Hotels in Jamaica offer wonderful accommodations in a destination nicknamed “Rock” and “Jamrock”. Known for its beaches, coral reefs, diving, snorkeling, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, mineral springs, British-colonial architecture, jerk food (dry-rubbed / wet-marinated with hot spices), Caribbean restaurants, bars, rum, Red Stripe beer and Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaica is found atop teal Caribbean Sea, and relatively close to Haiti, Cuba and Cayman Islands. A Caribbean island nation, Jamaica is home to tourist towns such as Negril (western coast), Montego Bay (northwestern coast) and Ocho Rios (northern coast), while its capital city, Kingston, is located on the island’s southeastern coast. The word “Jamaica” derives from an indigenous Caribbean word meaning either “land of wood or water” or “land of springs”. Jamaica main attractions include Rick’s Cafe (Negril Caribbean restaurant), Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Emancipation Park (Kingston state park), Bob Marley Museum (Kingston Museum), YS Falls (tourist attraction), Bamboo Beach Club (Falmouth beach club), Appleton Estate Rum Tour (tourist attraction), Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay beach), Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay tourist attraction), Jamaican Bobsled Rollercoaster (Ocho Rios tourist attraction), Reach Falls (Manchionea ecological park – waterfall, swimming area, wildlife), Old Spanish Bridge (tourist attraction), Island Gully Falls (tourist attraction – waterfalls, pools, jumping, rope swinging), Rocklands Bird Sanctuary (Montego Bay bird watching area), White River Calypso Rafting & Tubing (tourist attraction), Benta River (Pennycooke park), Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs (Pennycooke tourist attraction), Blue Mountain Peak (mountain peak) and Sun Valley Plantation Hummingbird Garden. Jamaica’s main airport, Sangster International Airport, is located just north of Montego Bay, with airport car rental agencies to include Epic Car Rental and MoBay Car Rental. In Kingston, Uber rideshare does operate. Jamaica’s cruise ports are located in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Kingston and Port Antonio. Jamrock’s official language is English, though most islanders speak a dialect known as Patois. Patois examples are Weh Yuh Ah Seh (what are you saying?), Small up yuhself (make room), Mi Deh Yah (everything is okay), Mi Soon Come (I’ll be right there), Inna di morrows (I’ll see you tomorrow) and Wah Gwaan (what’s up?). When visiting Jamaica, be sure to take extra precautions in Kingston, and be mindful of your surroundings even in Montego Bay, while not flaunting jewelry or smartphones. When traveling outside of tourist areas, it’s best to use a tour agency. In Jamaica, Cars travel on the left-hand side, the drinking age is 18 years old and currency is the Jamaican Dollar. Top events include Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Reggae Sumfest, Bob Marley Week, Trelawny Yam Festival, Jamaica Carnival and Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament. Hotels in Jamaica are some of the Caribbean’s best accommodations. Before we get to hotels in Jamaica, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the first human presence in Jamaica dates to around 600 AD. At that time, it is believed that the “Redware people” arrived, followed by the South American Taíno people circa 800. The Taino, possibly numbering 60,000 at one point, farmed and fished in south Jamaica near Old Harbour. When England took control of the island in 1655, some of the remaining Taino fled into interior regions and merged with African Maroon communities. Prior to England, however, Spain was the first European country to spot Jamaica. Christopher Columbus, in 1494 on his second voyage to the Americas, claimed the island for Spain. Columbus’ first sighting was of St. Ann’s Bay, which he named “Saint Gloria”. Columbus returned to Jamaica in 1503 and became shipwrecked, causing him and his crew to live on the island for a year while awaiting rescue. Juan de Esquivel established the island’s first Spanish settlement, Sevilla, circa 1509 just west of St. Ann’s Bay. Deemed unhealthy, Sevilla was abandoned in 1524, and Spanish Town became the new capital around 1534. The Taino perished in large numbers due to introduced diseases and enslavement by the Spanish. Consequently, Spain began importing African slaves, many of which escaped enslavement to the mountainous interior and became known as Maroons. Jamaica’s population dwindled to no more than 3,000 by the early17th century. Beginning with the 1655 invasion of Jamaica, England took control of the island from Spain by way of the 1657 Battle of Ocho Rios and the 1658 Battle of Rio Nuevo, with support from the Maroon community. Spain made several attempts to recapture Jamaica. In turn, Britain supported pirates’ attacks on Spanish ships in the Caribbean. Port Royal, at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, became a notorious pirate center. With the 1670 Treaty of Madrid, Spain gave up their ambitions to recapture Jamaica. Jamaica’s population numbered about 4,500 white and 1,500 in 1660. A decade later, African slaves working on English sugar cane plantations made up a majority of the population. Becoming indentured laborers as a consequence of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Irish