Where to stay in Jamaica [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Jamaica is one of the more famous Caribbean islands, best known as the birthplace of reggae music. It’s also a popular cruise port and has some of the Caribbean’s best all-inclusive resorts. If your Caribbean vacation involves Jamaica travel, first you need to determine what area of Jamaica is the best to visit.

When choosing the best places to stay Jamaica, all-inclusive resorts will be at the top of the list, as Jamaica is known for all-inclusive resorts like Sandals and Secrets resorts.

If you are looking for the best place to stay in Jamaica for families, there are all-inclusive resorts all over the island that cater to families with children of all ages.

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Jamaica for young adults or simply the best place to stay in Jamaica for adults of all stages in life, there are plenty to choose from. You’ll find where to stay in Jamaica in 2024 in this guide!

It covers all types of Jamaica accommodation options from hostels to luxury Jamaica hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Jamaica, the best hotels in Jamaica, best places to stay and to visit in Jamaica, the best places to stay in Jamaica, best place to stay and hotels near Jamaica attractions, a Jamaica neighbourhood guide and much more.

If you’re wondering which is the best place in Jamaica to stay? The below guide covers off of 10 of the different neighbourhoods in Jamaica to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best area to stay in Jamaica for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

Montego Bay – Ideal for Couples

Montego Bay is often considered the most popular best place to stay in Jamaica out of all the top Jamaica vacation spots.

It is the second largest city in Jamaica, and the Sangster International Airport has several direct flights from the United States. Montego Bay is also one of the main cruise ship ports in Jamaica.

Why stay in Montego Bay:

If you want a little bit of urban adventure to mix in with your beach explorations, Montego Bay is one of the best Jamaica destinations for a nice mix of both.

While there aren’t as many serene sandy beaches in the Montego Bay area, many say it’s the best part of Jamaica for snorkelling. The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Fort Montego are here too. 

You’ll find a wider variety of Jamaica resorts here as well, if you are looking for budget or mid-range options. Montego Bay has the largest concentration of adults-only all-inclusive resorts, making it one of the best places to stay in Jamaica all-inclusive. It could be considered the best place to stay in Jamaica for couples and honeymooners, too.

Wondering where to stay in Jamaica for nightlife? Jamaica’s Montego Bay is praised as having the best nightlife. It has Margaritaville, beach bars and bouncy clubs. It attracts a lot of visitors, especially throughout the day.

In MoBay, it’s all about having a good time. Enjoy a beverage as the sun sets by the water, then dance the night away to reggae music.

Things to do in Montego Bay:

• Montego Bay Pier One

The Montego Bay Pier One is an outdoor pub, restaurant and nightclub which is constantly busy. Both locals and visitors adore it, making it one of Montego Bay’s most well-liked locations.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from the beachfront restaurant during the day and in the early evening. You should be prepared to start dancing as night falls. After 10 pm, the restaurant transforms into a lively bar and club with live music and lots of rum cocktails.

• Martha Brae River Rafting

One of the most tranquil activities in Montego Bay is rafting the Martha Brae River. It’s also a relaxing way to take in the gorgeous vistas of the Jamaican countryside.

Travellers ride bamboo rafts propelled by local guides along a river that is bordered by jungle for five kilometres. You can pick up information on the local flora and fauna along the journey. Some tour guides will even play reggae music for you.

• Doctor’s Cave Beach and Bathing Club

White beaches border clear, quiet seas at Doctor’s Cave Beach and Bathing Club, which some people think are fed by natural springs.

An internationally renowned British osteopath claimed the water had healing properties after bathing in it in the early 1920s; this assertion helped determine Montego Bay’s future by drawing tourists from all over the world.

• Rose Hall Great House

One of the main sights located within Montego Bay is Rose Ha

ll Great House, which is a restored plantation home built in 1770. Discover the 18th-century way of life of the European bourgeoisie on the Caribbean islands here. Along the route, colourful personalities and gorgeous tropical gardens will add colour to your journey.

• The HouseBoat Grill

The HouseBoat Grill, which is moored in the tranquil waters of the Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary, provides a distinctive environment for an exclusive, private dining experience.

Enjoy dinner in one of their intimate dining rooms, on the upper deck under the stars, or by the water while watching the fish perform their nightly aquatic ballet. Chef Rich Nurse has devised a continually changing fusion menu for The HouseBoat Grill.

