Iberostar Grand Rose Hall

The Iberostar chain is a big fan of classifications. Its trio of resorts in Montego Bay are categorized as good (Iberostar Rose Hall Beach), better (Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites), and best (Iberostar Grand Rose Hall), and the separation between the three is iron-clad. Guests can trade down and take advantage of the features at the lesser resorts, but the opposite is not true. This is great for guests at Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, because it means that they can visit all three resorts, gaining access to five pools, and roughly two dozen restaurants and bars, as well as the entirety of the resort complex’s half-mile beach. It also means that while guests at the other resorts must suffer more crowds, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is completely off-limits to guests at the other two hotels and feels less overrun.
Yet another designation in Iberostar’s hierarchical repertoire is its upper-echelon Grand Collection, of which Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is a member. This doesn’t really have any concrete, tangible significance except that Grand Collection hotels are adults-only properties that are, on the whole, much nicer -- and of course more expensive -- than regular Iberostar hotels. At some resorts, this sort of classification might not be worth the added cost, but in the case of Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, it definitely is.
Upon entering the lobby of the Iberostar Grand, guests may wonder if they've accidentally landed in Las Vegas rather than Montego Bay. A cathedral-like rotunda clad in marble features metallic gold and red velvet furnishings, as well as reproductions of cubist and modernist paintings. The scene feels opulent, with guests in swim trunks and halter tops looking out of place against the surroundings.
The resort is a bit newer than the other Iberostar Montego Bay resorts (the Grand opened in 2008, while the other two properties were completed the year earlier). The rooms are more luxurious, featuring massive marble bathrooms, free well-stocked minibars with tons of snacks and liquor, and high-design furnishings such as white leather benches, brocade fainting couches, and hanging wicker swings on the balconies. However, decor is starting to show wear and feel a bit outdated. The pool is nicest at this resort, with more upscale lounge chairs and cozy sunbeds; the restaurants are more diverse in cuisine; and the services include benefits such as free green fees at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and butlers for rooms.
Still, many of the mediocre elements found at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites hotels are part of the package here as well. For instance, the resorts share the same small casino, nightclub, shops, and meeting rooms. Only the spa, which is also shared, is on par with the Iberostar Grand's level of luxury, featuring a hydrotherapy relaxation room, outdoor treatment room, boutique, salon, juice bar, fitness center, and spinning and Pilates studio.

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is situated within the mall-like complex that houses all three Iberostar resorts, along the northern coast of Montego Bay where most of the city’s mega-resorts and golf clubs are located. Aside from that, there isn’t a whole lot else going on immediately near the resort, save for a few shopping plazas that aren’t any more enticing than the hotel’s on-site boutiques. While nothing outside the grounds is within walking distance, the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, Montego Bay Airport, and fun, and appropriately named, Hip Strip neighborhood are a short drive away.

• 17-minute drive to Montego Bay International Airport
• Seven-minute drive to Half Moon Golf Course
• Eight-minute drive to Cinnamon Hill Golf Course (guests receive one free round with a three- or four-night stay, and two free rounds with a five-night stay)
• 20-minute drive to Hip Strip, for restaurants, bar, clubs, and shops
• Two-hour drive to Negril and its famous Seven Mile Beach

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall rooms are upscale, with quality materials such as leather, marble, silk, and brocade on modern wood furnishings. The color scheme of turquoise and red is certainly bold and not very Jamaican -- it may feel a bit “Las Vegas” to some. Furnishings are also showing wear, and fabrics feel outdated and in need of a refresh. Large marble bathrooms are a highlight, with deep whirlpool tubs, separate rainfall showers, and dual vanities on opposite walls. Balconies or terraces are spacious as well, featuring hanging wicker swings, couches, coffee tables, and ceiling fans. Swim-up suites have access to a semi-private pool.
Standard amenities include sitting areas, free daily replenished minibars with beer, soda, water, wine, liquor, and snacks, and coffeemakers, as well as ironing facilities, digital safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, pillow menus, and toiletries are also provided. Butler service is available for all guests.
The 293 suites are all almost identical, except that some come with a king-size bed and some come with two queen beds, and views are of either the garden or the ocean. There are also two Presidential Suites. Of note is the fact that the suites are about the same size as the suites at the Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites, so while guests get decor upgrades here, they don't get more space.