made up about two-thirds of the island’s white population around 1655. Sugar, coffee, cotton and indigo accounted for a strong economy in Jamaica during the 1700s. During the 18th century, slaves ran away to join the Maroons, which resulted in a number of wars such as the Maroon and Tacky’s Wars. In 1807, the British abolished the slave trade, but not the institution itself, which led to the 1831 Baptist War. Also known as the Sam Sharp Rebellion, the Baptist War between the Colony of Jamaica and slave rebels resulted in a suppressed rebellion. In 1872, Jamaica’s capital transferred from Spanish Town to Kingston. Jamaica gained independence on August 6, 1962, albeit with a membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Caribbean’s third-largest island at 4,240 square miles, Jamaica is home to around 2.8 million Jamaicans. Roughly 77% of the population is made up of Afro-Jamaicans. Around 70% of Jamaica’s population identifies as Christian, almost entirely practicing Protestantism. Jamaica’s government is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning that a hereditary monarch (Great Britain) is the sovereign and head of state. Heavily dependent on tourism, Jamaica welcomes around 4.3 tourists annually. Top sports are cricket and football, while the island also is known for its world-class track-and-field sprinters. Jamaica’s climate is tropical, with hot, humid weather throughout the year along the coastline. Inland regions tend to be more temperate, and hurricanes are entirely possible. Jamaica’s national bird is the red-billed streamertail, which is a type of hummingbird. Other animals include Jamaican boas, Jamaican hutias (endangered rat-like mammal), fig-eating bats, wild boars, mongoose, American crocodiles, black-billed parrots, Jamaican blackbirds, Greater flamingos, treefrogs, Jamaican sliders (freshwater turtle), Jamaican parrotfish, dolphins and manatees. Additional points of interest include Doctor’s Cave Beach Club and St. Ann Parish. Located in Montego Bay, Luminous Lagoon is a bioluminescent bay that glows at night when disturbed due to dinoflagellate plankton. Local foods include jerk chicken, pork & fish, pea soup, oxtail, fried breadfruit and goat curry, while Jamaica’s national dish is ackee and saltfish. Popular drinks are beer (Red Stripe), rum, tea, ginger beer, rum punch and the “dirty banana” (rum, coffee liqueur, banana liqueur, a fresh banana, half and half cream). With some background information on the island, we’re ready for hotels in Jamaica that will help make for an exciting adventure.
S Hotel Montego Bay
7 Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay
Doctor’s Cave Beach
S Hotel Montego Bay features restaurants, bars, buffet breakfast, swimming pools, sky pools, a fitness center, a spa, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, desks and a 24-hour front desk. The Palm Terrace (wedding venue) is in the area.
Within feet:
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- Doctor’s Cave Beach
- One Man Beach
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Closed Harbor Beach
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Catherine Hall Beach
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Within 3.6 miles:
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- Palms Entertainment Park
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Within 10 miles:
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- Blue Hole Nature Park
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S Hotel Montego Bay is within feet of Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Sky -Club Ocean-View Spa Suite): $964
Cost per person (three people): $321
Catcha Falling Star
West End Road, Negril
Rick’s Cafe
Catcha Falling Star offers a private cove, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, massage services, sea views, flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes. In the area you may find Ivan’s (restaurant & bar), The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel (Caribbean restaurant), Kool Vybes (Jamaican restaurant), Shark (restaurant), Wake N Bake Café, Sir D’s (bar), Whoopees Park (bar), Just Natural (restaurant), Sunset Walk (Jamaican restaurant), Murphy’s West End (restaurant) and more.
Within feet:
Within 3.3 miles:
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- Seven Mile Beach
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Within 3.5 miles:
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- Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs
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Within 7 miles:
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- Nigril
- Royal Palm Reserve
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Catcha Falling Star is 51 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night : $307
Cost per person (four people): $76
Ocean Cliff Hotel
West End Road Negril
Sangster International Airport
With a private beach area, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, balconies, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, free private parking and airport transportation, Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril Limited – Adults Only is close to Blue Mahoe (restaurant & bar), Patsy’s Coffeeshop, Chicken Lavish Restaurant (restaurant), Pirates Dock (bar & grill), Connie’s Country & Western Bar, Canoe Beach Bar and Moya Spa (massage therapist).
