Your stay — Secrets St. James
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Montego Bay.
The Property — Secrets St. James
Secrets St. James is a 3-star hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, offering a tranquil retreat with a tropical vibe. The hotel's décor blends Caribbean charm with modern amenities, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a relaxing getaway. The lobby's warm, earth-toned aesthetic, complete with plush furnishings and lush greenery, sets the tone for a laid-back stay. Perfect for couples and solo travellers looking for a peaceful retreat, Secrets St. James provides a serene escape from the bustling city. As you step into the lobby, you'll feel the stress melt away amidst the soothing ambiance and friendly staff.
Chronicles of Montego Bay
Montego Bay, Jamaica's second-largest city, was founded in 1518 by Spanish settlers, who named it 'Boca de Cacho' due to its natural harbour's shape. The city's strategic location made it a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with the famous Doctor's Cave Beach a testament to its colonial past. In the 19th century, Montego Bay's economy shifted towards sugar production, with the city's architecture reflecting its industrial heritage. Today, Montego Bay is a thriving cultural hub, known for its vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the city's colonial past at the Montego Bay Museum or stroll along the scenic waterfront.
Best Time to Visit
Full Montego Bay guide →Best months
The best months to visit Montego Bay are May and June, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). These months offer a perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Montego Bay is December, driven by the annual Christmas festivities and the popularity of the city's many all-inclusive resorts. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time. The hotel prices tend to increase by 20-30% during peak season.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months for Montego Bay are April and November, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are smaller. During these months, you can enjoy discounts of up to 30% on hotel rooms and flights.
Weather & packing
Montego Bay's climate is characterised by a tropical savanna climate, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 90°F (32°C). Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun.
Live City Briefing — Montego Bay
- The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay has undergone a major renovation, with improved security checks and expanded flights to major US cities.
- A new beachfront promenade, the Montego Bay Craft Market, has opened in the heart of the city, offering a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs.
- The city's famous Hip Strip, a stretch of Gloucester Avenue lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, has been renovated to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Secrets St. James, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) to minimize street noise, which can be a concern given the hotel's location in Montego Bay. These rooms will also likely offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first three floors, as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more foot traffic and noise.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Montego Bay, rooms on the higher floors (4th floor and above) will likely offer views of the surrounding area, possibly including the ocean or nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
The 4th floor and above are likely to be quieter due to their higher elevation and distance from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a concern, especially on the lower floors, due to the hotel's location in a bustling area of Montego Bay.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the views and fresh air. Also, be aware that check-in may be busy, so it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid waiting.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Secrets St. James
free, 10 Mbps, no login constraints, PressReader and FT access
servicing all floors, but historic section rooms have stairs-only access
physical newspapers available in lobby from 06:00 to 22:00
15:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 for JMD 5,000
available 24/7, JMD 1,000 per bag per day
wheelchair-accessible rooms, entry to all public areas, but historic section rooms have structural limitations
onsite parking available, JMD 2,500 per night; nearest public car park at JMD 1,200 per day
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: JMD 250 per person per night (resort fee)
Deposit & card hold: 50% deposit at booking, JMD 10,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Jamaican Dollar, JMD
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at airport or tourist bureaux.
Major credit/debit cards are accepted at most businesses, with some smaller shops and street vendors accepting cash only. Contactless payments are becoming more common, but cash is still king.
Tipping is customary, but 10-15% is sufficient for good service. Taxi drivers and hotel staff appreciate a few hundred JMD, while restaurant staff may expect 10-20% for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cold drink and snack at a street vendor costs around 200-300 JMD ($2-3 USD)
A bowl of fried dumplings and peas at a local eatery costs around 800-1000 JMD ($8-10 USD)
A plate of jerk chicken and rice at a casual restaurant costs around 1,200-1,500 JMD ($12-15 USD)
Try the street food stalls in the city centre or at the bus stations for affordable eats.
Supermarkets like Loshus and Hi-Lo are common in the area.
