Emerald View Resort

When Emerald View’s Jamaican-born owner, Jennifer, returned to her home country for the first time after living in the United States, she stayed in one of Montego Bay’s all-inclusive resorts. She was disappointed to find that the hotel lacked any signs of Jamaican culture, and felt as though she hadn’t even really left south Florida. This is how Emerald View was born. Determined to offer guests a true Jamaican experience, Jennifer created a homey bed-and-breakfast with island-inspired accents throughout. Bold colors and ocean views are prominently featured. The decor is a little dated, and rooms are somewhat shabby -- but that’s the point -- staying with Jennifer feels like staying at your Jamaican aunt’s house. The majority of guests at Emerald View are couples, though it’s ideal for families and solo travelers as well. Travelers come from all over the world, and Jennifer says that sometimes, six continents are represented at once.

Emerald View Resort is located 20 minutes from Montego Bay, in a residential neighborhood known as Greenwood. The bed-and-breakfast is situated on a quiet, residential hilltop that offers stunning views of the ocean, but it can be difficult to reach without an SUV. Emerald View is approximately 22 minutes from Sangster International Airport, and about 15 minutes from the cruise ship pier in Falmouth.    

Painted in shades of lime green, sunshine yellow, and orange Creamsicle, rooms at Emerald View are anything but dull. Their mismatched furniture and patterned valences give them an eclectic, homey look. Each room is a bit different in size, style, and layout -- even rooms belonging to the same category can look completely different from one another. Guests basically have two options when it comes to room type: ocean or garden view. Ocean view rooms have beautiful views of the water, and some have outdoor balconies. Garden view rooms overlook the property’s front entrance and driveway. Rooms are located on three different levels of the house. Guests with limited mobility should request a room on the entry level, since there is no elevator. All rooms are equipped with air conditioners, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and ironing equipment. Wi-Fi isn't available in the rooms. Bathrooms, like bedrooms, have a dated look to them, with mismatched tiles and beveled shower doors -- some etched with flowers and birds. But, they are equipped with all the necessities, like good water pressure and temperature control. Hairdryers and soap are provided.

At most bed-and-breakfasts, the morning meal is an eagerly anticipated event. But at Emerald View, guests have to order and pay extra for breakfast if they want it, which seems like a strange practice. Breakfast is an additional fee, but there’s free coffee in the morning -- if you request to have it made. The breakfast menu consists of traditional Jamaican specialities like ackee and saltfish, mackerel rundown, and callaloo and fried dumplings. Guests can request to have lunch and dinner at Emerald View, but advanced notice is required. At night, Jennifer (the owner) offers free round-trip transportation to a few local restaurants on the beach, so the majority of guests eat dinner off-property. Emerald View has a nice pool with awesome ocean views. The pool is surrounded by a patio set with a few lounge chairs, and is a great place to unwind at the end of the day. Next to the pool is a grassy hill, where hammocks are strung between the palm trees.  The main floor of the house has two large living spaces and is the only place on the property where guests can access the free Wi-Fi. The first living room is located next to the lobby, and has a piano and a small seating area. It’s a quiet space, so guests come here to read or play the piano. Behind the lobby is a larger living room with multiple couches and a flat-screen TV. Jennifer’s young daughter often hangs around and watches cartoons in this room. Next to the TV room is a small shop where Jennifer sells things like souvenirs, sunscreen, beer, rum, and bottled water. Jennifer is happy to arrange tours and activities for guests to take part in during their stay. She even conducts some of the tours herself. Guests can enquire about times and prices in the lobby.