Places to stay in Montego Bay Jamaica

Budget Hotels in Montego Bay:
Caribic House
Mobay Kotch
Jobs Inn Jamaica
The Retreat @ A Piece Of Paradise

Mid range Hotels in Montego Bay:
Altamont West Hotel
Mynt Retreat
Montego Bay Club Resort
Royal Decameron Montego Beach

Family Friendly Hotels in Montego Bay:
Deja Resort
Toby’s Resort
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Montego Bay:
Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay
Silent Waters Villa

Self contained apartment/rentals in Montego Bay:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Negril – Ideal for Singles

Another very popular Jamaica resort area is Negril, Jamaica. A newer resort area, Negril is best known for the famous Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.

Maybe you’re wondering, where do celebrities stay in Jamaica? Negril is definitely a celebrity hotspot.

The Caves Hotel and The Rockhouse in Negril are two of the most popular hotels with celebrities. Although, try to keep in mind that they are people too and need time out, so try not to get in their personal space.

Why stay in Negril:

If all-inclusive resorts aren’t your style, there are many different accommodation options in Negril, including unique places to stay in Jamaica like beach cottages and bungalows.

The town itself is small and laid-back, with enough entertainment to keep you occupied without the chaos of larger cities in Jamaica. 

For the nice mix of culture and beaches, Negril is the best place to stay in Jamaica for first-time visitors. At night, Seven Mile Beach becomes one of the best party beaches in Jamaica, making Negril a top choice of where to stay in Jamaica for singles too.

Things to do in Negril:

• Seven Mile Beach Bar Crawl

You can either join a pub crawl or make your own beach bar crawl along Seven Mile Beach. Start around 11 am when the bars open up, start drinking at one end of the beach, and work your way down.

The Jamaican rum punch can easily sneak up on you though, so make sure you’re drinking enough water.

• The Tiki Pon Da Sea

Be sure to book a cruise for a water experience unlike any other you will find in Jamaica. The Tiki Pon Da Sea is packed and prepared for your very own celebration! Depending on the weather, they provide a variety of boat options from sunrise to sunset every day.

It was the first of its kind to sail the seas of the internationally renowned Seven Mile Beach. Their floating Tiki bar offers unforgettable cruises along this beach to Bloody Bay or through the Negril River.

• 3 Dives Jerk Centre

Come and enjoy delicious, traditional Jamaican food at the renowned 3 Dives Jerk Centre on Negril’s West End cliffs.

Enjoy their mouthwatering Jerk Chicken or their fantastic seafood, which includes Caribbean lobster, right on the sea at our location on the westernmost tip of Jamaica.

• Cliff Diving

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping Negril activity, why not leap off a 35-foot cliff into the water? At Rick’s Cafe, you can jump off cliffs that are 10 feet, 25 feet and 35 feet high.

It’s a terrific place to spend the afternoon, even if you don’t jump. Most often, a few local men will scale the trees to perform higher jumps and feats that you can watch.

Places to stay in Negril Jamaica

Budget Hotels in Negril:
Judy House Cottages and Rooms
R&V VILLA
Drifters@One Mile
Moonrisevillas

Mid range Hotels in Negril:
Rondel Village
Negril Beach Club
Negril Sky Blue Resorts
Travellers Beach Resort
Beach House Condos

Family Friendly Hotels in Negril:
Catcha Falling Star Gardens
White Sands Negril
Merrils Beach Resort II
Fun Holiday Beach Resort
Firefly Beach Cottages

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Negril:
Villas Sur Mer
The Caves
The Cliff Hotel
Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa
Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma
Royalton Negril

Self contained apartment/rentals in Negril:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Ocho Rios – Ideal for First Time Visitors

A popular cruise ship stop along Jamaica’s northern coast is Ocho Rios, a former fishing village. The town is known for its beautiful natural attractions, from crystal-clear beaches to picturesque waterfalls.

Why stay in Ocho Rios:

Ocho Rios is probably the best part of Jamaica to visit if you are looking for some outdoor adventures beyond the ocean, or if you are looking for reasonable accommodations.

The town has everything from luxury all-inclusive resorts to budget beach hotels.

In addition to jungle hikes and waterfalls, there are lots of rivers where you can go rafting too. It’s one of the best places to vacation in Jamaica due to the number of things to do.

