Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa

Guests will never be lacking for interesting views, both natural and manmade, during their stay at the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton. The aesthetic here is contemporary, with an unapologetically colonial and Old World twist in the hotel's public areas (thankfully, the look is stylishly more restrained and attractive in the hotel's higher-category rooms). A few too many free beverages at one of this resort's 13 bars, and a confused guest might believe they've accidentally awakened in the heyday of ancient Rome, complete with bread and circus. If enormous domed buildings and towering white columns aren't enough to look at, there are multiple pools, decorated with -- you guessed it -- more white columns. One of these pools is clothing-optional -- providing a bit of scenery that may or may not be to everyone's tastes -- but other public spaces at the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton, such as its dining establishments, have dress codes. Plots of immaculately groomed green space feature lush palm trees, sun decks, patios and lounging areas, providing a few places for guests to unwind, but the overall atmosphere here is more festive than restful, more carpe diem than low-key. Despite the hotel's live-free ethos and clothing-optional areas, couples and singles aren't the only visitors -- plenty of families stay here, too, as the resort has a good amount of family-friendly features on offer. However, the adjacent sister property, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, is more popular with families and thus has a livelier vibe.

The resort is located on the beach, just outside of the town of Lucea, which is home to popular dance clubs, restaurants, and numerous island tour companies. It's just under a 10-minute drive to the center of town, and there isn't much to do within an easy walk of the resort. Positioned between Negril and Montego Bay -- it's about 40 to 50 minutes to either destination by car -- Lucea is a convenient spot for travelers to stay when looking to explore both cities. A 15-minute drive away, travelers can
find horseback riding, golf, and assorted tourist attractions. While there is
no rental car desk at the resort, staff can easily connect guests with off-site rental car services. The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton is about 40 minutes from Sangster International Airport. 

The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa offers 516 rooms spread throughout 13 different villas. All rooms are bright -- with a white, yellow, and tan color scheme -- but Standard Rooms look a little less fresh than higher-category suites. Standard Rooms feature slightly dated window dressings and soft furnishings like bed runners (think: brown and white floral patterns), and there's little in the way of wall art so they appear a bit austere. Junior Suites, Suites, and the Honeymoon Villa are all done up in a sharp blend of contemporary and colonial styles, with on-trend bold yellow and black patterns in pillows and fabrics, alongside vibrant wall art and furniture with whimsically classic lines. Marble floors are polished to a high shine, and lozenge-shaped mirrors with dramatic black frames in some rooms enhance the handsome look. All higher-category rooms also include seating areas composed of modern couches and chairs with hardwood accents and cream upholstery.Standard features include iPod docks, Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning as well as private furnished terraces, some of which look out to the sea. Bathrooms are modern, and some include separate rainfall showers and soaking tubs. Generous vanities have granite countertops and toiletries are provided. Junior Suites and Suites come with hydromassage bathtubs, while Villas provide large jacuzzis and outdoor showers. 

Among the numerous amenities included in the cost of a stay here are childcare at the nursery, kids' play areas and kids' club, plus food and beverages. There are three buffets and seven a la carte restaurants, offering menus with Asian, Mexican, and Italian food, among other options, though food is mediocre. Bars include a sports bar, night club, and swim-up pool bar. The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton has a fitness center plus tennis and volleyball courts, as well as group exercise classes, available to everyone. Tours and excursions to off-site points of interest (and airport transfers) can be booked through the resort, though additional fees may apply. Daily live entertainment is included in the cost of a stay. The Zentropia Spa and Salon offer a full range of treatments and services, but all cost extra. Zentropia specializes in couples' treatments, complete with champagne and rose petals. This beachfront property offers both family-friendly areas -- there are multiple pools including a kid's pool with waterslides -- as well as a designated adult-only, clothing-optional swimming and beach zones. A shopping area within the resort's grounds primarily features gift shops. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the resort, though guests must pay extra for an upgrade that will improve Internet speed.