How to Find Cheap Hotels in Jamaica

Once the sugar-producing capital of the world, Jamaica now benefits from a formidable tourism business with its promise of fun, sun, and a laid-back atmosphere. The advertised beauty is true and if you are interested in staying in Jamaica, finding a cheap accommodation should be no big deal.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• A travel guide

Know Your Destination

1. Identify what attractions appeal to you most. For example, Jamaica is the reggae capital of the world and Bob Marley was reggae's prophet. His former house, now a museum, constitutes the single largest tourist attraction in Kingston. Luckily, the museum is conveniently surrounded by cheap accommodations.

2. Enjoy the beach. Jamaica has a wealth of beaches, ranging from the party-havens of Montego Bay to the family resorts located on Negril's miles and miles of world-class surf and sand. Snorkel, swim, jet-ski or simply lay out in the sun.

Transportation in Jamaica

3. Arrive in Jamaica via the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston or the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. If you're planning a beach retreat, you will likely prefer landing on the north shore, closest to Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios.

4. Navigate the island by way of bus, taxi or rental car. Taking a taxi is the easiest, but the most expensive. Taking the bus is the cheapest but the most challenging, followed closely by renting a car, which requires you to put up with congestion and poorly maintained roads.

Accommodations in Jamaica

5. To book accommodations, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at(800) 526-2422 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

6. Investigate an all-inclusive resort in one of Jamaica's beach towns. All-inclusive can amount to decent savings, even if the sticker price of the room is much higher than a hotel, because all-inclusive includes the cost of food. A typical all-inclusive costs over $100, but if you find one in an inauspicious location--such as the few near Montego Bay's airport--then you may find a nightly rate for less.

7. Try camping on the beach in Jamaica. Typically, campsites are far-removed from the resorts, but they provide a cheap alternative to resort living. As a plus, the weather is always right.

8. Search off the beaten, sandy path to find accommodations on the cheap. In Montego Bay, there is a significant price difference between a hotel on the water and a hotel merely across the street from the water.

Tips & Warnings

• In rural sections of Jamaica you are generally safe, even at night. In the inner cities, such as Trench Town in Kingston, you would be unwise to visit even while it's still light out.