Secrets St. James Montego Bay - Luxury All Inclusive

This hotel has the potential to be a superb getaway destination but there are a few key elements that made our experience subpar. On a positive note,the layout of the hotel, beaches, and pools is great. The rooms are clean, comfortable and appealing to the eye. Bummers: All restaurants served food that was overly salty and dry. It was evident that […] nothing was fresh-- all food seemed to be reused and had sat out all day. To make dining even more unsatisfactory, all the servers were very slow and commonly asked "What do you want?" as a greeting, and only appeared at the end of the meal to get the tip. Alcohol which was all inclusive, was not "all-authentic." As a vodka drinker, it was very easy to tell the difference between Grey Goose and cheap Russian vodka with a plastic bottle after taste. Many couples enjoy a nightlife that does not include singing along to "Grease Lightning" at a stuffy piano bar nightly. The only other option was to see performances in an unattended theatre, or go to Desires-- a nightclub Scarface would attend. Going to Jamaica, one would expect music (possibly reggae) to be playing on the beach or at least the pool... or come on... at least one of the bars. Nope. Nothing. All day... every day. Since there are two hotels with separate beaches, bars, cafes, and pools, would it not make sense to vary them? Both hotels had the EXACT SAME atmospheres. If you are a couple that enjoys silence, solitude, and rude service, welcome to Secrets-- enjoy your stay. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was our first trip to Secrets St. James, Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was an amazing trip to paradise! The entire resort was superbly well maintained and beautiful! The staff was so friendly and accommodating. The drinks, the food, and the feel good Jamaican atmosphere helped to create a life time memory that we hope to repeat. We highly recommend […] this resort to anyone looking to experience an all inclusive in Jamaica. I searched long and hard to find the perfect all inclusive vacation resort and we hit the jackpot!!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great time. Wonderful staff. Nice Views and better food

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel staff was really nice and very friendly. The beds were really comfortable. The food was pretty good overall. The one bad thing is that we were hit up upon check-in about their Unlimited Program, which is pretty much a timeshare. We walked in the door and right out. So, if you're asked about it, say no uness that's your thing. Other than that, […] the only other thing were the staff at the shops. They weren't as friendly as the hotel staff which makes me believe they aren't hotel staff. We would consider staying at another Secrets resort, but make sure you stay in the Preferred section because you'll get liquor and wine, etc. in the room and the regular rooms just had beer and some sodas and waters. :-( Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

we had a great time, all staff is excellent, entertainment is very good, lot to do

Genuine Expedia guest review

Everyone was so nice and the service was excellent!! Couldn't have asked for a better place to stay.

Genuine Expedia guest review

My very first time at a Secrets resort....Loved it! The service was awesome and the resort itself was beautiful. The food was amazing! The hotel itself was very clean including my room. I had a amazing view from my room. Just loved everything about that resort , will return in the near future.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was the best vacation we ever had!! Upgraded to a beachfront room at Wild Orchid when I booked St. James. Don't know what St. James is like but we were very impressed! Dining in all the restaurants was outstanding! Favorite was the Oceana, Poolside at night! Best Desert: Creme Brulet at the Bordeaux! Best meal: All of them! Try the Seaside Grill, […] open until 5pm, Friters and Patties (both chicken and beef). Snorkeling must be guided unless you have your own gear. Hobie was $10 but its worth it! Beach is huge!! Chairs are plentyful in July, its the rainy season, we had very little rain. If you take pictures they have the best locations. Pool and beach towels were plentiful. Get up early if you want good spots on the beach. There are plenty of seats when we went but it depends, it wasn't crowded either. Super clean place to just kick back and relax. Word to the wise: They will try to get you to sit through a presentation of their vacation club. They say 90mins but we cancelled as we wanted to stay on the beach and the girl (Nordia) was POed! Just tell them up front your not interested. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

For an affordable luxury resort in Jamaica, Secrets St. James was very nice. There are many restaurants to choose from of various varities of food. The staff is incredibly friendly as well - even more so if you tip them. The room was very nice and we couldn't have asked for a better room. There is no need to upgrade it to a suite. We did upgrade to […] the Preferred club and it was nice, but I'm not sure that it is necessary. The best part about the preferred room is that you get to use the preferred pools which are much better than the others because they were not crowded at all. If you are a big partier, then you want the regular pools. There are lots of activities to do, only some of which you have to pay extra for. The wifi is a joke and does not work at all. So, if you want internet you should get the preferred club so you can use their computers. The food was the only real downside to the resort. It was just OK, but I didn't expect it to be wonderful in Jamaica anyway, but it certainly wasn't too bad. The room service was only really good for breakfast...every other meal (even with the preferred club menu) was quite bad. The room service was also quite slow getting to your room. The drinks were outstanding - they have top shelf liquor and will make you anything. They will also continually refill your drinks and take new orders on the beach or at the pool. Overall I think it was a very nice resort. The views were incredible. The beach was very private. I would go back. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Service was excelent, food wasnt that good, but my husband is very picking, ( he is a chef) any way best place for couples !!! Very romantic!!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

