My first trip to Jamaica came at the perfect time. I was due for a much-needed escape that always seems to call me around my birthday. I let my husband and two year old tag along (lol) but fully intended on relaxing as much as possible. I booked the trip to Montego Bay last minute through Blue Key Travel by Denise Lamb, giving her just about two weeks to pull everything together before my intended departure. It was also my first time working with a travel agent, and the experience couldn’t have been easier. I simply shared my dates and my destination, and she handled the rest: flights, airport transfers, and an all-inclusive, oceanfront stay at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort. I was set and looking forward to it.
It was also my first time flying JetBlue—how come no one told me how comfortable their planes are? The flight attendants were lovely. They handed out full-sized snacks and full drinks. I thought it might’ve been a special fluke heading to Jamaica, but the return flight offered the same level of service and comfort. As a loyal Delta girl, I definitely made a mental note for future trips.
Landing in Jamaica was easy, though the line through immigration was long, even for February. Thankfully, we found favor with an airport attendant who saw us with our toddler and moved us to a different line, expediting our process. Following our travel agent’s directions, we made our way to the proper booth after immigration and were quickly escorted outside to wait for our transport to the resort. The weather was beautiful. The music was flowing. Some travelers had already started their vacations, drinks in hand from the bar just outside the airport. Yet, in the midst of all the noise and motion, the only thing I could think as I breathed in the air and took in the landscape was: Jamaica feels like home.
I couldn’t quite articulate why at first. Maybe it was growing up in New York, where Jamaican culture pulses through the city’s heartbeat. Maybe it was that many of my closest friends from childhood to adulthood have been Jamaican. But later that day, as we checked in to Hilton Rose Hall and were escorted to our room, my husband leaned in and whispered, “Jamaicans look like Nigerians.”
It was the exact thought I’d had walking through the airport. Hearing him say it unprompted validated the feeling. The man helping us with our bags had the build, the facial structure, and the very presence of an Igbo man. It was almost surreal to hear his authentic Jamaican accent come from someone I could so easily imagine walking the streets of Lagos.
Internally, I found myself reflecting: Look how far our people have traveled. Surviving across oceans and generations in spite of how much they’ve endured. In that moment, I knew choosing Jamaica for this birthday trip was exactly what my soul needed.
Now, I’m going to be honest: I stayed on the resort almost the entire time, only leaving once. I know that’s not what people usually recommend if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture. But my intention for this vacation was clear: rest.
I live for a beachfront, everything in one place, leisure, moving slow and savoring ease. Waking up at the crack of dawn with a toddler to rush to excursions or spend hours in a van wasn’t my idea of peace. There will be another time for that.
Let’s Start With Food
Now that I’ve set the scene—let’s get into my experience at Hilton Rose Hall Resort. There are so many lovely things about this property. However, if you are foodie like me, honestly, this place may not be for you. That was my number one issue during our stay. I could not get into the food. It is so disappointing because I know Jamaicans are great cooks, I could not understand how, what, why, the food was so off. I tried room service, the buffet, quick bites, and even some sit down restaurants. From the basics of hamburger and fries, nachos, to even the Jamaican dishes. It very much gave they were catering heavily to a certain audience. Even my toddler was boycotting the food. Our saving grace was the Jerk Hut on the beach which was nice and the beef patties in the cafe. I wish they had a secret menu for those of us who wanted authentic Jamaican food because I refuse to believe the resort food represented them in any way shape or form.
As for the one time I left the resort, remember that? It was to visit Jamaica’s famous KFC. Let me tell you: it lived up to the hype. Be patient, though! The line is long and there’s definitely a wait to receive your order. But it’s absolutely worth it. I was thrilled to watch my daughter devour her KFC meal after giving the resort food major side eye all week. (Same, girl, same.)
Little tip: if you want local beef patties off the resort café, get there early or prepare to miss out. We were not able to purchase because the beef patty bakeries sell out early.
I don’t really drink alcohol so I can’t review that, but the mocktails were delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of the drinks and tropical flavors.
