Montego Bay, Jamaica, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and all-inclusive resorts that promise relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Our recent stay at Hilton Rose Hall was an unforgettable mix of great service, fun excursions, and a few surprises along the way.
Hotel Overview: Hilton Rose Hall
Accommodation & Service
As an all-inclusive resort, Hilton Rose Hall offered a seamless experience from check-in to check-out. The service was mostly excellent as many staff members were incredibly warm and welcoming. However, we did notice that a few, particularly at the towel hut and coffee shop, weren’t as engaging. Still, the overall hospitality made us feel at home.
The rooms were comfortable and well-equipped, and we were especially grateful for the oceanfront upgrade on our last night due to a water leak in our first room. The staff handled the issue efficiently, and the upgrade was a nice touch.
Food & Drinks
The dining options ranged from quick and casual to more upscale experiences:
- Steakhouse: The first night, we dined at the steakhouse ($40 per person, not included in the all-inclusive package). While the food was good, the service was slow, and the need to take a shuttle was a bit inconvenient.
- Buffet: A go-to option as it was fast, convenient, and perfect for those who want a variety of choices without committing to a full meal.
- Jerk Hut: A trip favorite! The flavors were amazing, though even the mild spice level packed a punch.
- Rum Factory: This restaurant was just okay, nothing special.
- Drinks: The all-inclusive bar was a highlight! Red Stripe was the beer of choice, and for those looking for something sweeter, the strawberry daiquiris were refreshing and delicious. Just be prepared for that kick of rum!
Amenities & Entertainment
- Lazy River & Pools: The lazy river wasn’t quite as “lazy” as expected due to strong water features, but it was still a nice way to cool off. The swim-up bar was a great perk!
- Beach: The beach area was small with a steep drop-off, making it more for lounging than swimming.
- Nightlife: The silent rave was a unique experience, and the nightly entertainment added a fun touch to the stay.
- Tipping Etiquette: Bringing $1 and $5 bills is key. $1 per drink and $5 per sit-down meal seemed to be well appreciated.
Value for Money
At $2,400 for two people (Friday-Tuesday), the stay felt like a good value considering the unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment. While we might not return yearly, Hilton Rose Hall is definitely a place we’d consider revisiting.
Excursions & Activities
Dolphin Encounter
Emily and Kara started off with a dolphin excursion, a dream come true for Emily! It was a highlight for them and a must-do for animal lovers.
Chukka Adventures: A Full Day of Thrills
We booked a multi-activity day at Chukka, which included:
- ATV Riding: Shaun and Scott loved it, while Kara wasn’t a fan. Luckily, the staff helped swap her onto a two-seater UTV with Scott driving.
- Zip-lining: A major victory for Shaun, who’s afraid of heights, but he powered through all four zip-lines. The harnesses were uncomfortable, which oddly helped distract from the fear.
- Horseback Riding: A first for Shaun, who wasn’t particularly excited about it but found it to be an enjoyable experience. The water horseback ride was a cool experience, though Shaun opted to sit it out and hydrate.
- Catamaran Party Boat: We didn’t realize this would be such a party scene with loud music, an open bar, and plenty of people enjoying the Jamaican lifestyle. While fun, we were exhausted from the long day and found it a bit overwhelming.
Tip: Jamaica runs on “island time” – things move slower than you might be used to, and schedules are more flexible. Don’t expect precise start times!
Bioluminescent Bay at Glistening Waters
For just $25 per person, this was a fantastic experience. Swimming in the glowing waters was surreal and magical, making this one of the best value excursions of the trip. The taxi ride was $90 round-trip for four people, and our driver waited for us during the tour.
Airport & Customs Experience
- Arrival: Super smooth. Pre-filling customs forms online helped us breeze through.
- Departure: Security in Jamaica was easy, but instructions weren’t always clear. Watch what others do and follow along.
- Customs in the U.S.: Having Global Entry saved some time, but the regular line in Charlotte wasn’t bad either.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Hilton Rose Hall is an excellent choice for travelers who want a mix of relaxation and adventure. The resort offers good food, great drinks, and a variety of entertainment. While not perfect, the value for money was strong, and we’d recommend it to:
✔️ Couples looking for a romantic getaway
✔️ Families with kids who will enjoy the pools and activities
✔️ Groups of friends wanting an easy, all-inclusive vacation
Tips for Future Travelers:
✅ Bring small bills for tipping
✅ Book excursions ahead of time (and expect things to run on island time)
✅ Try the jerk chicken but be ready for the spice!
✅ If you’re a beer drinker, get used to Red Stripe
✅ Stay hydrated—water isn’t as readily available as alcohol
✅ Skip the steakhouse unless you really want a long meal
✅ The bioluminescent bay is a must-see
Would we go back? Yes, but not every year. It was a fantastic experience and well worth the trip!