great experience . a great choose. Hotel was beauitful

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel room was clean, comfortable, and very nicely appointed. Grounds were well kept and beautiful. Food and drinks were very good, and staff was great. Entertainment was varied and fun. Beach and pools were great. We did not upgrade and were happy that we didn't. We would recommend this hotel to all our friends

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was originally recommended by a family member who really enjoyed there stay. We had an overall wonderful experience and I would definitely stay there again, preferably during a cooler month. What we liked/loved: - staff was very friendly and check in/ check out was very simple - plenty of lounge chairs at the pools and beaches - never felt […] like we had to wait or go looking for a server - drinks and food were great and lots of choices (several restaurants, room service, snack hut, jerk chicken cart, fruit stand, etc.) - clean facilties (pool, dining areas, they spray for bugs, even saw them scrubbing lounge mats one night) - excellent air conditioning - entertainment if you want it (volley ball, bocce, bands at night near the restaurants, etc.) - Restaurants were great: We didn't have to wait at any but you need a reservation to sit at the actual Hibachi grill in the Himitsu restaurant. We got one a day in advance though, so no big deal. The food at all the restaurants is very good too and a big selection. Downside of our stay: - It is very hot there in the summer (we went in June, which we expected) - Some of the pool/ beach furniture needs a little maintenance, but there are a lot of choices Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Staff very involved with your stay, all staff pleasent, and happy to serve you. Beautiful pool and beachfront. Rooms very comfortable sometimes a bit humid and damp, but that is the carribean.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Nice hotel, good restaurants, good hotel service. Overall, a very nice place and close to the airport.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Food: not good, if you frequent Applebees, you will enjoy it, but if looking for good food, go to different resort. Although, the jerk chicken cart was amazing! Service: excellent at start, but getting room cleaned regularly was tough. Came back from all day at beach three different days to a dirty room at 4pm. Beach: good if you wanna just lay out, […] but not good for swimming. Never deeper than 4 feet, and rocky with seaweed. Entertainment: felt like i was crashing a bad wedding Room: we had the normal Jr suite and it was just fine. Really nice. Had a problemwith toilet that i fixed myself, as engineer never showed up when called. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The Hotel is great because you have the St. James (quiet) and Wild Orchid (entertainment) experience at one resort. Staff is excellent and Attentive. Go to the Piano Bar and ask for Ray !! Excellent Service. The Baracudda Bar has Leo who is Great. Everone was accommodating and service oriented. As they say, Welcome Home !!

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great location, beautiful resort, excellent food, amazing food but terrible service.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

tourist company advertise this hotel as five star Compare to 4 stars resorts in DR I would give mostly 3.it was also recomended casino hotel wich is not right.Jamaica dont allow gambling so there are only few slat machines.service very poor and food not to good

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great hotel beautiful grounds modern and clean. I think food could be better, otherwise I would give five stars. I also was extremely dissatisfied with the Jamaican tours. I

Genuine Expedia guest review

The Good: The hotel is gorgeous, and adults only so no screaming children running around. Every room is an ocean view room (tho some more than others). The food is pretty good if you know where to eat and where not to eat (Bordeax, Himitsu and El Patio were the best for din, since Oceana and Seaside were always closed for din I cant rate them), Oceana […] and Seaside for lunch and Buffet for breakfast (not that u have much of a choice). If you like noise and party atmosphere stay at the regular side, if you want quiet go to preferred. The rooms are very nice and clean and soaking tub on balcony in preferred rooms is an added bonus. People are pretty friendly (sometimes a little too much, sorry i didnt come on vacation to chat with you about your life Mon!) The Bad: The beach while very pretty in theory in reality will dissapoint, very shallow and after getting in about knee deep you'll hit rocks and seaweed, the preferred side beaches are much nicer than regular side but still not very good. Also beach chairs crazy uncomfortable (wicker...really?) the drinks while deelish are totally watered down (4 mojitos later and i wasnt even tipsy and im a lightweight). Why was Oceana and Seaside always closed for dinner? And whats up with the lack of fruit in a tropical resort? Not cool! Also resort lacking in jamaican entertainment, no cool Jamaican band playing some Bob Marley, just some guy who cant carry a tune sinning Enrique Iglesias... Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

