Hotel Review: Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A Timeless and Unforgettable Experience

From the moment you arrive at the Jamaica Inn you know you have walked into something special. This family owned 48-suite slice of paradise offers old colonial style elegance in its own private enclave offering the most intimate of experiences. Built in the 1950’s this hotel has a history of famous guests and an old-world charm that will continue to linger on for the years to come.

There are a variety of rooms all equally timeless and beautifully styled. The premier veranda suites offer guests their own private veranda right on the beach and I think provide for the most private experience being a bit off to the side of the resort. The grounds are immaculate with the most vibrant greenery and flowers, complete with a croquet course. The beach is completely secluded and as calm as you will be soaking up the rays with the hotels famous rum punch in hand.

‍Waiters serve you on the beach wearing white-tie formal apparel and seem to appear everywhere you need them to be and be out of sight when you don’t. The entire staff is friendly, helpful and makes you feel as though nothing is a bother. The owner is often at the hotel and never hesitated to stop and chat with us on numerous occasions. He was even as so kind to present us with a keepsake gift upon our departure as we couldn’t stop showering this little slice of heaven with compliments.

Despite its luxurious reputation and celebrity following, a stay at the Jamaica Inn is a relaxing unpretentious experience. Given no children under 12 are allowed on the grounds it is rather quiet during the day and the beach is large enough that you almost get the sense the hotel is empty. This is a perfect spot for couples and honeymooners. My better half is not a beach vacation type of person, however upon leaving the Jamaica Inn he turned to me and made me promise we will return.

Fun fact: Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller toasted their honeymoon here.

How To Get There

The Jamaica Inn is located just east of Ocho Rios, and is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The hotel will happily arrange a pick up for you at an additional cost, however driving yourself is a more economic option and gives you a bit more flexibility. The drive itself is fairly simple just not as beautiful as you would expect.

Activities

RELAX. Aside from this obvious statement, there is a beautiful golf course 10 minutes away by car. The course is part of the neighbouring Sandals Resorts but is reasonably priced given you are forced to take upon a caddy for the day!

What Not To Miss

Despite the amazing food at the Jamaica Inn (you must try the Jamaican patty),no visit to Jamaica would be compete with out local jerk, and more specifically local jerk from Scotchies. Thankfully, there is one in Ocho Rios just about 10 minutes from the Jamaica Inn and on the drive in. Very casual, open-aired and filled with both tourists and locals, this is almost like going to an outdoor beach BBQ. Bring cash!!

The bar at Scotchies Ocho Rios

The grill at Scotchies Ocho Rios

Travel Tips

Bring USD with you, it is the preferred currency and I had an extremely hard time using my bank card to withdrawal cash, which seemed a bit crazy given the place is loaded with Canadian bank sponsored ATMs and I was using a Canadian bank card.

I will await your thank you’s!