If food isn’t a dealbreaker for you, let’s continue.
Hospitality & Room
The hospitality at Hilton Rose Hall starts the moment you step off your airport transport and arrive at the check-in desk. As soon as you enter the lobby, the size of the resort becomes apparent. It’s spacious, airy, and styled with a beautiful, modern aesthetic. Staff were quick to greet us and check vacationers in efficiently, keeping the energy welcoming but organized.
We booked a double oceanfront room that kept the modern vibe flowing. Everything felt crisp and clean. The bathroom vanity was a little small for me, especially traveling with a full beauty case setup, but otherwise, the room was lovely. The beds were comfortable, and our balcony offered a view of the pool below and the beach just beyond. At one point, while walking my daughter to the pool, my husband could spot part of our journey from the room’s balcony—a small detail that made the resort feel a little more intimate despite its size.
Life on the Resort
The Hilton Rose Hall Resort features a couple of pools and a water park. I enthusiastically parked us at the shallow end of the main pool, which flowed directly into one of my favorite things: the lazy river.
I love a lazy river. It automatically gives any vacation spot extra points in my book.
The pool area was very family-friendly. At any moment, you could see a baby floating by in a tube or toddlers splashing around with parents. Even though it catered to families, they still had a swim-up bar for everyone to enjoy. When seated, attendants regularly came by to take food and drink orders, delivering them right to your lounge chair.
Activities are scheduled throughout the day, from water aerobics to karaoke nights. There’s a posted schedule, so you can choose how much (or how little) you want to join in. There’s also a kids’ club available, though children under three aren’t eligible to attend.
As I mentioned before, my main priority was to rest.
Most late afternoons, you could find me strolling the expansive resort grounds by myself, heading toward the beachfront. After a quick stop at the jerk hut and bar for a snack and drink, I would settle into a cabana of choice to nap, read, or simply be. During the day, cabanas are available for rent, and I believe they come with a personal attendant to service you throughout your stay. But after hours, the crowds thin out. The beach becomes peace itself: ocean breeze, warm sun, soft quiet, and a very kind older man who worked the area that referred to me as Empress when he encouraged me to enjoy myself.
The Spa!
Another notable experience to indulge in at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort is the spa. I can never resist a birthday massage. They offered the choice of an indoor or outdoor session. Of course, I chose the outdoor option. Meeting the friendly spa staff by the beachside huts was seamless.
I initially thought it would be completely open-air like you see in many resort photos, but it was more of a covered hut facing the ocean, with an outdoor shower attached. The setup allowed a window to remain open during the massage, inviting the sea breeze in as background music. You could still hear the faint sound of the resort, but it did not take me out of the experience. My masseuse had lovely energy and delivered just the right amount of pressure. I thoroughly enjoyed it—and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a moment of pure ease during your stay.
Final Thoughts
My final tip: prepare to spend when leaving the resort. You can exchange currency at the airport or use the resort’s ATM. Our quick taxi ride to KFC and a nearby outdoor food spot cost around $50 USD. I’ll admit I gave a slight side-eye at the price once I saw how short the distance was. However, our driver was incredibly kind and patient, waiting for us at each location, and safely bringing us back to the hotel—which made the cost feel worthwhile.
As for Jamaica itself? Jamaica agreed with me. I look forward to returning and exploring more of the island’s vibrant soul in the future.
Despite the many wonderful aspects of Hilton Rose Hall—the pools, the lazy river, the hospitality—the food was a deal breaker for me. I want to be fair: there are plenty of food options scattered across the resort, covering a wide range of meals and snacks. You won’t go hungry. But for me, the quality simply didn’t match the environment. As Keith Lee often says: “I am not the target audience.” To be immersed in such a beautiful environment, receiving good service, but eating subpar food for days—that’s not the experience I’m looking for.
And next time I come to Jamaica? I will try a different resort. I also commit to exploring the island’s culinary heart beyond the resort walls.