My week at the resort was wonderful. The staff was friendly and attentive, the hotel was very clean and the nightlife events were fun. I would definitely go back and recommend this resort to others. My only complaints were that there were no restaurant options for breakfast (only the World Cafe) and that I was expecting to be exposed to more of the […] Caribbean culture. Other than that, great place. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed in the perferred club at St. James. The resort is great! My husband and I enjoyed the privacy of the perferred section such as the room, pool, and beach. The snacks and beverage in the lounge was excellent!!!!!!! We also like how St.James and Wild Orchid is next to each other. Basically all the restaurants and excitment was at Wild Orchid. […] The Secrets have mad it the best of both worlds!!!!!!! We have stayed at Secret Silversands(Riveria Maya, Mexico) twice. The food was better at the silversands but the entertainment was better and view was better in Montego Bay! We didn't like how they didn't play much reggee music. But we had a great time and would suggest this resort!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was the ultimate vacation destination. From the moment you wake up you are flourished with Jamaican hospitality in every possible respect. They truly thought of everything to make guests feel appreciated.

Genuine Expedia guest review

A beautiful resort. A courteous staff that was truly accommodating. while our stay was short there is was still fun to be had. We would travel here again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We were completely disappointed with our stay at the Secret St. James. We have stayed in several All Inclusive Adult only hotels and have had wonderful experiences. We just assumed that with the cost and the upgrade to Preferred status that we would have the same type of customer service and over-all great experiences as in the past stays at other similiar […] hotels. We however were completely wrong about that with this hotel. The "Welcome" at the hotel was non-exixting. We got off shuttle, asked by one of the hotel staff to see our reservation print out and then he pointed us down the side walk to the Preferred entrance door. Once arriving there, we were not greated with any drinks, cold rags, or any special treatment. We were checked into our room and then told how to get to the elevator and to our room. The room was clean enough but it was not the room location we had emailed asking for back in December when I booked. that time. By the 5th day I finally asked for a manager due to the lack of customer service. We spoke to several people at the hotel who also were not satisfied with their room when they got there and received great upgrades with no hassle and they were not Preferred customers. Our shower leaked and they attempted to fix it 3 times and never did get it fixed. I asked to have the Preferred desk book a reservation at one of the restaurants and was told HOW to do it myself, and once finally booked by them it was booked on the wrong night which I found. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I had a such a great stay there. One thing I did not like is that anything other than part of all inclusive deal, Everything is very expensive.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We had a WONDERFUL time here. The staff is beautiful, friendly and very helpful. I hope to visit them again.!

Genuine Expedia guest review

LOVED THIS RESORT, best one I've stayed at in years!!!!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff was outstanding. All of our requests (from towels to room service) were handled in a timely manner with a friendly disposition and most important of all unmatched professionalism. We stayed in an ocean view room on the third floor. The rooms all have an ocean view and mos also have a beautiful view of the nearby mountain range. It is exceptionally […] scenic at sundown/sunset. The quality of the room was outstanding. When we first arrived everything was super clean and tidy. The mini bar was stocked daily (Red Stripe beer, water, juices and soda). I hear you get the upgraded mini bar with preferred club. We were sure to check the room before we made our imprint on it and it was certainly up to par. There are water sports (not all are included in the package) on the resort. I personally went water skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling (only the snorkeling was free). The water sports experience was excellent because the professionals were knowledgeable, patient and even let me play for longer than I paid. There are eight (8!) excellent restaurants on the resort. The Hibachi restaurant is particularly good and has a good show. The entertainment was particularly good on one night OK the others. We also took a bike ride out to town with two members of the resort staff to a local juice vendor (sells out of the back of a pick-up); that was pretty awesome-ask for the slime juice. Ask about Dunns River Falls - it was lots of fun! Also Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The resort was not what i had expected and rates very low from many other resorts. The restraunts are poor and that is coming from someone who likes everything. The resort is expensive compared to other resorts as well. The entertainment was for a much older crowd than 40 and basically put you to sleep. Seating for the entertainment was non existant. […] The beaches were ok and the swim up bars were great. Overall i would say it is an OK resort but for the money you can go to a much better resort. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great resort. No complaints. Everything we expected in a top tier all inclusive.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Amazing 2nd visit very clean and very friendly. Looking forward to going back in a few months.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was beautiful and very well maintained. The staff were extremely accomodating and friendly. The food was great and nightlife was fun!! I would recommend this hotel for adults only!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was great. The rooms were clean and modern. The employees were all very friendly. The drinks were always good!! They do ask you to reserve a spot for their time share sales pitch but are very gracious if you turn them down. The beach is very small compared to others so sometimes getting two lounge chairs together can be a bit of a chore unless […] you want to wake up early and hold one. The food at the restaurants were good however some were better than others (the French and Jamaican ones were the best). The fitness center was actually pretty good, it had older equipment but all in good working order. The spa was great too, very relaxing (take advantage of the coupons given at check in). Overall, we had a great time. The service was much more playful and relaxed than we have had at other resorts, which seemed to be more formal. But we enjoyed it. The only real negative I can say would be that you must pay extra for wireless access. This seems like a silly add on that should be included. The upside is I never spent time checking emails!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We had an excellent experience with the hotel. The hotel staff were extremely friendly, the hotel was very well maintained. The food was varied but a little bland, with the exception of the jerk chicken stand at lunch - outstanding! We stayed for four nights, and could have happily stayed for another couple. There were some very nice touches at the […] hotel, with a mojito stand, and a guy cracking coconuts for drinks. The location is beautiful, but it is isolated, and a $60 return taxi ride to Montego Bay (just 15/20 minutes away). No problem for a short stay, but if you're there for an extended period, that could be an issue. Some of the clubs/bars did provide free buses to get there and back however in the evening. Suprisingly, the wood carving stand at the hotel gave even better deals that the straw market we went to. If you do go to the straw market, be prepared, it's the most harrassed we've ever been at any market...just madness. Note to future visitiors - wait till you get to the airport to buy your rum, it's much cheaper there. We went on an organised 3 stop shopping tour to Montego bay as it was cheaper to do this than get a cab, and whilst the coffee and t-shirts were a good price, the rum was vastly overpriced. (Appleton 12 yr old 750ml - on the shelf at $48, they gave us a "deal" at $36, however $19 on the shelf at the airport.....ouch!). Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