Things to do in Ocho Rios:

• Dunn’s River Falls

Close to Ocho Rios is the famous Dunn’s River Falls, one of the most photographed spots in Jamaica. This gorgeous attraction is a natural waterfall that cascades down 600 feet of limestone terraces into the Caribbean Sea.

You can combine a trip here with a tour of Nine Mile, the birthplace of renowned reggae musician Bob Marley, since they are a well-liked day excursion.

• The Blue Hole

The enchanting Blue Hole, also known as the Irie Blue Hole, is a collection of magnificent jungle pools fed by waterfalls in the lush mountains. About a 25-minute drive from Ocho Rios, it is typically less crowded than Dunn’s River Falls.

This waterfall, which is also known as Island Gully Falls or the Secret Falls, was once off the beaten path for tourists, but it has recently gained popularity.

• The Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour

If you adore Bob Marley, you should know that Nine Mile, a little community in Saint Ann Parish that is roughly an hour’s drive from Ocho Rios, has come to represent him to his followers.

Both the legend’s birthplace and final resting place are here. The Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour departs from Ocho Rios and includes stops at his childhood home, a small museum, and the mausoleum where Marley is buried.

• Bamboo Blu

Bamboo Blu is a beachside destination to savour terrific food and even better conversation, and it’s located in Mammee Bay, Ocho Rios. Their cuisine features delectable burgers, delicious lobster, and pasta that perfectly balances spicy and sweet flavours.

Enjoy the private beach, free Wi-Fi, loungers, and cabana beds at this seaside getaway which are ideal for a day of leisure by the Caribbean Sea.

Places to stay in Ocho Rios

Budget Hotels in Ocho Rios:
Silver Seas Resort Hotel
Pineapple Court Hotel
Fisherman Point Beach Resort

Mid range Hotels in Ocho Rios:
Chrisanns Beach Resort
Hibiscus Lodge Hotel
Turtle Beach Towers
Ocean Sands

Family Friendly Hotels in Ocho Rios:
Moon Palace Jamaica
Condos at the Ridge
Beach Castle at Sandcastles
Mystic Ridge Resort

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Ocho Rios:
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Plantation
Jamaica Inn
Whispering Seas Jamaica

Self contained apartment/rentals in Ocho Rios:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Runaway Bay – Ideal for Families

Runaway Bay is about half an hour from Ocho Rios along the northern coast of Jamaica. The area revolves around Cardiff Hall Beach and the Cardiff Hall Estate, an 18th-century plantation house.

The name Runaway Bay comes from the fact that it was once an escape route for runaway slaves.

Why stay in Runaway Bay:

Are you wondering where to stay in Jamaica with family? You should definitely consider Runaway Bay. Protected by a huge coral reef, Runaway Bay is one of the most beautiful areas of Jamaica.

This is also where you can visit Bob Marley’s childhood home at Nine Mile Village. Runaway Bay has the perfect mix of quiet, laid-back beaches with just enough alternative attractions to pull you from your lounge chair occasionally.

Things to do in Runaway Bay:

• Green Grotto Caves

The most well-known limestone caves in Jamaica are the Green Grotto Caves. They were previously inhabited by Arawak Indians and, according to legend, served as a hideout for fugitive slaves and Spanish settlers running from the British.

They served as the backdrop for a Bond movie more recently. They are now a haven for snakes, bats and other Jamaican wildlife. Due to their location, a guided tour is recommended rather than going on your own.

• Sharkies Seafood Restaurant

The Sharkies Seafood Restaurant was founded to provide you with delicious, healthy food that is locally sourced, organic and environmentally friendly.

Their location is much more than just a restaurant because of the stunning Caribbean waves that line Jamaica’s north coast. Their Hurricane evacuation plan is to grab a beer and run like hell! 

• Horseback riding

The entire family will have a great experience horseback riding in Runaway Bay, and you’ll all appreciate the time spent together.

You can ride on gorgeous white sand beaches while admiring the Caribbean Sea’s gentle waves as you go on one of the various horseback riding trips that are offered here.

• L’Escargot

The acclaimed French restaurant L’Escargot is situated on Main Street in Runaway Bay. The only French eatery on Jamaica’s North Coast.

The staff are super polite and educated about the extensive menu. They also have a fantastic wine selection.

