There are over 144 hotels and guest houses throughout the island; all are subject to 15 per cent general consumption tax. There is an annual ‘Spring Break’ over March/April, during which students holidaying in Jamaica are offered discount rates at selected hotels. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board for details (see Top Things To Do). Grading: Hotels are government-controlled in four categories: A, B, C and D.

There are over 800 cottages for rent on the island. Information is available from the Jamaica Tourist Board (see Top Things To Do). The properties range from small apartments to houses with several bedrooms. Some tour operators can arrange villa accommodation including car hire and tours, as well as travel to and from the villa.

The island has many campsites, including the eco-tourist Sonrise Beach Retreat (formerly known as 'Strawberry Fields') which offers all types of facilities, including the hiring of tents and ancillary equipment.

Jamaican Association of Villas & Apartments Ltd (JAVA)
PO Box 298, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Tel: 974 2508 or 974 2763.
Website: www.villasinjamaica.com

Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association
2 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica
Tel: 926 3635.
Website: www.jhta.org