Get into the Jamaican groove at S Hotel Kingston! Situated in the bustling capital of Kingston, Jamaica, the former Spanish Court Hotel is now under the S Hotels Jamaica umbrella which is ideal for everyone who wants to be close to business centers, tourist attractions and local restaurants within a gated community. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, S Hotels offer hospitality in the heart of Jamaica’s cultural capital. A 50-foot infinity rooftop pool with breathtaking views awaits along with Rocksteady Restaurant and the multiple pool bars serving up Jamaican delicacies and international cuisine. The Blue Mountains and infamous pirate capital Port Royal are nearby to explore as well. In this Spanish Colonial style building in downtown Kingston, this modern hotel is a short walk to the Bob Marley Museum and four miles from the National Gallery of Jamaica. Each spacious room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, comfortable beds, enough pillows to build a pillow fortress and a serene view of the city’s stunning sunsets or citrus groves. Whether you choose a standard room or a suite, you’ll enjoy free WiFi, a mini refrigerator, tea and coffee maker. With buffet breakfast included each morning featuring favorites like bacon, eggs and toast as well as Jamaican dishes like ackee and salt fish and always fresh fruit, this is the place to get caffeinated and go explore the city some more.
When riding with driver Dwight to Trench Town Culture Yard Museum to take a tour of the former tenement yard that was home to Bob Marley and other amazing reggae artists, I noticed huge mounds of dirt seemingly set up in organized trash piles to my right. That, Dwight explained, was where the Jamaican government got rid of to The Shower Posse, a notorious Jamaican criminal gang and drug-trafficking organization founded in the 1980s by Lester Lloyd Coke and Vivian Blake. Originally acting as political powerhouses in Kingston, the gang expanded internationally and became infamous for ruthless violence and massive narcotics and arms smuggling operations. The gang earned the name Shower Posse because members were known to shower their rivals with relentless gunfire. The syndicate originated in the Tivoli Gardens garrison community of Kingston, Jamaica near where Bob Marley lived. The group established powerful North American branches and international reach primarily in Miami, New York, New Jersey, and Toronto to traffic cocaine and marijuana. Following the death of Lester Coke in 1992, leadership passed to his son, Christopher “Dudus” Coke. Christopher Coke led the organization until his highly publicized capture and extradition to the United States in 2011.
So now that we got that bit of wild history out of the way, I can tell you there is a revitalization happening in Kingston. As a solo woman traveler, I am perfectly fine exploring during the daytime on my own wielding my metal water bottle/beat stick and giving sass right back when needed. All those years in Philly served me well I suppose. But at night might be a different story as they were very adamant I had a male escort with me. In the Jamaican culture if a man has a lady, no other men approach or even really look at her. But if you’re flying solo, expect a lot of the younger men to be very aggressive and dropping words like sexy, etc. The older men ask if you are married, that’s their line. During this trip, I made up so many excuses, tales and even wore my fake wedding ring once. They don’t care as many people told me and I saw for myself… one man said I need two boyfriends and can he meet me for dinner? Christianity is the predominant religion in Jamaica, with Protestants making up the majority of the population so it tracks that marriage is a thing here, at least for the older men. The nice part about S Hotel Kingston, it has a gated guard at the side so you can roam freely and not worry about a thing on the grounds. And that I did immediately after arriving from the long drive from S Hotel Montego Bay!
