Round Hill Hotel & Villas

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Virgin rating

The hotel

Undoubtedly one of the most sought after hotels in the Caribbean, Round Hill Hotel & Villas has been a long-standing Jamaican icon since its opening in 1953. A former pineapple estate on the outskirts of Montego Bay, what is it about Round Hill that makes it such a magnet? Round Hill is where Jacqueline and JFK spent their honeymoon, where Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the Sound of Music, where Hitchcock got sunburned and where Noel Coward, if egged on enough, would sing for the guests. After 70 years, Round Hill has a million stories to tell. Today, this elegant beachfront resort offers the same blend of qualities that has always pulled the famous names and faces; namely a well-preserved slice of old Jamaica and tremendous hospitality. You still enjoy the plantation’s stylish architecture and a predictably colonial pace of life, but with the added pull of an oceanfront spa, an exceptional family program and refurbished hotel rooms designed for beach living by Ralph Lauren, (perhaps whilst visiting his own villa at Round Hill). The ocean side restaurant perfectly blends the hotel’s historic pedigree with its new energy, classic décor with an open kitchen and wood-fired grill.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Tennis
  • Water Skiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Babysitting service
  • Kids Club
  • Honeymoon
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access

Where is it

A former pineapple plantation on a lush green peninsula with 110 acres of beautifully manicured grounds on a golden crescent shaped beach, close to Montego Bay. Transport time from Montego Bay Airport: 35 minutes.

Hotel information

36 ocean front rooms and 27 private villas, most with a private pool. All with air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi access and safe. Ocean View Rooms feature white stone floors, 4-poster mahogany bamboo beds, Ralph Lauren designed upholstered furniture, bathrooms with soaking tub, rain showers and wet bar, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Oceanfront Balcony Rooms are located on the first floor, and feature a balcony or patio with views of Round Hill's bay, with 1 four-poster king-size bed, 2 four-poster double beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

One Bedroom Suites are located on the hillside and offer a separate living space and private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Each of the private, luxury villas are uniquely designed ranging from two-six bedrooms, in the Classic, Signature and Estate category. Theses spacious villas are set on the hillside surrounded by lush foliage and bright, tropical blooms. Each offering the highest expression of comfort and refinement while maximising indoor/outdoor living, private pools, ample outdoor lounging areas, and outdoor showers, spacious en-suite bathrooms. dedicated housekeeping staff.

Please note: a room sleeping more than 2 adults will include either an additional sofa bed/rollaway bed.

The rooftop restaurant The Grill offers ocean views. The open kitchen specialises in wood fire grills and special seafood. Other dining options include the Seaside Terrace, The Restaurant at Round Hill (seasonal) the Cocktail Bar, daily high tea, room service* and private in-villa dining*. Guests can also enjoy light snacks and refreshments on the beach and at the beach and pool bar. Theme buffet dinners served on some evenings on the seaside terrace. Join in the cocktail lounge for afternoon tea, daily from 4:00-pm-5:00pm.

Weekly beach party and Saturday jazz. Managers cocktail party each Wednesday.

Double infinity pool. Fitness centre. Oceanfront spa* and beauty salon*. 5 tennis courts with optional tuition* if required. Pickle ball. Snorkelling, paddle boats, water-skiing*, kayaking, glass-bottom boats and windsurfing. Sunset cruises and fishing trips can also be arranged*. Nature walk with head gardener (weekly on a Friday). Jogging and walking trails. Outdoor yoga pavilion. Kids' Club.

Complimentary high-speed WiFi. Babysitting service*.

4 nights between 25th-30th November.

5 nights between 15th-20th February, 14th March-4th April.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: this hotel charges an additional room tax, ranging from $4-$24 per room per night prior to arrival, or upon check out.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1592)
  • Very good (150)
  • Average (57)
  • Poor (27)
  • Terrible (20)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bring a big bag of money

Sep 20, 2024 Venture11882857839

The villa was very spacious and the staff were very accomodating. Meal service was excellent for the most part, with lunch rather limited in terms of options. Nice beach and pool area. The villas are owned by various people, very comfortable and well maintained. I would mention that for what they are charging, they are NOT delivering.… Read more
The villa was very spacious and the staff were very accomodating. Meal service was excellent for the most part, with lunch rather limited in terms of options. Nice beach and pool area. The villas are owned by various people, very comfortable and well maintained. I would mention that for what they are charging, they are NOT delivering. Everything you consume comes with a bill, usually exhorbitant, and they are adding 18% gratuity and then asking you for more. For example, two small glasses of lemonade were $12, not including gratuity! Once the staff figures out you are not a walking ATM, they find subtle ways to let you know you are not measuring up. After all, celebrities frequent this resort! Hand over the Cash! Tennis and kids camp were somewhat disorganized, the "lifeguard" at the pool was a joke. He spent his time schmoozing up the villa owners and looking for gratuities. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful property in a serene and peaceful setting

Sep 4, 2024 MissJaneo New York City, New York

I had a wonderful time at Round Hill Hotel & Villas. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, that despite being a solo traveler, I felt very comfortable. I was always greeted with a smile and everyone was very helpful and accommodating. The food was delicious and I loved the peaceful and picturesque setting. The infinity pool was gorgeous… Read more
I had a wonderful time at Round Hill Hotel & Villas. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, that despite being a solo traveler, I felt very comfortable. I was always greeted with a smile and everyone was very helpful and accommodating. The food was delicious and I loved the peaceful and picturesque setting. The infinity pool was gorgeous and overlooked a small quiet bay. The four poster bed was not only beautiful, but so comfortable! The room also boasted a gorgeous view out over the water. This is a great hotel for travelers looking for luxury, serenity and who value excellent service. I hope to visit again one day! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Once in a lifetime trip to a Jamaican Paradise

Sep 2, 2024 Claudette L

This was a fabulous first trip, the villa was exquisite, beautiful scenery, wonderful staff, Jaxson, Danette, Angela, Laura, Aldon, Chanquis and Kemar. These staff members along with the Reception staff made us feel very special. Thank you.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Stay!

Aug 25, 2024 Travel19702014

We had the pleasure to celebrate our anniversary at the stunning Round Hill Resort! From the moment we arrived we were greeted by Kevin, the bellman who guided us to the front desk and provided a welcome drink of our choice. Josef Forstmayr, the Managing Director also came out and provided such a warm welcome. Jermaine provided a scented cold… Read more
We had the pleasure to celebrate our anniversary at the stunning Round Hill Resort! From the moment we arrived we were greeted by Kevin, the bellman who guided us to the front desk and provided a welcome drink of our choice. Josef Forstmayr, the Managing Director also came out and provided such a warm welcome. Jermaine provided a scented cold towel and we got checked in quickly. Kevin brought us up to our Villa and showed us around. Amazing private villa with our own pool and amazing views of the Caribbean ocean! Breakfast was provided in the Villa by Janet and Jimmy who both were such wonderful persons. We had dinner at the restaurant and Devon and Laverne took such great care of us and had a fantastic meal. Round Hill is such a gem, with amazing staff and management. Check out was done quickly by Michell, the Front Office Manager with such professionalism and warm hospitality. Round Hill had a very special place in our heart as we celebrated our anniversary several times at this beautiful resort. Book the private villa! It’s worth it! Well done Josef and all the Round Hill team. One love! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Heaven on Earth

Aug 24, 2024 AndrewJJB Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Cottage 9 is so wonderfully appointed, done with such a unique eye. Round Hill is one of a kind. The people, the place, the history all make this such a special destination, a heaven on earth. It is timeless and it is truly Jamaican, the elegance of yesteryear lives on.