10 Best Resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica [Insider’s Guide]

With its unmatched flight connectivity from the United States, award-winning white sand beaches, and a spectacular array of resort options just a quick drive from the airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a destination that should be at the top of your Caribbean vacation bucket list.

This built-up beach town can have a reputation for being overly busy and certainly doesn’t hold a candle to far-flung destinations like the nearly untouched beaches on the island’s south or eastern coasts. However, there’s plenty of rest and relaxation to be found in Montego Bay and even hidden spots to find – if you choose where to stay!

Read on for the best resorts in Montego Bay to choose from – recommended by insiders, frequent travelers, and even locals for their next-level amenities, gorgeous beachfront properties, and warm welcome.

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Best Resorts in Montego Bay

There is a huge array of hotels and resorts in Montego Bay to choose from, ranging from luxurious properties considered among the best hotels in the Caribbean to budget-friendly all-inclusives, both family-friendly and adults-only.

Looking for some quick recommendations as you plan your trip to Montego Bay? These are our top resort recommendations in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for every type of traveler:

Don’t stop here if you’re looking for the best recommendations for where to stay in Montego Bay. Read on for our in-depth tips and recommendations on some of Montego Bay’s best resorts, from the most affordable to the most exclusive properties in town.

Half Moon

Best Luxury Resort in Montego Bay

$$$$ | Montego Bay | All-Inclusive Optional

Look no further than Half Moon for the ultimate luxury experience in Montego Bay. Named by Travel + Leisure as among the best hotels in the world this year, Half Moon is a storied Caribbean destination bursting with character yet offering every modern amenity and luxury you can imagine.

The resort seamlessly caters to beach-goers, wellness seekers, golfers (there’s an 18-hole course Robert Trent Jones-designed course I’ve heard is amazing), and families with a little bit of everything. Foodies will swoon for the Sugar Mill, considered one of the best restaurants in the entire Caribbean.

Half Moon is also debuting a new collection of villas, the Rose Hall Villas, with multiple bedroom layouts and staff like a butler and personal cook, which afford access to all of the Half Moon amenities while offering plenty of seclusion and space to spread out.

Reviews and Bookings: Half Moon

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Best All-Inclusive Resort in Montego Bay

$$ – $$$ | Falmouth | Adults-Only, All-Inclusive

There are enough all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay to make your head spin, but Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters is an excellent adults-only choice for visitors looking for a great balance of amenities, affordability, and a laidback location with just a taste of luxury thrown in.

Next door to Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters is Royalton Blue Waters, a family-friendly property with plenty more fun, including a waterpark, gym, numerous restaurants, and an even longer stretch of beachfront that Hideaway guests all have access to – though guests here can’t say the same about Hideaway! You’ll love this feature if you’re looking to try even more dining options or perhaps want a group trip with the family but aren’t traveling with kids of your own.

I stayed here on my last visit to Jamaica and loved the variety of food at the property’s numerous restaurants, the spacious rooms, and the gorgeous white beach. Keep in mind that the resort’s buzzy entertainment program won’t be a good fit if you’re looking for a place to unwind in peace in quiet by the pool – but it is a blast if you’re looking for a party.

Reviews and Bookings: Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Best Family-Friendly Resort in Montego Bay

$$$ | Montego Bay | All-Inclusive

The Hyatt properties perched just to the east of Montego Bay proper are among some of the best resorts in Montego Bay, with the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall taking our pick for the best family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay. A fantastic kids club, plus great entertainment and activities throughout the day and a particularly calm beachfront, make it a winner with families.

Next door to Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall is the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, which we’d recommend if you’re traveling sans children, though you’ll find plenty of couples and adult-focused entertainment and dining at Ziva as well, including what feels like an endless array of restaurant and bars to sample during your stay.

Reviews and Bookings: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Best Adults-Only Resort in Montego Bay

$$$ | Montego Bay | Adults-Only, All-Inclusive

Hyatt’s adults-only property in Montego Bay’s stunning Rose Hall area, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, is a top choice for an adults-only all-inclusive getaway that won’t break the bank like a stay at Half Moon would, but will still leave you and your partner feeling pampered. The 344-room property has spacious grounds and a tranquil white sand beachfront but doesn’t feel overwhelming or large, making it a perfect option for a romantic couples retreat or a laidback friends getaway.

Guests at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall also have access to the entirety of the neighboring family-friendly Hyatt Ziva property, an added bonus if you’re looking for even more dining and entertainment options – though you’ll truly never get bored with the 10 restaurants and 6 bars on site.