Within feet:
Within 1.6 miles:
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- Seven Mile Beach
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Within 1.8 miles:
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- Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs
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Within 5 miles:
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- Bloody Bay Beach
- Hedonism II Beach
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Approximate cost per night (Deluxe Double Room): $481
Polkerris Bed & Breakfast
13 Corniche Road, N/A Montego Bay
One Man Beach
Offering a lounge, free breakfast, a terrace with a swimming pool, sea views, a garden, air conditioning, free WiFi , safes and flat-screen TVs, Polkerris Bed & Breakfast is near Trav Sun Tours Jamaica, The Pelican Grill (family restaurant), Solomone Adventure Tours (tour operator), Coral Cliff (casino), Margaritaville Montego Bay, Sunset Bar & Restaurant, Brewery Sunset Restaurant & Lounge, De’Beauti Studio & Spa, Marguerites (fine dining restaurant), Hunger’s Point (restaurant) and more.
Within feet:
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- One Man Beach
- Catherine Hall Beach
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Jarrett Park
- The Catherine Hall Entertainment Center
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Within 1.3 miles:
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- The Howard Cooke Park
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Polkerris Bed & Breakfast is 1.9 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $314
Orchid Cottage
12 Norbrook Drive, Kingston
Constant Spring Golf Course | Manor Park Plaza
Provided at Orchid Cottage are walk-in showers, hairdryers, a pool with a view, a sun terrace, a garden, garden views, barbecue facilities, air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, safety deposit boxes, fully-equipped kitchens (select rooms), a 24-hour front desk, free private parking, billiards and a picnic area.
Within feet:
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- Constant Spring Golf Course
- Manor Park Plaza
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Within 1.6 miles:
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- K. S. A. C. Maloney Park
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Within 5 miles:
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- Tinson Pen Airdrome
- Park of World Heroes
- The Eric Bell Tennis Centre
- Hope Botanical Garden
- Temple Hall Estates
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Within 6 miles:
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- Old Railway Station
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Within 17 miles:
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- Norman Manley International Airport
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Approximate cost per night: $108
Blue Paloma Bed & Breakfast
East Avenue, Lucea Hanover
Grand Palladium Beach
Offering a bar, à la carte breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a sun terrace, a patio, garden views, air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and free private parking, Blue Paloma Bed & Breakfast can be found close to Reggae Paradise (restaurant).
Within 1.5 miles:
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- Grand Palladium Beach
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Within 3.2 miles:
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- Blenheim Heritage Site
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Within 10 miles:
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- Crocodile Reserve & Bird Sanctuary
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Within 12 miles:
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- Discovery Falls Park
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Blue Paloma Bed & Breakfast is 18 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (King Room): $147
Half Moon
Half Moon, Montego Bay
Mystic Mountain
A resort with a private beach, Half Moon bells and whistles include 3 restaurants, 5 bars, a lounge, a swimming pool, a swim-up pool bar, a fitness center, a spa, a golf course, basketball and volleyball courts, 4 squash courts, 11 tennis courts, an Equestrian center and a 24-hour medical center. Nearby you may find Fern Tree Spa, Il Giardino Restaurant, Escape To Exhale Day Spa. Renus Sports Bar & Gaming Lounge, Island Juices (restaurant), The Jerk Hut, Splendid Jam Cafe & Grill, Montego Bay Convention Center, Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, Rose Hall Great House, Cinnamon Hill Great House (Home of Johnny Cash), White Witch Golf Course and more.
Within feet:
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- Mystic Mountain (mountaintop adventure park)
- Dunnes River Falls
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Progressive Supermarket
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Within 14.1 miles:
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- Luminous Lagoon
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Within 10 miles:
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- Blue Hole Mineral Springs
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Half Moon is 5.3 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Great House Ocean Suite): $2,270
The Cliff Hotel
West End Road, Negril
Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden
The Cliff Hotel has a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a spa, a sun terrace, balconies with hammocks, air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, water sports facilities, car rentals, billiards, darts and free parking. This hotel is close to Catcha Falling Star.
