Where to Stay in Montego Bay (2023 • COOLEST Areas!)

Looking for a specific stay fast? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

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Best Hostel in Montego Bay – Mobay Kotch

The Mobay Kotch Hostel is one of Montego Bay’s only hostels and it definitely makes up for the city’s limited supply. The building was established in the 1760s, and still retains much of its incredible Georgian-style architecture. Along with a homely and social atmosphere, guests are just a stone’s throw away from the best nightlife in the city and the stunning white-sand beaches. You can be sure to get an authentic Jamaican experience at this hostel.

Best Hotel in Montego Bay – SeaGarden Beach Resort – All Inclusive

This beautiful resort is located just a few minutes away from the main hip strip and has an authentic Jamaican atmosphere with a modern and luxurious twist. Home to breathtaking natural scenery, including endless views of the Caribbean Sea and a striking garden full of lush tropical greenery, it is an idyllic place to stay. There is an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, 2 tennis courts, and a private beach with beach bar. The property also has its own scuba diving activities, if that’s your vibe. Most rooms come with a sea view.

Best Bed & Breakfast in Montego Bay – Welcome to Blu-22

This exclusive waterfront condo is located in the sought-after Freeport neighborhood and can be best described as a once-in-a-lifetime gateway experience. The B&B is home to top-class facilities including 24-hour security, a well-equipped gym, and an infinity pool that leads to a sandy beach. Capable of entertaining up to three guests, there is one bedroom with a deluxe king-size bed and a comfortable sofa bed.

Guests also have the best of both worlds as the B&B is strategically located close enough to all the nightlife fun, but also tucked away to allow you to have a good nights’ sleep.

FIRST TIME IN MONTEGO BAY

FIRST TIME IN MONTEGO BAY

Freeport

Located on the tip of Montego Bay lies the sought-after destination of Freeport. Here you can find the largest number of exclusive hotels and resorts along with an abundance of chic bars which lay underneath the palm trees.

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NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

Hip Strip

Hip Strip is widely renowned as being the neighborhood that never sleeps with a lively atmosphere that lasts till the early hours of the morning. The area is jam-packed with activities and hours of fun whether it be taking a dip in its pristine waters, dancing the night away at a wild beach bar, or indulging in traditional Jamaican Cuisine at a local eatery.

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Despite being one of the best-known tourist locations in Jamaica, Montego Bay is a fairly small city that doesn’t have a lot of neighborhoods, so sometimes it can be hard for visitors to know where to stay.

Of course, the most sought-after areas to stay in Montego Bay are on the waterfront, but there are also a few other hidden gems to be explored, too. With that in mind, here are the best neighborhoods to stay in this coastal city.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay near Port Aransas, you can’t go wrong with Freeport. This is the main hub on the island for waterfront B&B’s, hotels, and resorts, along with it being conveniently located within walking distance to many of the main attractions, bars, and restaurants.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an area with bustling nightlife, you should consider a stay in Hip Strip. Undoubtedly the most well-known neighborhood in Montego Bay, Hip Strip is internationally known for its incredible beach bars and atmospheric Jamaican Clubs, along with being home to the beautiful Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Finally, we have Bogue Heights, which is a great choice for families looking to stay in Montego Bay. It’s slightly further away from the main beaches, bars, and clubs meaning travelers are provided with a more relaxed atmosphere. However, it is only a short drive from the action, so if you’re feeling up for it you can get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Travelers should be advised that some areas in Jamaica, including Montego Bay, have notorious neighborhoods and should be avoided. We highly advise you to read our guide on safety in Jamaica to know what and where to avoid.

Now that we have briefly introduced you to the top three neighborhoods in Montego Bay, we’ll now show you are top recommendations for places to stay in Montego Bay.

Located on the tip of Montego Bay lies the sought-after destination of Freeport. Here you can find the largest number of exclusive hotels and resorts along with an abundance of chic bars, which lay underneath the idyllic swaying palm trees.

Freeport is the ultimate destination to stay in Montego Bay for your first time, due to its central location and connections to the city’s incredible beaches and top attractions, along with having a great selection of accommodation options.

Below we have listed our three top picks for places to stay in Freeport, all of which cater to different traveler’s needs and budgets!

Best Hotel in Freeport – Breathless Montego Bay

This beautifully decorated 150-suite tropical oasis is the ultimate romantic getaway! The hotel is home to a stunning rooftop pool and bar, which provides unobstructed views of the nearby mountains and bay. Breathless Montego Bay provides the perfect opportunity to relax, here you can fill your days with pool parties, watersports, live music, and beach lounging. Each of the rooms comes with air-conditioning, a desk, a safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom.

Best Bed & Breakfast in Freeport – Welcome to Blu-22

This exclusive waterfront condo can be best described as a once in a

This exclusive waterfront condo is located in the sought-after Freeport neighborhood and can be best described as a once-in-a-lifetime gateway experience. The B&B is home to top-class facilities including 24-hour security, a well-equipped gym, and an infinity pool that leads to a sandy beach. Capable of entertaining up to three guests, there is one bedroom with a deluxe king-size bed and a comfortable sofa bed.

Guests also have the best of both worlds as the B&B is strategically located close enough to all the nightlife fun, but also tucked away to allow you to have a good nights’ sleep.

Best Budget Accommodation in Freeport – Great Studio in Freeport

This cozy and deluxe studio apartment is situated in a prime location right next to the waterfront. It’s just steps away from top sights including the Yacht Club and Hard Rock Beach Cafe. Ideal for a couple, guests have a room with a queen-sized bed and small living space and bathroom. It. is nestled in a gated community which adds a little more security. There is no kitchen at this property, but it is just a short walk to many delicious restaurants.

