The Caribbean island of Jamaica is experiencing an unprecedented hotel boom, with thousands of new rooms set to transform the country’s tourism landscape. This expansion is particularly evident in and around Montego Bay, where luxury resorts and international hotel chains invest heavily in new properties and expansions.
Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, recently announced that the country’s room count will increase by 2,000 this year alone, with a projected growth of 20,000 rooms over the next five to ten years. This Jamaica hotel boom is concentrated along the picturesque Rose Hall Corridor, a 6.5-mile stretch that’s poised to become one of the most prestigious resort areas in the Caribbean.
Key developments in the Jamaica hotel boom include:
- The Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters: Opened in November with 352 rooms
- Riu Palace Aquarelle: Recently debuted with 753 rooms in Trelawny
- Princess Grand Jamaica Resort: Set to open 1,000 rooms in June, with plans for 2,000 total
- Unico Hotel 1877 Montego Bay: A 450-room luxury property scheduled for summer 2025
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: Adding 1,000 rooms in St. Thomas Parish
- Planet Hollywood Royalton: Soon to open with 650 rooms in Trelawny
The Jamaica hotel boom extends beyond Montego Bay, with significant projects underway in other popular tourist destinations:
- Negril: The planned Viva Wyndham will add nearly 1,000 rooms
- Port Antonio and Negril: Sandals’ new projects will contribute about 1,000 rooms
- St. Ann: Bahia Principe’s $1.5 billion project includes two hotels and a PGA-certified golf course
Existing properties are also participating in the Jamaica hotel boom through expansions:
- Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa: Adding 900 rooms to its current 1,040
- Holiday Inn Montego Bay: Soon to be rebranded under Catalonia Resorts and Hotels, adding 250 units
The Jamaican government is investing in infrastructure to support this rapid growth, including a new ring road around Montego Bay and 4,000 homes for hospitality workers in the St. James area.
This Jamaica hotel boom is set to elevate the country’s status as a premier Caribbean destination, offering travelers an even more comprehensive range of luxury accommodations and experiences. As these new properties open their doors, Jamaica’s tourism industry is poised for significant growth, attracting visitors worldwide to its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and world-class resorts.