Within feet:
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- Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden
- Whoopie’s Hammock Park
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Within 2.6 miles:
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- Seven Mile Beach
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Within 2.7 miles:
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- Negril Public Park
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Within 10 miles:
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- Blue Hole Mineral Springs
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The Cliff Hotel is 33.7 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Five-Bedroom Villa): $3,129
Cost per person (ten people): $312
Geejam
San San , Port Antonio
Frenchman’s Cove Beach
A restaurant, a spa, a fitness center, digital surround systems, patios, mini-bars, modern décor, hardwood floors, 500 thread-count cotton sheets, a mobile phone upon arrival and an on-site recording studio are offered at Geejam. Woody’s Low Bridge Place (Jamaican restaurant), Pellew Island (Monkey Island), Blue Lagoon (swimming lake) and more are in the vicinity.
Within feet:
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- Frenchman’s Cove Beach
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Within 2.4 miles:
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- Rotary Park
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Within 3.1 miles:
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- Bikini Beach
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Within 30 miles:
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- Norman Manley International Airport
- Tinson Pen Airdrome
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Approximate cost per night (Three-Bedroom Villa): $1,770
Cost per person (six people): $295
GoldenEye
Oracabessa
Santa Maria Island
GoldenEye provides lush gardens, private beaches, hidden coves, a saltwater lagoon, 3 outdoor pools, a full spa, villas, beach huts, cottages, beachfront and lagoon properties, kitchen facilities, a beachfront bistro and a fine dining restaurant. Bizot Bar, Button Beach, James Bond Beach and more are nearby.
Within feet:
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- Santa Maria Island
- Chris’s Cafe
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Within 1 mile:
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- Oracabessa Fish Market
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Within 5.6 miles:
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- Firefly Mountain
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Within 8.8 miles:
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- Toscanini Restaurant
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GoldenEye is 29.7 miles from Tinson Pen Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Lagoon Villa and/or Two-Bedroom Beach Villa): $2,510
Cost per person (five people): $502
Pura Vida Jamaica
25 Hague Falmouth, Trelawny, Falmouth
Trelawny Stadium
Offering a restaurant, bathrobes, a garden, a terrace, a patio, a balcony with an outdoor dining area and garden views, an outdoor fireplace, mountain views, air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, private parking, facilities for disabled guests, a picnic area and paid airport transportation service, Pura Vida Jamaica is in proximity to High Life Jamaica (tour operator) and Out A Road Crabby (restaurant).
Within feet:
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- Trelawny Stadium
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Within 4.4 miles:
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- Blue Waters Beach
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Within 5 miles:
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- Burwood Public Beach
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Within 6 miles:
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- Coral Spring-Mountain Spring
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Pura Vida Jamaica is 17 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $109
The Caves
Light House , Negril
Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs
Couples-only, The Caves bells and whistles include on-site dining, a bar made from two limestone grottos, cliff-side guest suites, cottages with ocean views, mini-bars, small fridges, coffee-making facilities, private terraces, a cliffside hot tub, a rum bar, free bike rentals, snorkeling tours, local transfer service, private cave dining for an extra cost (reserved upon check-in), a 24-hour self-service bar and in-room dining options. Nearby you may find Jamaican Roots Tropical Farm.
Within feet:
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- Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs
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Within 1 mile:
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- Seven Mile Beach
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Within 5 miles:
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- Nigril
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The Caves is 52 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Ocean Front Cottage): $1,292
Cost per person (four people): $323
The Fan Villa
Williamsfield, Port Antonio
Bikini Beach
Providing ocean views, free WiFi, a sun terrace, a hot tub, gardens, free parking and a bar, The Fan Villa is close to Geejam.
Within 1 mile:
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- Frenchman’s Cove Beach
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Within 2.6 miles:
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- Bikini Beach Jamaica
- Winnifred Beach
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Within 29 miles:
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- Norman Manley International Airport
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Within 30 miles:
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- Tinson Pen Airdrome
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Approximate cost per night: $331
Seaview Crescent Villa
10B Seaview Crescent , Discovery Bay, St.Anns
Highrie Beach Fusion
You’ll get 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an on-site bar, an infinity pool, a terrace with garden views, a balcony, air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen and free private parking at Seaview Crescent Villa.