Things to See and Do in Freeport:

• Go on a boat trip from Montego Cruise Port
• Go snorkelling off the coastline
• Have a cocktail at 5050 Lounge Montego Bay
• Enjoy sea activities with Jamaica Watersports
• Explore history at Gallery of West Indian Art & AMuse

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Hip Strip is widely renowned as being the neighborhood that never sleeps with a lively atmosphere that lasts till the early hours of the morning. The area is jam-packed with activities and hours of fun, whether it be taking a dip in its pristine waters, dancing the night away at a wild beach bar, or indulging in traditional Jamaican Cuisine at a local eatery.

The neighborhood has the greatest selections of clubs and bars making it our top pick for travelers who want to explore the area’s best nightlife and let their hair down, partying ’til the sun rises.

Best Bed & Breakfast in Hip Strip – Orchids Oceanview Penthouse

This beautiful waterfront condo overlooks the famous Doctor’s Cave Beach, which you can see spectacularly well from the condo’s incredible balcony. Located in a gated community, the studio can house three guests in its two-bed space, as well as have easy access to a rooftop pool and nearby convenience store. The studio is also conveniently located near some of the best selection of nightlife, including beach bars and bustling clubs along with traditional cocktail bars.

Best Hostel in Hip Strip – Mobay Kotch

Mobay Kotch offers guests an authentic and unique experience as they mingle with the friendly owners who live on the property and want travelers to experience and see Jamaica that they know and love. The hostel is a converted 1760’s townhouse and showcases the very rich culture and history of Montego Bay through its Georgian-style architecture. As one of the few hostels in the area, this is the perfect place for solo travelers to meet new friends and enjoy a comfortable stay at a low price.

Best Hotel in Hip Strip – SeaGarden Beach Resort – All Inclusive

This beautiful resort is located just a few minutes away from the main hip strip and has an authentic Jamaican atmosphere with a modern and luxurious twist. Home to breathtaking natural scenery, including endless views of the Caribbean Sea and a striking garden full of lush tropical greenery, it is an idyllic place to stay. There is an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, 2 tennis courts, and a private beach with beach bar. The property also has its own scuba diving activities, if that’s your vibe. Most rooms come with a sea view.

Things to See and Do in Hip Strip:

• Whizz down the slides at Aqua Sol Theme Park
• Experience the natural beauty at One Man Beach/Old Hospital Park Beach
• Relax at the famous Doctor’s Cave Beach
• Visit Harbour Street Craft and Cultural Village
• Take a trip to learn history at Saint James Parish Church
• Get tickets for one of the best festivals in Jamaica, Reggae Sumfest!

Planning a holiday for yourself is stressful enough, let alone when you’ve got to plan for the whole family! Picking where to stay can always be a struggle with so many factors to take into account from safety, activities to do, and finding accommodation options within your budget.

We have taken a look at the best neighborhood for families in Montego Bay and found three awesome accommodations in the beautiful neighborhood of Bogue Heights.

Set back from the main promenade and waterfront, Bogue Heights offers a laid-back atmosphere, while also just being a few minutes away from some of the city’s best attractions – making it our top pick for families heading to the city.

Best Budget Accommodation in Bogue Heights – Easy Vibes Bogue

This brightly decorated Airbnb in Jamaica gives guests a true feeling of being in Jamaica with traditional island decor, which resembles local “Irie culture”. This two-bedroom home can sleep up to four guests and has all the amenities you would need for a comfortable stay. It’s also in a great location at a steal of a price, being just a few kilometers away from the city center and its nearby beaches.

Best Bed & Breakfast in Bogue Heights – The Bogue Delight

This luxurious two-bedroom and one-bathroom home has enough sleeping arrangements for four guests, making it perfect for families or small groups of friends looking for the ultimate Jamaican experience. The home is also only located a five-minute drive from the world-famous Hip-Strip along with the incredible Doctors Cave Beach. The spacious home provides guests with all your entertainment needs, including a Smart TV hooked up to Netflix for the little ones, and an outdoor BBQ area overlooking the beach and night sky for mum and dad.

Best Luxury Accommodation in Bogue Heights – Hils Court Villa

This gorgeous villa is located in the heart of Bogue Heights and features an outdoor pool and spectacular sea views. The property offers enough space for up to eight guests, with its four bedrooms and a large living space, which includes a spacious outdoor patio. There is also overnight security and a tennis court at the property. The villa is located in a popular golfing area and there are 3 golf courses nearby – if that’s your jam.

Things to See and Do in Bogue Heights:

• Indulge on tasty food at Mosino
• Visit Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
• Explore Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
• Learn history at John’s Hall Close
• Hear some tunes at African Symbol Studio & Record Shop

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So that’s Montego Bay! A city set amongst Jamaica’s spectacular natural beauty with an electric yet chilled-out atmosphere. As one of the best destinations in the whole of the Caribbean, no matter where you stay in Montego Bay, you’ll be sure to have an epic vacation!

If you’re still not sure where to stay in Montego Bay, here is a quick recap. For beautiful resorts and a prime waterfront location, you should head to Freeport. If nightlife is what you’re after then look no further than Hip Strip. Finally, if you’re looking for a place to take the kids, then the relaxed neighborhood of Bogue Heights is your ideal option.

Did you find what you are looking for? Let us know in the comments below!

Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email [email protected] to find out how.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!