Best Beach Hotels in Runaway Bay, Jamaica

The mid-range Franklyn D is geared towards families on vacation. Supervised arts and crafts projects, a Teen Center with activity coordinators, and even free nanny services for all guests are just some of the kid-friendly perks offered. Pools (including a mini-pool for toddlers), a waterslide, dock space for easy access to water sports, tours to off-site attractions, and many other amenities are also available. Accommodations are tech-savvy for the location; guests will find iPod docking, satellite TV, and an Internet cafe with free Wi-Fi. However, while suites are spacious, decor is a bit dated as are most facilities in general.

This upscale all-inclusive resort a half-hour drive from Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica's more intimate adult-only options, with 225 rooms. It's also a good value; the Couples Tower Isle is similarly sized, but more dated and typically much pricier. The Jewel's white-sand cove beach is on the small side and has some small rocks, but guests can expect plenty of loungers there and at the three pools (all with a swim-up bar and hot tub), free water sports, free excursions, and no reservations needed at most of the a la carte restaurants. Modern rooms all have private outdoor space and turndown service; some suites have butler service.

While the mid-range Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort gives plenty of opportunity for guests to laze about by its three free-form pools or on the beach, its real strength is in the sheer number of activities on offer, most of which are included in the rate. Kayaking, golfing, and weekly bonfires are all part of the entertainment. And families are attracted to the numerous kids diversions like the on-site water park or laser tag. While the 266 rooms are simple in their decor, they do have furnished balconies, and suites have private plunge pools and butler service. The resort isn't really walking distance to any attractions, but with all the features included, most guests are content to stay put. Travelers could compare rates with the family-friendly Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay.

The 525-room Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay is an upscale, adults-only all-inclusive along a narrow beach in northern Jamaica. A lagoon-like area is largely blocked from the ocean by a rock wall, but loungers, umbrellas, and non-motorized water sports area available. The on-site pool is large and often bustling, with hot tubs, a swim-up bar, and daily activities, which may be a bit too loud for some. Guests here also have access to all of the amenities at the next-door Grand Bahia (except the buffet), including a larger pool and beach, spa, and gym. A couple of the several restaurants (most located next door) are adults-only, but many allow kids. Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, premium liquor, and sports facilities are all included in the rate. For a more tranquil vibe, consider the Jewel Paradise Cove Resort.

A massive, beautifully landscaped 850-room Spanish mega-resort, the Grand Bahia Principe is a beachfront property with a ton of features to keep families busy. The spacious, junior-suite-style rooms are on the old-fashioned side and showing some wear, but they come with jetted tubs, furnished balconies -- some with stellar ocean vistas -- and coffeemakers. A large stretch of beach with a nude section is lovely, plus there's a huge pool, free non-motorized water sports, a water park, kids' club, and daily entertainment. A spa and gym are also on-site. The all-inclusive rate covers a decent buffet, tasty a la carte eateries serving Japanese, Italian, and Jamaican fare (reservations required), and alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, top-shelf liquor and in-room Wi-Fi requires a fee, and maintenance and service complaints are common. It's worth considering the smaller Jewel Runaway Bay.

Club Ambiance - All Inclusive is surrounded by other resorts along Jamaica’s busy A1 -- the main thoroughfare connecting Montego Bay to Kingston. The two-pearl property offers all the amenities travelers would expect from an oceanfront all-inclusive -- a beach, pool, dining, and even a nightclub -- but every aspect is dated and maintained with the bare minimum level of care. Rooms are done in budget furnishings and, aside from private balconies and mini-fridges, feature few notable amenities. Depending on your travel style, the hotel’s strict adult-only policy is either a big draw or one more reason to stay away (yes, there is a clothing optional section). The nearby Royal DeCameron Club Caribbean offers more amenities in a cleaner, newer environment for less cash.

This 56-room boutique hotel may not have the all-inclusive perks of other Jamaica hotels, but its quiet atmosphere and authentic local fare make it a decent option for travelers on a budget. There is a well-kept pool, a business center with free Wi-Fi, a small fitness room, and a solid restaurant serving local cuisine. Its 44 rooms are fairly spacious, but pretty basic, with only flat-screen TVs, empty mini-fridges, and private balconies offering garden or ocean views in the way of amenities. There's not a lot to do in the hotel either, and the beach is a short walk away, so those who want lively atmosphere or nightly entertainment might want to look elsewhere.