The Wexford Hotel

The family-owned Wexford Hotel opened in 1977 and was most recently renovated in 2010, though it's still looking a little worse for wear. Its grounds -- despite the hotel's central Montego Bay location -- are sprawling. They include a waterfall/turtle habitat and are full of blossoming flowers and fruit trees. While that's all fine and nice, interiors are slightly dark and could use a refresh and maybe a little TLC. The lobby walls are painted a rich red and decorated with slatted wood panels. This area opens onto the restaurant’s long, ocean-view patio. Hallways are painted in a two-tone palate of beige and off-white or contrasting shades of pastel sea-foam green. Sure they’re tropical and add character, but the look is a bit dated. The hotel hosts many meetings and conferences, and draws quite a few Jamaican travelers. It also sees families and couples from around the world, taking advantage of its gorgeous pool and convenient location. Even so, most guests aren't here for more than a night or two, and the lack of frills means there isn't much reason to hang out on-site all day.

Location is key here, as the hotel is situated along Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, a touristy oceanfront drag of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and gift shops. It’s a two-minute walk to an oceanfront theme park with games, rides, and a private beach. The public beach, an ATM, and a mini-market are a two-minute walk from The Wexford. The town's craft market -- the best place to purchase souvenirs -- is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, as is downtown Montego Bay. There are multiple golf courses within a 20-minute drive of the hotel, but the closest is 13 minutes away by car. Ocho Rios -- home to famed Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove, the Blue Hole, and Mystic Mountain adventure park -- is an hour-and-a half drive from the hotel. It will take about the same amount of time to drive to Negril. Sangster International Airport is a five-minute drive from The Wexford Hotel. 

The air-conditioned rooms at The Wexford Hotel are a mix of Deluxe Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Junior Suites, and Executive Suites. The Executive Suites are the nicest, and were added in 2009. They’re relatively modern one-bedroom apartments with king beds, Cubist-patterned bed runners, kitchenettes, two flat-screen TVs, and loveseats. Executive Suites also have huge bathrooms that feature granite counters, whirlpool tubs, and separate walk-in showers. Deluxe Rooms (the cheapest category) are a bit humbler, and like many of the other rooms, look a bit dated. Expect a king or two double beds with floral-print bedspreads and camelback headboards, plus lime green walls and slightly mismatched, institutional furniture. All in all, the look is a bit tired in these lower-category rooms. Bathrooms in these units are also smaller, but have granite vanities and shower/tub combos. Shampoo, lotion, and bar soap are provided. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable channels, shelf-style stereo systems, irons, and ironing boards, but don't expect mini-fridges or many other extras. Private balconies are a nice perk, but be warned that only Executive Suites include free Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that you're likely to hear traffic noise from the busy road outside.

The Wexford’s freshwater pool is set on a hillside above the hotel and has beautiful ocean views from its sandy deck. There's also a tiled patio and a few lounge chairs (though not enough for everyone at the hotel). A pool bar is available, but it has limited hours. Rosella Restaurant serves tasty Jamaican and international cuisines, and has beautiful ocean views from its huge patio. There’s an indoor dining area as well. Room service is available and free Jamaican breakfasts are included with all stays. In addition to serving drinks, Kakaria Lounge offers snacks and is open late (later than the restaurant, at least). Other amenities include four meeting rooms and free parking. There’s a dedicated tour desk and the hotel can arrange drivers, tour guides, tours, babysitters, and call taxis. Laundry services are available (for a fee). Freebies include welcome rum or fruit punch, round-trip airport transfers, and free admission to the nearby theme park with games, go karts, restaurants, and private beach. There's also free Wi-Fi in The Wexford Hotel’s lobby, restaurant, and bar area.