Kingston Where to Stay (Hotels in Kingston)

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Product:	Hotels in Kingston
Date:	16/07/02 (12 review reads)
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Advantages: good, fun , nice

Disadvantages: to hot

The lion's share of the city's hotels are situated around the small uptown district of New Kingston. Here, you are close to major places of interest as well as bars, restaurants, theaters and clubs. Bear in mind that most of these establishments cater to the business rather than the tourist sector; nonetheless, they range from comfortable and convenient to lavish.

If you seek peace and solitude but need to be close by, there are a handful of excellent options in the foothills of the Blue Mountains just north of Kingston. They are generally peaceful places, offering superb vistas of the city, ideal if you want to combine business with tropical tranquility or a day's hiking in the country.

Depending upon priorities and pocketbooks, you may want to explore the Guesthouses, which are scattered throughout the city and suburban areas. These more intimate accommodations allow you to get a feel for Jamaica's essence and culture, and at substantial savings. Check out Alhambra Inn , Sutton Place and more.

Knutsford Boulevard runs through the center of New Kingston and is home to the city's two high rise hotels, Hilton Kingston Hotel and Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus. The 17-story The Hilton, our other skyscraper hotel, offers upscale accommodations and amenities to match, geared predominantly towards the business traveler. There is a fabulous swimming pool, small gym, casino and nightclub. Take in the late-night Junkanoo Lounge, a must do. Both hotels are 20 minutes from Kingston's International Airport and are well-positioned for sightseeing, dining and shopping.

Courtleigh Hotel & Suites is one of those impressive little jewels: once you've been a guest, nothing else will do. It's a pocket of the good life in the heart of the financial district. Even if you're not registered at the hotel, a fantastic meal is promised at its restaurant, Alexander's. If a more relaxed meal is what you're after, don
't miss Mingles Pub, a place to see and be seen.

To sooth your soul, the Terra Nova Hotel provides peaceful olde-world ambiance in a splendid colonial mansion, famed for its personal service and fine cuisine. Rooms are luxuriously and imaginatively appointed; public rooms are elegant and comfortable; and the award winning El Dorado restaurant is one of the most sought after in town.

Two moderately priced hotels worthy of mention are Altamont Court Hotel and Christar Villas ? both in the center of New Kingston and close to sightseeing, restaurants, businesses and shops. Altamont Court Hotel is attractive, well furnished and comfortable. A popular alternative for those who prefer the self-catering option, Christar Villas offers a host of features in one and two bedroom apartments - just a stone's throw from the Bob Marley Museum.


And then, we come to the crème de la crème. Strawberry Hill is a superb mountaintop resort located 3100 ft above sea level in the picturesque Blue Mountains. The property is owned by Island Records guru, Chris Blackwell, and is where Bob Marley convalesced after being shot in 1976. Consequently, it is a magnet for the international glitterati set. Though set outside Kingston's city limits, and one mile north of Irish Town, you can see the lights of the city twinkling in the distance, and its fabulous facilities are well worth the detour. Strawberry Hill also hosts a calendar of year round special events, from concerts to parties to art exhibitions. Many Jamaicans make the drive out to Strawberry?s extraordinary restaurant just to sample the modern Jamaican cuisine--reservations are advisable.

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Those seeking the ultimate all-inclusive getaway won't want to overlook this gorgeous property in Ocho Rios. Nestled between lush hillside and the beautiful Caribbean Sea, you will be surrounded by manicured grounds filled with exotic trees, the smiles of an ever-present staff
and the gracious atmosphere that welcomes you the moment you arrive. Designed to look like a Mediterranean village, this stunning spot is one of the most romantic in all of Ocho Rios.

Participate in a dozen land and water sports available to all guests, or lounge by the resort's private, on-property beach with an ice cold Red Stripe and a good book. Three swimming pools and two whirlpools are on premises, as are four restaurants, three bars and nightclubs for evening entertainment. A salon and spa are available for massage, manicure and other services.

The 237 rooms vary in size and style. The standard and double rooms have the same amenities as the penthouse suites and honeymoon villas: private balconies, ceiling fans and coffee makers are just a few extras you'll find.

Tours and other excursions are available, so you can head out for shopping in nearby Ocho Rios, go golfing at Sandals Golf Resort (included in rate) or spend the afternoon horseback riding on the water's edge.

Rates: This all-inclusive resort charges per night.


Rooms & Charges
237 rooms in total. Doubles from $10020. Extra bed from $400.

Services:
air conditioning, bar, 24-hour room service, television, business facilities, disabled access, non-smoking rooms, fitness club, Internet access, swimming pool, bureau de change, car-hire facilities, hairdresser, safe deposit, parking, sauna, solarium, whirlpool, restaurant

Conferences:
One meeting room is available, 100-person capacity. Mail & fax services are also available.

Special Features:
Salon and spa, concierge services, gift shop, fitness centre, aerobics, three swimming pools, two whirlpools, honeymoon and penthouse deluxe suites, nightly entertainment, manager's welcome party, theme nights, Karaoke bar, nightclub, talent show and golf at nearby Sandals Golf Resort.

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