This 35-acre, 148-room all-inclusive resort has a lush natural setting filled with waterfalls, grottos, beaches, lakes, and jungles. It still has the features of a megaresort -- three restaurants, four pools, two beaches, four bars, a spa, and tons of free activities -- but it's one of the few large-scale resorts that manages to feel crowd-free and even intimate. The rooms and public areas could use some cosmetic updates, however.
This 35-acre, 148-room all-inclusive resort has a lush natural setting filled with waterfalls, grottos, beaches, lakes, and jungles. It still has the features of a megaresort -- three restaurants, four pools, two beaches, four bars, a spa, and tons of free activities -- but it's one of the few large-scale resorts that manages to feel crowd-free and even intimate. The rooms and public areas could use some cosmetic updates, however.
This 529-room upscale all-inclusive is adults-only, drawing many younger couples and honeymooners. The 110-acre resort is split into two halves by the road, and jitneys run between the two lobbies regularly. The Riviera Seaside Village and Ochi Beach Club are both on the water, while the All-Butler Riviera Villas and Great House are set back in the gardens, and offer butler service. There are lots of restaurants, bars, pools, whirlpools, and activities (including an 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea) on the premises, and it's a five-minute drive to downtown Ocho Rios for more spots to shop and dine. Just know that the beach isn't large and the hotel is an hour-and-a-half ride from the airport on the resort's free shuttle bus; those who prefer less travel time may want to compare rates at the smaller Sandals Montego Bay, and those in search of a better beach may want to consider the Sandals Negril Beach Resort.
This 529-room upscale all-inclusive is adults-only, drawing many younger couples and honeymooners. The 110-acre resort is split into two halves by the road, and jitneys run between the two lobbies regularly. The Riviera Seaside Village and Ochi Beach Club are both on the water, while the All-Butler Riviera Villas and Great House are set back in the gardens, and offer butler service. There are lots of restaurants, bars, pools, whirlpools, and activities (including an 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea) on the premises, and it's a five-minute drive to downtown Ocho Rios for more spots to shop and dine. Just know that the beach isn't large and the hotel is an hour-and-a-half ride from the airport on the resort's free shuttle bus; those who prefer less travel time may want to compare rates at the smaller Sandals Montego Bay, and those in search of a better beach may want to consider the Sandals Negril Beach Resort.
ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios is among Ocho Rios’ largest all-inclusive resorts, with more services and entertainment than some U.S. towns. The massive, upper-middle-range property feels like a city unto itself. Seven restaurants, an enormous private beach, and two large pools all top the list of features. The 846 rooms are typical of the Riu brand, with dark, traditional decor that's pleasant, but dated. In-room amenities are excellent, including daily-stocked minibars, liquor dispensers, and private balconies, many with ocean views. While downtown Ocho Rios is less than 10 minutes away by car, there's little of interest within walking distance. The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa is a more affordable, four-pearl alternative for those looking for adult-only fun.
ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios is among Ocho Rios’ largest all-inclusive resorts, with more services and entertainment than some U.S. towns. The massive, upper-middle-range property feels like a city unto itself. Seven restaurants, an enormous private beach, and two large pools all top the list of features. The 846 rooms are typical of the Riu brand, with dark, traditional decor that's pleasant, but dated. In-room amenities are excellent, including daily-stocked minibars, liquor dispensers, and private balconies, many with ocean views. While downtown Ocho Rios is less than 10 minutes away by car, there's little of interest within walking distance. The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa is a more affordable, four-pearl alternative for those looking for adult-only fun.
Set on a private beach within a short walk of downtown Ochos Rios, the 705-room Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is a sprawling all-inclusive that’d give Vegas joints a run for their money in scale, features, and extravagance. After undergoing a full renovation, this family-friendly property reopened in 2015 as a high-end luxury resort with majestic marble interiors. The sleek beach-house-inspired rooms have balconies with water views, and include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, liquor dispensers, and welcome wine. There are four restaurants, multiple bars, four swimming pools, a world-class spa with 23 treatment rooms, a surf machine, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can even swim with dolphins (for a fee). Travelers seeking a more intimate luxury experience could try Jamaica Inn.
