visit in Jamaica

Jamaica vacation is all about chilling at resorts and enjoying the beautiful seaside and nature. Although these places aren’t known for their beaches and all-inclusive resorts, they can be interesting to experience local island life:

• Kingston (map) – the capital of Jamaica is ideal for city hopping. It’s known as the birthplace of reggae music and it has a nice museum of Bob Marley. You’ll also experience the urban energy of Jamaica since this is where most of the locals live!
  
  Best hotels: S Hotel Kingston ($$$), Eventuality B&B ($$) Ragamuffin Hostel ($)
• Treasure Beach (map) – a really nice area to explore for a whole new island vibe. It has plenty of shops selling local handicrafts, very affordable food and accommodation. But it’s definitely not a beach destination.
  
  Best hotels: Jakes Hotel ($$$), Brytan Villa ($$), Nat’s Place ($)

NOTE: Kingston is known for its high crime rate, so remain vigilant and ideally visit with a group or on an organized tour only during the day. Stay in well-lit streets where there are people. Treasure Beach, on the other hand, is one of the safest places on the island.

Quick tips for your trip to Jamaica

Finally, I know you’ll do your research before heading to Jamaica, but I wanted to give you some sage bullet points to help you get started:

• Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) are widely accepted on the island, but cash is king for local goods and souvenir shopping. 
• Withdraw cash in local currency from ATMs or inside banks and only carry the amount you’ll need for the day ($50 is more than enough). Hide the rest in your hotel room’s safe.
• Leave your resort at least once or twice because there’s so much to see outside! 
• Insect repellents and sunblock are A MUST! Especially when you go on tours.
• Consider a car rental for longer stays or if you plan to move a lot. Otherwise, you can easily get around on tours and public transport.
• When in Jamaica, enjoy Blue Mountain Coffee!
• Don’t show jewelry or signs of affluence when going out of the resort.
• Explore the small islands and have lobster or crab meat there.
• If taking a taxi, agree on a price beforehand. A lot of taxis run on broken meters. Ideally, avoid taxis altogether.
• Hitchhiking is a big no-no in Jamaica.
• Despite it’s easy to get, smoking weed in public is illegal in Jamaica, so beware if you’re a smoker.

FAQs about the best places to stay in Jamaica

Final thoughts

Yay! How excited are you about this trip? I hope my post helped you decide which are the best places to stay in Jamaica for you!

If you’re having a hard time trying to decide which hotel to book (that happens to me very often) check out my top 2 favorite options, both located in Mobay:

• S Hotel – you’re telling me there’s a resort with an infinity sky pool on the high floor? I’m there!
• Hilton Rose Hill – I don’t like giant resorts and this one is just perfect in size, plus it has all the cool amenities

Remember to book your hotel in Jamaica in advance to secure the best deals! And don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below or ask questions about your upcoming stay! I’ll be happy to help!

Safe travels, 

Victoria

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