Hotel Four Seasons

Set on a private, walled property next to a quiet, narrow street, Hotel Four Seasons (not related to the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts brand) was originally converted from one of Kingston’s finest Edwardian homes, and extended with newer British colonial-inspired buildings on either side. The newer buildings look like townhouses and have vibrant burnt-orange exteriors with white trim. They are set around spacious courtyards, each with either a pool or giant hot tub centerpiece. It all feels more like a private residential enclave than a hotel. Beautifully kept gardens weave around the property, and plenty of lush palms add a tropical vibe. But the public spaces, like the lobby, are rather modest and occasionally furnished with dated pieces, such as over-stuffed '80s-style couches. The hotel attracts tourists as well as some business travelers, and there are basic conference facilities for those who need to hold meetings. 

Located in the heart of New Kingston’s commercial and shopping district, Hotel Four Seasons is a short drive to several attractions including the Bob Marley Museum (six minutes), Jamaica National Stadium (10 minutes), and Sabina Park (12 minutes). It’s a five-minute drive to Emancipation Park -- with jogging trails and miniature golf -- and four minutes to Devon House. Shops, restaurants, and nightclubs are in abundance on Knutsford Boulevard, around five minutes away by car. It's a 30-minute drive to Norman Manley International Airport (with no traffic).

Guest rooms are located both in the original residence (which shares the lobby and restaurant), and newer low-rise buildings set around the hotel grounds. Rooms come in five categories ranging from Standard to Superior (Poolside). They’re all spacious, well-presented, simple, and clean, with tiled flooring and color palettes that move from soft pastels to deep earthy tones. Most have matching wooden furniture, table lamps, and two or four-poster beds. Lighter tones feel a little beachy, and deeper tones have country-cottage appeal. But some details, like the leaf-patterned bedspreads, feel a touch dated. Balconies or terraces are furnished with small patio sets. Bathrooms have granite vanities, and most feature shower/tub combos with wall-mounted toiletries. Executive Deluxe rooms have huge jetted bathtubs and in-shower massage systems. Most rooms have pleasant views of the property grounds, and guests praise the value of both newer, and pool-facing rooms. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, safes, free bottled water, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms are older than others, and guests complain of the odd maintenance issue, so it makes sense to request a newer room to avoid disappointment. 

The Four Seasons has two pools with adjacent bars located on each end of the hotel property, but they’re both on the small side (one looks more like a giant hot tub). The restaurant features an outdoor terrace and a more formal indoor dining room, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus of basic Western and Caribbean fare. There’s also a cozy lounge bar with a speakeasy look and a huge alfresco beer garden, but it's not always open. Conference facilities are available, and there's free high-speed Wi-Fi provided throughout. There’s also a fitness center with modern cardio- and weight-training equipment. Plenty of free self-parking is provided.