Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa

Opened in 2008, the 95,000-acre Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort with a somewhat secluded setting and a grandiose design. Every common area -- from the lobby and the pool complex to the restaurants and the hallways -- is larger than life. The massive whitewashed pool complex is the largest in Jamaica, and it has the feel of a Roman amphitheater with built-in whirlpools lined by columns. Ocean views and a swim-up bar make this the most popular spot for lounging and taking a dip on property, particularly as the beach is rocky and man-made.
Inside of the hotel, common areas, including the lobby, are similarly massive. The lobby, in particular, is done in earth-tone marble, and the wrought-iron chandeliers, sharp wooden and wicker furniture, and pillared staircases opening onto ocean vistas come together to create the kind of bang-for-your-buck look that many travelers will want in their all-inclusive. However, the massive and sprawling layout won't be everyone's cup of tea, and there are more intimate options on Jamaica's north coast. Also worth noting, rooms are done in a traditional furniture, with dated-looking gold and red fabrics that are in need of a refresh.
Guests at this resort do have access to some facilities at the adjacent sister property Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, which has a more modern style and quiet atmosphere geared toward adults. As such, the Grand Palladium Jamaica is more family-friendly, resulting in a livelier vibe with children splashing around in the pool or running across the beach.

The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa has a somewhat rural, secluded location that’s a mixed blessing. It’s easy to feel worlds away from the hustle of Montego Bay, but there are few attractions or points of interest within a reasonable drive. On the opposite side of Tom Pipers Bay -- along which the hotel sits -- less than 10 minutes from the resort, is the tiny town of Lucea. Guests will find a handful of restaurants and services there -- including a bank and a few gas stations -- but little else. Popular Half Moon Beach is a 30-minute drive west from the hotel for those who need an alternative place to swim. Negril and its sights such as Rick’s Café are about an hour’s drive southwest.
Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport takes about an hour to reach by car. Like most other area hotels, no airport transportation is provided. Rental car counters in the terminal provide daily rates that are on par with other Caribbean island locations. Alternatively, Jamaica’s taxi service is affordable and easy to arrange. Shared shuttle bus/van service is also readily available to/from the airport. Privately arranged cabs and shuttles are typically less than half the cost of transportation arranged by the hotel.

The Grand Palladium Jamaica’s 537 Junior Suites and Suites are spacious and well-kept, but largely outdated and in need of a refresh. They’re all outfitted with traditional dark-wood furniture, red and gold fabrics, beige faux-leather sofa beds, and colorful artwork of Caribbean plants and scenes. On the plus side, marble tile floors add a touch of class, and rooms have large glass sliding doors that let in light. All rooms have an oversized furnished balcony or terrace with garden or ocean views.
Entry-level Junior Suites have 538-square-foot (50-square-meter) floor plans in one-room layouts. Suites offer 742 square feet (69 square meters) of space with a separate living room and sleeping area. Both categories are available in either one-king or two-double-bed configurations to accommodate up to four people.
Standard amenities include large flat-screen TVs, bedside iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and free minibars that are restocked daily with soda, bottled water, and beer. Wi-Fi is fast, free, and available property-wide. Tea- and-coffee-making facilities, ironing equipment, and electronic safes are also provided.
Bathrooms are large and well-appointed in both categories. The design is more high-end than expected of an upper-middle-range property, with marble on the floors, countertops, and bath surrounds. All feature two-person whirlpool tubs and oversized walk-in shower stalls. Hairdryers, free toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers are also supplied.
Noise from throughout the resort -- be it late-night partiers or neighboring rooms -- can be an issue.

Nearly every communal amenity at Grand Palladium Jamaica is grandiose. At 86,000 square feet, the pool complex is Jamaica’s largest. In addition, the property features 11 restaurants, eight bars, and a Roman-inspired spa. However, the hotel’s man-made beach is rocky, narrow, and forgettable, especially by Caribbean standards. As this is a family-friendly resort there's a good kids' club and playground. Freebies include non-motorized water sports, parking, and Wi-Fi.
Guests here also get access to many of the resort facilities at the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa next door.
Multiple wedding venues are on-site and there are a Grand Palladium Jamaica wedding and honeymoon packages available.

