Jamaica Inn

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Virgin rating

The hotel

Whilst staying at Jamaica Inn, Winston Churchill swore the light was the best in the world for his watercolours. Jamaica Inn is one of the loveliest small luxury hotels in Jamaica. Now over 60 years old, it retains a gracious air of colonial Jamaica and attracts individuals and couples (some famous), who return on a regular basis. There is a wonderful, natural tranquility about this hotel and it has a lovely location on a private 700 ft white sand beach. Dining is on an outdoor terrace that adjoins the bar terrace. A more romantic setting is hard to imagine, and in keeping with the ‘Noel Coward’ lifestyle, there is a live band most nights. There is a cocktail terrace with a magnificent view and in step with its elegant classic approach, there is a dress code after dark. Bordered by an exquisite 700 ft-long beach, the hotel is in Ocho Rios on the tranquil North Coast of the island. All guest suites face the beach and the turquoise water. Each suite has a verandah or a balustraded balcony and many guests opt to leave the air-conditioning off and allow the sea breeze instead to do the work.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Honeymoon
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Situated on the best secret stretch of beach in Ocho Rios, overlooking some of the finest water in the Caribbean, its different shades of blue and green will refresh and rejuvenate you as you unwind in this elegant retreat. Transfer time from Montego Bay airport: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hotel information

55 suites, cottages and bungalows in various buildings with no lifts. All with air-conditioning, ceiling fan, private balcony or terrace, complimentary WiFi Internet access, telephone, mini-bar (stocked upon request) and hairdryer. Please note: there are no TVs, radios or clocks. Balcony Suites are located upstairs on the main wing and east wing with tremendous views from a large balcony across the grounds to the beach and Caribbean Sea, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

All Inclusive option: breakfast lunch and dinner daily, all beverages by the glass and Dine Around option available at four Ocho Rios restaurants (Evitas, Summer House, Passage to India and Miss T's. No more than two dine-arounds per stay, nor eat twice at the same restaurant).

Please note: not included in the all inclusive plan are bottled liquor and wines by the bottle, telephone calls, spa treatments and gift shop purchases. Not included on the Dine Around are transfers, Lobster dinners, drinks or tips.

Breakfast/Half Board options: available at a supplement. 

Deluxe Verandah Suites feature a fully furnished verandah (on the ground floor on the main wing or east wing), sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Premier Verandah Suites enjoy the same fabulous outside space as above and have settings either directly over the water or right on the sand, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

The Cowdray Suite (named after the polo legend), is upstairs in the east wing with a large bedroom, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

The Blue Cottage is a luxurious and private one-bedroom cottage located right on the beach, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Beach Bungalows are located on a secluded cove at the eastern side of the property, each with own living room, spacious bathroom and outdoor verandah, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Cottage 3 and 4 are totally private with their own sea access and are situated on a bluff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea whilst being just steps away from the main hotel. Each has an outdoor shower and an infinity pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

The White Suite sits on its own private peninsula, has one bedroom suite with large private terrace opening onto a secluded pool surrounded, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Cottage 7 on the edge of the property opens onto a private cove. Upstairs is one bedroom with a balcony whilst the ground floor opens onto an infinity pool and a deck cantilevered over the sea, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Jamaica Inn 1-Bedroom Cottage with Pool sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Jamaica Inn 2-Bedroom Cottage with Pool sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving Caribbean and International cuisine. Daily afternoon tea. Room service* (7:30am-11:00pm). Weekly beach barbecue (depending on occupancy).

A live band every night from 8:00pm–11:00pm.

Swimming pool. Holistic cliff top Ocean Spa (treatments*) and exercise room. Complimentary Sunfish sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling and croquet. Nearby activities include windsurfing*, diving* and tennis*.

Gift shop. Laundry Service*. Library. The hotel has a private car and driver available*. WiFi is available in guest rooms, library, cocktail terrace and main bar.

3 nights minimum stay at all times for Cottage 3, Cottage 4, White Suite and Cottage 7, Jamaica Inn 1-Bedroom Cottage and Jamaica Inn 2-Bedroom Cottage.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: breakfast, Half Board and All Inclusive board basis are available at a supplement.

Dress code: after 7:00pm gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and a collared shirt by the main bar, cocktail terrace and dining room. Footwear is required after 7:00pm (no flip flops). Ladies dress accordingly.

Please note: children over 10 years old and over are welcome year round but will pay the adult sharing rate OR extra person cost (always on a request basis).

Please note: reservation is required for breakfast and dinner.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1807)
  • Very good (161)
  • Average (35)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (7)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding Property with Excellent Service

Dec 3, 2024 Anne W

Had a most relaxing stay thanks to the wonderful Jamaica Inn staff! Gerry and Marie in the front office were amazingly helpful and pleasant. All of the food and beverage staff were incredible - Ash, Patrick, Williams, Stretch, Quade, Samantha, Patrice, Palmer, Mikayla, and many others all helped make my time in Jamaica one of my most memorable… Read more
Had a most relaxing stay thanks to the wonderful Jamaica Inn staff! Gerry and Marie in the front office were amazingly helpful and pleasant. All of the food and beverage staff were incredible - Ash, Patrick, Williams, Stretch, Quade, Samantha, Patrice, Palmer, Mikayla, and many others all helped make my time in Jamaica one of my most memorable vacations ever. The housekeeping team was also extraordinary. Nicola was delightful! Thank you to everyone at Jamaica Inn who helped a solo traveler feel welcome and safe. I will definitely be back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating All is good!

