Kingston has numerous types of accommodation in all areas of the city, though it pays to go a little upmarket and be in a savoury area, with the best selection of hotels residing in uptown and New Kingston in particular. Hotels here are not expensive, even by Jamaican standards, with the likes of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay generally featuring the most pricey lodging.
Accommodation goes from sleazy rooms without a bathroom right up to five-star luxury suites. The best of Kingston hotels are undoubtedly along the Knutsford Boulevard, just north of downtown, although do bear in mind that many of the local hotels cater more for businessmen than for families and holidaymakers. The high season is in the winter, as with elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Where to Stay
For the height of luxury in Kingston, the Knutsford Boulevard is where it is at, where the likes of the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites resides. The Courtleigh provides five-star accommodation with all the trimmings, and is on par with the nearby Jamaica Pegasus and Hilton. These hotels also come with some of the city's very best eating.
Waterloo Road, north of the Knutsford Boulevard and yet still within reach of the city centre, also has high quality hotels and accommodation. The quaint Terra Nova All Suite Hotel lies along here and is noted for its service and ambience. Constant Spring Road is further out and is where you will find the popular Crowne Plaza Kingston.
Out of town altogether, the Blue Mountains are an excellent choice to escape the city bustle and heat, and Strawberry Hill is the principal resort here. All top hotels in this area also have good security and service records. In the other direction is Kingston Harbour and the diminutive Lime Kay, which has a small hotel resort as well as camping sites.
Booking Kingston hotels ahead is a must, and especially so over the December to March peak season. Reservations are best done online for the chance of a discount, and for less hassle overall.