Saying goodbye to Errol, my driver from S Hotel Montego Bay, was kind of sad as we shared so many adventures and I’d tell him tales of my outings each day and we would laugh. I made sure to give him two big hugs before we parted ways. Keep up the great vibes friend!S Hotel Kingston Jamaica at sunset is a whole vibe and excellent placement with the sun.Every single gear head friend I have asked about these cars at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica!Bond, James Bond is where the whip came from at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica! The VW van is just a righteous Jamaican vibe.Checking into the S Hotel Kingston Jamaica, you will always see a smiling face.To the left, a lounge area at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.And to the right, more stylish chairs at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. You can kind of see my reflection!There is a small store near the lobby in case you forgot anything or need souvenirs at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.A long row of artwork leads you down the hallway at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica where you use your keycard at most doors to get through for extra security.This is also important at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica! We didn’t tour or experience the spa but these prices are outstanding for weary, sore travelers especially if you’re traveling for work. This would make it much better!We’re starting at the pool this time at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica as I needed a moment from a long day of travel and adventures.Plenty of vibing places to take photos at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. There is a sauna to your left but not sure who needs that!The pool from another angle at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.The spiciest adults only hot tub that I loved at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. It says its 99 degrees but I’d say more like 100+ which will relax your nervous system.I began mentally mapping out how much I would be swimming here at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. You can also order food and drinks at the bar to the left and there’s always freshly infused fruit water nearby.The smoking area at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica was more relaxed than Montego Bay with a waterfall nearby.Entering back into the S Hotel Kingston Jamaica, you need your key card to get inside.The second floor view near the pool at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. I didn’t go here much, too much fun in the sun for my skin!I liked that the style was similar across all S Hotels Jamaica properties at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica like these painted tables and chairs.The lovely lady in the artwork who greeted me in the hallway each day at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Back toward the elevator, I soon learned Americans say ska all wrong at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.I also enjoyed this sculpture near the elevator at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Back towards the lobby, I loved the design style and the Geiger style light fixtures at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Tall back chairs are best for robot spines like mine at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. I’m also a huge fan of velvet most anything.Past the lobby entrance, a private dining room we later used at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.And into the breakfast area at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica which also served as fine dining at night.In the morning, these counters are filled with food at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Funny enough, this was where I ate most meals at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica and I loved the dreamy vibe.I spotted this space and asked to go grab some pics while no one was around at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Another beautiful woman greeted me at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.This is the cafe spot where you can get anything you need, snacks and sandwiches at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.There’s plenty of space for the whole family at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.And the vibes are just right at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Finally I made it back to my room at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. I was on the highest floor facing the sunset and the street. It was pretty quiet for being so close to the city and the mini split cooled everything down immediately.A much smaller room than S Hotel Montego Bay, it was meant for more business class at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.The bathroom with the shower that got super hot if needed at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.I did end up enjoying this wine my last full day at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. It was pretty good chilled in the mini fridge!I totally recommend having some wine and listening to Bob Marley while you get ready at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. It’s a vibe!In my goodie bag, an excellent medley of Jamaican tings (yes things spelled tings like they would say) at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. And a new metal water bottle, the biggest one I have yet! I think my black one is rolling around in Errol’s van somewhere.The coffee, tea and refillable water bottles with stations on each floor near the elevator at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. I liked the AC remote idea and did not watch any television, a theme when traveling I’ve noticed.This fruit and cheese plate gave me life twice at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica, so good and fresh!For dinner my first night, I thought a terrace sunset would be ideal at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.They have a fully stocked bar as well at a DJ that comes and plays soft music most nights at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.A pool so you can swim and play if you like at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.A lot of perfect placement tables at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica for sunset vibes. I sat at this one closest and then moved to the couches.All the way at the other side of the terrace at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.There are lounge areas to sit and enjoy on each side of the terrace at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.And the S Hotel Kingston Jamaica sign in perfect placement too! They