The Grand Palladium Jamaica features a total of five pools, but the real draw is its enormous Main Pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. As the centerpiece of the property, a two-story structure that includes a restaurant and a bar overlooks the entire space. A swim-up bar and four built-in whirlpool hot tubs provide a bit of adult-centric fun. The atmosphere is livelier and more family-friendly than any other pool on the property, and travelers should expect to see plenty of kids frolicking here.
Additional, smaller pools around the property provide more adult-focused lounging. The Coral Pool is adults-only and features a built-in whirlpool while the Roselle Pool is adult-centric (though children are still allowed) with built-in, in-water lounge chairs. Dozens of lounge chairs surround every pool providing substantial seating. While there are few umbrellas to be found, dozens of private palapas provide shade throughout the day.

All food is covered by the all-inclusive package and there are 11 restaurants and a handful of bars to choose from. In addition to three all-day international buffet restaurants, there are seven specialty and a la carte restaurants serving Asian, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Jamaican, and grilled fare. Food largely receives positive reviews for both quality and variety.
Each of the hotel’s three buffets -- The Blue Lagoon Restaurant, Mo’Bay Restaurant, and Negril Restaurant -- serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu selections are similar between each, with mostly international fare and a handful of local, Jamaican dishes. The Blue Lagoon is located in a beautiful, open-air space overlooking the pool and sea from the second floor. The seafood eatery Poseidon has alfresco seating and sea views.
Room service is available but only during limited hours.
There are multiple bars around the resort, including the open-air Infinity Saloon Bar with 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea and live music, a swim-up bar, and sports bar. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are covered by the room rate.

The Zentropia Spa is among the largest spas in Jamaica. Like many of the resort’s common areas, the decor and open-air architecture are grandiose and include large, Roman-inspired columns, oversized stone statues, and an adults-only pool exclusively for spa guests. The lengthy spa menu features almost every imaginable massage treatment. Vapor baths, plunge pools, several whirlpool hot tubs, and a hydromassage therapy are all available. The adjacent salon provides an equally extensive list of beauty treatments, including waxing, manicures/pedicures, exfoliations, and hairdressing. Unfortunately, access to any of the facilities requires a treatment or daily usage fee.

Unfortunately, the Grand Palladium Jamaica's private man-made beach is rocky and underwhelming. While quite long, it’s also very narrow. In many spots, there is less than 75 feet of sand between the property and high tide lines. The hotel provides as many lounge chairs as it can reasonably fit without overcrowding the space. However, the seating is inadequate given the hotel’s size. Private palapas and a large amount of palm trees provide excellent shade in most spots.
The condition of Jamaica’s water is highly dependent on the season and weather. However, the water along the north shore tends to be warmer and calmer. It was easily swimmable -- even for children -- when we visited. The typical list of water sports -- kayaks, Hobie Cats, and snorkel gear -- are all provided free of charge. Diving and sailing or windsurfing courses are available for an additional fee.

The resort offers entertainment for both adults and kids. A large theater provides themed nightly shows and trivia nights, while a nightclub is open for a few hours in the middle of the evening with live DJ sets. The aptly named Sport Bar provides drinks and light snacks almost around the clock.
For kid-centered entertainment, there's a supervised kids' club that has an outdoor playground. It includes a splash pool and trampolines, plus daily organized activities. The kids' club is divided into a Baby Club, Mini Club, and Teens' Club.
Daytime activities and sports facilities include yoga, Zumba, ping-pong, and water volleyball, among others.

Like most other aspects of the resort, the gym here is large, especially compared to other hotel fitness centers along Jamaica's north shore. It's a bright space lined with windows and is fully stocked with modern cardio equipment and an impressive array of weight machines. A full selection of free weights are also available.