The Best Cheap Hotels and Holiday Rentals in Montego Bay, Jamaica

A sprinkling of seven pastel, low-rise cottages set above forest and sea, Mynt gets some killer sunset views. Rooms have generous sun decks, squishy sofas and coffee makers; sitting out on your terrace, you’ll be served lovingly sculpted fruit platters and fresh juices by the family of owners. There’s a petite spa doling out naturally inspired scrubs and massages, and you’re just a 25-minute walk from the gleaming white Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Halfway up a forested mountain slope, this seven-bedroom villa has a fabulous coast view from its pool terrace. Simple but modern rooms decorated in candyfloss pink and mint green have glossy monstera plants and wide balconies, while a huge outdoor dining area invites you to stay out late for a nightcap under the stars. The owners can hook you up with knowledgeable driver-guides for jaunts along the coast.

These no-frills, contemporary apartments play up to Jamaica’s worldwide pop culture fame with Bob Marley ‘One Love’ motifs and vivid tropical bird murals, plus cute watercolours of sailing and beach scenes. Grocery shops, beaches and nightclubs are all within a short stroll, so you can go car-free for your whole trip – but if you do want to hit the sights, Dunn’s River Falls and Green Grotto caves are both within a 1.5 hour drive.

This character-packed inn is spread across two homey villas with two tranquil pool terraces. With only 10 rooms, it’s an intimate and peaceful little community. The rooms have a glamorous, old-world feel, with their ornately carved wooden bed frames, tropical textiles and prettily painted chinaware. It’s loved for its hearty Jamaican breakfasts: ackee and codfish, callaloo and fried plantains, served with a view of the ocean.

Shaded by jungly hillside and a shimmering blue mosaic wall, Deja’s ultra-private pool terrace is a tranquil spot for sunbathers and daiquiri drinkers. Right on MoBay’s hip strip of bars and shops, and only five minutes’ drive from the airport, it’s an all-inclusive resort on an attractively small scale – 93 rooms and a zesty lounge and terrace, just steps from the sought-after Doctor’s Cave beach.

Toby’s is just as down-to-earth as it sounds, with rustic bamboo furniture, blue-painted balconies and zingy lime-green pool loungers beside its two saltwater pools. Regulars return for the family-run attitude and hands-on service, as well as cheap guest passes to Doctor’s Cave beach club and fun catamaran trips out along the coast. Mini-fridges in rooms and handy proximity to Montego Bay’s shops means you can self-cater, or add on a small fee for the home-cooked breakfast.

This red-roofed white mansion, in a gated complex in ritzy Ironshore, has just eight rooms. Although it’s located a little way from MoBay’s main sights, free parking makes Khastle Khodero popular with self-drivers setting off on a multi-stop trip around the island. It’s worth knowing that it’s more of a guesthouse with a pool than a full-service hotel with all the bells and whistles, but the security is slick and hot breakfasts from the brilliant housekeeper-cook set you up for a day of exploring.

This plush, gated villa has five double rooms with free wifi, TVs and coffee makers, a 10-minute drive inland from Montego Bay’s port and beaches. There’s no pool, but there is a lovely sun-drenched patio for drinks, while an old-fashioned lounge with richly upholstered sofas and ceiling fans adds a homey communal space. It’s simple but polished, with restaurants and shops within walking distance – perfect for a short stop rather than a week-long crashpad.

Plush cushioned sofas and loungers make the wooden pool deck at this aparthotel a comfy place to drape yourself. Inside, spacious living areas and fully kitted-out kitchens are perfect for self-catering or longer stays. There’s also a free shuttle to the beach and rollaway beds and cots are free to add to rooms, making it popular with cost-conscious families with young kids in tow.

This pale lemon-painted villa, trimmed with classic white balconies, has dazzling views across the treetops to the sea. It’s a 30-minute drive to all of the action of Montego Bay centre, but peaceful as a result. There’s no pool onsite, but you do get access to the breeze-ruffled pool and vanilla-sugar beach at sibling venue Rose Hall Beach Club, a 10-minute walk away. Two-bedroom suites are especially good value for families or groups of friends.