Montego Bay is Jamaica's second city and has been a tourist Mecca since the 20s when early visitors sought out the healing waters of Doctor's Cave Beach. From the days when ''King Sugar' ruled, Montego Bay has been a bustling commercial centre and shipping port.
The resort of today is spread out from Rose Hall Great House in the east to Tryall in the west, with a choice of accommodation from guest houses to convention facilities.
The resort town of Montego Bay is as far from the 'real' Jamaica as you can get, though behind the narrow coastal plain is hill country where you can immerse yourself in mountain-village life. The region boasts a greater concentration of well-preserved colonial houses than any other, many of which are working plantations that welcomes guests on guided tours. And several championship golf courses, a number of horse stables and the island's best shopping add to the region's appeal.
There are two Montego Bays, the tourist quarter, north of the town center, arcs along Gloucester Avenue, a narrow shoreline boulevard lined with hotels, restaurants, and public beaches. Glouchester Avenue becomes Kent Avenue, which stretches along what used to be called Chaltam Sea Wall and ends at tiny Dead End Beach, with the airport just beyond. The airport is accessed from Sunset Boulevard, which stretches east from the junction of Gloucester and Kent Avenues and continues east, beyond the airport (at the roundabout junction with the Queen's Drive), as the A1 to Ironshore and the resorts on the north coast.
City Center and Gloucester Ave (Hip Strip)
A steep hill-Miranda Hill-rises behind the tourist strip. The Queen's Drive traverses the hill it begins at the airport roundabout (traffic circle) and ends at another round-a-bout at the southern end of Gloucester Avenue.
The town center lies immediately south of the roundabout, with the downtown accessed by Fort Street, a bustling thoroughfare that leads from the roundabout to Sam Sharpe Square.
Montego Bay, capital of St. James parish, is dependent on tourism. It's also a thriving port city, based on the container-shipping trade father west at Montego Bay Freeport. The town, colloquially called ';Mobay'; by locals (native-born Montegonians are called ';bawn-a-bays';), spreads tentacles of light industry west as far as Reading, 4 miles away. An equal distance to the east, Ironshore, formerly a sugar estate, is now a burgeoning resort.
At most upscale hotels in Montego Bay you are invited to dine even though you are a non guest so you have the chose of staying in a hotel that match your budget yet enjoy the experiences of a upmarket resort many of which to be found to the East of Montego Bay.
Ironshore is an upscale residential suburb. Its about 5 miles from Gloucester Avenue which runs along the coastline of Montego Bay. Here you will find deluxe hotel resorts and villas. Many of them catering to supermodels and popular movie stars.
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Groovy Grouper @ Doctors Cave Beach
Margaritaville Bar and Grill
Coral Cliffs Casino
Montego Bay's primary attractions are its golf courses, historic great houses and the beautiful private hotel and beach resorts outside the town.
You'll discover Falmouth, a town of intriguing historical interest and the gateway for rafting on the Marthae Brae River, Good Hope, known for horseback riding and fine dining and site of Jamaica's only country house hotel and the fascinating Cockpit country, one of the island's most scenic regions and one that is still virtually inaccessible.
Montego Bay's primary attractions are its golf courses, historic great houses, and the beautiful private beach resorts outside of town. Also worth a visit are the waters, coral reefs and mangroves offshore, protected within the Montego Bay Marine Park. Many admirable Georgian stone buildings and timber houses still stand downtown. The duty-free shopping is excellent. Every kind of water sports is represented. And there are several good restaurants to choose from those seeking a budget holiday with a lively nightlife and ships and craft markets packed with bargains will be right at home, as will those seeking to spend a week idly sunning, at an all-inclusive upscale resort, However, if you';re seeking authentic, offbeat Jamaica, move on. Many guidebooks about Montego Bay's natural beauty, and reggae artists have sung the city's praises to the world. though frankly , the city lack much soul.
On the eastern outskirts you will cross the slow-moving Marthae Brae River and pass through the town of Falmouth with its rich storehouse of Georgian architecture. Heading towards the western tip of the island you will pass through the proud parish capital of Lucea, Hanover, with its gem of the nineteenth century Forth Charlotte.
Nightlife includes native shows, theme nights, R&B or dancehall. You can enjoy live entertainment just about any night of the week. Gyrate to international and local beats, soak up the Latin,'oldies and other entertainment at hip spots like Coral Cliff Hotel, a gaming center designed with tropical decor. The casino-like gaming center's glass windows unveil ninety six modern slot machines providing plenty of action and jackpots until the wee hours. Margueritaville is where the party never stops. By day, plunge 110 feet on a monster slide into the Caribbean, bounce on a water trampoline or relax in a rooftop hot tub. Here you will find live entertainment, dancing, Giant Water Slide, Oceanside Danceterias and your choice of 35 Exotic Margueritas. Hang out at Tino's and lively sidewalk pubs like Caribic House and Dead End Bar For a whirlwind of dancing activity visit Hurricane Disco at Breezes. Pier 1 also a popular night spot. The Brewery, the Native and the Water's Bar & Grill are also other places to hang out and have a good time.
More than 30% of Jamaica's hotel rooms are in Montego Bay including most of the island's exclusive hotels.
You will find most of Montego Bay's hotels south of Gloucester Avenue - the Hip Strip. Most resort hotels around Montego Bay have their own private beaches. Gloucester Avenue is a narrow shoreline boulevard lined with hotels restaurants, public beaches and shopping arcades.
You can choose from a large selection of private villas in Montego Bay. You will also find a wide selection of all inclusive hotels to suit every budget however if planning on vacationing in Jamaica you will need to research carefully if booking with an all inclusive hotel. You will need to find out what you are getting for your money as not all inclusive lives up to the name.
If you should arrive in Jamaica without a confirmed reservation, the Jamaica Tourist Board information booth in the arrivals hall at Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will be glad to assist you in finding suitable hotel accommodation in the various resort destinations.
They will provide a list of approved hotels and guest houses. Note that the local tax of 15% will be added to all bills at most hotels in Jamaica.
