Picking the best place to stay for your vacation

Picking the best place to stay in Jamaica can make a big difference in the type of vacation you end up having while on the island.

This is probably one of the most important decisions you will make to ensure you have a fantastic holiday.

It’ll be your new home away from home for however long you’re in vacation mode.

So ask yourself, what’s really important to you to feel you’re going to be going on the vacation of your dreams?

While that great deal may be calling your name, pause and ask yourself a few important questions before you hit that ‘book it now’ button.

To help you even further with your decision, here are the vacation accommodation options available in Jamaica.

Hotels

Jamaica has a wide range of options varying from a small, boutique hotel to a sprawling, all-inclusive.

If you want your most mind-boggling decision to be whether your next drink will be a Bob Marley or a Piña Colada and what you’ll wear to that night’s beach party, then one of the many all-inclusive resorts that dot the island may be exactly what you’re looking for.

However, if a unique, more personalized, and quieter experience is what you’re searching for then you may want to check out reviews for one of the distinctive boutique hotels that offer a one-of-a-kind vacation.

When searching for hotels, other things may be important in identifying your best stay such as the proximity of the hotel to major tours and attractions you’re interested in visiting.

It's also best to find out about breakfast and other add-ons like a great game of tennis or green fees for a round of golf are included with your room.

Hotel accommodations for all types of travelers

A new trend is that more than one type of accommodation may be included on one property such as a main hotel with a five-star separate option or even a general stay, one just for families and an adult-only section.

Make sure you check which one you’re booking so you don’t get caught by surprise when you arrive.

Other options may turn out to be the answer with a little more information. For example, did you know that you can book into a couples’ centric hotel if you want to take your mom on a great vacation for just the two of you?

It’s based on double occupancy, not your romantic status.

Another surprise is a spot like Beaches which is advertised for families, but in this day and age when families come in all shapes and sizes, it’s a cool option for those looking for say a cool, girlfriends-only group package for a great bachelorette trip.

Villas

A villa is often another way to enjoy a unique stay in Jamaica.

Each one has its own character and usually comes with the benefits of a washer and dryer (meaning you get to pack less), a kitchen to cook in (saving you a lot of money), or, on the other hand, often comes with staff who’ll take all those pesky concerns off your hands.

For groups and families, a villa is often a good choice, almost always yielding more space at a lower price per person rate than a hotel room.

And it’s a great way to feel more connected to the culture you came to visit.

Many villas also come with great add-ons like a discount on golfing greens fees, dedicated beach clubs and spa services, and special rates to enjoy various nearby attractions.

An added bonus? It’s your way to live out that fantasy of actually owning a home right on the beach.

Guest houses and bed & breakfasts

These are usually small, family-run establishments and may not be the most luxurious of accommodations, but many offer breakfast with the package and are generally cheaper than hotels, but not as cheap as hostels.

This is a good option for couples and families, offering a level of privacy and basic amenities. These places often allow visitors to Jamaica to interact more with locals and the day-to-day culture of the destination they’re in.

Not to mention, most owners are often very willing to give great suggestions on local restaurants or outings that the bigger tour operators may not have on their radar.

This is when you’ll find yourself sampling the delicious lobster seasoned to perfection from a local fisherman right on the beach.

Apartment or house rentals

Airbnb has certainly changed the accommodation game all over the world and in Jamaica, it’s no different.

Many villas listed on villa websites also pop up on VRBO and Airbnb, but so do unique options like a small, one-bedroom in the middle of the Trench Town Culture Yard, cozy cottages in the middle of the city, and luxe penthouse apartments within walking distance of everything you are dying to check out.

Some apartments and house rentals come with a driver, or even a cook eliminating the additional fuss of doing everything yourself.

However, even if they don’t, having a kitchen or kitchenette can help cut costs, and many apartment complexes have pools and some have beach access as well.

Usually, independent renters are more than willing to offer up a ton of ideas and great tips to better experience the local scene.

Hostels

There are online backpacking groups that will always make suggestions about what the best hostel options are in the area.

The global backpacking community is usually extremely friendly and helpful and most hostels across the island will recommend others depending on where you want to bunk down next.

Usually, you’ll share a room and a common meal area, but this choice means you’ll also make new friends and have a great time with fellow like-minded travelers.