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
Culture Trip

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article