There are many hotels in Jamaica that are associated with luxury and relaxation and are highly praised for their exceptional services, and there are also a number of resorts that do not live up to the expectations that they set. Three hotels with poor ratings were discovered on TripAdvisor and Top-Rated.online, revealed by a stream of negative reviews posted as recently as October 2024 and stretching back over the past seven years. Here, we will highlight and explore these three hotels, which left guests feeling far from satisfied, resulting in criticisms due to poor conditions, service issues, and mismanagement.
Royal Decameron Montego Beach
The first hotel on our list of Jamaica’s worst-rated hotels is located near Montego Bay’s famous “Hip Strip,” and this hotel is called Royal Decameron Montego Beach Resort. The hotel promises ocean views from every room, but despite the impressive location, the hotel garnered mixed reviews. While some guests had positive experiences, numerous guests expressed frustration over unkept amenities, unfriendly staff, and subpar cleanliness. Among the wave of negative comments, guests complained about the lack of towels and snorkelling gear and also the dated and poorly maintained rooms.
One of the reviews from an unhappy guest read, “The room was filthy and basic. The pool was dirty, and the food was dreadful.” Other reviews also mentioned that the hotel was not worth the cost, as even the food options were limited. The complaints did not stop there, as guests even highlighted that the staff and management were indifferent to their complaints.
Olympia Crown Hotel
Second on the list of Jamaica’s worst-rated hotels is the Olympia Crown Hotel, which is situated in Kingston. Olympia Crown Hotel is described as a budget-friendly option that promotes itself as a comfortable, convenient stay for travellers. However, many guests have shared their dissatisfaction with its poor maintenance, lack of basic cleanliness, and insufficient customer service. While Olympia Crown Hotel received some good comments about the friendliness of the staff, other complaints highlighted that the hotel has aged facilities, including broken air-conditioning units, unclean rooms, and a lack of essential items like towels and phones in certain rooms.
One irate customer shared a shocking experience of witnessing a rat emerging from an air-conditioning unit in their room, stating, “It was the most disgusting experience I’ve ever had in my entire life.” The flood of complaints continued, with others noting that the elevator was out of service; there were uncleaned sheets, mould, and even roaches. Another guest wrote unhappily, “Better sleep in your car or under a bridge.”
Indies Hotel
The third hotel that has made the list is the Indies Hotel in Kingston, which markets itself as a cosy, affordable place to stay for those exploring Jamaica’s capital. However, his hotel received poor ratings for having outdated facilities, an unappealing and noisy environment, and lacking basic amenities. Guests shared their concerns regarding malfunctioning air conditioning units at the property, cramped bathrooms, and poorly prepared food.
Additionally, one guest complained about losing a cellphone that was stolen from their room and managed to be unbothered about the issue. As the criticism continued, guests even encouraged other potential visitors to visit elsewhere. One comment read, “The state of the room was unbelievable… The light switch was falling off, and the cupboards were broken.”
While the reputation of these hotels seemingly took a hit online from the negative reviews they garnered, there are still visitors who find these locations to be a pleasant experience and would encourage others to visit and formulate their own opinions. Nevertheless, extensive research is crucial for anyone who intends to book a special vacation spot so they do not come across unpleasant surprises.
