Moon Author's Review
Jamaica Inn (from US$349/586 d. low/high season) has remained one of the top hotels in the island for decades for good reason. Several features make the 55-unit property unique and charming.
The beach is one of the best in Jamaica, with fine golden sand and crystal clear water that drops off quickly, fringed by low coral bluffs. Thatch umbrellas are planted abundantly across the sand and the bar staff makes regular rounds. Even at full occupancy Jamaica Inn never feels overcrowded.
The rooms themselves have effective fans over the bed and in the living area, which is open on one side to the tropical air. Ensuite bathrooms have marble-topped vanities and bathtub showers with walk-in showers in the larger suites and cottages. The bedrooms are furnished with dark mahogany king-size beds, matching desks and chester drawers. Local paintings and prints adorn the walls, soft white linens and fluffy pillows ensure restful slumber. You won't find clocks or TVs in the bedrooms, deemed wasteful reminders of the rat race in the tropical dimension where Jamaica Inn carved out its identity. Notwithstanding, Wi-Fi coverage is strong throughout the hotel and the library has a large flat screen.
Three room categories differ mainly in size and proximity to the water: The highlight of all rooms is the indoor/outdoor living spaces, overlooking the gardens and croquet pitch in the second-floor Superor Balcony Suites (US$349/586 low/high season), opening right onto the sand in the Deluxe Verandah Suites (US$411/710 low/high season) or sitting at the coral-lined waters edge in the Premiere Verandah Suites (US$493/874).
The most glamorous rooms include the White Suite (US$820/1,760 low/high season), where Winston Churchill stayed, and the slightly more modest Cowdray Suite (US$489/969). Four one-bedroom cottages (US$759/1,459 low/high season) and four two-bedroom cottages (US$919/1,699) step it up a notch with plunge pools, decks and outdoor showers. Three bungalows were added to the inventory in 2017 on an adjacent property that has its own beach but shares the cove with a few other hotels.
The staff at Jamaica Inn strikes the right balance between attentive, courteous and unobtrusive. Meals are served in the dining room or terraces in the Main House. Breakfast offerings range from Jamaican staples like ackee and salt fish accompanied by steamed starchy sides, to continental fare, fresh fruit and pastries. The dinner menu features prix fixe (US$45pp) and a la carte options with daily specials and an extensive wine list. Scrumptious starters like the spicy conch cigar or caprese salad invigorate a dynamic menu executed with home-cooked quality. Entrées range from a catch of the day, always the best bet for seafood, to steak and vegetarian options.
