While Montego Bay is known largely for its all-inclusive product, there are a number of charming European-plan Montego Bay hotels and resorts tucked away in the destination.
These greater Montego Bay hotels are the best of Jamaican hospitality, with an emphasis on authentic Jamaican luxury, warm, personable service and the kind of hotel design that put Jamaica on the map as a tourist destination during the jet-set age.
Because at the end of the day, the quality of your hotel will define your stay — and the ability of your chosen hotel or resort to both channel the local culture and make you feel welcome is the biggest test of any property.
Here are three Montego Bay hotels that fit the bill; they aren’t just the best Montego Bay hotels — they’re unforgettable vacations.
A villa at Round Hill.
Round Hill Recently crowned Caribbean Hotel of the Year in our 2017 Caribbean Travel Awards, this property (in which Ralph Lauren is a part owner) oozes charm, with a lovely little beach, world-class cuisine and a marvelous mix of both traditional guest rooms (with interiors by Lauren himself) and villas. While the villas are great for larger groups, the oceanfront rooms are truly perfect for couples and solo travelers.
It’s long been one of the region’s legendary hotels — and, unsurprisingly, the leader among Montego Bay hotels.
Half Moon While its renovation is still in process (with a projected completion date of October 2018), this Grand Dame of Montego Bay hotels remains a wonderful stay, thanks to a sprawling 400-acre site boasting 197 rooms and 31 villas, along with one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Jamaica, the eponymous Half Moon Bay. And then there’s the delightful Fern Tree Spa. Our recommendation? Make sure you go for the so-called “West Cottages,” the original portion of the property that’s even played host to the Queen of England.
The Tryall Club Still a bit of a closely-guarded secret, this greater Montego Bay institution is perched on more than 2,000 acres, focused around condos and beautiful villas. But it’s the villas that are the real stars. Each villa is fully staffed (some even have their own kitchen gardens), making it a particularly good option for families and multi-generational travel groups. That’s without mentioning the recently-transformed, 6,836-yard on-site golf course.