Set on a private beach within a short walk of downtown Ochos Rios, the 705-room Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is a sprawling all-inclusive that’d give Vegas joints a run for their money in scale, features, and extravagance. After undergoing a full renovation, this family-friendly property reopened in 2015 as a high-end luxury resort with majestic marble interiors. The sleek beach-house-inspired rooms have balconies with water views, and include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, liquor dispensers, and welcome wine. There are four restaurants, multiple bars, four swimming pools, a world-class spa with 23 treatment rooms, a surf machine, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can even swim with dolphins (for a fee). Travelers seeking a more intimate luxury experience could try Jamaica Inn.
Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn is one of the top of the island's top boutique hotels. In stark contrast to the neighboring all-inclusives and mega-resorts -- like Sandals Royal Plantation next door -- this upscale beachfront property is quiet, intimate, and relaxed. Decor throughout is a picture-perfect example of understated Caribbean elegance, with a soft color palette, chic marble details, and tasteful tropical accents. The list of amenities is typical of a four-pearl property, including a small, but immaculate pool; a wide, soft sand beach; an alfresco dining terrace; and a stunning, sea-view spa. The 48 suites and cottages include free Wi-Fi, high-end bathrooms, and water-view balconies (some with private plunge pools), and the lack of TVs and radios preserves the quiet, unplugged vibe.
Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn is one of the top of the island's top boutique hotels. In stark contrast to the neighboring all-inclusives and mega-resorts -- like Sandals Royal Plantation next door -- this upscale beachfront property is quiet, intimate, and relaxed. Decor throughout is a picture-perfect example of understated Caribbean elegance, with a soft color palette, chic marble details, and tasteful tropical accents. The list of amenities is typical of a four-pearl property, including a small, but immaculate pool; a wide, soft sand beach; an alfresco dining terrace; and a stunning, sea-view spa. The 48 suites and cottages include free Wi-Fi, high-end bathrooms, and water-view balconies (some with private plunge pools), and the lack of TVs and radios preserves the quiet, unplugged vibe.
Ocean Palms is a two-pearl oceanfront hotel that's a quick walk from Ocho Rios’ bustling commercial heart. The 23 humble rooms are a mix of fan or air-conditioned units that look a bit dated, plus king or double beds, free Wi-Fi, and private ocean-view balconies or terraces. For even more ocean views, there's a pool surrounded by plastic lounge chairs plus a sandy oceanfront. However, it's best used for swimming to the offshore reef. Amenities may improve with ongoing work -- there was extensive construction during our 2017 visit -- and an oceanfront restaurant and bar is in the works. For an alternative oceanfront stay with a pool, ocean views, and air-conditioned rooms, it’s worth checking into Silver Seas Resort Hotel instead.
Ocean Palms is a two-pearl oceanfront hotel that's a quick walk from Ocho Rios’ bustling commercial heart. The 23 humble rooms are a mix of fan or air-conditioned units that look a bit dated, plus king or double beds, free Wi-Fi, and private ocean-view balconies or terraces. For even more ocean views, there's a pool surrounded by plastic lounge chairs plus a sandy oceanfront. However, it's best used for swimming to the offshore reef. Amenities may improve with ongoing work -- there was extensive construction during our 2017 visit -- and an oceanfront restaurant and bar is in the works. For an alternative oceanfront stay with a pool, ocean views, and air-conditioned rooms, it’s worth checking into Silver Seas Resort Hotel instead.
Once a grand dame in Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Spa is now an aging mid-range property that shows glimmers of its lost grandeur. The massive hotel is too big for the guests who still come -- imbuing the atmosphere with an air of nostalgic sadness. Rooms are clean but incredibly dated, lounge chairs are lined up on the sand but nobody sits in them, and staff members stand around the property, seemingly waiting for something to do. Shaw Park’s small spa, water sports equipment, and all-inclusive rate, attract guests who prefer the quiet, but its secluded location deter the party-hearty masses that come through Ocho Rios. Travelers looking for an all-inclusive with non-stop activities and more amenities might prefer ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios, though it tends to be pricier and lacks Shaw Park’s quiet atmosphere.
