Jamaica, the land of “no problem, man” and “everything alright” is, no doubt, one of the most popular vacation and adventure hotspots this side of the globe. From the warmth of the citizens to the charm of the breathtaking landscape, it’s the perfect spot to forget you had a care in the world and just live a little.
The numbers speak for themselves as Jamaica has consistently attracted more and more visitors per year. In 2017, for instance, 4.3 million tourists stopped by – an increase of 12% over the previous year – and that figure is expected to continue going up. A number of global tourism awards have also helped to position the island paradise as one of the leading destinations in the Caribbean.
When it comes on to accommodation, Jamaica also offers premium options, from swanky all-inclusive chains to cozy cottages. Your only concern, therefore, is finding a place that matches the depth of your pockets. There are tons of budget-friendly hotels to ensure you can enjoy the best the island has to offer without putting a strain on your wallet.
Here’s how to find them
Good old Google
Google is free, and you can find almost anything if you punch in the right keywords. Just searching for “hotels in Jamaica” will probably return the pricier all-inclusive hotels that dominate the island’s north coast. Typing in “cheapest” or “best budget-friendly hotels in Jamaica,” however, will give you more broad-based results.
There are also quite a number of travel blogs, such as the hotel jamaica website, My Island Jamaica, and Lonely Planet, which publish articles on cheap hotels in Jamaica that usually show up in search results. Be sure to put aside some time to do your online research.
Use social media
Like most people, you probably have at least one social media account, whether Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat (some of you might have all, as a matter of fact). Most properties in Jamaica, including the smaller hotels, at least have a Facebook page. You can like and follow as many as you please to get updates on their rates and deals. Many also accept queries via Messenger and direct messages (DMs), so it’s easy to ask for and compare prices.
Learn from past visitors
You can get some of the best recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in Jamaica from people who already have experience visiting the island. Many of them probably had similar concerns when they were visiting the island for the first time, and have been through the research process. On top of that, they can give you firsthand knowledge on the best spots in terms of amenities, location, customer service, and additional features you might be interested in.
Don’t have any friends who have visited Jamaica? In the rare scenario that you don’t, that’s not a problem. You can check for reviews on TripAdvisor and Google to hear from people who have been to resorts on the island. Booking sites such as Expedia also have reviews and comments from past visitors to most of the properties they book for. The Facebook pages of many hotels also have reviews and comments that can help you to make a decision when looking for a good balance of price and value.
Book during slow periods
Jamaica’s peak tourist season is at winter time. That’s because most tourists are from temperate regions and they want an escape from the mountains of snow they experience at that time of the year. Consequently, most resort rates are usually sky-high during winter due to the high demand for accommodation, so you will naturally be asked to shell out more, even for cheap hotels. On the other hand, Jamaican hotel prices typically fall during the summer to counter the decline in bookings, so you’re most likely to find cheaper rates and package deals at that time.
Subscribe to travel magazines and deal sites
There are travel magazines you can find online that publish content from time to time on budget-friendly hotels in various countries, including Jamaica. Some of them compile newsletters that they deposit straight to your inbox, as well as brochures. In addition, there are several deal sites around which partner with both large and small hotels in Jamaica to offer package deals. One such option in this regard is Gustazos.
Finding budget-friendly hotels in Jamaica is not difficult, especially with the ease of access to the internet nowadays. With the right amount of research and due diligence, you can enjoy all the best Jamaica has to offer without breaking the bank.