Places to stay in Runaway Bay

Budget Hotels in Runaway Bay:
Bailey’s Bed and Breakfast
Little Savoy

Mid range Hotels in Runaway Bay:
Villa Sonate
Cardiff Hotel & Spa
Piper’s Cove Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Runaway Bay:
Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica
Royal Decameron Club Caribbean

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Runaway Bay:
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa
Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa Runaway Bay

Self contained apartment/rentals in Runaway Bay:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Kingston – Best part of Jamaica to stay for Culture Vultures

Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and the largest city on the island. The city has several museums, including the Bob Marley Museum, plus historic mansions, amazing restaurants, and the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean. 

Why stay in Kingston:

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Jamaica if you love museums, music and local cuisine? If you are looking for a rich cultural experience and to interact with more locals than resort staff, then consider staying in Kingston.

Norman Manley International Airport is in Kingston, so it’s a great place to stay if you don’t have a long time here.

No matter where you stay in Jamaica, adding a few days in Kingston will give you a better sense of Jamaican culture.

Things to do in Kingston:

• Hope Botanical Garden 

If you’re a nature lover you can stroll around Hope Botanical Garden, which has one of the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean and is home to many endemic Jamaican flora.

The Coconut Museum, the Amphitheater, the Orchid House, and the Zoo are further attractions located inside the garden.

• Bob Marley Museum

The Bob Marley Museum is one of the best attractions in Kingston. Housed inside the legendary reggae musician’s former home, the museum is filled with mementos reflecting his life. For the full experience, go on the entertaining guided tour.

• Coronation Market

One of the biggest farmer’s markets in Jamaica is Coronation Market. To expertly navigate the maze of merchants, tourists are encouraged to hire a guide.

As most merchants don’t enjoy it, please refrain from taking photos of the stalls or picking up the fruits without first making a purchase.

• Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records

The Caribbean’s most delectable food is said to originate in Jamaica. At Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, they offer authentic Jamaican flavours that will tantalise your palate and leave you craving more.

You can experience a taste of Jamaica with the help of their recipes. Their food has a distinct quality that comes from a combination of the herbs, spices and cooking techniques.

• New Leaf

Taste is everything at New Leaf, and the menu is created for everyone looking for a good, reasonably priced alternative to the same old fast food options, not only vegetarians.

At New Leaf, they make delicious burgers, stir-fries, pasta, and a variety of other intriguing daily soups and specials using only the freshest local vegetables and healthy natural ingredients.

A variety of whole wheat vegetable patties, freshly squeezed juices, and other vegan pastries are available there.

Places to stay in Kingston

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Kingston:
Ragamuffin Hostel

Budget Hotels in Kingston:
Eventuality B&B New Kingston
The Gardens Liguanea

Mid range Hotels in Kingston:
Liguanea Club
The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites
Altamont Court Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Kingston:
Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica
The Knutsford Court Hotel
Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Kingston:
The Spanish Court Hotel
Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

Self contained apartment/rentals in Kingston:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Port Antonio – Ideal for all-inclusive Resorts

With so many Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts, it might seem difficult to find a spot in Jamaica that’s off the beaten path.

Surprisingly, Port Antonio has largely managed to stay relatively off the modern day tourism radar, despite being featured in Hollywood movies like Cocktail and Club Paradise.

Port Antonio was once a major banana-exporting hub and a popular destination for Hollywood celebrities in the 1940s and 1950s. 

Why stay in Port Antonio:

If you want to get away from the crowds of tourists and enjoy a nice chill beach town, Port Antonio is your best place to stay in Jamaica. Port Antonio is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and turquoise waters.

The town’s charm and laid-back atmosphere are a draw for tourists seeking a quieter, more authentic Jamaican experience. Yet, the town is also close to other popular areas in Jamaica, like Kingston and Montego Bay, if you don’t want to be too far from all the action.

Things to do in Port Antonio:

• Blue Lagoon

East of Port Antonio is the Blue Lagoon, bordered by steep green hillsides. Although some say it is bottomless, experts say the deepest point is roughly 180 to 200 feet.

This stunning natural wonder is fed by underground freshwater streams and is surrounded by lush vegetation. T

he water in the lagoon is an extraordinary blue-green colour and is incredibly clear, making it a popular destination for swimming and snorkelling.

• Reach Falls

Runaway slaves from farms in the neighbouring parish of St Thomas who were looking for safety in the hills of the John Crow highlands discovered Reach Falls.

The John Crow Mountain Range’s exquisite eco-attraction Reach Falls is tucked away in the forest. Reach Falls is an unusual waterfall that cascades down a granite face into a river pool of emerald green.

