JEWEL DUNN'S RIVER BEACH RESORT & SPA ALL INCLUSIV - Ocho Rios Mammee Bay Jamaica Map

4.5 out of 5 Based on 1560 guest reviews, Very Good

Based on 1,958 traveler reviews

Value

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Excellent

1309

Very Good

448

Average

145

Poor

Terrible

Most Recent Traveler Reviews:

“Decent”

May 22, 2013 Tay685, Newark, Delaware | Trip type: Couples

This was our first trip to Jamaica and we wanted it to be nice. Since this resort is "Adult Only", my fiance and I figured that it should be nice... more »

This was our first trip to Jamaica and we wanted it to be nice. Since this resort is "Adult Only", my fiance and I figured that it should be nice and relaxing so we booked it. When we first got the the resort the concierge quickly came up to us, grabbed our bags and sat us in the bar area. I had to ask them what they were doing because I cant just be going along what people are telling me to do without notice. I get the concept of not having to lift a finger but it would have been nice if they would let you know instead of shoving you around.
Once we were all checked in they said that our bags would be brought up to our room yet 30 mins later still no bags, I had to actually go ask the staff to get my luggage for me so that I could shower or else I would get it myself. The nice man did it quickly so i was pleased with that. The room was basic nothing special it was just fine by me to stay in however, the bed squeaked a bit much for me. The view was very nice and the grounds were well maintained.
Food was definitely an issue, there was not enough restaurants open, the food options were slim and the food was mediocre. The restaurants closed at 930-10pm and the only grill place that was open 24/7 was a boring meal.The only decent dining was at Jade Samurai, which is a must if you do decide to stay here. Drinks were pretty strong, I actually had to tell them to hold back on the liquor and wouldnt call myself a light drinker.
Entertainment was just "okay" nothing special. The beach was small but fortunately it was not crowded. The good thing is that it was never packed and there was always a place to sit and the staff was friendly. This is definitely a place that older married couples (45+) would love to be or if your main intentions is to RELAX. If you are looking for fun and a bit exciting without having to go far this is definitely not the place to go. Overall I enjoyed myself once we got out and did some excursions and when we came back at least we knew it would not be a lot of noise so that was very peaceful. This place could definitely use some upgrades. If I had to stay here again for the price I would just make sure you plan excursions and things to do to keep occupied. « less

“Amazing place amazing people!!”

May 21, 2013 amyrburch, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Trip type: Couples

I thought for sure I had written a review when we came back but I guess we didn't. My boyfriend and I went here last year in April. We had... more »

“Perfect vacation spot!”

May 21, 2013 crazyladybug78, Nashville, Tennessee | Trip type: Friends getaway

I had done my research, but was still pleasantly surprised at how much my husband and I enjoyed this resort. Wonderful people, staff and location. Interesting and changing daily activities.... more »

“Beautiful Property & super friendly staff!”

May 21, 2013 Emily M, Humble, Texas | Trip type: Couples

The Jewel was a beautiful resort with a super friendly staff. Our room was gorgeous, just like the pictures show. I loved the intimacy and smallness of the resort. We... more »

“An amazing honeymoon!”

May 21, 2013 Adam H, Kentucky, USA | Trip type: Couples

I was skeptical at first with the resort being an hour and a half from the airport, but it only added to the experience! We got on a charter bus... more »

I was skeptical at first with the resort being an hour and a half from the airport, but it only added to the experience! We got on a charter bus with quite a few other people and were driven from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios. No stops were made, but you could buy water or Red Strip right there on the bus. Drinks were a little pricey ($4 per beer) but we got one as our first Red Strip in Jamaica. The bus driver was very knowledgeable and talked about sites and history during the drive.
As we stopped at other resorts to drop people off, many of them had lines for people checking in to stand in and wait. Upon our arrival at Jewel Dunn's River Resort, we were told to take a seat in the lobby and then given a cold towel and mixed drink. We were given a check in sheet to fill out and then told to bring it to the desk for check in at our leisure.
We had an ocean view room on the 4th floor which was spectacular! The view was amazing and the bed was so comfortable. Not a huge room, but there were only 2 of us so it didn't need to be big.
The resort as a whole is not huge, but I think that is what we liked most about it. The food ranged from spectacular to just okay. We loved the Moonstone, but the hibachi was just okay. Breakfast was always spectacular whether we ate the buffet or Platinum. We never ate in the Platinum restaurant for dinner because there was a dress code. If you are a guy, bring slacks/khakis, dress shoes, and a collared shirt to eat here.
As for the bars, they were all great! It was especially nice having a server bring drinks to you on the beach or pool deck! Speaking of service, the employees were fantastic! From Basil, Yasil, and Diego who would go out of there way to get you things while you laid on the beach or pool deck, to Damon and George and their incredible service in the restaurants, they were all spectacular. I would recommend taking $50+ in singles to tip people as it is encouraged and many of them greatly appreciate anything.
One service we really didn't know about, but did use when we found out about it was the non-motorized water sports. They had kayaks and sail boats. We did not know how to use the sail boats, but the Jewel does have employees to take you out. We went out twice on the sail boats, the first time with Vidal and the second time with Johnny. Both trips were incredible and both Vidal and Johnny were awesome! Vidal took us to a private beach where we collected pink seashells, and Johnny took us to a private waterfall where a scene from James Bond was filmed. It was so great and made our trip so much better to be able to use the sail boats and guides!
We took 2 excursions while on the trip, one was a catamaran tour to Dunn's River Falls and the other was the Spirit of Reggae. Both were so much fun and I would highly recommend both. They were not directly through the hotel, but the activities desk did set them up for us. They were very helpful and easy to work with!
A very pleasant surprise was the beach party and formal dinner we had. Tuesday night, all restaurants were closed and a party was set up on the beach. The had a buffet style dinner with Jamaican specialty foods. After the dinner, they had performances by a band and dancers, a snake charmer, and a fire dancer. It was so much fun and I am glad that we went! On Friday night, a formal dinner was set up. It was the same thing that all restaurants were closed and you were forced to go to the dinner, but it was great! The food was incredible (probably some of the best we had at the resort) and there were singers and a band to perform while we dined. Both dinners were a very pleasant surprise!
Overall this was an amazing trip! Do not have any doubt about this resort! It is awesome and you must stay here! From the room and view, to the grounds of the resort and the amazing employees, it was so awesome! I cannot talk enough about how amazing the employees were, especially the exceptional employees that I listed above. They enhanced the experience for us and give us so much more reason to go back to Jamaica and especially Jewel Dunn's River Resort! « less

These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.