Enjoying Jamaica’s world-class and renowned hospitality doesn’t have to mean checking into a five-star all-inclusive set up. You can have the experience within a more intimate and cozy atmosphere by booking one of the many bed and breakfast spots that have been popping up all across the island.
If you’re looking for a different experience when it comes on to accommodation, probably it’s time to check out a Jamaican B& B like I did recently. Actually, I checked out several of them and was impressed by what I discovered. If you’re interested, you can find many of them on Airbnb. Don’t have the time to do the research? I went ahead and did a little for you.
Here are a few of the best B&Bs in Jamaica. You’re welcome.
Mus Com Bac – Ocho Rios
Don’t ask about the name but Mus Com Bac is easily one of the best deals when it comes on to affordable accommodation in this part of the island. Run by Ms. Joyce, it offers a private one bedroom apartment that accommodates up to two guests for just US$30 per night for a minimum two-night stay.
The apartment comes with a deluxe queen-sized bed, built-in wardrobe and window bench. There is also a standing fan for hot nights (although it’s usually cool here), plus it has its own bathroom with hot water. Other amenities that come with Mus Com Bac include free Wi-Fi, free parking on the premises and all the essentials you need to feel comfortable and safe away from your own abode.
What You’ll Love
Mus Com Bac is pretty close to the town of Ocho Rios and its many attractions. You can get taxis easily, especially during the daytime, and Ms. Joyce can even pick you up or arrange to. In fact, she makes herself available to help you out in a number of ways if you need it, such as doing your laundry, cooking, and even being your tour guide. Airport pickup and drop off is also available.
However, she does charge extra for these services. All in all, it’s great value for money as shown in the rave reviews the place has received from past clients.
Touch The Road Jamaica – Bull Bay
If you want to be near to the pulsating atmosphere of Kingston, staying at Touch the Road is a good idea. Owned by a music-loving family, this bed and breakfast has actually relocated from the bustle of the city, to its outskirt of Wickie Wackie Beach. This new location not only gives you easy access to Kingston and Portland, but you can also chill by the Caribbean Sea or even go surfing if you like.
There are different types of room arrangements, from shared dorms at US$30 per night, to more secluded rooms for US$60 per night for two people. The guests also offer you the opportunity to negotiate rates if, for example, you will be traveling with a group or have special requirements.
Amenities include internet access, free parking, washing machine, a beachside pool, and all home essentials you might require.
What You’ll Love
It’s a home-away-from-home environment that encourages interaction with the hosts and other guests.
There are quite a few attractions nearb, and it is pretty close to the Norman Manley International Airport, so no hassle if you’re arriving from that end. Also, the hosts do offer tours and the opportunity to see the ‘real’ Jamaica. Touch the Road Jamaica has received scores of rave reviews on Airbnb due to its convenient location and flexibility, plus the home is quite appealing to lovers of art.
Casa da Buena Vista B&B
South central Jamaica is not to be outdone when it comes on to affordable and cozy accommodation. Casa da Buena (very exotic how it rolls off of the tongue), run by Lisa, is a particularly relaxing and laid back, home environment to spend some time while staying in Jamaica. To begin with, it’s jam-packed with amenities, including washer and dryer, cable TV, internet access, and even a hair dryer. It’s a cozy, one bedroom apartment that blends in well with nature, going as far as to invite you to have a meal under a lychee tree on the property.
Casa da Buena Vista B&B can hold up to three guests per room as it comes with a double bed and a sofa bed. There is also a kitchen and bathroom, and you get your own private entrance. Breakfast is on the house, and you can have your laundry done, cleaning and other meals cooked for you at an extra charge. The fees here start at US$45 per night for a minimum stay of 1 night.
What You’ll Love
This bed and breakfast is located close to the town of Mandeville and is only a few minutes away from Northern Caribbean University. In keeping with the cool climate of Mandeville, it allows you to bond with nature if you enjoy the outdoors, and the arrangement encourages interaction with other guests. All in all, a (literally) cool place to stay and real value for money if you don’t want to stay in a typical tourist area.
‘SISU’ Family Home B1
If the tourist capital, Montego Bay, is your destination of choice to stay while visiting Jamaica, this
family home is a good place to rest your head. Owned by Anthony, the house is set on a hill that allows you to experience a captivating view of the city and the sea. It is pretty close to the town and only 10 minutes away from the airport.
In addition, SISU comes with all the amenities you would need to enjoy your stay, including internet access, cable TV, free parking, and washer & dryer. It is even wheelchair accessible, making it possible to accommodate almost anyone.
What You’ll Love
SISU is one of the most affordable B&Bs this side of the island, starting at a low of US$21 per person, per night, for a one bedroom accommodation. What’s more, you not only get access to the spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and kitchen, you can also access the living room, dining room, verandah and garden.
So, if you’re seeking a good place to relax in the heart of Montego Bay but don’t fancy staying at one of the many hotels, this is a great alternative. Furthermore, the owner offers airport pickup and drop off, and makes himself available for tours, all at affordable extra charges.
Natural Beauty of Misty Valley 1
Yes, this B&B is just as attractive as the name suggests, offering a scenic, peaceful and relaxing environment off the beaten path. And while it is not far from the tourist hub of Montego Bay, you won’t have the typical tourist experience here. What you will get is a feel of what it is to live in the Jamaican countryside, waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying real Jamaican cuisine. If you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, this is the spot to do it; the owners Siobhan and Ugo even offer wellness retreats that include Yoga, reiki and massage therapy, as well as raw/vegan meals.
What You’ll Love
Natural Beauty of Misty Valley 1 is close to a number of public and private beaches, giving you the chance to soak up some sea and sun. Also, the homeowners can organize tours to unique Jamaican locations, as well as boat trips out to sea where you can catch your breakfast. In addition to your bedroom (the house offers three in total with their own bathrooms), you can also access the pool, garden, deck and other areas of the property. Natural Beauty of Misty Valley also has all the amenities you can expect, including internet access, washing machine, free parking and your own kitchen.
There are many benefits to going the bed and breakfast route, including the fact that they are often cheaper than booking a hotel room and many provide a more secluded, ‘homey’ atmosphere. Bed and Breakfasts in Jamaica may also make it easier for you to explore the deepest and most mysterious parts of the Jamaican mainland that can only be found off the beaten trail.
If you’d like to check out different breakfast items be sure to see my article on top jamaican breakfasts. It’s worth a read.
[kkstarratings]