Within feet:
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- Highrie Beach Fusion (restaurant / cocktail lounge)
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Within 1.3 miles:
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- Puerto Seco Beach
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Within 5 miles:
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- Turtle Beach
- Bengal Beach
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Within 6 miles:
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- Cardiff Hall Beach
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Within 11 miles:
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- Cranbrook Flower Forest
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Seaview Crescent Villa is 38 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $1,305
Cost per person (eight people): $163
Round Hill Hotel
John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay
Montego Bay
With a golden sand beach, a pool with bay views, free WiFi, dining options, iPod docking stations, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, air conditioning and a spa, Round Hill Hotel & Villas is in the vicinity of Orchard Beach (Old Steamer Beach) and Tryall Golf Club.
Within feet:
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- Montego Bay
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Within 3.5 miles:
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- Reading Beach
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Within 5 miles:
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- One Man Beach
- Doctor’s Cave Beach
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Within 12 miles:
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- Roaring River Park
- Roaring River Cave Park
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Round Hill Hotel & Villas is 7 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (4 Bedroom Signature Villa): $4,243
Cost per person (eight people): $530
Whispering Seas Penthouse
A1 Whispering Seas, Tower Isle St. Mary, Ocho Rios
Sapphire Island
Offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a balcony, free private parking, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen, a patio with pool views, a sun terrace, a garden and a shared lounge area, Whispering Seas Penthouse is in the vicinity of Delly’s Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant, Twist Ice Cream & Cheesecake Parlor, Heaven’s Wynter Lodge Sports Bar & Restaurant and more.
Within feet:
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- Sapphire Island Jamaica
- Bambu Beach
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Within 4.5 miles:
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- Ocho Rios Market
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Within 5 miles:
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- Dunn’s River Falls
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Within 33 miles:
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- Tinson Pen Airdrome
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Approximate cost per night: $378
Cost per person (four people): $94
Penthouse On The Ridge
Main Street, Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios Bay Beach
Penthouse on the Ridge has free WiFi, private parking, panoramic harbor and town views and private gazebos. It’s found close to Turtle River Falls And Garden, Konoko Falls, Little Dunn’s River Beach, Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures and more.
Within feet:
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- Ocho Rios Bay Beach
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Within 1 mile:
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- Jerk Center Restaurant
- Oceans 11 Restaurant
- General Foods Supermarket
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Within 2 miles:
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- Farmers Market
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Within 3 miles:
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- Dunns River Falls
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Penthouse on the Ridge is 53 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (4 Bedroom Signature Villa): $324
Cost per person (five people): $64
Hope Bay House
Lot 154 A4, Hope Bay
Somerset Falls
Featured at Hope Bay House are 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a private beach area, an infinity pool, a garden, a balcony, a patio, outdoor furniture, sea views, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a fully-equipped kitchen, free private parking and a private entrance. Likkle Portie (Jamaican restaurant), Sonia & Sons (bar) and Joavan Puran Art (art café) are nearby.
Within feet:
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- Somerset Falls
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Within 5 miles:
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- Passley Gardens
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Within 10 miles:
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- Carder Park
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Within 47 miles:
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- Tinson Pen Airdrome
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Approximate cost per night: $816
Cost per person (nine people): $90
Runaway Bay Villa
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay Beach
Amenities at Runaway Bay Villa include 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a hairdryer, a private pool, a garden, a terrace with garden views, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen and free private parking. In the area is L’Escargot (French restaurant).
Within feet:
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- Runaway Bay Beach
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Cardiff Hall Beach
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Within 2.1 miles:
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- Salem Beach
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Within 5 miles:
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- Cranbrook Flower Forest
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Within 6 miles:
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- Puerto Seco Beach
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Runaway Bay Villa is 43 miles from Sangster International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $1,226
Cost per person (twelve people): $102
Caymanas Country Club House
Lot F70 Caymanas Country Club Estates, Ellis Caymanas
Caymanas Golf Club
Caymanas Country Club House has 2 bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, free private parking, a private entrance, full-day security, an indoor play area and outdoor play equipment.
Within feet:
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- Caymanas Golf Club
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Within 5 miles:
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- West Cumberland Park
- Worlian Park
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Within 7 miles:
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- Portmore Mall Entertainment Complex
- Portmore Park
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Within 23 miles:
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- Norman Manley International Airport
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Approximate cost per night: $109
Cost per person (four people): $27
So there they are, hotels in Jamaica that will help make for an outstanding experience. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Jamaica!