52 Best Hotels in Jamaica

The Jamaica Inn exemplifies the elegance, luxury, and exquisite service of Jamaica's tourism heyday with attention to details such as fresh flower bouquets in the rooms and lovely beach views. Marilyn Monroe honeymooned here with playwright Arthur Miller, and Winston Churchill also visited; his name is on a plaque on the door of the white suite, one of four deluxe luxury suites. Although a connection to the past is apparent and exemplified by the long tenure of many on staff—including a bartender, Teddy, who has been pouring drinks for guests including prime ministers and royalty—this refined hotel is not one to rest on its laurels.

A sign reads "Spa Zone—Keep the Vibes Calm," which is not a tall order at this beautiful boutique hotel that attracts discerning travelers, honeymooners, and celebrities who appreciate the cottages and villas placed along a cliff and the rustic but stylish accommodations. The cottages are built from rough-hewn timber, thatch, and stone, and each has a four-poster, queen-size bed. Where else can one stay in a thatched-roof hut that offers all the comforts including air-conditioning? Lush, tropical gardens ensure privacy at every turn. There are steps down to the sea, with bridges over gaps in the cliffs, where the water has carved out spectacular caves. A highlight is the spa, which is open to the public. You can indulge in one of the treatment rooms or a cliffside cabana. There is also a yoga deck and a saltwater pool for guests only.

This stylish boutique B&B is a nice alternative to North Coast all-inclusives; fabulous feasts (often with Jamaican, Chinese, and international flavors) are available for guests who wish to have dinner as well as breakfast here. The owner, Elise, goes out of her way to arrange tours of the "real" Jamaica—taking in places and people off the beaten track—and on-site massages help you wind down afterward. Service is impeccable.

At this boutique resort that's part of former music mogul Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost group, the thatched-roof cottages are individually designed and furnished, most with balconies overlooking the deep water off Negril's West End honeycombed cliffs. These arty accommodations are constructed above huge caves that reach deep inland. There are steps that lead down to caverns, where you can arrange private dining. There is also a cave rum bar, illuminated by dozens of candles. With fabulous sunsets, magical surroundings, and great service, the hotel is a hit with A-listers. Little touches such as incense lit at turn-down time and music in your room upon arrival give the resort a homey feel.

Located 10 minutes east of Port Antonio, this stylish, tech-savvy rockers' getaway (Gwen Stefani recorded an album here, and it's a favorite of Grace Jones) was once a music producer's hideaway. It still features a state-of-the-art recording studio that's available to guests (assuming you're cutting your next album while on vacation). Cell phones are provided upon arrival, and visitors have their pick of more than 50 international newspapers to peruse in their rooms, which are notable for a modern mix of high-tech and island simplicity. The 12 studio rooms added most recently are especially nice, each with a balcony, ocean views, white and wooden decor, and well-curated art.

Whether you're a fan of James Bond or luxury getaways in general, this exclusive address 20 minutes east of Ocho Rios holds special appeal as the property was purchased in 1946 by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, who built a villa that is now owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. The main property features more than 40 accommodations categorized as villas, beach huts, and lagoon cottages, but the exclusive Fleming Villa is located on a separate parcel of land with its own private beach, pool, and dedicated staff. Dining is available at the gazebo restaurant, and the bar has a soundtrack selected by Blackwell. Paddle across the lagoon to the FieldSpa for natural open-air treatments.

Luxury and privacy are hallmarks at Hermosa Cove, where the contemporary one- and two-story villas offer all the conveniences of home in a beautiful tropical setting. Artwork and stylish furnishings from around the world grace villas named for tropical fruits and spices, each with its own private kitchen and walled-in garden featuring a small private swimming pool and gazebo. The resort has an infinity pool, beach area, and two delicious on-site restaurants, Christophers and the Broken Rudder.

Seaside charm combines with interesting artwork to create a chic place that oozes personality, with each room or cottage designed with unique colors and funky furnishings with signature touches—think mosaic tiles and headboards and concrete walls embedded with colored-glass bottles. Accommodations have outdoor showers or bathtubs with solar-heated water, and there's a yoga deck above the Driftwood Spa. Jakes's private cottages and luxury villas are also nearby. The staff encourages guests to get involved in the local scene, whether fishing with the locals or hitting a rum shop. The owners have also developed the nearby Lionel Densham Aerodrome, so you can arrive by private aircraft, and there is a helipad on the resort.

A favorite of celebrities and other wealthy people thanks to its private, elegant villas, this peaceful resort west of MoBay also has stylish hotel rooms in the Pineapple House; the rooms are decorated in a refined Ralph Lauren style done by the designer himself, who has property on the resort's 98 acres. Each villa includes a personal maid and a cook to make your breakfast, and most have private pools. It's a fairly quiet place, with a small beach and limited but good dining options. Many guests return again and again because of the personal service and excellent management.

