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The Best Hotels in Kingston, Jamaica

A stay overlooking the blue Mountains is one of the highlights of visiting Kingston
A stay overlooking the blue Mountains is one of the highlights of visiting Kingston | Courtesy of Strawberry Hill / Booking.com

Bob Marley’s former home, Kingston, is well worth a visit on your next trip to Jamaica. Hike through the coffee plantations of the Blue Mountains, explore the Hope Botanical Gardens and stroll along the pink-sand beach of Lime Cay, before returning to one of these top hotels for a rum punch – bookable with Culture Trip.

Altamont Court Hotel

Hotel

A rectangular pool with three loungers at the side at Altamont Court Hotel with palm trees and a wooden gate
Courtesy of Altamont Court Hotel / Expedia

For a quiet stay near Emancipation Park, book the Altamont Hotel in Kingston. The simple, traditional rooms sleep from one to four. Outside there’s a small shaded pool with a bar for afternoon refreshments. Expect a hearty Jamaican-style breakfast each morning, plus the restaurant serves juicy ribs and freshly caught fish for dinner.

Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

Suite Hotel

A traditional guestroom at Terra Nova All Suite Hotel with a patterned carpet and antique furniture
Courtesy of Terra Nova All Suite Hotel / Expedia

A former Great House owned by a sugar cane plantation owner, the Terra Nova is one of Kingston’s most luxurious hotels. Centrally located, it offers boutique-style with a nod to old European opulence. World-class chefs have created one of the finest dining experiences (and dining rooms) in Jamaica. Afternoon tea and Sunday Brunch are popular with locals and tourists alike. After dark, the Regency Bar is the place to be seen as Kingston’s great and good mingle over cocktails.

The Spanish Court Hotel

Resort

A vibrant suite at the Spanish Court Hotel with a patterned rug and pops of blue in the chairs and pillows
Courtesy of the Spanish Court Hotel / Expedia

Centrally located in New Kingston, the Spanish Court Hotel is within walking distance of top bars and shops. Couples and discerning travellers will appreciate the hip, modern vibe of this luxury hotel. Rojo Restaurant is a formal affair, serving up sweet potato crusted snapper and fresh lobster, whilst the Lounge offers casual bites. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, complete with cabanas and poolside lounging beds, or head to the rooftop Sky Terrace, the perfect spot for a sundowner overlooking a lap pool.

Jamaica Pegasus

Hotel

The tower block-style Jamaica Pegasus resort with a freeform pool at ground level
Courtesy of Jamaica Pegasus / Expedia

The best-known hotel in Kingston, the Pegasus features the largest swimming pool in the city. It’s regularly frequented by visiting heads of state: even President Obama paid a visit. Some 300 modern rooms range from deluxe doubles to a two-bedroom royal suite. The smart, cultivated gardens have a walking trail marked out, plus there are two tennis courts for active guests. The large restaurant serves excellent international and Jamaican food, while the 24/7 cafe is a reliable Kingston coffee shop.

Knutsford Court

Hotel

A rectangular courtyard pool at Knutsford Court with turquoise loungers by the pool
Courtesy of Knutsford Court / Expedia

Located prominently on Chelsea Avenue, not far from the famous Chelsea Jerk Centre and Scotchies restaurant, is the Knutsford Court Hotel. Set back in tropical gardens, the outdoor pool – conveniently close to the well-stocked bar – offers a place to cool off from the Jamaican heat. Rooms range from snug doubles up to a two-bedroom townhouse. Breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves excellent Jamaican food: the red-pea soup is particularly good.

The Courtleigh

Hotel

A guestroom at the Courtleigh with a wooden double bed covered by an orange blanket
Courtesy of the Courtleigh / Expedia

Centrally located, close to the larger Pegasus Hotel, the Courtleigh is a Kingston institution in its own right. With 128 rooms – 89 deluxe rooms and 38 boutique suites featuring traditional Jamaican furnishings and mahogany beds – getting a good night’s sleep is a cinch. Start your day with a swim and workout in the onsite gym, or head to nearby Emancipation Park for its network of running trails. Come sunset, swing by Mingles bar for a rum cocktail before dinner at Alexander’s restaurant; make sure you stick around for Wednesday’s jerk barbecue night.

Nina Zietman contributed additional reporting to this article.

For more options, discover our guide to the best hotels in Jamaica and book now on Culture Trip.

About the author

The Culture Trip is your trusted shortcut to booking travel that’s good, and makes you feel good. Because everything we do starts with you. In one single platform, you can get inspired, and discover and book spot-on stays and experiences, and now also TRIPS by Culture Trip.

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