Boutique luxury meets personalized perfection: Why guests love Jamaica’s S Hotel
Published:Friday | October 4, 2024 | 12:05 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The luxurious S Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James, has once again proven itself as a top contender in the hospitality world, being named the best hotel in Latin America and the Caribbean by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Out of 575,000 readers polled across the United States, the S Hotel stood out for its exceptional service, fine dining, and lavish offerings. But what is it that truly makes this boutique property special? For three first-time visitors interviewed by The Gleaner, it was the personalised experience that turned their vacation into an unforgettable escape.
Gladis Paz, and her friends Jennifer Perez and Maria Duncan, travelled from Atlanta, Georgia, in the US seeking the perfect spot for a birthday celebration. “My birthday was last Saturday, and we got here on Wednesday,” Paz shared. “By Thursday morning, everyone we met the day before knew our names. The staff knew what we liked to drink, and they made sure we were accommodated every hour of the day. The level of attention to detail was amazing.”
The group had initially considered other well-known resorts but ultimately chose the S Hotel for its boutique luxury reputation and all-inclusive offering. “We wanted a relaxing getaway with good food, and we knew that sometimes you have to pay for that experience,” Perez explained. “We looked at other properties, but the overall reviews just didn’t seem to match the price. Then I found the S Hotel. I knew it was where we needed to be.”
They praised the hotel “for delivering on every level and then some,” Paz said. “The staff made sure we were taken care of, and they did it in a way that felt effortless. From the drinks to the attention we got at the bars and restaurants – it was perfect.”
The group was so enamoured with the experience that they decided to extend their stay. “We were supposed to leave today (Tuesday), but we extended to Thursday,” one of the women admitted. “When you find a place like this, where everything just clicks, you don’t want to leave.”
“Joel-Lee at the bar, Andre in entertainment, Raisha, Paola at the front desk – they were all incredible,” Paz recalled. “Everyone made us feel special, like we weren’t just another guest.”
The personal touches didn’t stop at the service. “The staff remembered little thing, like our drink preferences. It was like they anticipated our needs before we even asked,” Perez said with a smile. “I don’t think we’ve ever been treated so well.”
LASTING IMPRESSION
As their time at the S Hotel came to a close, all three women agreed on one thing – they would return. “This isn’t our last time here,” Duncan declared. “We were looking for something special, and we found it. The S Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.”
For these guests, the recognition by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine readers is more than deserved. They say the combination of personalised service, luxury, and attention to detail is what makes the S Hotel stand out in a sea of all-inclusive resorts.
S Hotel Montego Bay earned the title of best hotel in Latin America and the Caribbean, while its sister property, S Hotel Kingston (formerly the Spanish Court Hotel), also placed ninth in the lineup, marking a significant achievement for both properties.
Destination Jamaica earned a place in the top five best countries in the region.
VIBRANT CHARM
Noting the achievements, Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett said this was testament to the “hard-working genius of this Jamaican resort group and their unflinching dedication to quality, refinement and fulsome showcasing of the best of Jamaican culture, heritage and our loving spirit. Destination Jamaica continues to be at the centre of world-renowned hotels.”
Conde Nast Traveler concurs, adding that at the S Hotel, one gets the laid-back vibe of staying in Jamaica, with a bit of South Beach glam.
“They even line the deck of their sleek pool with some of the island’s famous white sand,” wrote Condé Nast Traveler, complimenting the hotel’s large ocean-view rooms, minimalist black-and-white theme, and sleek wicker furniture that complements the renowned Doctor’s Cave Beach.
S Hotel Kingston received similar praise, described as a fusion of Jamaican soul, culture, and urban sophistication, combined with the island’s elevated hospitality.
“This incredible achievement is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional guest experiences and showcasing the vibrant charm of Montego Bay and Kingston,” said an elated Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotel. “S Hotel Montego Bay has earned this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year, and we’re equally excited to see S Hotel Kingston honoured for the very first time.”