Reach Falls provides access to a picnic area, and a guided walk upstream of the Driver’s River (which feeds the cascade) that includes a stop within an underwater cave.

• Frenchman’s Cove

For more than 50 years now, Frenchman’s Cove has been a luxurious retreat. It is located above the calm Caribbean Sea amid vast parkland and beautiful tropical vegetation.

Frenchman’s Cove got its name from an old folktale about a fierce fight between the British and the French there, complete with cannon fire and swashbucklers. It is reported that after the British beat the French, injured soldiers sought sanctuary there. 

• Monkey Island

The colony of monkeys that called Monkey Island home belonged to Hiram Bingham, the adventurer son-in-law of Alfred Mitchell.

Mitchell didn’t keep the animals inside the house, so they found a playground on the island nearby, which is today known as the Folly Ruins.

There is no access to “Monkey Island,” however it is rumoured that at low tide, the water is so shallow you may walk to the island from the coast. Please only observe from the water, safely from your boat.

Places to stay in Port Antonio

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Port Antonio:
Germaican-Hostel

Budget Hotels in Port Antonio:
Finjam Cottage
Holiday Home
Search-Me-Heart
Polish Princess Guest House

Mid range Hotels in Port Antonio:
Match Resort Hotel
Bay View Eco Resort
All Nations Guesthouse

Family Friendly Hotels in Port Antonio:
Moon San Villa
Tropical Lagoon Resort
Drapers San Guest House

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Port Antonio:
Geejam
The Trident Hotel
Jamaica Palace Hotel

Self contained apartment/rentals in Port Antonio:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Treasure Beach – Ideal for an Authentic Experience

Another hidden gem of Jamaica is Treasure Beach, which encompasses several small fishing villages along the southern coast of Jamaica. The Treasure Beach area is home to artists and poets, with no all-inclusive resorts in sight. 

Why stay in Treasure Beach:

If you choose to stay in Treasure Beach, you’ll only have smaller hotels or guest homes to choose from.

So, if you are looking for an authentic Jamaican vibe without the crowds of tourists or chaos of the cities in Jamaica, then Treasure Beach is the spot for you.

Many visitors come here for the locally-sourced, freshly-grilled seafood, the pizza with jerk chicken, and the frequent beach bonfires.

Things to do in Treasure Beach:

• Jack Sprat

The village comes together at Jack Sprat because it is a place that values community. It is regarded as the hub of Treasure Beach’s dining and drinking and the jerk crab is incredible.

Jack Sprat is a popular destination for both locals and visitors near Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s South Coast.

• Black River safari cruise

On a Black River safari cruise, enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you go down Jamaica’s largest navigable river, a serene hour-and-a-half-long trip along the lower morass and Black River.

The journey explores secluded marshes and mangroves near the Caribbean Sea, where you can view a lot of indigenous wildlife, including the critically endangered American crocodile.

The Black River lower morass is a bird watcher’s heaven since it is also home to over 300 species of tropical birds.

• Lover’s Leap

The most romantic spot in Jamaica, Lover’s Leap, is 30 minutes from Treasure Beach and perched 1,750 feet above the ocean on a cliff. The location is ideal for watching a beautiful sunset.

You can also trek the Lover’s Leap trail, which descends a cliff to the Caribbean Sea, if you’re up for a challenge. The main draw at Lover’s Leap these days is the extra special Sunday evenings.

The celebration begins in the late afternoon when it is still light, lasts through the picturesque sunset, and continues into the evening with live music.

• Floyd’s Pelican Pub

A short boat trip is required to get to Floyd’s Pelican Pub in Jamaica, a bar and restaurant located slightly offshore. It’s literally a hut, constructed on a sandbar using waste wood.

It gained a reputation as one of the top beach bars in the entire world. There is nothing else in the world like it to watch the sun go down or come up here.

Places to Stay in Treasure Beach

Budget Hotels in Treasure Beach:
Welcoming Vibes
Waikiki Guest House

Mid range Hotels in Treasure Beach:
Sunset Resort & Villas
Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa

Self contained apartment/rentals in Treasure Beach:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Mandeville – Best place to go in Jamaica to Escape the Beaches

Mandeville is a town in the centre of Jamaica in Manchester Parish. It’s home to the Northern Caribbean University and Cecil Charlton Park, as well as some fantastic B&Bs, villas and resorts.