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall’s portion of the trio of resorts’ half-mile stretch of beach is -- no big surprise here -- the best. Sure, the sand is about the same half-powder-half-pebble consistency, and the water is just as clear and blue as anywhere else, but the beach stands out for what it’s missing: crowds and loud noise. There are lovely sunbeds in addition to the generic yellow lounge chairs, and palapa umbrellas shade guests far more efficiently than the brushy little trees on Iberostar Rose Hall Beach’s sands. A volleyball net provides opportunity for a little bit of activity, and a beach grill means guests need not even leave the sand for a bite to eat.
Guests who find the atmosphere too serene can hop on over to the beaches at both Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites for a more energetic vibe -- think dance parties, aerobics classes, volleyball tournaments, and loud music.

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall’s pool is huge. It features multiple levels of water, a volleyball net, a footbridge, a swim-up bar, and chic padded lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas and cabanas. Though pools at the other Iberostar resorts are equally large, the vibe here is slightly more mellow, though guests should likely still expect loud music.
In addition to the swim-up bar, which is staffed with enough bartenders to handle the demand, guests can also order beverages from a wait staff that wanders the grounds. It’s not always easy to find one of these staff members, however.
There's little reason for guests to visit the pools at the other Iberostar resorts, but guests are allowed to should they choose.

Spa Sensations is shared between all three Iberostar properties in Montego Bay. It has a salon featuring hair, make-up, and nail services; a relaxation room with whirlpool and hydrotherapy pools; a boutique featuring a variety of products; and an extensive fitness center that includes a juice bar and a Pilates and spinning studio. Signature treatments incorporate local ingredients such as coffee, cocoa, and oranges, and span a variety of specialties including Shiatsu, Swedish, and Turkish massage. Guests receive free access to the hydrotherapy area. The spa’s outdoor treatment room is located on a private balcony overlooking the pool and the Caribbean Sea -- not quite as serene as, say, the tree-house treatment rooms at Couples Negril, but soothing nonetheless.

On-site dining options at Iberostar Grand Rose Hall are diverse and covered by the all-inclusive package. Restaurants consist of the obligatory buffet and 24-hour beach grill, as well as four a la carte restaurants specializing in gourmet, Japanese, steak, and Italian cuisine. But the variety doesn’t stop there, as guests also have access to an additional seven a la carte restaurants at the neighboring Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites properties. While the food and service is generally better at Iberostar Grand, the change of scenery might be welcome for guests on a long trip.
Food receives largely positive reviews. On the downside, reservations are required for restaurants and many past guests have complained of difficult securing their preferred time slot. A good variety of room service dishes are available 24/7, but wait times vary.

Drinks are typically strong at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, and top-shelf liquor is included in the rates (such as Dewar’s and Tanqueray). There are four bars, including a swim-up bar, an elegant lobby piano bar, and a nightclub bar. Many bartenders have a specialty -- guests will do best to inquire if they are looking for the best cocktail at the bar.

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is an all-inclusive resort. All meals (including specialty restaurants and room service), drinks, and non-motorized water sports are covered in the rates.

• All meals and drinks, including top-shelf liquor
• Free round of golf at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course (two free rounds for longer stays)
• Free non-motorized water sports
• Free access to all restaurants, pools, beaches, and amenities at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites

The fitness center at the spa is modern and well-equipped, with a juice bar, Pilates and yoga studio, and a decent amount of cardio weight machines. Other activities include free non-motorized water sports (windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking, and free classes and events such as aqua aerobics and beach volleyball tournaments. Scuba diving and parasailing are also available for an extra fee.
Land-based sports include tennis, billiards, foosball, and ping-pong, as well as free golf at the nearby Cinnamon Hills Golf Course.
In addition to a lineup of daytime activities, evening shows are offered and a late-night nightclub. Shared with the Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites and Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, the casino is mediocre, with a dozen or so digital gaming machines and an adjoining room that attempts a sports bar vibe, with a dart board, TVs showing sports, and a card table.

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall offers plenty of options for weddings small and large. Enclaves throughout the resort offer private locales for intimate nuptials, and several meeting rooms are available for cocktail hours and receptions. The resort has an on-site wedding team that assists with details, such as the wedding cake, bouquet, music, photography, and catering.