Nestled along the vibrant shores of Ocho Rios, Moon Palace Jamaica stands as a beacon of all-inclusive luxury in the heart of Jamaica’s north coast. This Five Diamond resort, celebrated for its blend of modern amenities and authentic Jamaican charm, has garnered a reputation as a top choice for families, couples, and groups seeking a memorable Caribbean getaway. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into what makes Moon Palace Jamaica special, covering its accommodations, dining, activities, and more, based on recent guest experiences and verified information.
A Warm Welcome to Ocho Rios
Located just five minutes from downtown Ocho Rios and about 1.5 hours from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, Moon Palace Jamaica is perfectly positioned for travelers eager to explore Jamaica’s natural wonders, like Dunn’s River Falls, or simply relax on its pristine beach. The resort offers free airport transfers for stays of four nights or more, making arrival a breeze. Upon stepping into the lobby, guests are greeted with a refreshing drink, a red carnation, and a cool washcloth—a small but thoughtful touch that sets the tone for the stay.
The resort’s contemporary design, with gleaming marble floors and a wall of Apple Macs at reception, creates a cosmopolitan vibe that feels both luxurious and welcoming. Its 700+ rooms, spread across two towering buildings, offer a range of options, from standard rooms with resort views to ocean-view presidential suites, all featuring modern amenities like free WiFi, 24-hour room service, CHI-branded toiletries, and liquor dispensers stocked with international brands.
Accommodations: Comfort with a View
Moon Palace Jamaica’s rooms are designed with comfort and style in mind, boasting turquoise, beige, and white decor that mirrors the Caribbean surroundings. Each room includes a French or full balcony, satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar, a coffee machine, and a complimentary bottle of red wine on arrival. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, though some note that certain units could benefit from minor refreshing. For families, the family suite option—two connecting rooms with a king bed and two double beds—is a standout, offering ample space to spread out.
Recent reviews highlight the oceanfront and partial ocean-view rooms as particularly desirable, with stunning vistas of the Caribbean Sea. However, some guests have reported noise from nightly entertainment, especially in rooms closer to the main stage. For a quieter stay, request a room in Building 2 or 3, ideally on a higher or lower floor to avoid elevator congestion.
Dining: A Culinary Journey
One of Moon Palace Jamaica’s strongest suits is its diverse dining scene. With five restaurants and six bars, the resort caters to a variety of tastes, from Jamaican classics to international cuisine. The buffet-style Buccaneers Reef is a guest favorite, offering an impressive spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including fresh smoothies, coconut pancakes, and traditional dishes like ackee and saltfish. For a more intimate experience, Pier 8 serves seafood and steaks by the beach, with al fresco dining that’s perfect for sunset meals. Other highlights include Gondola for Italian pasta dishes, Momo for teppanyaki-style hibachi, and Sundeck for Mediterranean-inspired pizza and pasta.
Guests rave about the quality and variety of food, with many appreciating the authentic Jamaican flavors at Pier 8’s jerk shack or the fresh ceviche from the beach grill. The Boulangerie coffee shop is a hit for dessert crepes and pastries, though some reviews mention inconsistent service here. The resort’s Palace Resorts app enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to check menus, make reservations, and even pre-order room service breakfast for added convenience. While most diners are satisfied, a few note that “island time” can mean slower service, so patience is key.
Activities and Amenities: Fun for All Ages
Moon Palace Jamaica shines as a family-friendly resort, with activities to keep everyone entertained. The resort boasts four outdoor pools, including a main pool with a swim-up bar, a kids’ pool with a waterslide, and a pool adjacent to the beach. The FlowRider® Double Wave Simulator is a crowd-pleaser, though some recent reviews mention it occasionally being out of service, so check ahead if it’s a must-do. Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are included, and the resort’s beach, while small, is immaculate with soft white sand and calm waters ideal for swimming.
For kids, The Playroom offers supervised games, a playground, and a teen lounge, while The Dreamery introduces immersive entertainment for younger guests. Adults can unwind at the Awe Spa, the largest in Jamaica, featuring hydrotherapy pools, hot stone massages, and couples’ treatments. The spa’s water circuit and coffee body wraps are highly recommended. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the gym’s cardio equipment, free weights, and classes like yoga and water aerobics.
Nightly entertainment ranges from live music to themed shows, though some guests find the performances hit-or-miss, with occasional complaints about the DJ at the Noir nightclub. For those craving adventure, the resort organizes excursions to nearby attractions like Mystic Mountain, Konoko Falls, and dolphin swims, which can be booked directly through the app.
Service: A Mixed Bag
Service at Moon Palace Jamaica is often described as a highlight, with staff like Kerlyn at the Noir club and Jerome at the door earning glowing reviews for their warmth and professionalism. Many guests feel the resort’s employees go above and beyond, creating a welcoming, “at-home” atmosphere. However, reviews are mixed, with some reporting inconsistent housekeeping, long check-in times, or unresponsive management for issues like room upgrades. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, and guests note that it can enhance the experience, as it’s seen as a gesture of gratitude in Jamaican culture.
Guest Feedback: The Good and the Not-So-Good
With a 4/5 rating on Tripadvisor (based on 6,609 reviews) and a 7.6/10 on Booking.com (643 verified reviews), Moon Palace Jamaica enjoys a solid reputation. Guests frequently praise the resort’s cleanliness, family-friendly vibe, and proximity to Ocho Rios’ shops and attractions. The pools, spa, and dining options are standout features, and many families return year after year, calling it their “home in Jamaica.”
On the flip side, some guests express frustration with organizational issues, such as lengthy check-in processes or miscommunications about room assignments. The beach’s small size disappoints those expecting expansive sands, and a few reviews mention outdated room decor or maintenance needs. Negative experiences often center on customer service lapses, particularly with group bookings or special requests, though these seem to be the exception rather than the rule.
Is Moon Palace Jamaica Worth It?
Moon Palace Jamaica offers a compelling mix of luxury, convenience, and Jamaican hospitality, making it an excellent choice for families and couples seeking an all-inclusive escape. Its strengths lie in its diverse dining, extensive activities, and prime location, though it’s not without flaws, like occasional service hiccups or a smaller beach. At an average nightly rate of $470–$645 (depending on the season), it delivers good value for a Five Diamond resort, especially with free kids’ stays (17 and under) and included amenities.
For those considering a stay, embrace the laid-back “Bob Marley-inspired energy” of Jamaica, as one Booking.com reviewer put it, and come prepared for a vibrant, activity-packed vacation. If a sprawling beach is your priority, you might look elsewhere, but for a well-rounded, family-oriented experience, Moon Palace Jamaica delivers.
Pro Tip: Download the Palace Resorts app before arrival to streamline dining reservations and activity planning. For a quieter room, request Building 2 or 3, and don’t miss the jerk chicken at Pier 8’s beach grill—it’s a taste of Jamaica you won’t forget!
Disclaimer: Prices and offerings may vary; check with the resort for the latest details. Guest experiences are subjective and based on reviews as of April 2025.