During its heyday, guests at what was then called Plantation Inn included British royals, Winston Churchill, and authors Noël Coward and Ian Fleming, but today, it's one of the Caribbean's most popular boutique hotels. Overlooking a private Caribbean cove and spanning 17 acres, this British colonial getaway is composed of 74 ocean-view suites and the private Villa Plantana, which has its own pool, dedicated butler, and chef. All the spacious hotel suites are decorated in plantation style and are appointed with handcrafted mahogany beds and other elegant furnishings.

When this resort opened in 2017, it made headlines around the world for its stunning over-the-water bungalows that extend to form the shape of a heart in the ocean; in 2020 Sandals South Coast earned attention by unveiling its first swim-up rondoval suites, all of which feature a private pool, conical ceiling, and a serenity swing. The river-like pool that meanders through the rondoval village spans 17,040 square feet and is said to be the longest resort pool in the Western Hemisphere. The innovation alone makes this all-inclusive, adults-only property stand head-and-shoulders above other Sandals resorts. There are also nine restaurants, seven bars (some of which are swim-up bars), a private beach, three pools, a spa, and a range of water sports and activities to complete the luxury south coast experience.

A 45-minute drive from Kingston—but worlds apart in terms of atmosphere—this exclusive resort was developed by Chris Blackwell, former head of Island Records (the label of Bob Marley, among many others), and features an infinity pool, spa, and pure relaxation in Georgian-style cottages. This place is not for beach buffs but for those in search of great food, and on a clear day, the on-site restaurant offers unbeatable views over the capital city, too. Cottages survey the mountains from expansive porches, most with an oversize hammock. Every bed has an electric mattress pad for chilly evenings, and mosquito nets—because there's no air-conditioning, guests usually prefer to keep windows open.

This rustic but elegant resort is hip without being pretentious; it's a top spot for affordable chic and the kind of place that makes you want to check in and just laze in your room, or in a hammock, with a book. The cottages are made of stone and wood with thatch roofs; some are on stilts, and they all have big beds. Continental breakfast is included in the reasonably priced room rates; you can have all your meals at the hotel's restaurant or go out and explore the nearby restaurants on Negril's West End.

This graceful former colonial mansion not far from Devon House and several restaurants has refurbished rooms and elegant touches as well as its own eatery offering white-glove-service and sophisticated cuisine. The Regency Bar & Lounge is also a posh hangout for locals. This is an excellent choice for luxury and relaxation.

One of Jamaica's most stylish resorts features villas decorated with commissioned artwork and elegant furnishings designed and made especially for the hotel, plus three excellent dining options, including a dinner club with live jazz by the house band or mento music by the famed Jolly Boys. A farm and nursery down the road provides plants for the beautifully landscaped property. All villas are fully appointed and provide ocean views and privacy. A full-service spa, private cinema, fitness center, and a private beach round out the amenities.

This family-friendly all-inclusive has something for everyone: a prime Negril Beach location, upscale dining for adults, and multiple attractions for kids and teens—a chief asset is the impressive 18,000-square-foot water park, Pirates Island. Also keeping everyone happy are an Xbox lounge for kids (and plenty of adults); Sesame Street characters, who roam the grounds ready to interact; nine restaurants (plus seven bars for the adults); a supervised kids' program; and scheduled teen activities.

The company that specializes in the all-inclusive resort brings its brand of luxury, attention to detail, and attentive staff to this family-oriented property with bright rooms centered on an exquisite beach where you can enjoy water sports and even get scuba certification. There are several restaurants with choices from pizza to fine dining with a wine cellar featuring top vintages. Plenty of activities for children of all ages include an Xbox 360 game room, waterslide, dance-hall club, and Sesame Street–themed activities, exclusive to Beaches. Butler service is offered, and guests get free access to nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club. The helpful staff can help plan off-site excursions.

Surely one of the prettiest properties on the West End cliffs, this place proclaims "to rekindle the romance," perhaps because the grounds are decorated with pink bougainvillea and other tropical plants, and you can sunbathe or read privately with your loved one in secluded spots throughout the property. The small boutique hotel has nine stylish, thatched wooden cottages, seven equally attractive suites, all with private patios, and one budget room—honeymooners love Sagittarius Cottage, which is at the edge of the cliff and has a designer outdoor shower room for two overlooking the sea. Ivan's Restaurant is private dining during the day but opens to the public at 5 pm with a lively bar scene and great views overlooking the sea.

This quiet, family-run hotel, on one of the nicest parts of Negril Beach, is built hacienda-style around a central courtyard, where there's a round swimming pool and a lush garden. Rooms have lovely big beds and a patio or balcony. All furniture is locally made and all food used is grown on the hotel's private farm. Many guests are repeat visitors, but newcomers are soon drawn in by the friendly atmosphere. The hotel has live music on Thursday nights and pure jazz and blues music on Saturdays.