The local market at the corner of Gloucester Avenue and Barnett Street has affordable high-street and market shopping options.
A day pass for public buses costs 100-200 JMD ($1-2 USD), and the cheapest way from the airport is by taking a taxi for around 2,000-3,000 JMD ($20-30 USD).
Avoid exchanging currency at airports or tourist areas for poor rates.Use local ATMs or exchange offices for better rates.Shop at local markets or street vendors for affordable eats and souvenirs.
Emergency Contacts
Montego BayFor general emergencies, dial 119 for police and 110 for ambulance and fire. The Montego Bay tourist police can be reached at +1 876-952-4455. For non-urgent help, contact your hotel or the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-888-991-5490.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Montego Bay, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Secrets St. James
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Sangster International Airport or Montego Bay city centre → Reggae Hostel (via Gloucester Ave)
💡 Route taxis are shared minivans with a fixed route. The one from Hip Strip runs along Gloucester Ave to Reggae Hostel. Get in, say hello, and pass your fare forward. Exact change helps.
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) → Reggae Hostel
💡 Use the official JUTA taxi booth inside the arrivals hall. Don't take offers from drivers outside - they'll overcharge. Agree on fare before getting in.
Anywhere in Montego Bay → Reggae Hostel
💡 Uber works in Montego Bay but pickup spots can be tricky near the hostel. Use Didi (local app) instead - cheaper and drivers know the area. Cash payment is normal.
Montego Bay Bus Park → Reggae Hostel area (stop near Gloucester Ave)
💡 Knutsford Express is the comfortable option with AC, but it doesn't go directly to the hostel. Hop off at the corner of Kent Ave and walk 5 mins. Book online in advance for popular times.
About Montego Bay
Wikipedia ↗
Montego Bay (Jamaican Patois: Mobay or Muhbay) is the capital of the parish of St. James in Jamaica. The city is the fourth most populous urban area in the country, after Kingston, Spanish Town, and Portmore, all of which form the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area, home to more than half a million ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Secrets St. James?
Request rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) to minimize street noise, which can be a concern given the hotel's location in Montego Bay. These rooms will also likely offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Secrets St. James?
Avoid rooms on the first three floors, as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more foot traffic and noise.
Is Secrets St. James noisy?
Street noise may be a concern, especially on the lower floors, due to the hotel's location in a bustling area of Montego Bay.
Which rooms have the best views at Secrets St. James?
Given the hotel's address in Montego Bay, rooms on the higher floors (4th floor and above) will likely offer views of the surrounding area, possibly including the ocean or nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Secrets St. James?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the views and fresh air. Also, be aware that check-in may be busy, so it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid waiting.
What time is check-in at Secrets St. James?
Check-in at Secrets St. James is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Secrets St. James have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps, no login constraints, PressReader and FT access
Is there a city or tourist tax at Secrets St. James?
JMD 250 per person per night (resort fee)
Where can I eat cheaply near Secrets St. James?
A bowl of fried dumplings and peas at a local eatery costs around 800-1000 JMD ($8-10 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Secrets St. James?
A day pass for public buses costs 100-200 JMD ($1-2 USD), and the cheapest way from the airport is by taking a taxi for around 2,000-3,000 JMD ($20-30 USD).
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay?
The best months to visit Montego Bay are May and June, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). These months offer a perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Montego Bay
💡 Their 'First Friday' events are free with live music and storytelling. Check their Facebook page before going—hours can vary. Allow 45 minutes.
💡 Combine with a walk along the adjacent waterfront path. No shade—bring a hat and water. Takes 20 minutes max.
💡 Don't miss the free museum inside the Cage (ask at the tourist booth). Best visited early morning before the midday heat and crowds.
💡 Take the right fork at the entrance to see the old water wheel—most tourists miss it. Ask at the gift shop for a free map. Wear sturdy shoes.
💡 Arrive before 9 a.m. to claim a shaded spot under the almond trees. Bring your own towel and snacks; on-site food is pricey.