TOP HOTELS IN JAMAICA

Hotels in Jamaica are awesome in one word!We've searched the island for the best hotels and slept in their high-thread-count linens, and these are the few hotels that truly live up to their promised elegance or refined, natural beauty. Here is the list of top hotels in Jamaica. Read!



Golden Eye hotel and resort
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The 21-room Golden Eye is hands down Jamaica's hippest and most luxurious resorts. It's also one of the island's most historic, as the former home of Ian Fleming, and the hideaway at which the author scribed all 14 of his James Bond novels. Today, the property, which reopened in 2010 after an extensive $50 million renovation, includes stunning cottages and villas overlooking a private beach and lagoon, as well as two happening restaurants, two pools, a tree house spa, and an extensive roster of on-site activities. The rates might cause some to flinch, but those who can afford it will find little cause for complaint.
Website: www.goldeneye

Geejam hotel
Port Antonio, Jamaica

These five modern villas on a remote mountaintop are cut off from prying eyes by thick stone walls or dense flora. Designed for utmost privacy, there's no communal pool, lobby, or front desk. Service is by request only, and each room comes with a cell phone so guests can call anyone from room service to the free staff driver to the hotel's owner. The rooms are self-contained sanctuaries with the 24-hour room service, in-room massages, free Wi-Fi, and the pre-programmed Apple TVs set with cult movies or eclectic reggae. Frenchman's Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is 10 minutes away.

The Caves
Negril, Jamaica

The Caves is as honeymoon-perfect as it gets: just 11 spacious, private cottages; no guests under 17; all-inclusive food made to order; a drop-dead gorgeous cliffside setting; and a friendly, ultra-attentive staff, all set to a seductive reggae soundtrack. Perks include a private Jacuzzi for sunset viewing, and romantic candlelight dinners for two inside a cave.

Sandals Royal Plantation
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

You quickly get used to hearing "Sure, whatever you want" from staff members at Royal Plantation, and by the third day, the thought of getting your own drink, lifting your own bag, or adhering to any of the resort's loosely enforced rules feels absurd. Offering such things as specialized dinner entrees, 24-hour room service, beachside drink service, and welcome "mangosas" (mango and champagne), the staff at the Royal Plantation is polite, professional, and friendly (without being flirty).

Negril Tree House Resort
Negril, Jamaica

Negril Tree House Cottages has a choice spot on Negril's Seven Mile Beach, widely held as the best beach in Jamaica. The water is sparkling turquoise from afar, crystal clear up close, warm, and never crowded. There are always plenty of chairs, and the jerk pit and beach bar are never more than a few steps away.


Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort And Spa
Montego Bay, Jamaica

The resort's 86,000 infinity pool is striking -- and enormous. It looks out onto the ocean, and it's never closed, so at night you can swim under the stars. Two Jacuzzis set into the pool are surrounded by white columns.


Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Montego Bay, Jamaica

A classic picture of Jamaican luxury, the historic Round Hill boasts sincere, intimate hospitality, private child care, beautifully designed suites and villas by Ralph Lauren, and breathtaking grounds (to which no photo can really do justice).

Tensing Pen
Negril, Jamaica

Tensing pen, negril

Guests can jump into the ocean from Tensing Pen's long rope bridge or from perches along the rugged West End Cliffs.


Jamaica Inn
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A small, romantic resort that once drew
Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, the Jamaica Inn is about quiet luxury -- a single thatch-roofed bar, a small pool, and beautiful rooms with oversize terraces and soft, colonial decor. The intimate, estate-like setting sports a crescent-shaped beach with chairs spaced comfortably away from one another.


Trident Hotels
port-antonio, Jamaica

Trident Hotel in Port Antonio offers a sensuous vision of contemporary luxury - an instant classic for the 21st century. With its spectacular views, modernist design and five star amenities, this flagship retreat is easily one of Jamaica’s foremost properties, and one of its most coveted. The newly refurbished historic hotel is reminiscent of Port Antonio’s 1960s jet-setting prime while blending an extended take on the new look of luxury.


Couple Tower Isle
Kingston, jamaica

This newly renovated, adults couples-only, all-inclusive Jamaican resort is located on 19 acres of beachfront property, approximately 65 miles from Donald Sangster International Airport. The property is like a private island which features natural sunbathing, with hammocks, lounge chairs, and a snack bar. The property's amenities include a freshwater pool, four hot tubs, nightly entertainment, multiple restaurants and bars, horseback riding, a fitness center, scuba (including resort certification), tennis lessons, volleyball competitions, karaoke contests, beach parties, fashion shows, catamaran rum punch cruises, plantation tours, trips to Dunns River Falls, and a shopping shuttle. The spa, gift shop, beauty salon, photographer, and massages require additional fees.


