Jamaica in April
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Jamaica at the end of April. we will be landing in Montego Bay. We enjoy all activities, from museums to hiking and exploring. I would appreciate suggestions regarding where to go within the island, where to stay, what we should see. We have not yet purchased our return flights, so input as to how long to stay would be helpful.
thank you. Florence

www.rockhousehotel.com my fav Negril great vibe...

www.virtualtourist.com great tips from locals

Cheapest flights down back usually on Spririt.com

Happy Travels!

We need more info from you to make the right suggestions. How much time do you have? And what's your total budget? My overall suggestion is to get out of Montego Bay ASAP, and head to Negril, which I think has the island's best and longest white sand beach. And while I like Rockhouse, mentioned above, it's on the cliffs, so you need to either take a fairly long walk back down to the beach, or grab a taxi.

Anyway, if you post a budget, I'd be happy to suggest a few places. Have been going there for many years. Good luck!

I like Negril. It's 90 mins from the MoBay airport and there are plenty of shuttles and drivers available (as cheap as $20pp). There are all kinds of great places to stay both on the amazing 7-mile beach or up on "the Cliffs". From the big AI chains like Sandals to smaller local-style places, boutique hotels, cottages in walled gardens, etc.
www.tensingpen.com
www.chalela.com

Montego Bay itself isn't anyplace I'd want to stay. Port Antonio gets good comments but I've no personal experience with it.

We have not yet decided on the length of our stay. It depends on how much there is to do. would like to keep hotel under $500/ night, and have not really enjoyed all-inclusive in the past. really like to hike, explore.
Thanks,
florence

There are plenty of options for you in Negril that shoud be within your budget. I often recommend the upper floor junior suites at Coco La Palm, which I think has one of the best locations on the beach. The best ones are to the left of the hotel as you face the beach. I can't remember the numbers. You don't want to be in the one that is almost directly over the beach bar. Just so you know, these suites are large with a nice terrace, but nothing fancy. If you need something a little more upscale, check next door at Idle Awhile.

Negril is not expensive, you could rent pretty much anything in town at that room rate!

oops I see I made a mistake in the www.charela.com link for Charela Inn.

The next decision if you choose Negril, is whether you want to stay on the beautiful 7-mile beach or up on the stunning "Cliffs".

Just wanted to add on to the info for COCO LA PALM- ask for the upper floor jr. suites that are to the left of the hotel ( as you face the beach) and closest to the adult pool on the beach. You don't want the rooms that used to be part of an old hotel ( I think it was called Silver Sands?) which are close to the main road in front of the hotel. They can be very noisy.

And, a personal recommendation: If you're interested in any of the water activities like snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing, etc., it makes more sense to be on the beach. If you're looking
for something a little quieter and less touristy ( at least during the day!) try the cliffs.