This beachfront, couples-only resort emphasizes romance and relaxation and is a more laid-back alternative to the nearby Sandals Negril. Located along Bloody Bay, north of the funkier Seven Mile Beach, the property is decorated in bright colors, and lively art by local craftspeople peppers public spaces. Rooms are similarly bright and roomy but are not luxurious. All rooms are air-conditioned and have king-size beds and ceiling fans; oversize bathrooms have a double vanity and Jacuzzi bathtub; every room has a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, an iPod docking station, and a minibar stocked with beer, wine, juices, and soda (replenished daily); and hors d'oeuvres are delivered each evening. All rooms also include balcony or patio, and suites have hammocks.

This classy, couples-only, all-inclusive encourages you to check your cares at the entrance and indulge in soul-nurturing pampering. Rooms—all suites—are soothing, with tile floors, plush linens, large balconies, and a style more Mediterranean than Caribbean. Bathrooms are large and luxurious. Romantic oceanfront suites have oversize whirlpool tubs. Guests have their choice of beaches (one clothing-optional), though both have pebbly sand, and neither is as appealing as the pools.

For sports-minded couples, this all-suites resort is known for its expansive sports offerings, top-notch facilities (Jamaica's best and among the Caribbean's best), and healthy cuisine. If you're looking for an active vacation sprinkled with romance, this is the best option in Negril. Suites are tucked in bungalow-style buildings—each with a private verandah overlooking the sea or a lush garden area—spread along a ½-mile (¾-km) stretch of gorgeous beach. Across the road lies one of Jamaica's best sports complexes, with classes and high-end equipment and instruction. There are 10 tennis courts, a full-service spa, and a fully equipped fitness center.

This all-inclusive has beautiful contemporary designed guest rooms; a handful of villa suites with private plunge pools and private sun terraces; and a private island where you can sunbathe in the buff. The resort is on a nice stretch of beach, and offers many water sports as part of the all-inclusive package, as well as several off-site excursions, including shopping in Ocho Rios and a visit to Dunn's River Falls.

Aimed at businesspeople, this hotel is in the city's financial district, in the heart of New Kingston and less than a half-hour from Norman Manley International Airport. Most travelers, not just suits, will find its rooms more than comfortable, with flat-screen TVs with premium movie and sports channels. There's a gym, gift shop, and pool on the property, and activities include special Courtleigh themed nights and Wednesday Jerk Night by the pool.

This resort has a pristine location and decor that feels like a time capsule, but a far cry from when Queen Elizabeth II stayed in Villa 18. Villas are the best option; tucked into the dense forest, they offer beauty and space. Many are just steps from one of Port Antonio's best beaches, a setting in movies. Standard rooms, many fairly large, are in the main building, known as the greathouse. Butler service is available for Villa 12.

Hummingbirds flit about this reasonably priced property, consisting of one- and two-story villas with the conveniences of a hotel, including tennis courts, a pool, and a restaurant and bar that's centered on a 300-year-old ficus tree and looks like a movie set. The well-designed villas are bright and breezy and take full advantage of the stunning views and natural scenery. It's near San San Beach.

This massive property is one of the island's largest resorts—and most economical all-inclusives—with more than 800 rooms, seven restaurants, three pools, and a children's water park. Guest rooms, decorated in muted tropical tones, are a good value for travelers who don't mind some dining restrictions (and plenty of fellow travelers at the buffet line). Special Club Golden and Club Diamond categories include separate check-in, a lounge, and other exclusive facilities. There's also an adults-only category.

With its many room categories, 28 massive villas (five to seven bedrooms), shopping village, a private beach, water sports, three pools, the luxurious Fern Tree spa, a children's village, golf course, and an equestrian center, this resort feels almost as though it's an entire town. What started in 1954 as a group of private beach cottages offered for rent during off-season months has blossomed into one of the most popular getaways on Jamaica's north coast. Renovations in recent years have added more than 50 rooms and a wealth of bars and restaurants, including a vegan café. The original beach cottages, just steps from the sand as well as public areas, remain a great choice. 

At this go-to resort for the uninhibited that promises a perpetual spring break for adults, most visitors are drawn to the legendary party atmosphere. You can find "prude" activities, such as those in the large gym, but it's the nude side that's regularly sold out. Many nudist groups plan vacations en masse here several times a year; another peak time is Halloween, when guests celebrate the resort's anniversary with wild costumes and decorated rooms. All the resort's premium suites have private terraces with ocean or garden views and hot tubs. In addition, all rooms have multi-head showers and mirrors over the beds. It's also a great choice for fans of nightlife.

Popular with couples, conference groups, and families, this self-contained property on a former sugarcane plantation occupies 400 lush acres of well-manicured grounds and has received regular upgrades and enhancements over the years, making it a top choice in Montego Bay. Facilities include a huge water park, complete with lagoons and lazy rafting river, a private beach with deluxe cabanas, and 11 restaurants and bars. All rooms and suites have their own private balcony with views of the property and ocean, and there are a couple of excellent courses right across the street.