My wife and I decided on a trip to Jamaica... where to stay? After a lot of researching between all the choices (location, activities, service, and value) we decided on the Jamaica Inn. We took the transfer (not the private one from the hotel although we might next time) so we could see all of the resorts on the way. If you fly into Montego Bay and take a bus transfer purchased from Jamaica Tours, it'll be about a 2 hour trip. You'll stop once about 25 minutes outside of the airport where to can pick up drinks, food, and souvenirs. There is a just completed highway (about 8 years late according to locals) that will take you all the way from the airport in Montego Bay to the Jamaica Inn resort just outside of Ocho Rios where the cruise ships come into port. Since you're going to the Jamaica Inn (basically, the last stop) you'll see a good number of the resorts you've come to know about through all of your looking online.
Some people may have a better imagination, but I can't imagine a nicer place to stay. You are treated so cordially it seems almost like you're royalty. Once you're checked in (very quick), you'll be shown around briefly and taken to your room where you will soon be visited with your luggage and a nice drink. Don't worry about tipping right now (you can leave something before you return home) - it's built into the price. Basically, at this place relaxation is the name of the game. While there are sailboats and kayaks available (they'll sail it for you), you can choose to go snorkeling (a reef is close by) or just float on a mat. The beach seems to be crushed shell and is kept in great condition. The thatched beach umbrellas complete the idyllic picture of a Caribbean getaway.
There are a few places to eat - not as in different restaurants on the grounds - but actual locations. For breakfast, it's pretty much on your rooms back deck or on the breakfast terrace overlooking the ocean. For lunch, you can have it under the umbrella on the beach or a couple of spots around the main building. For dinner, you can have it on your back deck (very nicely done), a table setup on the beach, the main dining yard, or, if it's a Tuesday evening, they'll roll a bunch of tables out to the beach and its buffet style (think very upscale country club - not lunch at Pizza Hut). You'll just give your room number anytime you want something - no need to carry any cash or cards. A bar is located on the beach, so if you want anything while on the beach, they will take care of you. If you decide to go off site for eating, most places will send a taxi for you (make sure you request it or you'll be paying $24.00 for a taxi ride). Only accept rides from the taxis with red license plates or what is arranged for you by the Jamaica Inn staff. There are several choices for dining if you venture out - can't go wrong with Evita's close to downtown Ocho Rios.
Unless it's a must, don't worry about bringing a laptop - they have wireless if you do - there is a computer in the library where you can surf. Not sure of everyone else, we could not call out on our blackberries although we could receive calls. If we wanted to make a call, we had to use the phone in our rooms. Make sure to bring an extra battery for each of your accessories (media player, camera, etc.) as we had some issues getting our stuff recharged.
We stayed from Monday until Saturday. We ate out twice for dinner and once for lunch. If you never left, you wouldn't feel you like missed out on anything... the food and service is that good. On our final bill, we were pleasantly surprised to find it was considerably lower than we thought it would be due to all of our indulgences. You can be as outgoing or anonymous as you like at this place. This place specializes in the little things (a fresh pitcher of water and tub of ice) saves you looking for an ice machine or drinking bottled water all of the time. The gift shop is well stocked for your convenience. Their spa is top notch and located on the backside of property overlooking the water. We met some people who had visited 25-35 times... I can see why. We plan on going back. Next time, we'll stay longer, bring more books, and pack half of the clothes as we did this time.
On your way back, you can either get a private transfer from the resort or you can take a transfer from an operator like Jamaica Tours. We didn't choose the private one this time and we arrived in plenty of time to go through airline check in and customs... don't forget patience and manners as you'll need both in this airport when it's busy. By the way, you'll stop back by the shopping/dining area you originally hit on the way to the resort to spend any loose change.
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