How to Find Hotels in Jamaica

Thanks to its atmosphere of hospitality and down-to-earth fun, Jamaica is a perennial favorite with tourists. It's also home to some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport

Locate Accomodations

1. Visit the Jamaica Tourist Board Web site to book your accommodations through the online system (see Resources below). Search for apartments, bed and breakfasts, hotels, villas, guesthouses and resorts. If you need booking assistance, call the office at (800) 233-4JTB.
2. Go small. Unlike ritzier Caribbean locales like Grand Cayman and Nassau, Jamaica offers just as many little beachside bungalows as 20-story resorts. While a resort might be more of a sure thing, hospitality abounds in smaller, more out-of-the way accommodations.
3. Stay in Negril, on the westernmost tip of the island. Find quaint and comfortable accommodations at inexpensive rates.
4. Consider an all-inclusive hotel, where all of your meals, drinks, water sports and even tipping are included in the price. This option is recommended for people who will rarely venture outside the resort, but not for more adventurous tourists.

Travel to Jamaica

5. Fly into either Montego Bay or Kingston. "Mo Bay" is a popular tourist destination for many, with numerous resorts on the beach and an idyllic locale.
6. Take a bus to your destination and taxis from place to place once you've arrived.

See the Sights in Jamaica

7. Take a trusted local up on his or her offer to be your guide inland. You may get to travel to out-of-the-way places you've never heard of.
8. Find a guide to take you to inland waterfalls or mountain retreats for a low daily rate. One of the most popular sights, Dunn's River Falls, is serviced by numerous tour operations.

Tips & Warnings

• Reserve your room through the Internet, if possible, to take advantage of Web-only package deals.
• Taking buses and taxis is an adventure all its own; put your fears at rest and roll with it!
• The roads in Jamaica leave much to be desired, so prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.
• As general practice, you can haggle with taxi drivers on price. Tell them where you're going, then settle on a mutually agreeable fare.
• Like most other countries, Jamaica has its dangerous areas. These are found primarily in the inner cities of Montego Bay and Kingston. As a tourist, however, you likely won't be visiting these districts.