Where to stay in Montego Bay
Where Is Montego Bay in Jamaica?
Sitting on the northern coast of Jamaica, Montego Bay lies under the Caribbean sun, as the capital of the parish of St. James. The city is the fourth largest urban area by population after Kingston, Spanish Town, and Portmore, all of which form the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area.
What Is Montego Bay, Jamaica Known For?
The capital of the Jamaican parish of St. James, Montego Bay is a city of contrasts providing a refreshing difference in comparison to several other Caribbean locales. On one hand, Montego Bay is all white sand beaches framed by aquamarine seas, serving as a welcome sight on glossy Caribbean brochures that sit on every travel agent’s table. On the other, the city is a cacophony of tooting car horns and hums of conversations in Jamaican Patois. You’ll also frequent lines of eclectic hotels and ubiquitous souvenir shops. Two sides of the same coin, one offers an Elysian beach paradise and the other provides an uncensored insight into everyday Jamaican life, bursting with Caribbean flavor. If you manage to appreciate both, a trip to Montego Bay is on the cards.
A Quick Guide to Montego Bay
- Doctor's Cave Beach and Bathing Club: One of the most famous beaches in Jamaica for nearly a century, Doctor’s Cave is renowned for its crystalline waters and white beaches. In the 1920s, a British osteopath pronounced that the water at Doctor’s Cave consisted of curative properties, resulting in an influx of locals and tourists wishing to bathe in the mythical rejuvenating waters. Decades on, the beach is still teeming with vacationers. However, today’s travelers arrive in their droves for the stunning beachfront scenery and expansive list of seaside amenities, from diving to snorkeling. One trip to Doctor Cave’s and you’ll quickly learn it is exactly what the doctor ordered.
- Martha Brae River: As you drift down five kilometers of jungle-fringed waterways along Martha Brae River, you’ll come across several examples of awe-inspiring scenery, as well as the sights of local flora and fauna. If you’re extra lucky, you’ll get a true taste of Jamaica as guides serenade you with the head-bopping tunes of reggae. Before you set off on your daytime voyage of a lifetime, explore the Rafting Village, where you can take advantage of its several amenities, from picnic grounds to swimming pools, and even a medicinal garden.
- Rose Hall Great House: An attraction for only the brave, the Rose Hall Great House provides a spine-tingling experience like no other. Located overlooking the ocean, the Rose Hall Great House is a restored plantation home, dating back from 1770. Legend says that Annie Palmer, “The White Witch of Rose Hall,” was a cruel and unforgiving woman who once ruled here as mistress and possessed black magic powers that eventually brought about her husband’s doom. Today, visitors can tour around the house, decorated with period furniture and several displays of fascinating information. If you’re feeling braver than most, check out the chilling candlelit night tour for an excursion like no other, and perhaps, you might even see the alarming sight of Annie’s ghost.
Popular Destinations Near Montego Bay
- Port Antonio: Lying on the northeast coast of Jamaica, Port Antonia serves as a gateway to nature. With its close proximity to lush jungles, thundering waterfalls, and scenic mountain ranges, Port Antonio is awash in beauty. One of the most notable attractions is the Blue Lagoon, a vibrant turquoise 200-foot pool. Take a break from city life and get in touch with nature when you take a trip to Port Antonio.
Best Neighborhoods in Montego Bay
- Hip Strip: With reggae beats echoing from eclectic establishments, the Jamaica rhythm permeates throughout the air at the Hip Strip. In this super-cool neighborhood, vibrant streets are lined with buzzing bars, lively clubs, trendy shops, diverse restaurants, and a wide choice of several other entertainment amenities. The Hip Strip’s central location also allows passing visitors to be in close proximity to several popular beaches. If you’re looking to catch some rays on a sun-drenched beach in the morning and then want to mingle with the locals in the afternoon, there is no better place to be than the Hip Strip.
- Downtown: There is always a good time to be had when you visit downtown Montego Bay. From duty-free shopping, to drinking a chilled Jamaican Red Stripe beer, or sampling some delicious Jamaican delicacies, there is something for everyone when you go downtown.
Home-types in Montego Bay
Montego Bay has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Montego Bay:
- House: 152 vacation rentals
- Villa: 150 vacation rentals
- Condo: 145 vacation rentals
- Private Room: 18 vacation rentals
- Hotel: 16 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Montego Bay
Montego Bay has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Montego Bay:
- Rose Hall Great House: 10,067 vacation rentals
- West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists: 1,255 vacation rentals
- Greenwood Great House: 1,255 vacation rentals
- One Man Beach/Old Hospital Park Beach: 1,255 vacation rentals
- The Dome: 1,255 vacation rentals
- Saint James Parish Church: 1,255 vacation rentals
- Harbour Street Craft and Cultural Village: 1,255 vacation rentals
- Fort Montego: 1,255 vacation rentals
- Dead End Beach: 1,255 vacation rentals
- Doctor's Cave Beach: 1,255 vacation rentals
