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Courtleigh Hotel & Suites – 85 Knutsford Blvd., New Kingston

Heftier prices here but we’re in the big city, folks! This 10-story family-owned hotel is about 25 minutes from Norman Manley International and is situated right in the heart of the business/financial district between the Hilton and Jamaica Pegasus. Clubs and restaurants are all within easy walking distance. It has 126 clean and spacious rooms and suites with stunning views over Kingston, the beautiful Caribbean, or the mountains. The suites are particularly large, with separate living and dining area, and a kitchenette. With a good restaurant (Alexander’s), a refreshing (but very small) pool, and a friendly, helpful staff, this is a good and safe recommendation for business travelers and tourists alike. Phone: 876.929.9000. Visit them on the web.

Again, we're in the big city now so the prices might be a little higher than our usual suggestions, but the Spanish Court Hotel is Kingston's first new hotel in 40 years and is well worth your consideration. Opened June 14, 2009, this trendy, chic, boutique hotel is near the heart of New Kingston, near Independence Park, 3 miles from Devon House, 4 miles from the Bob Marley Museum, handy to the Redbones Blues Cafe and across the road from the British High Commission. The 107 rooms are spacious, very modern, and comfortable and all are equipped with free wireless internet and high-speed (wired) internet, 42-inch flat-panel plasma TVs, a mini fridge, in-room safes and coffeemakers. There is also a fitness room. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning and the full restaurant menu is available from room service 24 hours a day. Guests report that the service at the hotel is efficient and extremely friendly. A small "lap pool" is located on top of a narrow 2nd floor rooftop-deck over the lobby. For your convenience, there's a grocery store across the street. Spanish Court offers free parking and is a smoke-free facility. They offer special rates for weekends and other times, so be sure to ask about those when you contact them. Phone: 876.926.0000. Visit them on the web.

Anchorage Bed and Breakfast – 2 Gwendon Park Ave., Norbrook, Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica

City View Hotel - Mannings Hill Rd., Smokey Vale, Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica

Neita's Nest Bed and Breakfast - Stony Hill, Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica

Forres Park Nature Resort and Spa - Mavis Bank, Blue Mountains National Park

Mount Edge Guesthouse – near Newcastle, Blue Mountains National Park

Two miles after Redlight on the road from Papine to Newcastle, and about a 30-minute drive north of Kingston, you will find the very rustic and remote Mount Edge Guesthouse perched on a hillside, high in the Blue Mountains. In their all-wood buildings, they offer bunks for backpackers, two private rooms with shared bath, and three cottages with private bath. The views are breathtaking and the rates are so unimaginably low – you could spend an entire month here for under US$500! Mount Edge is way up in the mountains, literally in the middle of nowhere. If you want serenity in the midst of magnificent scenery, lush tropical vegetation, birds and fresh cool air, this is right up your alley. Perfect for hikers and mountain explorers, there are trails to the river, a garden hot tub, a small bar and a warm, positive Jamaican vibe. The hosts prepare enjoyable family-style meals. Pack any luxury items you can’t live without – you won’t find them here. Phone: 876.944.8151, 876.944.8974 or 876.351.5083. Visit them on the web.

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