We rounded out our anniversary trip in Jamaica with a two-night stay at the classic Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. It was the perfect hideaway to end our romantic getaway.
A Hotel That Hasn’t Changed, On Purpose
Built in the 1950s, the Jamaica Inn is an elegant, country-club-casual boutique hotel with just 52 rooms and cottages. It harkens back to an era when you dressed up for dinner, enjoyed afternoon tea, and sipped cocktails before supper.
It was a favorite haunt of Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming. In fact it’s thought that the phrase “shaken, not stirred” came about while the two were enjoying drinks at the beach bar. Other famous patrons include Marilyn Monroe, and playwright Arthur Miller honeymooned here. The library and lounge are filled with amazing photos from famous past guests.
The resort remains largely unchanged even after all these years. Why mess with perfection?
The Suites and Cottages
This award-winning, all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations with the perfect blend of British Colonial and Caribbean-inspired decor. The bedrooms are comfortably outfitted with breezy white linens, jalousie windows, and historic prints from JB Kidd that bring to life the Jamaica of old.
The real draw for every single suite is the balcony or terrace. No matter which suite you are in, you will enjoy stunning ocean views from expansive terraces. Some have direct beach access, and the cottages offer direct water access by way of a ladder into the sea.
There is air conditioning in the bedrooms and Wi-Fi throughout the property. But no TVs and no clocks — which is rather the point.
In addition to the suites, there are seven cottages up on the cliffside that are ideal for groups or those looking for larger accommodations. We were fortunate enough to stay in Cottage 3, which is simply stunning. Larger than many houses in the US, this cottage features a wraparound verandah with two ways to access the sea. Take a look at this short video.
One practical note: there is a fair amount of walking, including steps and stairs, with no elevators. It’s not the best choice for anyone using a wheelchair or with significant mobility issues.
Dining on Your Own Terrace
There is just the one main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meal plans are available, and the most common is breakfast and dinner, which is what we did. It works well, because the town of Ocho Rios is close enough that venturing in for a meal or an afternoon of exploring is easy.
Room service is readily available, and we ordered breakfast to our terrace every morning. You really can’t ask for much more than to start your day with a fresh cup of Jamaican coffee and pastries while enjoying the sunshine, sea breezes, and bird songs from your own private terrace.
The terraces are so generous that if you’d like dinner served there, the staff will come and set up a white linen service with candles and serve your meal course by course. We found the food to be good, and while the menu changes daily, the options are fairly limited. Plan to dress up for dinner, which starts at 7:30 each evening. Gentlemen need trousers and a collared shirt, though jackets aren’t required.
The Beach, the Spa, and Who Else Is There
Not strictly adults-only, the Jamaica Inn accepts children aged 10 and older. Non-motorized water sports are available onsite. Because the hotel was built in the 1950s, well before the vast majority of hotels in this area, its location also benefits from a wide, cove-like sandy beach. It’s quiet and peaceful, with ample loungers and palapas.
There is also a small onsite spa with individual treatment huts. Imagine a couples massage with ocean views and the sound of the sea below.
Why People Come Back Year After Year
When so many resorts in Jamaica are busily adding bigger buildings, more restaurants, bars, pools, waterslides, and rock climbing walls, the Jamaica Inn is maintaining the charm, elegance, and tradition that is so rare now.
You may be thinking it must cater to an older clientele, and that would be true to a certain extent. There are guests who have been coming here every year for decades because they want that tradition. One night while we enjoyed dinner under the stars at the Terrace restaurant, a local band was playing soothing, jazzy music, and a couple in their eighties got up to dance. Honestly, it was the sweetest thing. As I looked around the rest of the tables, I saw the same smile again and again on the faces of travelers of every age — from young millennials on their honeymoon to executives looking to unplug and recharge.
It’s that rich history and traditional elegance that draws travelers back year after year.
Is Jamaica Inn Right for You?
It’s true that the Jamaica Inn is not for everyone. If you like the mega resorts with dozens of dining venues, lazy rivers, onsite nightclubs, and around-the-clock activities, there are better options for you — and we’re happy to point you toward all-inclusive hotels and resorts that do that beautifully.
But if you want an elegant, never stuffy boutique escape, a chance to truly unplug and get away from the masses, the Jamaica Inn might just be the perfect match. You’ll find a place where the staff genuinely care and want to know you. You’ll make friends, and you’ll want to come back.
Ready to plan your own elegant escape? Get in touch and we’ll take care of the details. You might also like our guide to top romantic vacation destinations for couples.