Kaz Kreol Beach Lodge

Kaz Kreol opened in 2015 and the three-story hotel feels a little artsy, a little beachy, and a tad dated -- all at the same time. The building’s been around for years, so expect architectural elements like wood-slat ceilings, a white cinderblock wall with checkerboard nooks filled with knickknacks, and walls covered with carved wood masks. Bright murals depicting beach scenes, sunsets, and rafting on the nearby White River can be spotted everywhere. Furniture feels a little old school, and includes rattan pieces and a somewhat mismatched approach. The back of the hotel faces the beach, so all rooms and amenities have stunning views. Guests are mostly North American and European couples between the ages of 25 and 50. Families also stay at the resort, but without any family-specific amenities, central Ocho Rios has more suitable options. 

Kaz Kreol’s oceanfront location feels a bit off the beaten path, but it’s only a seven-minute drive from downtown Ocho Rios. There’s a gas station, ATM, and mini-mart a five-minute walk from the hotel. In town, Ocho Rios is home to a big craft market, farmers market, shops, and restaurants. Mystic Mountain adventure park is a 12-minute drive away for those who need an adrenaline rush. Famed Dunn’s River Falls, a climbable series of cascades that tumble into the Caribbean Sea, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. One of Jamaica's most famous sights, the Blue Hole, is just over 15 minutes away by car as well. Montego Bay, the north coasts’ tourist heart -- with restaurants, markets, a bustling downtown, and lots of shops -- is nearly two hours away by car. Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, the best hub for international flights, is an hour-and-40-minute drive from Kaz Kreol.  

Kaz Kreol’s air-conditioned rooms are big and bright, though decor again feels like a blend of old and new. Expect to see white tile floors, king or queen beds with latticework headboards, gold-toned bed runners, and skinny-necked lamps with chrome-bases. Tan walls are complemented by bright red accent walls and vibrant murals of tropical moonscapes and sunrises painted directly on the wall. All rooms have ocean-view balconies (or terraces) with two chairs and a table. A nice plus is the direct beach access from the ground-floor Premium Rooms. Standard features include small flat-screen TVs with cable and movie channels, as well as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are big and have shower/tub combos, spacious vanities, and black-and-white faux marble tiled walls (admittedly not the most visually pleasing choice). Only bar soap is included, so don't forget your toiletries. Connecting rooms are available.

Without a doubt, Kaz Kreol’s top feature is its gorgeous, crescent-shaped beach. It’s not super wide, but there are plastic lounge chairs, a swing, and a cabana (the latter must be rented). Kayaks are free to use. The thatch-roofed Kaz Kreol Bar is a rustic open-air spot that overlooks the beach and also sells ice cream. Little Santorini, Kaz Kreol’s ocean-view restaurant, serves Greek and Jamaican cuisine. Free breakfasts are included with all stays. Kaz Kreol can arrange tours (like rafting trips up the nearby White River), massages, taxis, airport transfers, tour guides, and baby sitters. The free one-way taxi rides to central Ocho Rios are a nice perk, and rum or fruit punch welcomes all guests. There’s free parking and fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.