The Jamaican Islands along with the capital Kingston and touristic city of Negril are considered a safe destination for LGBT tourists but in the same time Jamaica ins one of the least friendliest destination in Caribbean Islands for the gay travelers. But on the islands we can find some gay friendly hotels Kingston, Jamaica.
Jamaica is the most homophobic island in the Caribbean, with harsh anti-gay laws, even though there’s a large local gay population.
Many all-inclusive resorts, notably the famous Sandals of Jamaica, allow same-sex couples, although they were forced to do so to be able to advertise in Britain. Still, avoid open displays of affection — such as handholding on the streets — in Jamaica: You could be assaulted for trying it.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Jamaica face legal and social issues not experienced by non-LGBT people. Sexual intercourse between men is legally punishable by imprisonment, though this law is no longer enforced and repeal is pending. Sexual intercourse between women is however legal.
In 2006, Time magazine labelled Jamaica “the most homophobic place on Earth”,[3] and in 2013 the majority of LGBT people were subject to homophobic violence.
Kingston is the capital of the island of Jamaica, lying on its southeast coast. In the city center, the Bob Marley Museum is housed in the reggae singer’s former home. Nearby, Devon House is a colonial-era mansion with period furnishings. Hope Botanical Gardens & Zoo showcases native flora and fauna. Northeast of the city, the Blue Mountains are a renowned coffee-growing region with trails and waterfalls
Top Things to See in Kingston
- Admire the 10-foot tall statues at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
- Experience the renaissance of Kingston’s Waterfront.
- See the kaleidoscope of colour on Fleet Street.
- Visit the National Gallery of Jamaica for Last Sundays.
- Unwind at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Papine
- Bob Marley Museum
Day Tours Kingston Jamaica
- Jamaica: Mystic Mountain Sky Explorer Tour
- Bobsled and Dunn’s River Falls Adventure
- Konoko Falls and Garden Tour
- Blue Mountain Nature Hiking Trails and Views
1. Courtyard by Marriott Kingston 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Kingston
Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica offers accommodation in Kingston. The hotel has an outdoor pool and fitness centre, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV. The private bathrooms are equipped with a shower.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.
Located in New Kingston, Jamaica, modern and ideally situated Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica offers 129 appointed guest rooms, including 4 luxurious suites. Our Kingston hotel makes room for both leisure and business travelers. The state-of-the-art lobby at our hotel in Jamaica provides flexible spaces where you can work or relax with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. Discover our modern and ideal setting near many art galleries and music venues, and close to the Bob Marley Museum and Emancipation Park.
The hotel is well guarded and you always feel safe. What I love about this hotel, is that there are many food options nearby. We didn’t feel like eating at the hotel restaurant everyday, so we just walked up Knutsford Blvd and found something we wanted. Kept the cost down as well. Sometimes you just want a patty or some KFC. There is a jerk spot right beside the hotel, don’t go too late or they will run out of food. The hotel room itself was spacious and comfortable. It feels like home. They provide a fridge and complimentary wi-fi. The room is clean and the housekeepers are friendly. They made sure we always had water and fresh towels.
Hotel was clean and standard Courtyard by Marriott although more expensive than ones you’ll find in North America but it’s to be expected due to a lot of economic factors in the country. The pricing at the restaurant and pool bar are indicative of that: a bit pricey but you are eating in a clean and safe environment with decent food. Staff were friendly overall but at times were swamped during breakfast time.
One big bonus is that Emancipation Park across the street is an oasis in the city and I used it everyday to get some exercise.
Would recommend the hotel for travellers for location and safety.
The Courtyard Marriott is very nice property to stay at if you have business in Kingston. The hotel amenities such as Centro, coin-operated laundry (which comes with a tide pod), and the pool bar make it a home away from home. Located right behind Emancipation Park, there are plenty of places to walk from the hotel. Although, I highly recommend taking a Taxi after the sun goes down.
The property itself has a nice little gym with dumbbells up to 50 pounds and a cable machine with up to 94.5 per side. It also has a treadmill, elliptical, recumbent and stationary bike machines. The pool and the pool deck are perfect to escape the Jamaican heat. The pool is about 20m and one that a single person could do some laps.
The pool bar is definitely a place you need to check out! Davioll and Ashinien (the bartenders) were really engaging and gave excellent service and suggestions on spots to check out during my stay. If you need to know anything about where to go or just general information, definitely ask these guys.
The guest rooms are big, spacious, and quiet. The pool, gym, terrace and bar, and downstairs restaurant are all supported by friendly, hard-working people. The hotel is centrally located on Emancipation Park in New Kingston, and has taxis outside available 24 hours. Service standards are high at this hotel, and I would never stay anywhere else when I’m in town.
How much does a room costs at Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica ?
Prices start 155 $/night for King Room. The King Suite is 239$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples. double room features air conditioning.