Once a grand dame in Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Spa is now an aging mid-range property that shows glimmers of its lost grandeur. The massive hotel is too big for the guests who still come -- imbuing the atmosphere with an air of nostalgic sadness. Rooms are clean but incredibly dated, lounge chairs are lined up on the sand but nobody sits in them, and staff members stand around the property, seemingly waiting for something to do. Shaw Park’s small spa, water sports equipment, and all-inclusive rate, attract guests who prefer the quiet, but its secluded location deter the party-hearty masses that come through Ocho Rios. Travelers looking for an all-inclusive with non-stop activities and more amenities might prefer ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios, though it tends to be pricier and lacks Shaw Park’s quiet atmosphere.
Situated in the heart of Ocho Rios’ resort district, the 74-room luxury Sandals Royal Plantation is an adults-only all-inclusive resort set against a coral bluff right on the Caribbean Sea. This property offers some of the best amenities of any hotel in Jamaica, including a stunning, secluded beach, a serene spa, and all meals served a la carte -- meaning there's no mediocre buffets. The elegant, spacious colonial-style suites have canopied four-poster beds, free well-stocked minibars, and private butler service. Rooms have either full terraces or Juliet-style balconies, plus all have sea views. The excellent all-inclusive package covers premium liquor and wine, unlimited scuba diving and water sports, airport transportation, and nightly entertainment. It’s worth comparing rates with Couples Tower Isle, another adults-only all-inclusive resort with two pools and free excursions.
Situated in the heart of Ocho Rios’ resort district, the 74-room luxury Sandals Royal Plantation is an adults-only all-inclusive resort set against a coral bluff right on the Caribbean Sea. This property offers some of the best amenities of any hotel in Jamaica, including a stunning, secluded beach, a serene spa, and all meals served a la carte -- meaning there's no mediocre buffets. The elegant, spacious colonial-style suites have canopied four-poster beds, free well-stocked minibars, and private butler service. Rooms have either full terraces or Juliet-style balconies, plus all have sea views. The excellent all-inclusive package covers premium liquor and wine, unlimited scuba diving and water sports, airport transportation, and nightly entertainment. It’s worth comparing rates with Couples Tower Isle, another adults-only all-inclusive resort with two pools and free excursions.
Travelers looking for a cheap place to stay in Ocho Rios will find excellent budget accommodations at the Pineapple Court Hotel. With 14 rooms, a small pool, and an on-site restaurant, this two-and-a-half-pearl property is ideal for independent travelers who don’t mind being a bit far from town. The hotel is within walking distance of the beach, but guests will need to drive or hail a cab to reach downtown and popular tourist attractions like Dunns River Falls and Mystic Mountain. If proximity to downtown is a priority, Rooms Ocho Rios is a similar, though slightly pricier option.
Travelers looking for a cheap place to stay in Ocho Rios will find excellent budget accommodations at the Pineapple Court Hotel. With 14 rooms, a small pool, and an on-site restaurant, this two-and-a-half-pearl property is ideal for independent travelers who don’t mind being a bit far from town. The hotel is within walking distance of the beach, but guests will need to drive or hail a cab to reach downtown and popular tourist attractions like Dunns River Falls and Mystic Mountain. If proximity to downtown is a priority, Rooms Ocho Rios is a similar, though slightly pricier option.
Hermosa Cove is a four-pearl, nine-room resort with an eco-friendly vibe on the beach in Ocho Rios. There is a personal, homey atmosphere here, from cooked-to-order meals made with locally sourced ingredients (some of which are grown in the resort's gardens) to the artful wooden carvings throughout the property. Despite its close-to-nature attitude, there are luxurious touches in the colorful villas, and amenities can include private pools, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs. The environment is quiet and peaceful, great for those looking to relax in a location away from the commercial resort party scene, but travelers looking for amenities like a fitness center may want to consider the Jamaica Inn.
Hermosa Cove is a four-pearl, nine-room resort with an eco-friendly vibe on the beach in Ocho Rios. There is a personal, homey atmosphere here, from cooked-to-order meals made with locally sourced ingredients (some of which are grown in the resort's gardens) to the artful wooden carvings throughout the property. Despite its close-to-nature attitude, there are luxurious touches in the colorful villas, and amenities can include private pools, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs. The environment is quiet and peaceful, great for those looking to relax in a location away from the commercial resort party scene, but travelers looking for amenities like a fitness center may want to consider the Jamaica Inn.