The Spanish Court Hotel

The Spanish Court Hotel attracts both business travelers and tourists looking for an elegant but not over-the-top place to stay. Its colonial-style building stands in architectural contrast to its urban surrounds -- with arched Georgian windows, Spanish roof tiles, and matador-red awnings that match the Zorro-like hotel logo. Palm trees frame the facade like a tropical tribute to the island location. The red carpet entrance isn’t exactly Hollywood, but it hints at the welcoming attention to detail that awaits inside. Interior decor leans in a contemporary direction that begins with Oriental references in the lobby, where exposed wood beams and polished wood floors blend with Far East-inspired bench seats and a lotus light centerpiece overhead. The guest lounge has a boutique vibe with white, iridescent blue, and zebra-striped upholstered seats, and big spherical table lamps. Hard Lucite chairs with oval cutouts add a chic accent, though they're not the coziest perch for reading the local newspapers on display.The above-ground infinity pool shares a sweeping alfresco deck with the on-site Sky Bar. There are several deck chairs up one end, and the Sky Bar dominates the deck, with white bar seats and dining tables shaded by big red square umbrellas neighboring the pool. The restaurant has a more formal ambience, with sheer white curtains softening bold red walls and dark-wood accents. White high-backed dining chairs, bench seating, and tables with white tablecloths populate the scene. The restaurant flows outside to a little deck with a water fountain and young palms framing the space.

Located in the heart of New Kingston, the Spanish Court Hotel is near several attractions and dining options. It's a one-minute walk to the supermarket, an easy stroll to popular fast food outlets, and there are numerous restaurants and clubs located in the surrounding streets. Sunshine Amusement Park is a 10-minute walk, and Emancipation Park takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. Other attractions within a short drive include the Bob Marley Museum (five minutes), Jamaica National Stadium (eight minutes), Sabina Park (10 minutes), and the National Gallery of Jamaica (15 minutes). It takes 30 minutes to reach Norman Manley International Airport by car. 

The Spanish Court's contemporary theme flows into rooms, which are modern, clean and well presented with dark-wood furniture and green and red accents in textiles and on the walls. The rich palette is broken up with crisp white bedding and black-and-white nature prints that honor the island's landscape. Categories include Standard Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and Penthouse Suites with a choice of king or twin beds. All rooms feature large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, ample power and USB outlets, work desks, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free water, coffeemakers, safes, and blackout drapes. Marble bathrooms are large and well-lit, and come equipped with oval-shaped soaking tubs, vessel sinks, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries. 

This hotel packs a good number of features and freebies. The Sky Terrace is an outdoor bar serving cocktails and light meals in an area set next to the narrow lap pool. The pool, an elevated rectangular body of water, is furnished with a few loungers and patio furniture. The restaurant is open for breakfast (served buffet style and included in room rates), lunch, and dinner with a menu consisting of international and Jamaican-inspired dishes. There’s also a small cafe serving espresso coffee and light snacks such as cake, soups, sandwiches, and salads. The management sometimes host wine and cheese nights so guests can meet and mingle. Other amenities include an in-house spa with treatment rooms and a fitness center with modern cardio- and weight-training equipment. There’s also a business center, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. A huge off-site conference/events building can be found a short walk away from the hotel. On-site parking is free, and taxis can be arranged promptly.