Best Value Hotels in Jamaica

The least expensive of Montego Bay’s Iberostar trio, this upbeat, and at times rowdy, all-inclusive mega-resort features tons of amenities -- four restaurants, four bars, water sports, a spa, a theater, a casino, a nightclub, and an awesome kids' club -- all for seriously affordable rates. The rooms may be small, the decor may be outdated, and the grounds may be packed to the brim at times, but it's one of the best values on the island.

With a central location on beautiful Seven Mile Beach, a pool and whirlpool, and clean, comfortable rooms, the Negril Tree House Resort is a great budget option for families, couples, and groups. A good-sized buffet breakfast is included, and the hotel also features a beach bar and grill with freshly-made jerk chicken, as well as room service. While the resort is small and has fewer amenities than some of the other properties on the beach, its proximity to other activities and restaurants provides guests with plenty of nearby options. Massages on the beach can be arranged and yoga classes are available. The beachfront restaurant and bar occasionally host live music, and though the scene is lively, it's not out-of-control spring break style.

Located in a prime spot on Negril’s West End Road, this 50-room resort has an impressive offering of features for this budget-friendly price: two pools, an expansive waterfront, a breezy spa, two restaurants, and a PADI dive center. Though the rooms are bland and basic, with air conditioning provided only at an extra cost, the grounds themselves are beautifully maintained with plenty of flora and exceptional oceanfront vistas. Rates are extremely low for this area, and an all-inclusive option attempts to give guests an even better deal. Still, it may not prove to be the best option, given the number of restaurants and bars a short distance away.

The 96-room El Greco Resort is comprised entirely of one- and two-bedroom suites with private patios and full kitchens. On-site features include 24-hour security, tennis courts (and lessons), a small pool, and Sea View Restaurant and Bar with an outside deck perfect for watching sunsets. Strong Wi-Fi, fruity welcome drinks, and daily passes to Doctors Cave Beach are free, and a back entrance leads to the popular Hip Strip in minutes. Unfortunately, many of the rooms suffer from road noise, and if you want pots and pans you'll have to lay down a small deposit for them.

Merrils I is a budget beach boutique located on the Seven Mile Beach strip of Negril's Norman Manley Boulevard. The 54 rooms are basic but adequate; guests wishing for more space can upgrade to suites. One of three shared properties, the relaxed all-inclusive is home to its own buffet restaurant, small bar, dedicated beach space, and beachside gift shop with a nice selection of goods (there is a small pool at Merrils II). 

The 44-room Merrils Beach Resort II is a basic, comfortable hotel primtely located on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. With easy access to both the beach and other attractions around Negril, this budget hotel is perfect for guests that want to explore. There is a nice outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and a small stage for a range of entertainment. And with several types of all-inclusive options, there are plenty of choices for dining either on or off the property.

An affordable mid-range option for groups, families, and couples, the Travellers Beach Resort is a centrally located property on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. The resort features a big outdoor pool with swim-up bar, casual beachside restaurant, and a number of activities. Rooms are simple and clean with some modern touches (some rooms feel dated, but the hotel is in the process of renovating many of its older rooms). Personal, warm service from hands-on owners is often noted by satisfied guests.

This 22-unit beach hotel oozes Jamaican authenticity, with colorful and flower-filled grounds, an action-packed beachfront setting, and a friendly local staff. Make no mistake, this is not a luxury resort -- there is no pool, spa, or proper fitness center, and modern comforts such as air-conditioning and TVs are largely missing. But those in search of a genuine experience at low rates should be pleased. 

This 50-room beach resort has two pools, an open-air restaurant and bar, and a coveted spot at the tip of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. Though its pools are standard rectangles, the competing Negril Tree House only has one pool (albeit one with ocean views.) Legends Beach Resort guests can also take free daily shuttles to the property’s sister resort, Samsara Cliff Resort & Spa, for access to a spa, two more pools, a stunning cliff-top sundeck, and one of the area’s best restaurants. The rooms may be basic, but the price is right for what you get.

The Gloucestershire Hotel is a straightforward, no-frills establishment on a commercial strip with many businesses, and across the street from Doctor's Cave Beach. It provides spacious, tidy, simply furnished rooms that appeal to a mix of vacationing families and corporate travelers. This hotel has meeting rooms, frequently used by local business personnel, and some basic amenities that will appeal to those traveling on a budget, including a free breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi. Other offerings include a fitness facility, pool with a pool bar, as well as a main bar, and on-site restaurant. This is a suitable option for those seeking reasonably priced accommodations, without the showy features (and additional cost) of a larger resort. 

Travelers that want to meet locals, explore Negril, or stay for an extended period are drawn to the budget Seastar Inn. Privately tucked into the trees of West End Road, this hotel has a variety of rooms, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a free beach shuttle. There is a weekly reggae show that is popular with guests as well as residents. The location allows for easy access to nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions. There is an outdoor pool with swim-up bar on-site. Room types vary, but all have balconies complete with hammocks.

Those who enjoy whimsical decor and a bohemian vibe will most appreciate this budget-friendly cliff-side sanctuary in the western coastal area of Jamaica. Consisting of four non-air-conditioned cottages with small kitchens, Banana Shout is casual and communal, and although the hot water and free Wi-Fi don't always work, it's a place where guests can nap in hammocks on their porches or climb down a cliff-side ladder to take a swim in the Caribbean. Banana Shout will likely appeal most to those not hung up on having their vacation go a particular way, and who like to spend time outdoors. Know that this is a cannabis-friendly resort. 

It's hard to tell if Xtabi has done any updates or linen changes since it opened in 1986, but this 25-room value hotel is one of the West End's most beautifully located bargains. There may be a small pool, restaurant, and bar, but the coral cliffs (with a small section perfect for jumping), private caves, and spectacular sunset views are the stars here. Guests can either go all-out rustic in Standard rooms and cottages with outdoor showers (but no air-conditioning or televisions) or upgrade to Seafront cottages with full kitchens, private cliffside decks, air-conditioning, and TV. 

Designed for travelers who want to explore, Nirvana on the Beach is a solid pick for families, large groups, and guests who plan to spend most of their time checking out the beach and other attractions instead of hanging out at the hotel. With a central location on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, the property is walking distance from a variety of shops, bars, and dining options. The hotel itself is lacking a restaurant, a pool, and other public amenities commonly found at properties in the area. The majority of the room types have full-size kitchens and plenty of space, making a stay at Nirvana feel more like renting a short-term apartment than visiting a resort.

Beachcomber Club is a 48-room value boutique with an all-inclusive option located on Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach. From the road, the white and blue condo units look a tad more worse for wear than they really are (though they'll certainly benefit from its ongoing updates, particularly in some of the bathrooms). All units are outfitted in typical Caribbean thrift-store-style furnishings, and have personal terraces and modern appliances. Some guests may be disappointed with the tiny pool and limited beach area, but the hotel's friendly vibe is ideal for anyone, especially families and couples, looking for a quiet, homey vibe. Note that there is no spa on-site, as some third-party websites have listed.