Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

A 20th-century Great House turned boutique hotel, the Terra Nova has long held a reputation as one of the city’s finest properties. It offers Old World sophistication, regal decor, and emphasizes quality throughout. The property is owned by one of Jamaica’s premier horse-racing families, which explains the random equestrian tributes scattered around the property, such as the wall of competition trophies in the handsome study, the Derby Suite, and the cast-iron horse statue that greets guests as they drive up to the red-carpet entrance. Nestled next to a busy urban street, the Terra Nova unfolds beyond dense tropical gardens like an aristocratic surprise -- and an ever-so-elegant world away from the crowded mega resorts Jamaica is known for. Terra Nova is equal parts British colonial and Old World European glam. In the lobby, majestic recessed ceilings with gold trim and twinkling chandeliers complement the scene below, where canopy chairs and gilded wall mirrors mix with Baroque drapes and lustrous velvets. The Regency Restaurant is as opulent as fine dining gets, and it could easily be mistaken for a Ritz. The Regency Bar & Lounge steps glam up a notch as an elegant after work spot for well-heeled locals -- which evolves into a crowded nightclub wall-to-wall with attractive young people getting their boogie on, come weekends. (Lounge-goers aren’t permitted into other areas of the hotel unless they’re paying guests.) Terra Nova attracts a sophisticated crowd -- mostly couples and business travelers, but it would likely appeal to anyone seeking Old World ambience.

Located in the heart of Kingston, the Terra Nova is about a 30-minute drive to Norman Manley International Airport. Nearby highlights include the Bob Marley Museum and Mandela Park (both a five-minute drive from the property), and Sabina Park cricket stadium (a 12-minute drive). Sunshine Amusement Park and Devon House are within a 10- to 15-minute walk, as are several shopping hubs, such as Tropical Plaza, Premier Plaza, and Pavillion Mall. The hotel offers free parking, and the front desk will arrange for taxis.

The Old World  elegance established in common areas flows into the 46 suites. They're all large, evoking chic European apartments. They come in three categories -- most are Premium Junior Suites with traditional hotel-room layouts, only larger. There are two Signature Executive suites (The Hemmingway and the Waterloo), and three Signature Luxury Suites (the Derby, the Blue Mountain, and the Terra Nova). Decor typically consists of rich neutral palettes, dark-wood furniture, and Persian rugs under soft king-size beds with premium bedding and elaborate headboards (there’s a canopy bed in the Waterloo Suite). Animal prints add wilder accents to some spaces. Each Signature Suite has, to an extent, its own eclectic aesthetic, but it’s all grounded in faded colonial glamour.All rooms have king-size beds, sitting areas, walk-in closets, and work desks. Rooms escalate in size, lavishness, and perks with each category -- offering features like entrance foyers, separate studies with computers and printers, minibars, wet bars, jetted tubs, and extra space. Bathrooms in Junior Suites have showers (no bathtubs), but all bathrooms come with granite vanities, fresh-cut flowers, Molton Brown toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. There’s a nightly turndown service that comes with delicious cookies made in house. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, iPod docks, walk-in closets, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, and safes. 

The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel offers all that's expected of a small-scale urban establishment -- but everything is done with a bit of extravagance. The award-winning Regency Restaurant, with an emphasis on meat and seafood, offers formal, European-inspired dining. It has an excellent wine list and an extensive menu of Jamaican-inspired international fare, with plenty of culinary classics. The Terrace serves a buffet breakfast (included in the rates), lunch, dinner, and Champagne high tea on select days. Regency Bar & Lounge serves a full bar and cocktails, and is also open to the public. Jamaican businessmen come here to imbibe after work, and on weekends the space evolves into a dance party with people from all walks of Kingston life. The Regency Patisserie sells espresso coffee and a selection of specialty desserts and chocolates made in-house. The pool and fitness center don’t measure up to the rest of the hotel -- the rectangular pool isn’t exactly huge but it’s long enough for laps, and there's loungers for chilling. The fitness center has a limited assortment of cardio- and weight-training equipment. There’s a large function and event space, and a private wedding terrace surrounded by tropical greenery for romantic outdoor nuptials. Beyond the lobby, the hotel also offers a small business center, and there's a handful of boutique clothing shops at the back of the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and on-site parking is free.