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Jamaica is a wonderful holiday destination for anyone! Known for its pristine beaches, pleasant weather, and active nightlife, Jamaica has it all. So whether you're traveling solo, on a romantic getaway, or on a family vacation, there is something there for you to do in Jamaica!
Figuring out where to stay can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a trip as it can make or break your trip. Stay tuned to discover the best places to stay in Jamaica!
Where to stay in Jamaica?
Jamaica is the 5th largest Caribbean island but is far from tiny. Jamaica can be broken down into 15 different areas, each packed with beautiful cities and towns to stay in. Knowing which areas of the country are best to stay in and for what activities are essential!
There are many destinations in Jamaica that fall into each of these areas. With so much to do and see in Jamaica, it's hard to go wrong, but here are some of the best areas to stay in Jamaica.
Where to stay in Jamaica with family
Jamaica has many family-friendly resorts and activities for kids of all ages, so narrowing down the best area can be tough, but I found the best area for families is Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay has beautiful beaches, many family-friendly resorts, and plenty of stores for shopping. All the comforts and necessities are close by. It is also where many Jamaican tours start, making travel less of a hassle for families.
If you're looking for a more budget stay with family, Montego Bay is the one for you!
The kids are bound to have a blast ziplining through the lush green forest or floating on a raft down a river!
Top picks for Hostels in Montego Bay:
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is another great option for families with adventurous older kids due to its proximity to the most popular attraction in Jamaica: Dunn's River Falls. This area is also packed with many family-friendly resorts and adventurous activities for families like Dolphin Cove, Mystic Mountain, and the Ocho Rios Blue Hole.
If you're looking for a more pricer stay with family, Ocho Rios is the one for you!
Ocho Rios is perfect for the tired parent looking to tire out their energetic children!
Top picks for Hotels in Ocho Rios:
Where to stay in Jamaica: All-inclusive resorts
All-inclusive resorts are abundant in Jamaica, and it's impossible to go to any city or town without finding a resort.
Finding the best resort for you can be difficult with so many options. Still, I've narrowed down the best areas in Jamaica for all-inclusive resorts to Negril and the West End.
Negril and the West End are booming with all-inclusive resorts. Whether you are looking for an adult-only or family-friendly resort, they have plenty of both. Although small, the city life is not lacking with lots of bars and restaurants to liven up your evenings!
Proximity to the ocean and away from the busy cities make these areas perfect for relaxing on the beach while sipping a mai tai. For the adventure-seekers, there are plenty of activities like snorkeling or paddle boarding out on the crystal clear waters.
Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Negril & West End:
Where to stay in Jamaica for singles?
Wondering where to stay if you are single and looking to meet new people? Negril wins this one as well! Negril is one of the up-and-coming resort destinations in Jamaica, making it perfect for single travelers looking to party it up.
The famous Seven Mile Beach has become a known hot spot for parties after the sun goes down. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to chat up with tourists and locals alike! Everyone is friendly and welcoming in Negril, giving it good vibes and lots of energy!
Top stays at the Seven Mile Beach:
Stay near the best beaches in Jamaica
The beaches are one of Jamaica's top attractions, and it's hard to travel around the coast without finding some pristine white sand beaches.
To narrow it down for you, the area with the best beaches in Jamaica is Ocho Rios.
Whether it's Low Cay, Mammee Bay, or Doctors Cove Beach, there is no shortage of sand here. Although some of the beaches are private and owned by resorts, many public beaches are just as beautiful!
Top Beachfront stays in Jamaica:
Unique places to stay in Jamaica
It's hard to imagine that a country jammed full of all-inclusive resorts and tour packages can still have some relatively untouched hidden gem areas. But Jamaica will surprise you!
Port Antonio is the perfect little beach town to stay in to avoid tourists. It still has all the amenities you would hope for, like bars, restaurants, and gleaming white sand beaches–without all the tourists and crowds.
If you want to stray further off the beaten path, try Treasure Beach! It is made up of small fishing villages along the south coast of Jamaica. There are no major resorts here, only small locally run hotels and plenty of places to meet and chat with the locals.
Unique stays in Jamaica:
Jamaica vacation spots for culture
Kingston is one of the best destinations in Jamaica for culture! Experience some of Jamaica's vibrant culture in Kingston and delight your senses by dancing to reggaeton, dining on Ackee and codfish, or visiting the museums.
Take a reggaeton dance lesson at one of the studios in Kingston, or practice your moves in the clubs and bars! Kingston is home to The National Gallery of Jamaica and The Bob Marley Museum. Explore historical sites such as the Devon house and Willian Grant Park.
Take a break from the beach and experience Jamaican culture at its finest in the capital city of Kingston.
Best Hostels in Kingston, Jamaica:
Plan your next Jamaican vacation with Pilot
Whether you want to live it up at an adults-only all-inclusive in Jamaica or backpack your way across this popular island, you'll need a plan. Get started with Pilot!