really did think of everything here. I did not swim in this pool.Of course I had to snap an artsy shot of the water reflection at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. Would be really dope with lights!The sun was setting and the sky was putting on a show at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. The Caribbean Sea is about 30 minutes away so you’re still getting that relaxing salt water air.Soon we had shades of purple at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.My favorite entree at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica was a huge chunk of snapper. It was piled high with veggies too and made me happy!I skipped the rice so I could enjoy the bread pudding soaked in rum at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. Very decadent!Even though I was absolutely exhausted by this point, I popped into the pool area for the hot tub for a soak which seemed to do the sleeping trick at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.The next morning I was up and at ’em to meet with owner Christopher Issa who is the brains behind the S Hotels Jamaica brands both S Hotel Kingston and S Hotel Montego Bay. He is a multi-generational Jamaican and very busy entrepreneur.And soon after my hair dried, a photo with my favorite light fixture at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. Much better posed!This was the first adventure Dwight and I took on our first day together from S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. I had him laughing too, apparently I’m quite a hit in Jamaica, ha! Notice how they drive on the opposite side of the car than in the USA and traffic is wild.I got back, literally lay down, passed out for a nap and woke up groggy and confused so got a mocha coffee with Hershey’s Syrup at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. This seemed to give me life again!Because I would have Dwight as my escort out that night, I wore the dress with no worries at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.But first a photoshoot with the James Bond car at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. While getting ready, I had red wine and was feeling fine!A sparkling New Zealand wine was tasty to start at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. This was the first wine night I had in Jamaica.Also I was obsessed with this coconut shrimp at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. I think the food is more elevated at this location overall.The goat cheese walnut salad of my dreams at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. It was so big I had to take half to my room!A red wine that was not hitting, I even left most of it behind at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. But pretty regardless!The filet mignon is not one but two pieces at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. When asked how you would like it cooked, be very specific.After dinner, my chariot awaited for an adventurous night out which didn’t end until 3 a.m. at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. It was fun!My last day full at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica started with a late pool day. I slept in, missed breakfast but my stomach was not having it except for liquids at first. This was my pool bed view fortunately covered completely from the sun for my pale self.But I still rallied for the hot tub, hoping it would help purge some rum and cokes out of my system at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. See my cheeky tan line from snorkeling in Montego Bay!The Jamaican platter that helped heal me back to life at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. Lots of delicious grease, spices, herbs and carbs!It was a perfect day with clouds and not terribly humid thankfully at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. My neighbors were chill too!Me trying to rally here at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. Eventually I came back to slow life!After another more chill outing with Dwight, I was ravenous and craving those coconut shrimp again at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. This time with a restorative ginger beer and water!And the goat cheese walnut salad although a half serving this time at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.This was herb encrusted snapper this time around at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. The fries were just the grease I needed! I took a slice of carrot cake back to the room which served as a packing snack and breakfast snack in the morning.While packing, the sunset came through for me at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.Upon checking out before heading to the airport which is about 20 minutes away with no traffic, I just noticed Bob Marley art at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica.And then said goodbye again to a new friend, driver Dwight that we had many adventures at S Hotel Kingston Jamaica. We even got crystals together and he’s here wearing his angelite for protection!For the ladies who want to go out at night, hire yourself a guide like Dwight. Don’t trust randoms who are up to no good! He’s a real one.
Friday, May 15
8:30 AM Breakfast with Owner Christopher Issa
Meet at Rocksteady for buffet breakfast and conversation. The continental spread features scrambled eggs and bacon, along with guest favourites like ackee and saltfish.
Morning: Downtown Art Walk & Gallery Visit
Explore Kingston’s creative side with a guided Art Walk through downtown, where vibrant murals and street art bring the city’s culture to life. Continue to the National Gallery of Jamaica for an inspiring look at the country’s artistic heritage.
Dinner at Rocksteady at S Hotel Kingston
Enjoy a relaxed yet refined dining experience at S Hotel Kingston, where contemporary Jamaican cuisine is paired with a stylish, welcoming atmosphere. The menu highlights fresh, local ingredients with modern flair.
Evening: Janga’s Soundbar & Grill
A staple in Kingston’s nightlife, Janga’s Soundbar & Grill offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere with DJs, occasional live music, and a great cocktail scene—perfect for a fun Friday night out.
Saturday, May 16
Buffet Breakfast
Day at Leisure enjoying the pool area
Spend a casual day lounging and people-watching at the hottest spot in the city. With a sundeck outfitted with chaise lounges to soak up the rays by day, and cabanas if you prefer the shade, you’ll find the cocktails and light bites are lovely accessories to a spot unlike any other.
Afternoon: Visit to Devon House
Spend the afternoon at Devon House, a historic estate known for its beautiful grounds, artisan shops, and famous ice cream—an essential Kingston experience.
