Jamaica Palace Hotel

Description:

• This stately mansion, originally conceived as a shopping center but skillfully adapted, after carloads of architectural changes, into a palatial hotel, rises from a hillock that's the centerpiece of 2 tropically landscaped hectares (5 acres) of verdant land. It's usually cited as the best-maintained hotel in Port Antonio, the ambitious and hard-won by-product of a German-Iraqi couple that, in its way, represents one of the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan collaborations in town. The public rooms are filled with European furnishings and art, including a 2m (6-ft.) Baccarat crystal candelabrum, lavish art objects, heroic/monumental paintings, fine carpets, and a pair of Italian ebony-and-ivory chairs from the 15th century. Outside, the Palace offers white-marble columns, sun-filled patios and balconies, and an unusual 35m (114-ft.) pool shaped -- much to the delight of local nationalists -- like an aerial view of Jamaica itself. All but a handful of the accommodations are large, with 4m (13-ft.) ceilings and oversize marble bathrooms. Even the handful that are smaller are comfortably appointed. Suites are especially opulent, each furnished with a luxurious but quirky collection ("The Habsburgs meet Jamaica") with crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs, and original works of art. All units have excellent beds, often sleigh beds. Both Continental and Jamaican food are served in the main dining room, with its lighted "water wall" sculpted from Jamaican cave stones. Frankly, the only drawback to this place is that it's not on the beach, but a free shuttle will take you to one of the best sandy beaches in the area, Frenchman's Cove Beach. There is also a poolside cafe with barbecue, live dance and calypso bands, and a boutique. Expect goodly percentages of clients here from Mittel Europa and frequent, sometimes ironic, references to Old Europe.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010