Reviews and Bookings: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Round Hill Hotel and Villas

$$$ | Hopewell

Located on an expansive 100-acre peninsula east of Montego Bay proper, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is just the destination to consider if you’re looking for some truly luxurious rest and relaxation without heading too far from the airport. This historic property, dating back to the 1950s, offers a mix of sumptuous rooms, suites, and stand-alone private villas to choose from – gorgeously designed by Ralph Lauren and so impressive they even welcomed JFK and Jaqueline Kennedy on their honeymoon.

Everything feels intentional at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, with the spacious property hiding just the right bespoke amenities for guests at the 36 rooms and 26 private villas. Sink into a secluded spot on the stunning grounds, post up by the pool, and chat with the exceedingly friendly staff and fellow guests; you’ll love the stylish yet not standoffish vibe at what is one of the island’s most exclusive resorts.

Reviews and Bookings: Round Hill Hotel and Villas

S Hotel Montego Bay

$$ | Montego Bay | Adults-Only, All-Inclusive

If you’re looking for something a bit more personal than the endless, oversized resorts that dominate the resort scene in Montego Bay, S Hotel Montego Bay should be at the absolute top of your list. This intimate boutique hotel boasts just 120 rooms, but has great amenities like multiple dining options, yoga and wellness offerings, and a can’t-miss-it Sky Deck rooftop pool and bar – it feels worlds away from anything else in the area.

One of the real pluses of S Hotel Montego Bay is the location. The hotel is located right along Doctor’s Cave Beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean and is a must for any visitor to Montego Bay. Plus, its location on the edge of Montego Bay proper means that its close enough to easily access the area’s restaurants, excursions, and nightlife – though these feel worlds away as you sip a cocktail on the sand.

Reviews and Bookings: S Hotel Montego Bay

Secrets St. James Montego Bay

$$ – $$$ | Montego Bay | Adults-Only, All-Inclusive

Part of the World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Secrets St. James Montego Bay is a solid choice for an adults-only getaway in Montego Bay that won’t bust your budget but has everything you’re looking for in an all-inclusive Caribbean getaway. Gorgeous pools, stunning white sand beachfront, and solid dining choices make it memorable, even if it is admittedly a little cookie-cutter.

Secrets St. James Montego Bay is also located just a few minutes outside of Montego Bay, making it a particularly convenient place to stay if you’re looking forward to getting off the resort property and exploring other parts of the town or island. While the resort tends to be slightly more laid back than its neighbors, it still has its own entertainment that you’ll love.

Reviews and Bookings: Secrets St. James Montego Bay

Secrets Wild Orchid

$$ – $$$ | Montego Bay | Adults-Only, All-Inclusive

Immediately adjacent to Secrets St. James Montego Bay is Secrets Wild Orchid, which shares both the same convenient (gorgeous!) location – and the Hyatt affiliation – of its neighbor. While both properties are similar and there is much crossover between them, Secrets Wild Orchid tends to be lightly more lively and fun than its neighbor, making it a better choice if you’re traveling with friends rather than on a romantic getaway.

Secrets Wild Orchid has an excellent slate of entertainment options to choose from, solid dining options, and a gorgeous beachfront. For a 350-room resort, the property feels large and spacious though not overwhelming or busy, though we’d recommend upgrading to the Preferred Club status for nicer rooms and exclusive access to nicer resort space during your stay.

Reviews and Bookings: Secrets Wild Orchid

Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa

$$ – $$$ | Montego Bay | Adults-Only, All-Inclusive

One of the newer adults-only resorts in Montego Bay, Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa is a 150-key all-suite resort with modern rooms and decor, incredible views, and a manageable size that makes it a relaxing destination for a getaway. It’s a more affordable option than its Secrets neighbors, but has many of the amenities.

Keep in mind that Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa does not have direct oceanfront access, though it offers stunning views from its position perched on a peninsula near the heart of Montego Bay. To access the beach, walk or take the shuttle to the neighboring Secrets properties, where guests can use the beachfront free of charge. For most it shouldn’t be an issue, but its an important to be aware before booking.

Reviews and Bookings: Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa

Iberostar Waves Rose Hall

$$ – $$$ | Montego Bay | All-Inclusive

Convenient location in close-to-everything Rose Hall, stunning beachfront, and a solid array of amenities and little luxuries that won’t break the bank make Iberostar Waves Rose Hall a fantastic, family-friendly option for travelers looking for an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay. Though rooms are slightly dated, they’re plush and comfortable, and the resort’s great array of dining and entertainment options will keep you busy, anyways.

Looking for an adults-only option instead? Try the JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar right down the beach from Iberostar Waves Rose Hall. It’s pricier, but the facilities and amenities are even nicer, making it, in its own right, one of the best resorts in Montego Bay.

As an added bonus, Iberostar is now affiliated with IHG, making Iberostar Waves Rose Hall an attractive option for points-collecting travelers.

Reviews and Bookings: Iberostar Waves Rose Hall