My wife and I just got back from Secrets St. James. Rooms were clean, hotel staff extremely friendly, food and drinks were excellent, and pools were nice. We would recommend this resort to anyone. The staff really were wonderful. The jerk chicken cart that comes around every day is highly recommended, as is the fresh coconut cart. They had pools that […] were different temperatures, and we never really had any problems with towels and chairs like you do at other resorts. Only complaints were no free wi-fi although it is available for a price, and you are charged to make local calls (ie to a golf course etc) I played golf at White Witch, and it was excellent, and recommended for anyone interested in golfing. Also cabs were extremely expensive from the resort. Get your roundtrip airport transportation through expedia as it is WAY cheaper. A cab was $60 to the airport one way, although you could negotiate a little bit. But those complaints are minor. The place was great, and we had a blast, and I would recommend this resort to everyone. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Loved the hotel, it was beautiful. From the minute we arrived we were treated like royalty. The rooms all had ocean view and the grounds were gorgeous! Would definitely return in the future.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff and resort was absolutely Awesome! My significant and I enjoyed every day of our stay. The service the resort gives is nothing we ever experienced. Besides this being a romantic getaway, We were also there celebrating my birthday and the staff acknowledged my day in every way. Overall, We were very pleased and already have plans for returning […] next year. We highly recommend this resort!!!!! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall, very nice place. Some people get talked into or reserved Preferred status. Not worth it - I'd rather put the money towards another vacation. Be ready for the "hard sell" when you arrive for that upgrade, and a couple of other things...after that, they don't bother you. We reserved St. James room, got upgraded to Wild Orchid room. Not much difference. […] Wild Orchid side a little closer to things, but really no difference. Employees are extraordinarily nice. Room very comfortable, great bed, pillows, and room darkening shades so you can sleep late if you so desire. Food at some restaurants better than others. Our worst meal was at the French restaurant, Bordeaux, which, surprisingly, had the longest wait time. Breakfast and lunch buffets at World Cafe very good. Beach is nice, though difficult to get a lounge chair in the shade - people "reserve" early. Same is true for pools. Liquor is plentiful if you're a drinker. Lots of activities to do during the day - line dancing, cooking class, crafts. If you're active, there are exercise classes (zumba yoga); fitness center adequate; one tennis court, one basketball court, and path around the place where you can run, power walk etc. There are some motor and non-motor water activities; some cost, some don't. Never made it to the spa, but there is one. Night entertainment was good for the first 3 days of our 6 day stay, but went downhill the last few nights (silly game show, bad talent show, Mardi Gras party). Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Room was great, comfy, romantic, spacious. Food at resort was just okay. Would want better food for a 5-day vacation. Bland basically.