The Jewel Dunnis River Beach hotel
Jamaica

Introducing The Jewel Dunn’s River, a premium Jamaica Adults-Only, All-Inclusive resort located mere moments from one of Jamaica’s top attractions – spectacular Dunn’s River Falls and now part of Hilton's Curio Collection. The Caribbean’s most romantic, adults-only Jamaican resort is the perfect spot for couples, honeymooners and idyllic weddings. Plus, this Jamaica all-inclusive resort features the unique ‘Jewel Only’ exclusives you can only discover here. Imagine watching a movie from the comfort of a pool raft and dining by candlelight on a pristine beach – that’s just the beginning. Now visualize your first breath in the morning being filled with fresh ocean air from your room’s private balcony. Picture yourself sipping handmade rum punch served by a pool concierge. Anything is possible at The Jewel.


Note:
This is not a  complete list of the hotels in Jamaica, but they are among the best hotels in the country. MORE posts on jamaica N hotels soon.

CITY GUIDE: KINGSTON, JAMAICA (PART 1)

Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, is located on the southeastern coast of the island. There are two major sections to this city: 'downtown' and 'uptown,' also referred to as 'New Kingston.' Kingston was for some time Jamaica's only city and is still the commercial and cultural capital. HERE IS THE GUIDE!



GETTING IN

By Air

Norman Manley Int'l Airport, Kingsti

Norman Manley International Airport Phone: 1-888-247-7678 . Located in the southeastern part of the island, overlooking Kingston Harbour on the Palisadoes peninsula. Served by Air Canada, Air Jamaica, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, and a number of Caribbean airlines. Be prepared for queues at the airport, to clear both immigration and customs, which are fairly strict. It is important that you know where you will be staying and write it down on your immigration form. You can book a flight online or at a tourist office anywhere, but I will recommend this site to book your flight to jamaica on budget, visit CHEAP FLIGHT

There are taxi vans between the airport and town - one person US$28; a group $33, potentially negotiable. Payment can be in US$. The cheapest way is to take bus 98 straight to the Parade in downtown Kingston for J$80. The bus stop outside the arrivals terminal is for bus 98 going towards.

Port Royal. Just passed the bus stop is where bus 98 stops on its way to downtown.
Kingston Tinson Pen There is a smaller airport closer to downtown but it does not have any regularly scheduled passenger service any more.


By car

Taxis in Kingston

Island Rental Cars has offices at the NMIA airport, in downtown Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, and will allow you to do one-way rentals. Remember to drive on the left!


By bus

Kingston has an extensive and modern bus system. The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) runs the bus system for the government, while private contractors also run the same routes. There are also minibuses and route taxis which are very affordable. Whenever in doubt, ask a bus driver how to get somewhere or where to find a certain bus; they are generally very helpful.

Public transit generally goes through one or more of the three central transportation hubs.

Downtown (Parade and The Downtown Transport Center). Keep a tight hold of your bags as petty theft is possible as in any large metropolis.

The ultra-modern Half-Way Tree Transport Center (HWT) in uptown Kingston is generally a safer area, but there are less buses.

Cross Roads an older, congested hub not suggested for tourists. Maps of the bus system can be found on www.whagwan.org


GETTING AROUND KINGSTON

By bus

Buses in kingston

The bus service in Jamaica has now been upgraded with express buses cost ranging from $50 to $100, and another bus also air conditioned can be found in yellow with the Jamaican flag at the front costs for regular fares $15 and for children under 12 $50 12+(prices are expected to raise for the new buses soon because of the increase of gas). The original unconditioned buses still function, but who know when will they last?


By taxi

All official taxis have red license plates that start with 'PPV'.
Route Taxis (a taxi that has a set route and picks up multiple people along it) are also common and often mirror bus routes and are not much more expensive than buses. Fares range from J$400 to J$5000 for long routes.

Chattered vehicles
With some practice and bravery you can rent a car (Island Rent a car allows for one-way car rental). Take a good map and be willing to ask (and keep asking to get a consensus) for directions along the way. It's not safe to drive in the countryside after dark.


