Skip to main content

Stay in Cliffside Rooms and Old-Hollywood Hangouts at these Best Boutique Hotels in Jamaica

Along with the Dominican Republic, Jamaica is well-known as a go-to destination for all-inclusive, tropical resort-style vacations. But, this iconic Caribbean island is home to far more legit, relaxed lodging that provides a better glimpse into the “real” side of Jamaica. Skip the overcrowded mega-resorts on your next trip in favor of these three boutique hotels in Jamaica.

Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Among the uber-resorts of Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn stands out for what it’s not. Blink, and it’s easy to miss. But that’s exactly why guests have been coming here to escape the tourist hustle for which the area is so well-known. Since 1950, this tiny inn has hosted celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Arthur Miller and continues to be the ideal getaway for those looking to enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful beaches in seclusion. With only 48 cottages and suites, it’s easy to find a private stretch of sand all to yourself. The decor is beautiful, understated coastal chic in a way that’s equally elegant and relaxed. The flagship beachfront cottages offer sprawling layouts, large sea-view verandas, and stunning, cliffside plunge pools enveloped in lush greenery.

Polkerris Bed and Breakfast (Montego Bay, Jamaica)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just a few blocks from Montego Bay’s always-on Gloucester Avenue, Polkerris Bed and Breakfast feels worlds away. The hilltop location on a quiet residential side street provides a welcome reprieve and affords panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The vibe is equal parts bed-and-breakfast and traditional inn. It offers the charming, intimate feel of a B&B without the awkward, forced interaction among guests. Rooms are sophisticated, but not stuffy with a Tuscan-meets-Caribbean decor. Amenities are surprisingly modern — free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, and mini-fridges. With a limited number of guests on-site at any one time, it’s often easy to have the two outdoor pools all to yourself. The party-hard nightlife for which Montego Bay is so well-known is also less than 10 minutes away on foot.

Rockhouse (Negril, Jamaica)

RH Video

Situated on a dramatic cliffside in Negril’s West End, Rockhouse is the definition of rustic luxury. Each of the 34 eco-conscious rooms is built with beautiful, locally sourced, raw materials including timber, stone, and thatch. Many offer private stone terraces integrated into the surrounding cliffs with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The scene here is purposely holistic and one of near-total disconnection — there are no TVs and no Wi-Fi. But there is a gourmet restaurant, a high-end spa, and a distinct lack of children (no one under 12 is allowed). The best part? The nightly rates are almost always unbelievably low.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Passport card vs book: Which should you get?
Passport

If you're planning on traveling to an international destination, getting a passport is one of the first things on your to-do list. A U.S. passport is required to enter any other country, including Mexico and Canada. However, the U.S. Department of State also offers a passport card -- a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport. While it might seem intriguing to opt for a passport card over a standard passport book, the smaller price comes with some limitations to consider. Below, we'll break down the differences between a passport card vs. book and how to determine which option is best for you.
Passport card vs. book
A standard passport book is required to enter any country by air travel. This means if you're planning on heading to the airport, you'll need to get a passport book regardless of your final destination. A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport that allows entry only into Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. A passport card cannot be used for air travel and is only valid for land or sea travel. For this reason, the passport card is a great option if you're planning on driving into Mexico or Canada. Many people who live in states that border these countries opt for a passport card so they can easily enter bordering countries.

A passport card is also a good option for those who want to get a valid form of ID to travel domestically. If you don't have a driver's license (REAL ID), a passport card can be used instead for domestic air travel.

Read more
Do you need a passport to go to Canada?
What to know about traveling to Canada
U.S. passport book

Traveling to Canada from the United States is relatively straightforward, but the documentation required can vary depending on your mode of transportation and citizenship status. While a passport is the most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, alternative options are available for U.S. citizens entering Canada by land or sea.

What you need to know about traveling to Canada
So, what exactly do you need to cross into Canada? It really depends on how you're getting there.
What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border by car?
If you're a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you have a few options for acceptable documentation:

Read more
Monos vs Away: Which is the better luggage brand?
A view of the Monos Monos Hybrid Carry-on Plus suitcase.

It's time to get new luggage. Maybe you already have a trip planned, or you're getting ready to book a vacation, but in either case, you'll need a travel bag to stow your gear. Two of the hottest, upscale, and modern luggage brands on the market, which you've likely encountered at some point, are Monos and Away. As competitors, a head-to-head of Monos vs Away makes a lot of sense, albeit the comparison is not as simple as you might think. There are a lot of similarities but a lot of differences, too, especially depending on what you're expecting out of these high-end luggage offerings. Let's discuss.
Monos vs Away luggage: Who wins?

If you're not interested in the full comparison and just want to know which brand you should purchase, the answer is Monos. While offering better designs, premium materials, and higher build quality, Monos luggage still manages to be priced more competitively. That said, you can't go wrong with luggage from either brand, so you wouldn't be making a poor choice if you decide to purchase luggage from Away.

Read more