Genuine Expedia guest review

never been to jamacia or an all inclusive hotel, after staying at secrets i can say it was one of the nicest vacations weve ever had. only 10 minute cab drive to paradise from the airport. drinks and food were endless and awesome. hotel was clean, grounds were kept beautifully, waitstaff were friendly, room was plenty big and with an incredible vie […] w. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We had an absolute blast at Secret St. James! Would definitely go back and recommend to couples. There were plenty of activities if that's what you were looking for but no one pressured you to join in. Pool area was great. Beach area was a little small but beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beach. Food was excellent. Lots of variety. Hope to […] go back in the near future! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Overall the hotel was pretty nice. We were pleased with the rooms and overall the facility is in good shape. The fitness center is small and half the cardio equipment wasn't working. The beach was nice, but small, with a fairly small roped off area to swim in. The most disappointing feature was the food. Other than the jerk chicken they served by the […] pool, the quality was on par with cafeteria or fast food. Service was hit or miss - some of the hotel staff were super, really friendly and outgoing and others seemed like they didn't want to be bothered with you at all. The spa was great. Went there for two massage treatments and both times had a fantastic therapist. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The entire staff was friendly and always willing to give excellent service. From the short ride from the airport, the welcome champagne, the beautiful, comfortable room with a view, to the food it was wonderful. The specialty drinks are very good and decent wine. Carts with fresh fruit, shaved ice, and jerk chicken circulated between the beach and pool. […] Our second trip there. The first was last year right after they opened and it was great. They added many new things including another beach restaurant and activities. There are many different restaurants and you can go to any or all, no reservations need which was convenient. We will go back!! And have recommended it to friends. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

My wife and I are Expedia Elite members and decided to book this resort because of the great reviews and Expedia VIP perks. Although we didnt get a free room upgrade, our room was still amazing, with a jacuzzi tub in the balcony along with great ocean views. There was also three free channels of porn in our room! The staff was super friendly, constantly […] making sure that we were enjoying ourselves. Overall, the dining options were great - there were some hit and misses, but since this was an all inclusive, you can simply order another dish if you didnt like it - you cant go wrong with ordering fish here. The beach was beautifully well maintained, as was the pool areas. Plenty of free activities on do the resort, basketball, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, catamaran, billiards, ping pong, etc. My only complaint was that the casino only had slot machines, there were no table games (however, this probably saved me several hundred dollars that I would have most likely lost at the black jack table). My wife and I didnt do any outside paid excursions, but I'm sure that the island is really nice. We did manage to visit a souvenir shop outside the resort during our free bike tour. My advanced warning is that the shop owners and vendors outside of the resort are relentless in hassling (or some would say, harassing) you to buy their wares. It also appears that most of the resort workers and locals want to sell you weed. Overall a wonderful getaway on a beautiful island resort. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is still a new hotel but one where the motivation to prove itself seems to have worn off. It's good, not great and overvalued for what we paid. We've stayed at many other similar resorts in Jamaica for less money.

Genuine Expedia guest review

If you don't want to overindulge in food, then this might be the place for you. I however want to be surrounded by irresistable buffets when I go on an all inclusive vacation, and this certainly didn't satisfy my expectations. Firstly, variety was limited. Same buffet for breakfast every day. The 24 hr room service was lame. Took almost 1 hr to arrive, […] and with the exception of the hamburger, it did not taste very good. The dinners were hit & miss depending on which restaurant you went to. Slow service (2 hrs to receive cold food) and poor selection. By the time I finished with dinner, I had already felt hungry again. I found myself waiting for the breakfast buffet to open at 7am, then I had to wait till 12:30 to eat again. Breakfast is open from 7-11, but then the lunch area wasn't open till 12:30. The salad bar would sit open for an hour, and they wouldn't allow you to go up and take a plate. There's something wrong when they'll serve alcohol 2 1/2 hrs before opening up the restaurant! Room was nice and jacuzzi tub was a great plus. I also enjoyed the onsite watersports but the poolside activities were few & far between. They defninitely could have used more poolside activities, and when they did advertise things like bracelet making, poker, basket weaving, they conveniently left out the fee they charged to do it. What ever happened to ALL INCLUSIVE? No major problems, but a lot of little reasons that I will never return to a Secrets again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very satisfied, great place to stay and would definitely recommend it.

Genuine Expedia guest review

THE ROOMS LOOK JUST KIKE THE PICTURES, THE BEACH IS THE BEST EVER!!!!! THE FOOD WAS GREAT!!!!! KEDASHIA AT ST JAMES ON THE BEACH IS THE BEST!! SHE NEVER LET OUR DRINKS RUN DRY!!!! WOULD GO BACK IN A HEART BEAT!!!!

Genuine Expedia guest review