ACCOMMODATION

The area you want to stay in is uptown Kingston. It’s safe and has nightlife. For apartments check out AirBnb . Aside from that options are quite limited. Anywhere north or east of Half Way Tree station isn’t a bad option. If you’re traveling solo or on a budget, I highly recommend you stay in Reggae Hostel . You can’t bring girls back, but the owner and staff are great, as is the location. It has a bar, cool people, and they even arrange nights out.

READ: HOTELS IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA


PLACES TO VISIT


Emancipation Park

Emancipation park

The Liguanea Club, a recreational and social club for the upper class in society, located on Knutsford Boulevard, owned over 35 acres (14 ha) of land including the former Liguanea Park now the site of Emancipation Park. The Club gave the land measuring seven acres as a gift to the Jamaican Government.

The park is well known for the 11 ft. (approximately 3m) high bronze sculpture done by Jamaican artist Laura Facey-Cooper, situated at the Park's main entrance.


National Gallery of Jamaica

Located at 12 Ocean Blvd, ☎ +1 876-922-1561. Tues. to Thurs. 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Fri. 10 AM to 4 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 3 PM. The museum features artwork by Jamaicans from throughout its history, from the native Taino Indians through the colonial period to works by modern artists. The gallery hosts its annual National Visual Arts Exhibition, which began in 1963 as a way to promote post-colonial art and to showcase the works of rising artists from Jamaica.

Entrance fees are waved during the exhibition period. J$100, students and senior citizens over 65 may enter for J$50.


Bob Marley Museum

It is Locatrf at 56 Hope Road, ☎
876-927-9152. Open Mon-Sat, Tours last 1hr, including a 20min film. The first tour begins at 9:30am and the last tour at 4pm. Filled with tons of memorabilia and Bob Marley's personal belongings, the museum is a must for any fan. The museum itself is an attraction as it was once Bob Marley's home and recording studio.

The house is a preserved historical site, so even the bullet holes from the attempted murder of Bob Marley remain. He lived here until his death in 1981. Every visitor will be added to a tour upon entry. residents J$500, non-residents US$20 (credit cards are accepted).

Port Royal

Port Royal

Once known as the "Richest and wickedest city in the world", Port Royal is a notorious 17th century pirate haven. The most famous pirate who operated from Port Royal was Sir Henry Morgan who plundered Spanish vessels travelling in the Caribbean.

The city prospered as the pirates gathered riches, but a strong earthquake struck the area on June 7, 1692 sinking the ships in the harbor and killing many people as the earthquake moved much of the city into the sea. It has been said that the earthquake was caused by God himself to punish the evildoers of Port Royal. This disaster helped to establish Kingston as the new capital, and many of the survivors of the earthquake moved to Kingston. Although most of the buildings at the port today are not the original buildings, the walls of Fort Charles have been preserved since the rebuilding two years after the earthquake, Saint Peter's Church built in the early 18th century, and the ruins of Fort Rocky remain.

There is also a museum to learn more about the history and see artifacts from its hayday.


Devon House 

Devon House

Located at 6 Hope Road, ☎ +1 876-926-0815. The Mansion is open Mon. to Sat. from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, the courtyard from 10 AM to 6 PM, and the gardens are open daily from 9:30 AM to 10 PM,. One of the best example of Jamaican architecture, the Devon House was built by George Stiebel, the nation's first black millionaire. Much of the interior furniture is not original, but it upholds the 19th Century mansion style. The courtyard has craft shops, a few restaurants, and the most famous ice cream shop on the island. J$700 for a tour of the mansion. Entry to garden and shops is free.

Hope Botanical Gardens

Hope Gerdens, kingston

Opens daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The Largest Botanical Garden in the Caribbean. The garden gets its name from the man Richard Hope who helped capture Jamaica for Great Britain and was given the property to reward him for his faithfulness to the Crown. Free. edit
Hope Zoo , (Next to the Botanical Gardens ).
10 AM to 5 PM. J$20.

Arawak Museum

Also known as The Taino Museum . A small museum with artifacts and information about the original inhabitants of the island, the Arawak (or Taino) Indians. edit
People's Museum of Craft and Technology. A small museum with pottery, instruments, and farming tools used in Jamaica. J$100. edit


Lime Cay

Lime clay in kingston

Beach off the coast of Port Royale must take a boat from Port Royal fisherman or the hotel to island. Island is famous as the location for final scene in The Harder they Come. Crowded party spot on the weekends with food and drink available for purchase, much more sedate and often deserted on weekdays. You can camp overnight if you pre-arrange a next-day pickup time, but be careful, as you can't exactly swim to shore!


