Chrisanns Beach Resort

When it comes to beachfront hotels in the Ocho Rios area, Chrisanns Beach Resort is a pleasant option that's best suited for travelers who don't need much in the way of communal atmosphere or services. This simple apartment-style hotel is fairly basic, and the style -- while bright and cheerful -- is a bit dated. A bold aqua and canary yellow lobby greets guests upon arrival, and while there are a few places to sit, it's not exactly the kind of place to comfortable spend and evening trading travel stories over bottles of Red Stripe. Social spaces at Chrisanns Beach Resort consist of a pool, courtyard, and small beach, but there is no bar and not much of a social vibe. It’s clear that many guests use the property as a “crash pad” to sleep at night while venturing off-property during the day. While there are no dedicated kid-centric amenities, the property’s two- and three-bedroom apartments provide ideal accommodations for families seeking a basic, budget-friendly getaway. The hotel’s guests are just as likely to be traveling couples as vacationing families.

Chrisanns Beach Resort is located on Route A3 -- a busy road, dotted with hotels and resorts, that connects the island’s north shore with the famous Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (though expect a drive to the mountains to take nearly two-and-a-half hours). Three restaurants and a small grocery store are located directly across the street, and one of the islands most popular beaches -- Reggae Beach -- is just 10 minutes away from the hotel on foot. Otherwise, there's not much of interest within an easy walk. Downtown Ocho Rios is a 10-minute drive from the hotel for a bigger selection of bars and restaurants, while Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cove are reachable in 15 minutes by car.

While Ian Fleming International is the closest airport, flights are typically domestic or inter-island. Most travelers will arrive via Sangster International, which is about 90 minutes west in Montego Bay. In-terminal rental car counters are available at the airport and may prove the most convenient mode of transport. Guests who prefer not to drive will find taxis and shuttle buses to each be an affordable alternative.

As each unit is independently owned, the decor is unique from one apartment to the next. The overall aesthetic is simple and homey, but in the end everything is pleasant enough. Most apartments are predictably done in an abundance of white and neutral hues with brightly colored accents -- like the mustard yellow walls in the One-Bedroom Apartment that we visited. Otherwise, expect things to look slightly dated -- there are colorful floral-print bedspreads in some rooms and tropical-print upholstery in others -- some also include old tube TVs.

Rooms are available in a range of sizes and bed configurations, and each includes a full kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemakers, and a decent amount of counter space. Entry-level Studios are comparable in size to most budget hotel rooms. Mid-range Junior Suites offer additional square footage with a separate living and sleeping area. Multi-bedroom rooms feature spacious separate kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Exact amenities differ slightly from apartment to apartment, but all include at least one television, air-conditioning, safes, a dining area, and private ocean-view balconies or patios with plastic furniture. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is not available in guest rooms. The “king-size” beds in most apartments are typically two twin-size beds combined, which isn't the most comfortable arrangement.

Like their respective apartments, the decor in bathrooms differs from room to room. Most feature shower/tub combinations, granite counters with a variable amount of counter space. Some have more modern fixtures than others, but all are clean. Limited toiletries are provided, and towels come standard. Unlike other apartment-style hotels, daily housekeeping is included in the room rates.

That the property calls itself a “resort” is misleading, as there are few traditional resort amenities on-site. Guests should not expect any dining or drinking scene, as there's no restaurant or bar, and the features are limited to the pool and beach.

The hotel’s pool is small and clean, though it could use a fresh coat of paint and a bit of TLC. Lounge chairs are provided on a limited basis per-unit and not available to all guests. While there are no umbrellas on the pool deck, the horseshoe-shaped building surrounding the pool provides substantial shade throughout the day. The far end of the pool is adjacent to a short staircase leading directly to the beach.

The private, man-made beach offers lovely sea views. However, the usable portion of sand is extremely rocky and small, and can't be used at high tide. Because of this, there is no furniture on the beach. Two jetties and a breakwater two hundred feet offshore provide substantial buffeting against the waves and currents of the Caribbean Sea. The resulting lagoon is shallow, calm, and easily swimmable, even for children. A small, aging gazebo overlooking the beach from atop the jetty houses two lounge chairs and a small dining table.

Free guest parking is available in a staffed, off-street lot. Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's common areas.