My Rockhouse Hotel review is a reflection of our own experience during multiple stays.
NEGRIL | JAMAICA
Rockhouse is approximately 90 minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
YTF OVERALL RATING:
Daniela had her sights set on the Rockhouse Hotel for quite some time, but booking it was always a challenge due to its popularity. Finally, during the pandemic when Jamaica cautiously reopened its doors to tourists, we jumped at the chance to experience this elusive retreat. The allure of the Rockhouse Hotel during those trying times was its private villa options and expansive outdoor common areas, including its restaurants. Our initial trip left such a profound impression that we couldn’t resist returning within a few months, craving more of the magic this little slice of paradise had to offer.
During our visits, we tried out different room options, and I’m here to share insights from our experience to help you make the most of your vacation. Let’s start this Rockhouse Hotel review with some general information.
Overview and History of the Rockhouse Hotel
The Rockhouse Hotel is a boutique hotel stretching across the cliffs of Pristine Cove. Nestled amongst eight acres of tropical lush gardens, thatched roofed villas are perched on the water’s edge. Officially opening to the public in late 1973, it was one of the first hotels on Negril’s West End. After being revamped over the years, it has remained an iconic staple of Jamaica, not only for travelers but for locals and celebrities alike. You can ask anyone in Jamaica about the Rockhouse, and a smile appears on their face. If they have experienced it, they are ready to give you a brief introduction to its marvels. It’s no wonder it has been named in numerous publications as one of the top places to stay, not only in Jamaica but in the world. The hotel is also well-know for its dedication to making a positive impact on the community through its philanthropic efforts through the Rockhouse Foundation.
Positioned perfectly over the Caribbean Sea, this wonder of a “Hotel” is a short distance from downtown Negril and not far from attractions such as Kool Runnings Waterpark or the beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Tastefully decorated rooms feature canopy beds, stone floors, outdoor seating areas, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms have private stone-encased outdoor showers. Depending on your location, you will have a beautiful garden view or a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.
IS THERE PARKING AT THE ROCKHOUSE HOTEL?
The Rockhouse Hotel offers free on-site parking.
IS THE ROCKHOUSE HOTEL ALL INCLUSIVE?
The Rockhouse hotel does not operate as an all-inclusive resort.
IS THE ROCKHOUSE HOTEL FAMILY FRIENDLY?
Guests under 12 are not permitted at the Rockhouse Hotel due to its setting on the cliffs.
IS THE ROCKHOUSE HOTEL WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Unfortunately, the Rockhouse Hotel isn't suitable for those requiring step-free access as it is situated on cliffs. With steps everywhere and rooms spanning multiple levels, none of the rooms provide step-free accessibility.
IS THE ROCKHOUSE HOTEL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
The Rockhouse Hotel has had an Environmental Certification for over 20 years and strives to achieve the best environmental practices across its entire operation.
The Rockhouse Hotel Review
THE STAFF: 5 STARS
Top-notch. Friendly, polite, attentive, accommodating, resourceful, and knowledgeable. Anything you asked, they either had an answer or quickly found someone that had the answer. When you first enter, you are greeted with a smile and promptly disarmed of any bags you deem you no longer want to carry for the rest of the check-in process. Once escorted to your room, you are given a brief introduction to all the amenities that the room has to offer. You are also given a direct communication line for assistance via WhatsApp. The staff quickly responds and accommodates any needs via chat or direct communication. No matter how many guests are present, you never have to worry about a lack of attentiveness. The most impressive thing to witness was how each guest was treated with the same level of attention, which made the experience for everyone equally rewarding.
HOTEL ROOMS: 3 - 4.5 STARS
HOTEL ROOMS REVIEWED
Villa 5, Villa 7, Villa 10, Suite 36
Each room is built from timber, stone, and thatch and designed to exist in harmony with the fossilized rock and jungle-like landscape. You can choose from an array of accommodations at different price points:
Rooms
• Standard
• Standard Studio
• Premium Studio
• Balcony Studio
• Premium Balcony Studio
Cliff-top huts
While the interiors remain consistent across all villas (with Loft Villas spanning two levels and Premium Villas offering a bit more space), the true distinguishing factor lies in their respective locations.
• Garden Villa
• Loft Villa
• Villa
• Premium Villa
Ocean View Suites
BREAKFAST IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR RATE AND CAN BE ORDERED À LA CARTE.
Below is a breakdown of the three villas (5, 7, and 10) and the suite we stayed at. I will have to explain myself here because if the Rockhouse ends up reading this review, they will want to know how I ended up with an average of 3.5 stars – I can give these scores because, during not one but THREE stays, we were able to experience multiple accommodations, as well as get a complete layout of the grounds.
• Villa 5: 3 Stars
It was nice, a great start to our stay. We were able to get our first experience with a view of the ocean. What was the downside? Too many trees obstructed what could be a fantastic view. During the hotter days, the additional trees can offer extra shade, but because of these same trees, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy a nice suntan right from the comfort of your villa balcony. There is also an increase of mosquitoes around more damp areas; this could be a downer if you forget to bug up. I am pointing out these nuances because of the next villa.
• Villa 7: 4 stars
Nestled in the back but also closest to the highway, this villa has the best view outwards in a nestled cove. Though you also may share a glance of neighboring visitors, you have ample privacy to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Caribbean Sea. Similar to other villas, the shower heads could be updated to enhance the experience, but that is a minor adaptation that only affects the overall aesthetic of this room a little. The main letdown is the level of street noise. Suppose you are looking to sleep in a little. Good luck with that! This is not the villa for you; any villa located along the main street will experience noise from cars, trucks, and motorbikes in the early morning or late at night. This may make you restless for brief periods.