FOODS AND DRINKS

Redbones Blues Cafe at Argyle Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I., ☎ +(876) 978-6091. Jazz & Blues themed Caribbean Fusion Cuisine restaurant & bar. Cultural Watering Hole with Live Music & Art Gallery

Devon House (At the back of the Devon House mansion in the shopping area. ). Closed Sundays. Excellent upmarket restaurant with a fusion of Western and Jamaican cooking. Eat outside at large tables with very decorative flower arrangements.

White Bones Seafood at Mannings Hill Road. Mon-Sat 11:30am-11:00pm, Sun 2:00pm-10:00pm. Highly recommended, but expensive, fish and seafood joint. Tuesdays are all-you-can-eat shellfish nights. J$3000.

Drink
Drink Red Stripe and Appleton Rum. If you've got the guts, try some Wray & Nephew overproof white rum (locals refer to it as "whites").

There's also refreshing coconut water, cane juice, sorrel (only served around Christmas time), Irish Moss, and tamarind drink or genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (according to experts it is perhaps the best tasting, most expensive and most sought after coffee in the world).


CLICK TO READ PART TWO:
KINGSTON CITY GUIDE 2

CONTINENTS REVIEW: AFRICA

Africa is the World's second-largest continent after Asia - 30,065,000 km covering approximately 20% of the Earth's land and 6% of the Earth's surface .



It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Indian Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. The Red Sea and Suez Canal lie to the north-east and separate Africa from Asia.


Geography

The longest river in the World, The Nile, measuring 6,695 km - flows north ending in a delta that empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

The World's largest desert, The Sahara, measuring 9,000,000 km, covers much of north Africa. The Kalahari desert in south-west Africa measures 259,000 km.

The Atlas mountain range lies in the north-west of Africa and the highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, 5895 m, is in Tanzania.


Climate and Weather

Africa is broadly divided into five regions as shown on the map right. The seasons are fairly well defined in those regions that lie in the northern and southern hemispheres - the north and south of Africa.

Northern Africa - Spring - March, April, May
- Summer - June, July, August
- Autumn - September, October, November
- Winter - December, January, February
Southern Africa - Spring - August, September, October
- Summer - November, December, January
- Autumn - February, March, April
- Winter - May, June, July


The seasons of western, central and eastern Africa are less easy to define since these regions lie between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and tend to have a more constant temperature range throughout the year.


Demography

The population of Africa is growing rapidly with a growth rate of approximately 3% per annum.

The total population of Africa is approximately 877,500,000 (2005). The desert regions are the least populated while the most populated areas are in the north, south and around the Gulf of Guinea.
The countries with the highest populations (to the nearest million) are:

Nigeria - 130 million
Egypt - 71 million
Ethiopia - 68 million
Democratic Republic of Congo - 55 million
South Africa - 44 million

Botswana and South Africa are the most economically developed regions while Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producing region.

About 70% of Africa's population rely on agriculture for income and times of drought can produce severe hardship. The climate of Africa together with the effects of the Slave Trade, colonisation, international trade and internal wars and conflicts make Africa the World's poorest continent.


Country List

There are 53 countries in Africa

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo (DRC), Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

READ OTHER CONTINENTS: EUROPE, ASIA, NORTH AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, AUSTRALASIA, ANTARCTICA

THE TOP 6 NIGHTLIFE HOTSPOTS IN MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

The Hip Strip, located on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a must-see place if you are planning on going to vacation in Jamaica anytime in the near future; as it is loaded with plenty of great bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and other entertainment venues.



 The following 6 places are among the most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants, located on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, which are frequented by locals, as well as international travelers.


1. Margaritaville

The Hip Strip, located on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a must-see place if you are planning on going to vacation in Jamaica anytime in the near future; as it is loaded with plenty of great bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and other entertainment venues. The Hip Strip is also located in close proximity to many popular beaches including: Doctor’s Cave, Cornwall and Walter Fletcher beach. The following 6 places are among the most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants, located on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, which are frequented by locals, as well as international travelers.
Margaritaville in Montego Bay, Jamaica, opened in 1995 by two local veteran businessman, Brian Jardim and Ian Dear of the hotel and real estate industries.