This suite has a balcony, cable TV and air conditioning.
Where to book online – Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica – Gay Friendly Hotels Kingston Jamaica – you can find the best hotels deals in Kingston during Jamaica’s Carnival (Bacchanal) which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Kingston on Booking.com or Trip.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Spanish Court Hotel 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Kingston Jamaica
Spanish Court Hotel is located in New Kingston, 400 m from Port Royal historical district. It offers a spa, fitness centre and a roof terrace with an infinity pool and great views.
The hotel’s air-conditioned rooms feature free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station and a 48” plasma TV with satellite channels. Each one comes with a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
Rojo Restaurant serves international food, while local delicacies can be tried at The Gallery Café. There is also a poolside bar on the roof terrace.
At Spanish Court Hotel, comfort, convenience and effortless luxury is our signature trademark. The majestic, Spanish-influenced exterior is enhanced by rich, soothing interiors that evoke the Jamaican palette of black, gold and green. Our Guest Rooms, including a selection of Deluxe, Junior and Royal Suites, offer the ideal sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Room Rates include complimentary continental breakfast, wired and wireless Internet Access.
Spanish Court is an exceptional boutique hotel centrally located in Kingston. The staff is professional and attentive to the needs of every guest. You’ll always be greeted with a smile. Unlike the bland food of most hotels, their restaurant strives to give you a true taste of Jamaica. The amenities such as the pools and business center make it a true home away from home.
The Spanish Court Hotel is a great Boutique hotel and perfect for a short stay in New Kingston. This was our 4th time staying there and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The Staff is genuinely friendly and courteous, especially the front desk staff, we particularly want to bring special recognition to Anesha who always greats us with a welcoming smile and warmth.
Usually when we are in Kingston we often go out to many of the restaurants in town for lunch and dinner, but we want to bring special attention to the breakfast offered by the Spanish Court. If you enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine it is exceptional and is always included as part of your stay.
The Amenity spaces are very inviting and comfortable and the recent improvements made our stay even more enjoyable.
This somewhat resembles a “boutique” hotel to me. I preferred the 1st floor rooms vs the 2nd floor where we were 1st assigned. High ceilings in the bedrooms, beds were comfortable and I loved the roman tub/shower combo! The new first floor pool is definitely my favorite of the two pools. Breakfast is included and was delicious everyday.
I always look forward to eating home cooked food. Fried dumpling and plantain plus a new side daily (callaloo, brown stew fish, ackee & saltfish, cabbage & saltfish, etc.) and a variety of porridge daily (oats, cornmeal, banana, hominy corn), your standard fruits + some Jamaican, waffles, bacon, cereals, toast, etc….are also available! The lounge areas were beautiful and we always found a spot to relax. There is a grocery store right across the street so we were able to walk over to pick up snacks, souvenirs, toiletries, etc. Hospitality is top notch.
The Spanish Court is conveniently located in the heart of Kingston, close to Emancipation Park. We were there to visit family and take a quick breather and it’s definitely priced more reasonably than the big resorts so it suited our purpose. We found the accommodations at this boutique hotel safe, clean, beautifully decorated and with a warm welcoming staff. We enjoyed a delicious Jamaican breakfast each morning served in our room, a relaxing massage in the spa and drinks by the pool.
The hotel was very modern inside and provided spacious rooms. The rooms also had a small fridge, some refreshments, and a small safe. The hotel also has a gift shop, cafe shop, restaurant, two pools, business center, spa, and a gym. They also provide complimentary breakfast to all the guests. The restaurant located within the hotel was also amazing with a wide variety of seafood to choose from on the menu. The hotel was very helpful in arranging transportation for me to and from the Kingston airport. They can also arrange transportation to other locales as needed. In fact, the Bob Marley museum is not too far away. Overall, I very enjoyed my stay at the Spanish Court Hotel. I will highly recommend the hotel to others. I plan to stay there again next time I visit Kingston.
How much does a room costs at Spanish Court Hotel ?
Prices start 139 $/night for King Room. The Junior King Suite is 225$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples. double room features air conditioning.
This air-conditioned room features free Wi-Fi and a seating area with a 48″ plasma TV and an iPod docking station. Each one has a work desk and a coffee-maker. The bathroom comes with slippers and a bathrobe.
Where to book online – Spanish Court Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotels Kingston Jamaica – you can find the best hotels deals in Kingston during Jamaica’s Carnival (Bacchanal) which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Kingston on Booking.com or Trip.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Terra Nova All Suite Hotel 5* – LGBT Friendly Hotels Kingston
Featuring a 10,000 square-foot gaming lounge and a choice of exciting dining options, this Kingston resort is just 600 m from the historic Devon House. Free Wi-Fi is also provided.
The luxurious and spacious suites offer elegant décor, flat-screen TV and work desk. All come with a refrigerator and coffee maker, as well.
