I just got back from a fabulous stay at the Jamaica Inn! I was a little nervous to take the trip as I went alone; however, the staff made me feel right at home and set me at ease. I would recommend this Inn as the pefect get away from it all destination.

We opted for the private car transfer from Montego Bay to the hotel. Our driver was on time and had complementary drinks for what ended up being about a 1.5 hr drive. Arrival and check in was perfect. Our bags were delivered to our room and complementary Rum drinks were delivered soon after.

We stayed in a Superior Suite which was more than adequate and comfortable. Like others have said, the Superior Suite has more privacy since it is on the second floor and better views than those on the first floor below which are actually more expensive. The beach was never crowded and you always had plenty of your own space. For that matter the hotel was never crowded anywhere - when we got our pictures back there was never anyone in the background except for dinner - quite amazing actually. We also took out the kayak and did some freelance snorkeling on the reef just out from the hotel. Careful with the Sunfish though - one couple got out and couldn't get back so they had to send a "rescue" boat for them - a bit embarrassing for them but we enjoyed the laugh.

The food was great as well. There was an option to have breakfast on your balcony which we did about half the days. Tea, coffee, juice, bread, a huge plate of fruit, etc. all delivered and set up on your balcony with fine silverware and white linen - truly great service. Lunch and dinner was similarly well done. Dinner included 7 courses - each was unique and well presented. There was also live music every night with dinner. At dinner we almost felt that we had the resort to ourselves. Even though the hotel was quite full there was probably always less than 20 people eating on the patio at any one time - only 10 of the 30 or so tables being filled. I think a lot of people have dinner in their suites which cuts down on those on the patio. Great candlelit dinner under the stars.

If I had one recommendation, it would be not to plan on much time in Ocho Rios itself (the city). We spent about 2 hrs in town just for a couple souvenirs and that was plenty - we were very very ready to get back to the solitude of the Jamaica Inn...

My wife and I decided on a trip to Jamaica... where to stay? After a lot of researching between all the choices (location, activities, service, and value) we decided on the Jamaica Inn. We took the transfer (not the private one from the hotel although we might next time) so we could see all of the resorts on the way. If you fly into Montego Bay and take a bus transfer purchased from Jamaica Tours, it'll be about a 2 hour trip. You'll stop once about 25 minutes outside of the airport where to can pick up drinks, food, and souvenirs. There is a just completed highway (about 8 years late according to locals) that will take you all the way from the airport in Montego Bay to the Jamaica Inn resort just outside of Ocho Rios where the cruise ships come into port. Since you're going to the Jamaica Inn (basically, the last stop) you'll see a good number of the resorts you've come to know about through all of your looking online.
Some people may have a better imagination, but I can't imagine a nicer place to stay. You are treated so cordially it seems almost like you're royalty. Once you're checked in (very quick), you'll be shown around briefly and taken to your room where you will soon be visited with your luggage and a nice drink. Don't worry about tipping right now (you can leave something before you return home) - it's built into the price. Basically, at this place relaxation is the name of the game. While there are sailboats and kayaks available (they'll sail it for you), you can choose to go snorkeling (a reef is close by) or just float on a mat. The beach seems to be crushed shell and is kept in great condition. The thatched beach umbrellas complete the idyllic picture of a Caribbean getaway.
There are a few places to eat - not as in different restaurants on the grounds - but actual locations. For breakfast, it's pretty much on your rooms back deck or on the breakfast terrace overlooking the ocean. For lunch, you can have it under the umbrella on the beach or a couple of spots around the main building. For dinner, you can have it on your back deck (very nicely done), a table setup on the beach, the main dining yard, or, if it's a Tuesday evening, they'll roll a bunch of tables out to the beach and its buffet style (think very upscale country club - not lunch at Pizza Hut). You'll just give your room number anytime you want something - no need to carry any cash or cards. A bar is located on the beach, so if you want anything while on the beach, they will take care of you. If you decide to go off site for eating, most places will send a taxi for you (make sure you request it or you'll be paying $24.00 for a taxi ride). Only accept rides from the taxis with red license plates or what is arranged for you by the Jamaica Inn staff. There are several choices for dining if you venture out - can't go wrong with Evita's close to downtown Ocho Rios.
Unless it's a must, don't worry about bringing a laptop - they have wireless if you do - there is a computer in the library where you can surf. Not sure of everyone else, we could not call out on our blackberries although we could receive calls. If we wanted to make a call, we had to use the phone in our rooms. Make sure to bring an extra battery for each of your accessories (media player, camera, etc.) as we had some issues getting our stuff recharged.
We stayed from Monday until Saturday. We ate out twice for dinner and once for lunch. If you never left, you wouldn't feel you like missed out on anything... the food and service is that good. On our final bill, we were pleasantly surprised to find it was considerably lower than we thought it would be due to all of our indulgences. You can be as outgoing or anonymous as you like at this place. This place specializes in the little things (a fresh pitcher of water and tub of ice) saves you looking for an ice machine or drinking bottled water all of the time. The gift shop is well stocked for your convenience. Their spa is top notch and located on the backside of property overlooking the water. We met some people who had visited 25-35 times... I can see why. We plan on going back. Next time, we'll stay longer, bring more books, and pack half of the clothes as we did this time.
On your way back, you can either get a private transfer from the resort or you can take a transfer from an operator like Jamaica Tours. We didn't choose the private one this time and we arrived in plenty of time to go through airline check in and customs... don't forget patience and manners as you'll need both in this airport when it's busy. By the way, you'll stop back by the shopping/dining area you originally hit on the way to the resort to spend any loose change.

We stayed at the Jamaica Inn from 4/18 thru 4/25 and it was one of the best resorts that we have ever stayed at. We chose a veranda suite located in the beach wing and it was just yards away from the ocean.

You would be hard pressed to find a nicer staff than the wonderful people at the Jamaica Inn. From Keisha who helped us with our booking, to Teddy at the beach bar (who will be celebrating 50 years with the Inn this December) and Rushawn who always took care of us after dinner on the terrace. The staff is just awsome! Eric and Peter the owners and Mary the general manager run a tight ship and it shows in the level of customer service and attention that the guests receive.

The food was very good. Lets face it, when you go to an island destination with a beautiful beach, aquamarine water, lots of sun and a great staff very often the food becomes of secondary importance. I'm happy to report that at the Jamaica Inn you can have it all including gourmet meals. Plese explore the lunch menu as it includes quite a few delicious treats. We chose the all inclusive package and we were glad that we did. Remember that island prices are expensive by USA standards and you can easily surpass the all inclusive daily charge if you purchase all your meals and drinks separately.

On the subject of food, we went ot fishing with another couple from the Inn and we each caught a tuna in the waters right off the Inn's coast line. We took our catch to the kitchen and the staff was nice enough to clean and prepare them for our evening meal. Needless to say it was fantastic.

I guess the only thing that bothered us was that it seemed we were the only two "rookie" guests at the Inn. We did find two other couples that were there for their second visit but most of the people we talked to were well into double digits as far as their number of visits. I think we're going to have to work on this and try to achieve "veteran" status.

In summary, the Jamaica Inn is a lot of things. It is relaxing, it is restful, it is a place to meet friendly interesting people, it is an established resort with a great staff, a beautiful beach and good food. It is not glitzy, crowded, loud, or overbearing. Go and enjoy!