• Villa 10: 4.5 Stars
What can I say? One of the best views you will get from the Rock House Hotel. If you are lucky to stay here, you can enjoy a private entrance to the famous walk bridge pictured in many blogs and one of the best picturesque views of sunsets each night. Also, in the morning, you wake up to clear blue skies in a panoramic setting. The one downside is the showers. Updating the showerheads would be a low-cost expense, greatly enhancing the experience when people stay at The Rock House; as much as I want to ignore the ‘little things,’ I want to be fair to The Rock Houses’s reputation so that no one will ever question how magnificent this place is. If everyone compliments and overlooks the little things, guess what? They continue to go unnoticed/overlooked. Not on our watch; we fell in love with this place too much to let this slide.
• Suite 36: 4 (stars)
The suites are nestled away from the rest of the other villas/rooms. They are big and spacious but are similar to what you would find in your usual hotel accommodations. If you are looking for a different experience, go with one of the villas/premium villas. If you are looking for a more traditional room setting, I recommend one of the suites.
Are you enjoying my Rockhouse Hotel review? Keep reading for more useful information.
YTF Tips
Here you go YTFers (lol), your quick guide to the rest of the villas available at the Rockhouse.
• YTF Selection for Premium Villas: 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 (10 being the best.)
• Worst Premium Villas: 8 and 9, these two have the worst view, and they don’t allow for any real viewability to the beautiful Caribbean ocean nestled right in front of you.
• Villa 11: it is alright, but not on the water like other villas. You have to walk out to see the view away from your villa.
• Villa 12, 13: nice view and private water entry
• Villa 15 or 16: they have a decent outward view.
• Villa 17-20: excellent views close to the infinity pool.
HOTEL GROUNDS: 5 STARS
Amazing! You truly do not have to leave the hotel—everything you need is under one roof. Though venturing out is your goal, you wouldn’t be upset with being stuck at this establishment! With a choice of two restaurants (the Rockhouse Restaurant and the Pushcart Restaurant and Rumbar, which also offer a few vegan options), a pool bar, an outdoor gym, a daily yoga class at 8:00 am ($15), an infinite pool, a fantastic SPA, snorkeling (snorkeling gear can be rented for a fee), paddling (complimentary paddle boards), and a tremendous oceanside view, this place an ideal location during your stay in Negril. Though this is not located in the center of the action, rest assured you will be able to relax and get the most out of your stay.
AMENITIES:
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2 Restaurants (7:30am to 10:30pm)
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Pool Bar & Grill
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Spa
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Pool
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Outdoor Fitness Centre
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Yoga Class ( 8:00 AM - Complimentary)
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2 Restaurants (7:30am to 10:30pm)
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Pool Bar & Grill
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Spa
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Pool
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Outdoor Fitness Centre
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Yoga Class ( 8:00 AM - Complimentary)
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Room Service
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Lanudry
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Complimentary Parking
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Snorkeling and Paddling
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Daily Shuttle to Skylark / 7 Mile Beach
SKYLARK HOTEL ACCESS
During your stay at the Rockhouse Hotel you will also have access to their partner hotel beach facility at Seven Mile Beach and Lilly's Resturant (just a 10-minute drive with daily free shuttle).
LOCATION: 5 STARS
Absolutely breathtaking! Tucked away on the picturesque cliffs of Negril, approximately halfway along Negril’s West End road, the Rockhouse Hotel is a serene retreat a 1.5-hour drive from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport – along the way, you get glimpses of local life and lush landscapes. Whether you choose to rent a car, grab a cab, or book a shuttle, getting there will be part of the adventure. The hotel is a quick 10-minute drive from the famous Seven Mile Beach and just a couple of minutes away from the iconic Rick’s Cafe and other local dining gems.
OVERALL: 4.5 STARS
We had a wonderful stay all three times we were there, and it took us just a few moments to know it was one of those magical places we will keep going back over and over when looking to relax and be immersed in nature. It is everything you can expect and much more. Rockhouse is not just a hotel. It’s an experience that you will never forget!
For more information and to book your stay, visit their official website. Make sure to reserve early because rooms sell out months in advance. Also, if you book a villa, you can mention a preference for the one you would like (I recommend giving them at least a few options). It is not guaranteed, but they will try to accommodate your preferences if they can.
Additional Tips:
The Rockhouse Hotel review is over, but I have a couple of more suggestions.
Other than Villa 10, the other premium villas have one major flaw, which makes them less appealing. If you are a light sleeper, save money and move to Villas 11-20. They are not premium but more peaceful. Villas 1-8 are nestled alongside the main road, so light sleepers beware, you will hear EVERYTHING, later night cars honking, motorcycles early am… people chatting as they walk on the back path from Pushcart to their other rooms or their parked vehicles. It makes for a less enjoyable experience because of the disruption of serenity. So, if you cannot snag Villa 10, try and go for 12-16.
To the RockHouse… It’s time! I sincerely and respectfully mean this: it’s time! Please, for the love of all that is Bob Marley, replace your shower heads in all of your villas. The biggest letdown of PREMIUM villas is the showerheads. The water is weak and nearly non-existent. I thought this was a fluke, but after staying at four of your Premiums and one of your Suites, there is a big difference. Splurge on some new showerheads, and let us know when we can come back and try them out… in Villa 10. 😊
PS: Don’t leave without ordering their Jamaican Special for breakfast (pictured below) to try Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, served with callaloo, fried dumplings, plantain, and a slice of sweet banana bread! Plus, bottomless Jamaican Mountain Coffee and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
I hope you found my Rockhouse Hotel review useful. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or want to share your experience.
