March13thMon 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. It’ll be your new home away from home for however long you’re in vacation mode.

We all want to get a great deal on our vacation and, long after you’ve decided that you’re definitely going to Jamaica, hours will be spent online trying to get the most bang for your buck. Cost will still always be your biggest concern, so know your overall budget and then go from there. Most booking engines allow you to filter according to cost, location and amenities. Use these so the choice doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Seeing a result of over a thousand options pop up isn’t necessarily good news! 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.

Hotels

These can range from a small boutique hotel to a sprawling all-inclusive or somewhere in between. Do you want your most stressful 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-inclusives that dot the island may be exactly what you’re looking for.

However, if a unique experience with top notch customer service is more important, then you may want to check out reviews for one of the distinctive boutique hotels that offer this one of a kind vacation. Other things that may be important to you is if the hotel is close to major tours and attractions you’re interested in visiting or if breakfast and toiletries are included with your room.

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 than a hotel room. And it’s a great way to feel more connected to the culture you came to visit. 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 the 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 perfectly right on the beach from a local fisherman.

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 travellers.