Westender Inn

Starting out life in the '80s as Hog Heaven, this secluded spot made the switch to Westender Inn in the early 2000s. Two sections, split by a rocky road, house the hotel's guest rooms and facilities. The cliff side of the hotel has the reception area, oceanside rooms and suites, tiki-style bar, and gorgeous views. There are also a little beach area with a section of sand -- something rare in the cliff-laden West End -- and a tiny saltwater pool. Across the road are the hotel's open-air Jamaican restaurant and bar, a raised pool area, parking lot, and garden rooms. A big plot of land beyond the pool and restaurant area house the log suites and plants that grow ackee, mango, hot peppers, and are used in the restaurant. Because of the secluded location, the grounds are generally quiet and beautifully manicured. While most of the time guests can only hear the sound of crashing waves, because of the small space, pools can get taken over by families or groups. This is an ideal spot for laid-back travelers wanting a peaceful retreat from the hubbub of the Seven Mile Beach or Montego Bay, but the setting may be too remote for some.

Westender Inn has both the luxury and the curse of its location. It's between a 20 and 30 minute drive from the town center's roundabout, and the famous Seven Mile Beach. Additionally, guests with cars will have to drive down narrow and rocky dirt roads -- be careful of potholes. There are no restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance, but popular spots like Rick's Cafe and Rockhouse Hotel are around a 10- to 15-minute drive. While cabs are an option, they will need to be pre-booked for departure, as there's practically no traffic in the area. The hotel does provide free shuttles to the town center in the mornings and pick-ups in the afternoons, as well as shuttles for a fee at other times. However, while some may not like this seclusion, others find it just what the doctor ordered. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is about a two-hour drive from this hotel. 

The 28 rooms are firstly divided by their location either in the garden or by the ocean, though all are largely simple in their style. Some units have old-fashioned decor that's showing wear, while others are more contemporary takes on classic colonial style. While all have furnished outdoor spaces, the best views can be had from the Oceanside Deluxe Rooms and second-floor Oceanside Luxury and Honeymoon Suites. These units have a hammock on their balcony. Garden Cottages are popular with families thanks to their fully equipped kitchens and two bedrooms. Unfortunately, some only have ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, fridges, soap, safes, and hairdryers, and sitting areas. Some add coffeemakers and bathrobes. Bathrooms with shower/tub combos are generally the most dated areas of rooms, but the Oceanside Honeymoon Suite, has a contemporary shower with big separate tub.

The Westender Inn's jagged cliffside views are the main draw here. An extra bonus is the small patch of sandy beach, a rare find in the primarily cliff-lined West End. The ocean is full of jagged coral and the waves can get pretty choppy, however, so swimming is at your own risk. Nevertheless, on a calm day guests can grab a snorkel (free) from the front desk and explore the underwater world, including the hotel's coral reef restoration project. Loungers are lined up under straw umbrellas around the oceanfront terraces, including a small beach area with an adjacent small saltwater dipping pool. A tiki-style beachside bar serves drinks throughout the day, plus guests can have food from the restaurant across the street delivered here. Otherwise, guests can head to the garden side for all three meals and another bar. Tasty food is largely Jamaican cuisine. A highlight is that guests can order room service via WhatsApp on their phone. It's worth noting though that the restaurant closes early -- at 8 p.m. during our stay. Next to the restaurant is the main pool, which is a level up from the restaurant and surrounded by loungers. Wi-Fi is free but spotty at best. Parking is free, and reception can help provide shuttle service, arrange massages on-site, or book tours.