Tourists began to come to Montego Bay on banana boats in the mid-20th century. The former sugar port quickly grew into a center for Jamaican tourism and Montego Bay hotels sprang up along Gloucester Avenue and on the beaches of the surrounding coastline. Before long, Montego Bay hotels developed the idea of the all-inclusive Montego Bay vacation.

Choosing a hotel in Montego Bay Jamaica is no easy matter. Montego Bay hotels offer more guest rooms than any other city on the island. As with other places, it is best to use a travel agent or search online for good deals combining accommodation and flights. Most resorts offer special rates at select times, especially during the off-season from May to November.

The innovators of modern all-inclusive vacations, in which accommodation includes all meals, drinks, and many activities, Montego Bay hotels remain some of the best in the Caribbean and keep developing new perks and features to appeal to vacationers.

Half Moon Montego Bay Resort is a perennial favorite on top lists of Caribbean resorts. This exclusive hotel is set on a half-mile stretch of white-sand beach about 8 miles from the town center. Accommodations here are top of the line, especially in the private villas, most of which have their own private pool. If you can afford it (rooms range from $300 to $3,000 a night), this is the best place for a Montego Bay vacation. Half Moon has also won awards for its environmental policies.

Round Hill Hotel is another top Montego Bay resort, a legend ever since it opened in 1953 and has long attracted the rich and famous from Europe and North America. Other high-end resorts include Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Coyaba, and Breezes Montego Bay. The best Montego Bay resort for golfers is indubitably Tyrall Golf, Tennis, and Beach Club to the west of town. The spacious grounds include one of Jamaica's finest courses.

Less well-heeled travelers looking for a hotel in Montego Bay Jamaica need not despair. Good Montego Bay hotels at more affordable prices include the Doctors Cave Beach Hotel, located right on the best (but most crowded) beach in the area; the colonial-style Coral Cliff Home, and the inland Richmond Hill Inn, former residence of the Dewar family (of scotch fame).

Budget travelers looking for a hotel in Montego Bay Jamaica should head downtown to Ashanti Inn, a pleasant small hotel overlooking the city; the basic YMCA hostel, with beds for as little as $20 a night; or the backpackers haunt of Linkage Guest House.

Families on a Montego Bay vacation looking for something a bit less basic at a low cost might consider one of the small, friendly hotels along Gloucester Avenue.

You can find the right hotel in Montego Bay Jamaica whatever your taste or budget. Just be sure to get out of the Montego Bay resort and explore this diverse city.