Margaritaville is a fun and exhilarating place to go with friends, family, or a significant other to enjoy great local and international food, drinks, and live entertainment on Gloucester Avenue in the heart of the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Margaritaville also has outdoor water activities, including a 120 foot water slide, two water trampolines, and water volleyball, which are only open during the day. Margaritaville is only 10 minutes via taxi or shuttle bus from the Montego Bay Pier for any cruise ship passengers.

At night Margaritaville turns into a night club party atmosphere with in-house DJ’s and special themed event nights, such as Bare As You Dare, Glow, and Ladies Night. Some of the celebrities who have visited Margaritaville in Montego Bay over the years include: P. Diddy, Nelly; Run DMC; Tiger Woods; Dennis Hopper; Cindy Crawford and Uma Thurman.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 A.M.

Cover Charge: None

Website: MARGARITAVILLE


2. Blue Beat Ultra Lounge

Blue Beat Ultra Lounge is a more upscale and elegant Jazz and Martini bar located next door to Margaritaville on the Montego Bay harbor front, and is the first of its kind in Montego Bay, which opened in 2004. Blue Beat has live local bands, such as resident band, Scotch, and an in-house DJ; as well as special themed music nights, such as Copacabana Latin Flare and Saturday’s Guest List. In addition, there are live comedy nights; an unplugged music series with local and international music artists, and an outside lounge area with couches and chairs, steps away from the Caribbean Ocean.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 A.M. – (no set closing)

Cover Charge: depends on events taking place.

Website: BLUEBEATULTRA



3. Pier One

Pier One is a fun and affordable bar located on a small Pier in Montego Bay, which is a great place to have some cheap drinks and dance while listening to live music. Friday’s are Pier Pressure ladies night’s ($10.00 cover charge) and rum drinks are only $2.00 on Fridays. Pier One is also a great place to have some food and in particular seafood, for instance, Sunday’s are Seafood Sundays. Pier One also hosts Dancehall Queen and Reggae Sumfest music events on their main stage.

Hours of Operation: Check official website for details about their hours of operation.

Cover Charge: Depends on events going on.
Website: PIER ONE



4. The Brewery

The Brewery is one of the cities’ most popular nightlife hang out spots that is a cross between a British pub and a Jamaican jerk-pork pit, which has a wooden bar, medieval memorabilia, and a covered veranda at the back, overlooking busy Gloucester Avenue.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 A.M.

Cover Charge: No cover charges.

Website: Not available for now.



5. Jamaican Bobsled Cafe

The Jamaican Bobsled Café specializes in “New York Style” pizza, but customers can also order other items, such as burgers, salads and platters, ranging from $5.00 to $22.00 U.S. In addition, the Jamaican Bobsled Café has a large digital clock counting down to the next winter olympics; as well as the Jamaican 1988 Winter Olympics team’s winning bobsled, which you can pay to get a photo of yourself and friends and family in.

In addition, the Jamaican Bobsled Café has inside and outdoor seating areas.

Hours of Operation: Not Sure.

Cover Charge: No cover charge.

Website: Not available for now.


6. Groovy Grouper

The Groovy Grouper is a bar and restaurant located at Doctor’s Cave Beach, located within Doctor’s Cove Bathing Club, which costs $5.00 U.S. for admission during the day, but is free after 5 P.M. The Groovy Grouper has various specialty rum drinks, such as the bartender’s special “Groovy Delight”. The Groovy Grouper also has some unique local specialty cuisine, including: Conch Chowder (or fritters) with wings and salad, and Jerked Calamari. Friday nights are all you can eat seafood night for $20.00 U.S./person.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 A.M – 2:30 A.M.

Cover Charge: $5.00 U.S. entrance fee for the Doctor’s Cove Bathing Club (except after 5 P.M., which is free.)

No Website


Although this is not a completely exhaustive list of popular night clubs, bars, and restaurants located on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip; these local nightlife hotspots are likely some of the most interesting and fun places to dance, drink, eat, and party the night away, while you are visiting Montego Bay.

The Hip Strip is also located in close proximity to many popular beaches including: Doctor’s Cave, Cornwall and Walter Fletcher beach.

THANKS FOR READING !

We would greatly appreciate it if you would let us know what your favorite Montego Bay bar, club or restaurant is and why?

If you are interested in booking private transportation to any of these Montego Bay Hip Strip nightlife locations contact us
E-mail: service.travelerplanet@gmail.com