Why stay in Mandeville:

Let’s face it, most people visit Jamaica because of the island life, and a huge part of island life is the beaches!

Jamaica does have 50 public beaches after all, with a lot more private beach clubs and over 1,000 kilometres of gorgeous coastline.

Yet, there are so many jungles and lush national parks to explore beyond the beaches. So, if you’re not a sun and sand worshipper, there’s still a place for you in Jamaica, and that place is Mandeville.

Things to do in Mandeville:

• Cecil Charlton Park

Located in the heart of Mandeville is Cecil Charlton Park, named after a former member of the Jamaican Parliament who played a key part in the development of Mandeville.

The park features a variety of recreational facilities, including a playground, basketball and netball courts, a jogging track, and a picnic area. The park is a popular spot for families and children.

The beautifully landscaped gardens are a highlight for visitors, with a variety of beautiful flowers and trees creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. 

• Marshall’s Pen Great House

This historic plantation house offers tours and a museum that showcases the history of the area. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, with the Jamaican tody and the black-billed streamertail spotted here frequently.

• Voilà by Lilee

Voilà by Lilee is a small multi-cuisine restaurant serving paninis, wraps, pasta, salads, breakfast, cakes, pastries and burgers.

This restaurant is inspired by the cuisine and architecture of France, creating an unforgettable experience for every customer.

places to stay in Mandeville

Budget Hotels in Mandeville
Bonito’s Retreat
SuiteVille in Mandeville

Mid range Hotels in Mandeville
Tashari-dae Inn king suite
Oasis Living Getaway

Family Friendly Hotels in Mandeville
Chateau Yellow
Beautiful 3-bedroom townhouse in Mandeville

Self Contained Apartments in Mandeville
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Falmouth – Best part of Jamaica for Vacation on a Budget 

Falmouth is a beautiful town on Jamaica’s northern coast between Montego Bay and Runaway Bay. It’s also a busy cruise port harbour that does have some beaches, but its coastlines are a bit rockier and rugged than you’d find in areas like Montego Bay.

Why stay in Falmouth:

Falmouth is a lot smaller than the huge resort towns of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, which is why you’ll find fewer choices for restaurants and bars.

Despite this, there’s still plenty to do here, and if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Falmouth is where it’s at.

There are lots of B&Bs and villas here as opposed to all-inclusive, luxury resorts so you’ll find it a lot easier to stick to a budget if you stay here.

All in all, Falmouth is one of the best places to stay in Jamaica if you don’t want to overspend on accommodation.

Things to do in Falmouth:

• Ziplining

While visiting Falmouth, don’t forget to go ziplining for some thrilling fun. If you’re not afraid of heights, you may choose from a variety of ziplining venues in Falmouth.

The Mystic Mountain Zipline Canopy Tour, which is roughly an hour from Falmouth, is a great place to start your ziplining adventure.

The Good Hope Estate Pass & Adventure Falls adventure, which takes place in Trelawney about 20 minutes from Falmouth, is another fantastic tour.

• ATV adventure

A thrilling way to experience the outdoors, see incredible structures and sights, and travel around the island’s highlights is to take an ATV trip in Falmouth.

You’ll get to ride through the tough terrain and see a lot of the wildlife, plants, and other natural features that are there.

• River tubing

While visiting Falmouth, you can go on a half-day river tubing trip with guides who will tell you more about the island’s history as you go.

A river flows through Rio Bueno, a small settlement on Jamaica’s north coast, and into Rio Bueno Harbor. The Rio Bueno River’s lush surroundings provide the ideal setting for a tour that emphasises nature. 

• Jamaica Swamp Safari Village

Falmouth is home to the Jamaica Swamp Safari, so let’s hope you’re not too afraid of crocodiles! The nature reserve and zoo are home to a variety of exotic animals, including crocodiles, snakes, iguanas and birds.

Visitors to the park can take a guided tour of the park’s exhibits, which include a crocodile habitat, a bird aviary, and a reptile house. There’s also a daily crocodile show.

• Rafting on the Martha Brae River 

There’s nowhere better to raft in Jamaica than on this long and winding yet calm river. During a Martha Brae rafting tour, you’ll ride along on a 30-foot bamboo raft that is guided by a local raft captain.

The rafts are traditionally built and can seat up to two passengers and the captain. As you float down the river, enjoy the lush tropical scenery and spot various birds and wildlife.

