We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular products and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
What’s Special About This Resort
The S Hotel all-inclusive resort has a lot going for it – great location, awesome food, chic interiors – but what really blew us away was the full service, holistic spa. The Irie Spa itself is beautiful, emulating the stately design of ancient baths. Beyond looks, the spa has several levels where you can get a number of indulgent treatments like facials, massages, manicures, and more.
Additionally, the spa offers complimentary use of the mineral pools and sauna for 30 minutes per day. If your favorite thing about being on vacation is getting pampered, the S Hotel is certainly a great option for you.
The S Special Boutique All-Inclusive Package includes a welcome drink upon arrival, all meals and snacks, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, $25 spa credit and 30 minutes per day of Irie Spa bath and sauna use.
Things we like:
-
Beautiful rooms and facilities with decor that is on trend -
Gorgeous sea views from rooms and hotel sky deck
-
Full service, holistic, luxury spa
-
Complimentary use of certain spa amenities
-
Adults only
-
Great, bustling location
Things we don't like:
-
The resort doesn’t offer many activities – no watersports equipment, excursions or events -
Adults only – not great for family
What to Do
The Irie Spa at the S Hotel is a clear standout on our list this year. First, the spa has an entire floor devoted to mineral baths, with a design that is reminiscent of a luxurious european bathhouse. The mineral baths as well as the spa sauna are complimentary to all S Hotel guests for 30 minutes per day so long as you make an appointment. The spa itself offers a lengthy list of holistic treatments that are sure to send you home looking and feeling restored.
The S hotel features a couple pools, though not as many as some of the more sprawling resorts we have covered. The main pool sits right between the hotel and the beach, with plenty of full sun and full shade seating options for guests to use. At night, the main pool deck transforms from a sunny, relaxing haven to a vibrant and colorful party where the S Hotel regularly hosts live music. There is an additional pool on the fifth floor “sky deck” that overlooks the main pool and a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea where you can spend hours just soaking it all in.
From what we’ve seen, this isn’t the best resort for folks who like to stay active. The S Hotel doesn’t offer many activities, water sports gear, or excursions. Luckily, the bustling location of this hotel makes it easy to explore the heart of Jamaica. Many sights, restaurants and tourist destinations are just minutes from the resort property.
What to Eat and Drink
While the S Hotel may not have the countless dining options like the Excellence Oyster Bay resort, it has a handful of quality options that make up for the lack of quantity. Between the late night bar, the 24 hour cafe, and a couple sit down dinner spots, the S Hotel checked all the boxes. Below are the hotel food offerings:
Rocksteady
Dinner 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
White linens, white seats and a sparkling white grand piano set the tone for this fine dining experience. Serving what they call “continental classics,” made with fresh local ingredients.
Reservations are required
Marketplace
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Marketplace is a casual dining experience, with an open buffet for all three meals. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the main pool.
S Cafe
Open 24 Hours
The S Cafe is your typical coffee shop/bodega for the resort. Open 24 hours, this is where you can find those late night snacks, early morning pick-me-ups and any cold refreshments you may want to bring along to the beach.
Jamrock
Dinner 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jamrock is a rooftop restaurant offering a number of premium cuts including lamb, steak and fish – with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea as the perfect pairing. This is an ideal spot for a romantic evening.
Reservations are required
Roots Rock
Dinner 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
If you’re looking for your Jamaican food fix, Roots Rock is your ticket. Their menu is full of authentic Jamaican classics like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and oxtail. Enjoy the tastes, styles and sounds of Jamaica at Roots Rock.
Vibes Bar & Grill
Dinner 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Vibes Bar & Grill is a poolside lunch spot, offering quick bites when you need a little something to hold you over. Pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more are available at your convenience – poolside.
Lobby Bar
Dinner 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Last but not least, the lobby bar is the staple bar, open late for socializing and relaxing. This is the perfect way to start or end your evening on the island.
Room Guide
Mini King Room
From $579/night
Features interior hotel or city views
Includes a king sized bed – no balcony or views of the sea.
Deluxe Double Room Ocean View
From $649/night
Features sea views
Includes two double beds, a double shower, and balcony.
Junior Suite King/Double Ocean View
From $749/night
Features sea views
Includes choice of single king or two double beds, features a double shower, a free-standing soaking tub, and a balcony.
Sky Suite Ocean View
From $849/night
Features sea views
Includes a king sized bed, a large walk-in shower with 3 shower heads, a free-standing soaking tub, a furnished balcony, yoga mats, and a separate sitting area.
Presidential Suite
Features sea views
This 2 floor, 1250 sq. ft. suite includes a king sized bed, a pull-out double bed, vaulted ceilings, a 55 in. television, a wet bar, and the best view in the house. The unit also offers a free-standing soaking tub and a decadently furnished balcony.
Price not listed
All rooms at the S hotel come standard with the following amenities: blackout drapes, work desk and complimentary wi-fi, satellite tv, air-conditioning, voip phone, multi-plug usb connection device, complimentary bottled water, coffee & tea maker and in-room dining, iron & ironing board and laundry service, safety deposit box, hairdryer & robes
Special Experiences
The S Hotel is located on Montego Bay, an area that offers a mix of cultural experiences, from lively street markets and reggae music to historical tourist sites like the Usain Bolt Sports Bar. Visitors can savor delicious Jamaican cuisine at the iconic, cliffside Rick’s Cafe, and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and diving in the turquoise waters of Harmony Beach Park. The S Hotel may not provide many complimentary activities, but Montego Bay is just a step off resort grounds and is full of higher paced fun and adventure.
For those who are in the camp that believes vacations are for relaxing, the S Hotel has everything you need to feel pampered, restored, and rejuvenated.
Things we like:
-
Beautiful rooms and facilities with decor that is on trend
-
Gorgeous sea views from rooms and hotel sky deck
-
Full service, holistic, luxury spa
-
Complimentary use of certain spa amenities
-
Adults only
-
Great, bustling location
Things we don't like:
-
The resort doesn’t offer many activities – no watersports equipment, excursions or events
-
Adults only – not great for family
Frequently asked questions about S Hotel Jamaica
The S Hotel in Montego Bay was under way in 2018 and opened in January of 2019. Thankfully, the new resort survived the pandemic and remains a trendy, new tourist hotspot.
Tipping practices at all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica vary, but seasoned travelers recommend budgeting around $150-$200 per week for tips around the resort. However, it’s best to check the specific resort’s policies and consider individual service quality. Some resorts include gratuities, but additional tips are appreciated for excellent service.
While most all-inclusive resorts explicitly state in their marketing that you should not feel obligated to tip, it is certainly always appreciated by staff and can be a good way to reward and encourage exceptional service. For drinks at the pool or sit-down meals, tipping a couple dollars per drink or per person is courteous and appreciated by staff.
Back
Comments