Upon arriving at the S Hotel Montego Bay, the first thing that caught my attention was the Singer SM1500 Roadster parked outside – but I was quickly distracted. The hotel’s open-air lobby was another object of my affection, with beautiful seaside views that gave some indication of the distinctive character within. The glamor of South Beach was palpable, and it all made sense when I discovered the Miami-based studio MKDA Designed and successfully transformed a part of the city into this island paradise.
Set in Montego Bay – a tropical paradise filled with luxury resorts overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea – for adults only S Hotel To stand out. This all-inclusive beach destination not only has a rich cultural presence (it’s “a Jamaican hotel in Jamaica,” says owner Christopher Issa), but also has the famous Doctors Cave Beach in its backyard.
Courtesy of Ace Hotel Montego Bay
From life-size statues of Jamaican legends like Marcus Garvey and Usain Bolt to the vibrant colors of the national flag, the spirit of Jamaica is clearly woven into the experience here.
During my visit, I spent my time lounging comfortably on red chairs by the two pools and enjoying the soulful tunes of Sade played by a live band in the evening. I waded into the calm waters of Doctor’s Cave Beach and enjoyed a unique floating breakfast from the skydeck above. To say I was looking forward to staying would be an understatement – S Hotel has created an environment for guests to feel at home even when they are away.
Read on for our full review of the S Hotel Montego Bay.
Ace Hotel Montego Bay
- Each room has a striking monochromatic color scheme complemented by thoughtfully crafted details, like a bottle of Red Stripe and a record player with Bob Marley vinyl.
- The hotel offers a range of engaging activities like paint-and-sip, where guests can unleash their creativity while sipping drinks and enjoying the breathtaking ocean views at sunset.
- Guests at the hotel enjoy exclusive access to Doctor’s Cave, allowing a visit without the hassle of entrance fees or long lines.
- The hotel’s prime location means numerous restaurants, entertainment options and nightlife hotspots, including bustling lounge 27272 Right at your doorstep.
Courtesy of Ace Hotel Montego Bay
rooms
The S Hotel Montego Bay features 120 rooms and suites in eight unique styles spread over six floors. My top-floor Sky Suite overlooking the ocean felt like a dream. Spacious and bright, it was decorated with a minimalist color scheme highlighted by wicker furniture and white walls. It includes a king-size bed, a large bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower, and a seating area, providing enough space for one person and then some.
As soon as I entered my room, I was pleasantly surprised to find a snack pack of Jamaican ginger biscuits, cashews and banana chips as a thoughtful welcome gift. Every morning, I would enjoy the postcard-worthy views while taking in the soothing sound of the waves. Then, in the evenings, when I craved alone time, I would relax from my balcony listening to live music flowing from the pool area.
Courtesy of Ace Hotel Montego Bay
Food and Drink
With six restaurants and a lobby bar, the morning starts in the Market Place, where a generous breakfast buffet full of Caribbean and international flavors sets the tone for the day. The 24/7 S Café quickly became my go-to for fresh juices and ice cream, while Vibes Bar & Grill was the ideal place to enjoy a meal by the pool after a day in the sun.
Each dining experience had its own unique charm, making it hard to resist trying everything from hearty rice and peas with jerk chicken at Roots Rock to delicious fresh lobster at JamRock. While the bar and restaurant were brimming with energy, Rocksteady offered a more casual dining experience, with a pianist serenading guests in a stylish, smart casual atmosphere.
Activities and Experiences
The hotel is home to a variety of unique experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the essence of Jamaica without leaving the property. You can dive into the history of rum by participating in an expert-led tasting, join a cocktail-making class on the Sky Deck, get your creative juices flowing in a paint-and-sip class, or watch the sunset. Time can admire the colorful sky. With a glass of champagne from the top floor. For a unique breakfast, try the floating breakfast in the Sky Deck Pool. If you prefer a rooftop stay, the expansive 1,200-square-foot Sky Lounge awaits you.
Courtesy of Ace Hotel Montego Bay
At Club S, you can fall in love with the sounds of the island or enjoy live reggae music in the evening. Coffee lovers can sharpen their knowledge by tasting Jamaica’s multi-layered Blue Mountain Coffee concentrate, and those looking for stimulating activities can get their heart rate up in a water aerobics class or a fun volleyball game in the main pool.
Spa
Relax in the tranquil atmosphere of Erie Spa & Bath. With its gray stone walls and lush surroundings reminiscent of ancient thermae, the spa has five treatment rooms offering facials, massages, body treatments and nail care.
Courtesy of Ace Hotel Montego Bay
Accessibility and Stability
S Hotel prioritizes both accessibility and sustainability. It features a variety of ADA-compliant accommodations and an accessible bathroom in the lobby. To promote eco-friendliness, it uses propane gas for heating, offers water-efficient toilets, and has implemented a recycling initiative. Guests can also contribute to energy conservation through a key card system that turns off the power when they leave the room.
Place
Less than 1.5 miles from Sangster International Airport, the Ace Hotel is ideally located. With the nearby Hip Strip within easy walking distance, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. If you’re eager to get out, a quick road trip of less than two hours will take you to Ocho Rios, home of Dunn’s River Falls, Margaritaville And blue hole.
