With things like exam stress and countless assignments to worry about, college students around the world often look to tropical locations where they can unwind. Jamaica, with its vibrant party scene and tons of attractions for fun, adventure, and relaxation, is one of the top picks.
The only questions are where to stay and what you can afford. You want to be close to all the action, regardless of where in the island you decide to lay your head, but still want to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. With that said, here are some of the top cheap hotels in Jamaica for student travellers.
They are sorted by the most popular tourist locations on the island.
Negril –It’s no secret that Negril is one of the most alluring destinations in Jamaica for college kids looking for fun parties and cool activity spots, especially at spring break time.
Attractions in Negril include
- 7-mile stretch of white sand beach
- Catamaran cruises to Rick’s Café
- Kool Runnings Water Park
- Margaritaville
Top budget-friendly hotels here include
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort (low budget, clean rooms, beachfront property)
- Moonrise Villas (low budget apartments, renovated in 2017, 1-minute walk from the beach)
- Whistling Bird Resort (cottages near to the beach, clean, private restaurant and bar)
- Negril Tree House Resort (next door to several bars and restaurants, includes breakfast, beachfront, room service)
- Travellers Beach Resort (beachside restaurant, direct interaction with owners, outdoor pool, walking distance to restaurants and bars)
Montego Bay –Montego Bay, with its Hip Strip is also abuzz with activities and chill spots year round.
Attractions in Montego Bay include
- Hip Strip with its many shops, restaurants, clubs, beaches, and bars
- Margaritaville
- Doctor’s Cave Beach
- Rose Hall Great House
- Croydon Plantation Tour
Top budget-friendly hotels in Montego Bay
- Toby’s Resort (right by the famed Hip Strip, restaurant on site, near to the airport, nightclubs, and duty-free shops; walking distance from the beach)
- Doctor’s Cave Beach Hotel (located on the Hip Strip, beach access, restaurant, and bar, minutes away from the airport, close to clubs and shops)
- Relax Resort (quiet, not far from the Hip Strip, near to restaurants, shops, and clubs, free breakfast, free shuttle to a nearby beach)
- Palm View Guest House (small and intimate, airport transportation provided, near to beaches, clubs, restaurant, and shops)
- Sunscape Splash Montego Bay (all inclusive, beach access, water park, activities and entertainment on site, 15 – 20 minutes drive from Hip Strip and airport)
Ocho Rios – While Ocho Rios is a bit more laid back than Montego Bay and Negril, it still packs a good punch in the fun and adventure department.
Attractions in Ocho Rios
- Dunn’s River Falls
- Margaritaville
- Puerto Seco Beach
- Ocho Rios Bay Beach
- Blue Hole
Top budget-friendly hotels in Ocho Rios
- Reggae Hostel (near to Ocean Village Shopping Centre, walking distance to beach and transportation center, rooftop bar, close to entertainment spots)
- Rooms Ocho Rios (on the beach, near to all major attractions, all-inclusive option available)
- Chrisanns Beach Resort (beachfront apartments, near to all major attractions, including entertainment spots)
- Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Spa (beachfront property, all-inclusive, restaurant, and bar, quiet, a bit secluded, a 20-minute drive from downtown Ocho Rios and major attractions)
- Hibiscus Lodge (clifftop location, restaurant and bar, manmade beach, free breakfast, 10 – 15 minutes away from downtown Ocho Rios and popular attractions.
Kingston – The capital city is growing in reputation as a major tourist destination.
Kingston Attractions
- Bob Marley Museum
- Blue Mountains
- Devon House
- Emancipation Park
- National Gallery
Budget-friendly hotels in Kingston
- Reggae Hostel (near to the city center, near to restaurants, shops, and bars, easy access to transportation)
- Shirley Retreat Hotel (walking distance from Bob Marley Museum, free continental breakfast, near to New Kingston, various shops, restaurants, and bars nearby)
- Altamont Court Hotel (located in New Kingston, near to Emancipation Park, shops, restaurants, and bars can be found nearby, free breakfast)
- Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa (5 – 10-minute drive from Hope Gardens, walking distance from Bob Marley Museum, close to many shops, restaurant and bar on site as well)
- Jasmine Inn (upscale neighbourhood, free breakfast, minutes away from Bob Marley Museum, Hope Gard
Whenever you do decide to take a trip to Jamaica, be sure to keep in mind the list of suggestions above. It can serve as the perfect travel guide to help you on your quest for adventure. If you need additional information, have a look at the list of Jamaica hotels. Feel free to reach out for more specific information too, they are happy to help you plan an amazing trip. Happy travels.