Nov 30, 2024 Excursion779791

Our third trip to Jamaica Inn, there's something very special about it and we can see why there are so many repeat guests. It was a very relaxed way to exist for the 10 days we were there; the beach is beautiful and we spent the hours of 9am - 5pm lazing around on the beach after breakfast (get this delivered to your room, it's a real treat),… Read more
Our third trip to Jamaica Inn, there's something very special about it and we can see why there are so many repeat guests. It was a very relaxed way to exist for the 10 days we were there; the beach is beautiful and we spent the hours of 9am - 5pm lazing around on the beach after breakfast (get this delivered to your room, it's a real treat), swimming in the sea and being entertained at the beach bar. Evenings are all about dressing up, cocktails, great food and live music. We met some lovely other guests, but the real stars of the show are the staff - special mentions to Sherlene, Patrice, Samantha, Quade, Williams, Patrick and Ashalene. We can't wait to come back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible. Like everyone else we met, we can't wait to be regulars

Nov 27, 2024 mmsts New York City, New York

We never write reviews but always read them, but as we sit here looking at our 2025 calendar excitedly picking out dates for our next trip to Jamaica Inn - I had to say thanks to the staff/team/family and agree with so many reviews and say that this place is really special. Within our first 36 hours I think my husband and I were adopted - and… Read more
We never write reviews but always read them, but as we sit here looking at our 2025 calendar excitedly picking out dates for our next trip to Jamaica Inn - I had to say thanks to the staff/team/family and agree with so many reviews and say that this place is really special. Within our first 36 hours I think my husband and I were adopted - and it's not just about knowing the drink order, being friendly, and incredible service from the room to the dining. It's just a special level of care that lets you really relax, jokes and conversation at the Beach Bar with Ashalene, Samantha, Williams, and Patrick and the other guests that are genuinely funny and make you feel like regulars, and service that makes you never want to leave. Most of the other guests have been regulars for 2 or 3 decades - and we get it. I let out a little tear on my way to the airport. Jamaica Inn, you'll see us this spring. And next fall. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating absolutely breath taking

Nov 26, 2024 megan m

Absolutely wonderful stay, the SPA is the best!!!!! Food was not so impressive but everything else was great. The staff was so amazing. The manager Mr. Gilbert Blackwood was so accommodating after reporting a minor issue in the bathroom. I cannot wait to rebook for next year.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating At check-in, you are greeted with the words, "Welcome Home" and they mean it.

Nov 25, 2024 Tootie54 Chicago, Illinois

My husband and I have been guests at Jamaica Inn since 1977. It's become our favorite hotel in the world and we usually gain five pounds during our stay. The property is located on a beautiful, secluded beach that is kept immaculate by Albert, Marvin, Winston and Desmond. There is not a bad room in the hotel, all have sea views, verandahs or… Read more
My husband and I have been guests at Jamaica Inn since 1977. It's become our favorite hotel in the world and we usually gain five pounds during our stay. The property is located on a beautiful, secluded beach that is kept immaculate by Albert, Marvin, Winston and Desmond. There is not a bad room in the hotel, all have sea views, verandahs or balconies and Molton Brown toiletries that will make you smell divine. It's a five-star hotel, but never stuffy. You can read or play a game in the historic library, take a nap in a hammock, enjoy meeting other guests at the beach bar or croquet lawn and swim in the crystal clear sea. Drinks are expertly crafted by Patrick, Stretch, Patrice (my honorary Jamaican daughter), Ashaleen and Palmer. I highly recommend the Planter's Punch that's delivered to you daily at 11:00 am. Wait, you don't drink rum so soon after breakfast? You will. Trust me. The resident black lab Shadow paddleboards and plays catch on the property so you won't miss your family pet back home. The wait, housekeeping, bell, bar, beach and garden staff will wish you a good day or night, remember your name, and seem to sense like magic when you may need a fresh towel or another glass of wine. Dining under the stars on the gorgeous terrace is a step back in time to old world elegance that never goes out of style. The banana bread, fudge, plantain and coconut chips are treasured Inn recipes that haven't changed in over fifty years. Pro tips: If you want a secluded verandah, the west wing is for you. Early risers can find coffee/tea service outside the upstairs bar every morning. Order breakfast in your robe and dine on your verandah, at least a few times. The extremely talented band plays nightly, but plan on staying to hear Shaye sing on Thursday nights. Make sure to seek out Carter (waiter) and Jason/Todd (bar) in the green jackets. The staff sets this hotel apart from all the rest and keep it running flawlessly. And when you return, ( and I know you will) unpack, settle in, crash on a lounger and congratulate yourself that you made it back home again. Read less