Best places to stay in Falmouth

Budget Hotels in Falmouth
Cas Bed & Breakfast
Cheerful 1 bedroom house
G&R Guesthouse

Mid range Hotels in Falmouth
Pura Vida Jamaica

Family Friendly Hotels in Falmouth
The Westin Suites at Falmouth
Home sweet home, Stonebrook Manor, Trelawny

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Falmouth
Excellence Oyster Bay

Self Contained Apartments in Falmouth
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Oracabessa – Best area to stay in Jamaica for James Bond Fans

Did you know that the author of the James Bond books, Ian Fleming, used to live in Jamaica? His old home is now part of a resort in the small northern Jamaican town of Oracabessa, which has the same name as one of the films.

There’s also a beach with the official title of James Bond Beach, which is very close to Ian Fleming’s old villa and also featured as a filming location in the first Bond film, Dr No (1962).

Two miles from Oracabessa is the newest airport in Jamaica, Ian Fleming International Airport, which is frequently used by private aircraft.

Why stay in Oracabessa:

If you’re a James Bond fan, you have to stay in Oracabessa and follow in Ian Fleming’s footsteps! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One of the main reasons to stay here is for the stunning beaches, including James Bond Beach.

In addition to its natural beauty, Oracabessa is also known for its lively local scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

Things to do in Oracabessa:

• Reggae Beach

One of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean is Reggae Beach, which is just a five-minute drive from Oracabessa. Long and sandy, the beach is shielded on both ends by rocks.

Reggae Beach is regarded as one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets and is one of the quieter, less-crowded beaches on the island.

Dinner and live music are served in the evenings along with a variety of beach foods, with fish and lobster serving as the major attractions.

• Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary

The marine environment of Oracabessa was safeguarded by the creation of the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary in 2010. Its goal is to improve local livelihoods by boosting biodiversity in Oracabessa Bay.

The sanctuary contains a number of reefs in addition to mangroves, beaches, and the James Bond Beach.

Due to its expansive size, diverse coral structure, abundant marine life, and close proximity to the Cayman Trough, the Golden Clouds Reef is one of Oracabessa Bay’s most well-known dive sites.

• Firefly

The Firefly Estate is a historic property located in Oracabessa on a hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The estate was once the home of the famous British playwright, Sir Noël Coward, and is now a museum and cultural centre that celebrates his life and work.

The grounds are also home to several other attractions, including a beautiful garden filled with tropical plants and flowers, and a sculpture park featuring works by local artists.

Best places to stay in Oracabessa

Mid range Hotels in Oracabessa
Liberty castle inn

Family Friendly Hotels in Oracabessa
The Gibson’s Pålace
Green’s Palace Jamaica

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Oracabessa
GoldenEye

Self Contained Apartments in Oracabessa
Apartment 1

Added Extra: Areas to Avoid in Jamaica 

Most areas of Jamaica are perfectly safe for tourists. One of the only crimes that tourists are a victim of in Jamaica is theft or pickpocketing. This is more likely to occur outside of the main vacation spots in bigger cities like Kingston and Montego Bay.

Some of the sketchier areas of Kingston are West Kingston, Grant’s Pen, August Town, Harbour View, and Spanish Town. And some of the less safe parts of Montego Bay are Flankers, Barrett Town, Norwood, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem.

There aren’t any big hotels and all-inclusive resorts in these areas so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. They are difficult neighbourhoods to stumble across without knowing!

There are some parts of Jamaica you should avoid purely because they aren’t near any of the top Jamaica attractions. St Thomas and Portland parishes are situated in the easternmost point of Jamaica next to Kingston.

There is nothing especially wrong with these parishes, but they are more suburban and it will take you a while to travel to some of the top vacation hotspots from here.

FAQ for Where to stay in Jamaica

Which part of Jamaica is the best to stay?

Which part of Jamaica is the best to stay, is highly dependant on why you are visiting Jamaica. Beach resorts in Jamaica, such the ones based in Negril and Montego Bay, are well-liked by both tourists.

Kingston, which is the capital of Jamaica, is excellent choice for a busy city. Additionally, there is a huge amount things do in Ocho Rios, which is a terrific option for cruise ports.

Is it better to stay in Negril or Montego Bay?

Due to its availability of more family-friendly sights and activities, Montego Bay is often a good choice for families.

Couples, especially those who enjoy relaxing together, do better in Negril. Both places are ideal for first-time tourists due to their tourist-friendly attitude.

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