We are giving this one an Ocho out of Ten
Beaches Ocho Rios is like a “test drive” beach resort for you and your family.
Never been to a beach resort and want to see if that lifestyle is for you? Then Ocho Rios might be the perfect choice. This is a compact, very affordable resort that has everything you need for a great weeklong vacation. Is it the most luxurious resort out there? No, but it’s still cozy, offers seven restaurants, and is even located near a golf course for those who want to channel their inner Tiger Woods.
What We Like About Beaches Ocho Rios
The first thing to love about Beaches Ocho Rios is the price. After all, this is the most affordable Beaches Resort, located in a great area of Jamaica. Rooms at Beaches Ocho Rios start at $300 per adult, per day ($60 for kids), which is a great deal considering you get access to all the restaurants for free, plus a water park and a private beach.
Beaches Ocho Rios is also compact and cozy, reminding me of those beautiful coastal villages in Greece. Its smaller size makes it easy to reach any of the restaurants, and you can even let your children roam freely since the property is enclosed. There are some stairs, which might be a challenge for guests with mobility issues, but overall, the layout gets two thumbs up from visitors.
We mentioned the beach before, but let me tell you, it has a perk that not many beach resorts offer: a private beach exclusively for Beaches Ocho Rios guests. This might not sound like a big deal on paper, but having a secluded beach means more safety and gives you more space to relax. More importantly, you won’t have to deal with beach vendors interrupting your perfect moment, like when you want to sip a piña colada while getting a nice tan.
The water here is also great, and many guests actually prefer swimming at Beaches Ocho Rios over Beaches Negril. Ocho Rios is known for its shallow waters, ranging from 10 to 30 feet deep, and your diving instructor might even joke about needing to "bring a shovel" if you want to explore deeper. Being calm and shallow is another great advantage, especially for kids!
There’s also plenty for kids to do here. The waterpark is free and features five slides, while the pool is large and fun. There’s also a pizza and burger restaurant right next to the kids’ pool, making it easy for parents to grab a quick bite while their children swim and have fun. Sesame Street characters also make appearances, with small shows taking place inside the resort, another great highlight for kids.
Oh yeah, there’s also a golf course about thirty minutes from the resort, with complimentary transportation provided from Ocho Rios. I don’t know much about golf, so I can’t give my personal opinion, but most reviews online suggest it’s a perfectly fine place to practice your swing.
What we don’t like about Beaches Ocho Rios
The main drawback of Beaches Ocho Rios is that it looks a bit outdated. This isn’t surprising, given that it’s one of the oldest Beaches Resorts. While some renovations have taken place in recent years, especially post-pandemic, certain buildings and rooms could still use additional updates. There are a lot of ramps and elevators everywhere, but there could be more signs pointing you where to go. The layout is good and compact, but overall, the resort feels simpler and lacks the beauty and wow factor of a place like Beaches Turks & Caicos.
The beach has amazing water and is private, which earns rave reviews, but the beach itself could be better. The sandy area is quite small, resembling a private cove nestled between two piers. If you don’t mind this and are more interested in swimming and enjoying the water, then it won’t be a problem for you.
Another downside is the shuttle ride between the airport and the resort, which takes about two hours. That’s a long time to spend on a bus, especially after a flight to Jamaica. The winding roads leading to the resort can also be an issue. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to take medication and try to relax.
Beaches Ocho Rios FAQ
How much does a room at Beaches Ocho Rios cost?
Prices vary by date and room type, but rates typically start at $300 per guest, per day.
Is Beaches Ocho Rios close to the airport?
No, it isn’t. The resort is about two hours away from the airport.
Does Beaches Ocho Rios have a waterpark?
Yes, the resort features a free waterpark with pools, five waterslides, and splash zones.
Is the beach at Beaches Ocho Rios private?
Yes, the beach is private and exclusively for resort guests.