The Regency Room serves fine dining among crystal chandeliers and piano music. A Sunday brunch with steel band music, a poolside grill and a terrace setting are also offered.
Guests of Terra Nova are welcome to enjoy the ceramic hot tub and outdoor pool. The fitness room can provide a workout or the 2 bars can provide a place to relax.
The only AAA 4-Diamond rated hotel in Kingston. The elegance and class of this iconic all-suite hotel is awaiting your visit. Since 1959, Terra Nova has welcomed guests with red carpet treatment. Boasting 2 award winning restaurants and 2018 Wine Bar of the Year, the Regency Bar & Lounge, the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel remains a timeless gem among hotels in Kingston, Jamaica, and a luxurious marriage of classic sophistication and inviting, family friendly warmth –all in a convenient setting in the heart of Jamaica’s capital.
From the moment we stepped off the plane and were greeted at the airport by Steven, we were treated with attentive-without-being-intrusive service. People brought towels for us on our first day by the pool without us even asking.
The Terra Nova is an elegant, comfortable and friendly hotel with impeccable service and excellent facilities. The restaurants and bar are world-class, the rooms are spacious and well-appointed and the grounds are well-kept and inviting. There is always something happening here and you sure to make new friends. The manager, Franklyn and Jerome, the bar manager invited us to a cocktail reception the night we arrived and we had a wonderful time meeting other guests, sampling the food and drink available at the hotel and learning about the hotel’s history.
The breakfast buffet goes beyond the customary hotel fare with delicious, authentic Jamaican dishes as well as cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, fresh fruit and cereals and Blue Mountain coffee. The location is convenient for business and vacation travelers. Highly recommended, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Kingston.
Food – I have eaten almost everything, Steaks are great, fish is really good, vegetables are great grilled, salads are good, the bar menu is really good. Try the lobster fritters, quesadillas platter is HUGE. The staff has always been accommodating to me…..if you want it cooked a different way ask them. I am not a desert person…..they really have Good dessert. You get 2 cookies on your bed at night.
Service – The staff has done some incredible requests for me in the past. Last minute conference rooms, food for the group, drinks for the group. I have walked into the hotel covered in dirt, hurried to my room and dropped everything in the bathroom, called housekeeping and they came and cleaned it up.
The breakfast buffet was included in our room rate. It was first rate as Jamaican breakfasts go. Ackee and saltfish, bammy, johnny cakes, boiled banana and yellow yam, sometimes a fish dish, sometimes cooked cabbage or other greens–typical Jamaican fare. Sausage or bacon and french toast was available every day. Breads and pastries and yogurt offered are nothing special, but the coffee is delicious and robust. The dining room is open-air and lovely as the sunlight filters in.
We enjoyed dinner in the bar one evening–it filled up with locals and some guests like us– but it’s a good-sized space so it didn’t feel crowded. Food service took quite a while since the kitchen is in the main building. The food was delicious and nicely plated. (the room turns into a nightclub as the night progresses).
The coffee bar in the lobby offers beautiful-to-look-at and delicious-to-eat pastries. An apple crumb cobbler and their individually-prepared cheesecake were both worthy of every calorie. They have an assortment of ice cream, too.
The pool area is well-kept, overhung with shady trees and lounge chairs. Hardly anyone (other than me) used it during my 5 day stay, (the jacuzzi is cool, not hot–a tribute to the hot equatorial year round sun. A small gym is useful and well-enough equipped with modern equipment.
We thoroughly enjoyed the excellent service from all of the hotel staff. Staff consistently were kind, helpful, and seemed happy to help customers with their needs and questions.
Historical Devon House (with its delicious patties and best-of-class Devon House ice cream) is literally up the street, an easy walk or quick 2 minute drive from the hotel. Go for the history AND the delicious ice cream (try the coconut). A large Costco-like store called MegaMart is less than a mile down the road, and you’re not required to purchase in bulk. Go there if you need anything –groceries (even fruits and veggies) stuff like suntan lotion, ibuprofen, household and kitchen goods/supplies).
Great stay. Great management. Wonderful experience.
How much does a room costs at Terra Nova All Suite Hotel ?
Prices start 210 $/night for Premium Junior Suite. The Signature Luxury Suite is 495$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples. double room features air conditioning.
This modern air-conditioned junior suite has either 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, ceiling fans and screened windows. It offers garden views and features a built-in mini bar and coffee station, a large work desk and a seating area with sofa. There is a Smart TV with Blu Ray player, free Wi-Fi and wired internet, a laptop safe and an iPod dock. The bathroom has a walk-in rain shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Where to book online – Terra Nova All Suite Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotels Kingston Jamaica – you can find the best hotels deals in Kingston during Jamaica’s Carnival (Bacchanal) which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Kingston on Booking.com or Trip.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
