Jamaica Hotel Update

 

Rose Hall Resort & Spa has undergone a $40 million renovation

 

With all the development underway or recently completed in Jamaica, it can be hard for agents to keep up. Travel Agent rounded up the most newsworthy updates in Jamaica that you’ll need to know to continue selling this hot Caribbean destination.

In Ocho Rios, Island Outpost broke ground for the expansion of its famed GoldenEye resort this summer. Phase one of the expansion will include the establishment of 11 beachfront cottages and a new beachfront restaurant, expected to be completed by 2010. The architectural decor will mirror the classic Caribbean cottage, complete with contemporary comforts: wood-clad exteriors, jalousie shutters and exotic outdoor showers. Contact General Manager Jenny Wood at 876-975-3354.

Couples Tower Isle reopened in May. The resort underwent a $15 million upgrade, which saw the construction of an additional three-floor complex of 20 rooms, refurbishing of the existing bars and main lobby and the creation of a new swim-up pool bar and spa. The resort now offers 226 guest rooms. Agents should get in touch with Reservations Manager Gretchen Caiden (800-268-7537, [email protected]).

Jamaica Inn, temporarily closed in August for a general refurbishing, reopened on October 11. The roof of the spa and the pool in the White Suite underwent repairs and all rooms and public areas were renovated. Agents should contact Assistant Sales Manager Tina Smith (800-837-4608, [email protected]).

In Montego Bay, AM Resorts broke ground for its Secrets St. James and Secrets Montego Bay resorts last December, marking the debut of the Secrets brand in Jamaica. The side-by-side resorts at the Montego Bay Freeport will have 700 rooms and are scheduled to open in March 2010. Secrets St. James will feature a British colonial air, while Secrets Montego Bay takes its inspiration from the island surroundings. The two resorts share a common area, and will feature 14 bars, lounges and gourmet à la carte restaurants, spas with oceanfront massage cabanas, private concierge on every guest floor, an open-air theater and a full array of activities.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa has announced that its hotel’s pools, which were closed at various periods in September 2009 for refurbishing, reopened at the end of October. Agents should contact Jacqueline Brodber (876-633-8900, [email protected]).

Round Hill, which closed in August 2009 for general refurbishing, reopened on October 13. Agents should contact Sales Manager Kerisha Fisher (800-972-2159, [email protected]).

Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa, the island’s first luxury beachfront residential community, on 16 acres of waterfront land on the Rose Hall estate, is set to open this winter. It will have 299 guestrooms plus one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom suites, penthouses and private villas with 645 to 2,600 square feet of living space with large private terraces.

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort closed in August for scheduled upgrades and preventative maintenance to the property. While a reopening date has not yet been fixed, the property is expected to open in time for the winter tourist season. During the closure, guests are being accommodated at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites and the Ibero-star Rose Hall Grand. Agents should call Luis Velez, inventory manager, at 876-680-0000.

RIU Montego Bay in Ironshore celebrated its first anniversary in August. The 681-room resort is the first RIU property in Montego Bay and the fourth in Jamaica. Among the features of the beachfront resort are three specialty-themed restaurants, five bars and a conference room.

Rose Hall Resort & Spa, which recently became a member of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, has undergone a $40 million renovation.

In Kingston, The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites will be undergoing extensive preventative maintenance and refurbishment that is expected to be completed by early 2010. The two-bedroom Presidential Suite, the Penthouse One-Bedroom Suites and Penthouse Deluxe rooms, along with all one-bedroom suites, have iPod docking stations and customized features. Kitchenettes, new sofa beds or a complete business office will be provided to long-stay guests and/or families.

Sandals Whitehouse temporarily closed in August and is expected to reopen on December 18. Agents should contact General Manager Jean Marc Rousseau (800-SANDALS, [email protected]).

In Negril, CocoLaPalm has made several additions to the property, including a wedding gazebo and fountain. The swimming pools and the property’s ventilation system have been upgraded. Flat-screen TVs have been added to all Junior Suites. Soft furnishings in rooms have also been replaced. Agents should contact Esna Alder-Gordon (800-896-0987, [email protected]).

Rondel Village is in the process of making scheduled upgrades to the property. The window air conditioning units in all rooms will be replaced with split units. Wireless Internet will soon be available in all areas of the hotel and in the near future, hair dryers will be among the updated features of all rooms and villas. Agents should contact General Manager Carolyn Wright (876-957-4413, [email protected]).

Point Village Resort has plans to upgrade facilities and products, starting at the end of the year. Its Paradise Garden Café, which is currently an Italian restaurant, will be transformed to embrace international cuisine. Agents should e-mail Christine Campbell, reservations manager, at [email protected].

In Port Antonio, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill will be constructing a special “tower” above its existing bar terrace to give guests a panoramic view of its lush, organic tropical gardens. It will also be an ideal location for intimate weddings. Work is also being done on a sculpture park and renovations will be done to make the economy rooms more spacious and comfortable. Agents should contact Danielle Daley (876-993-7267, [email protected]) in the reservations department.

 

 

Renovation is underway in 24 of Coyaba Beach Resort’s rooms