How to Find Cheap Hotels in Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston rode the growth of its port to become the largest city in Jamaica. The largest English speaking city south of the United States, Kingston sees many visitors from the United States and Europe every year. Finding cheap accommodations in a safe environment presents a moderate challenge in this far-flung, multi-zip code city.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Travel guide
• Computer with Internet connection

Know Your Destination

1. Pay a visit to the Bob Marley Museum, which was constructed out of one of his houses in Kingston. The museum ranks as the biggest tourist draw in the city and results in plenty of restaurants and shops in the vicinity. The Devon House, a 19th Century plantation with an adjoining park, is located nearby.
2. Venture into what remains of Port Royal. This notorious port housed many pirates who identified the port's location as the ideal site from which to ambush trade ships. These days, only a few thousand people live in the area, but Kingston expects to bring in new developments to support an already steady traffic of tourists.

Transportation in Kingston, Jamaica

3. Fly into Kingston via Norman Manley International Airport, which is located in the southern part of the city.
4. Rent a car, but know that Jamaica's roads and traffic are treacherous to the uninitiated. Kingston's bus system is extensive, but not very well documented.

Accommodations in Kingston, Jamaica

5. To book accommodations, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). You can search for cheap hotels near Emancipation Park, located in the most urban area of New Kingston. Hotels in this section of town tend to be cheaper than average. Even well-known chains currently have rooms from $80 to $120. These hotels are close to the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House.
6. Look into the Havendale area for guest houses. These guest houses generally have a flat rate, so the more you have in your group, the less you have to pay per person.
7. Venture just outside of Kingston and check out Treasure Beach, where you can find cheap guest houses near the sand and surf.
8. Look for budget hotels, which go for less than $50, but make sure to sniff out the local attitude toward the place, as it can inform your choice. Moderately priced accommodations typically hover around $100.

Tips & Warnings

• Opt to take a local taxi rather than a tourist taxi to save money.
• For the best rates, book your accommodations online and in advance of your arrival in Kingston.