You’ve probably seen the drone footage of those massive overwater villas or the sprawling waterpark and wondered if the Princess Hotel and Resort Jamaica is just another mega-resort taking over the coastline. Honestly, it’s a lot to process. Located in Green Island, Hanover—basically halfway between the tourist hubs of Montego Bay and Negril—this place didn't just open; it exploded onto the Jamaican hospitality scene.
It’s big. Like, "don't forget your comfortable shoes" big.
The project is actually split into two distinct experiences: the Princess Grand Jamaica and the Princess Senses The Mangrove. While they share the same massive footprint, they couldn't be more different in vibe. If you’re traveling with kids who have endless energy, you’re looking at the Grand. If you’re trying to escape the sound of splashing and screaming for a romantic getaway, Senses is the adults-only side of the coin.
The Location Gamble: Green Island vs. The Usual Spots
Most people landing at Sangster International Airport (MBJ) instinctively head east toward the Hip Strip or south toward the seven-mile beach in Negril. By planting the Princess Hotel and Resort Jamaica in Green Island, the Princess Hotels & Resorts group made a massive bet on a previously quiet stretch of coastline.
The drive from the airport takes about 50 to 60 minutes. It's not a terrible trek, but it’s long enough that you won't want to be popping back and forth to Montego Bay for dinner. You're committed to the resort life here. The payoff is a sense of seclusion you don't always get in the more crowded zones. The mangrove forests surrounding the property aren't just for show; they’re a vital part of the local ecosystem, and the resort had to navigate significant environmental regulations to build around them.
The water here is calm. Since it’s tucked into a bit of a bay, you don't get the heavy surf of the north coast. It’s perfect for paddleboarding, though some hardcore beach snobs might find the sand a bit more "manicured" than the wild stretches of Negril.
Diving Into the Room Dilemma: Overwater Villas and Beyond
Let's talk about the overwater villas because everyone asks about them. They are the first of their kind for this brand in Jamaica.
Usually, you have to fly to the Maldives or maybe splurge on the Sandals Royal Caribbean to get that "ocean underneath your floorboards" feeling. The Princess Senses The Mangrove features these villas with private infinity pools. They're stunning. But here’s the reality check: they book up months in advance and carry a price tag that reflects their scarcity.
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For the rest of us, the "standard" rooms are actually massive.
The resort leans heavily into the "Platinum" experience. If you’ve stayed at other Princess properties in the Dominican Republic or Mexico, you know the drill. Upgrading to Platinum usually gets you a better room location, a private lounge, and a dedicated beach area. In Jamaica, this upgrade feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity if you hate hunting for a pool chair at 8:00 AM.
- The Grand Side: Features 1,012 rooms. Many are "swim-out" suites. These are great, but keep in mind that swim-outs often mean less privacy as people walk past your patio all day.
- The Senses Side: More intimate, focusing on the "Pleasure Suites" and those overwater villas.
What You'll Actually Eat (Beyond the Buffet)
Food at all-inclusives is a touchy subject. Most people expect mediocre steam trays.
The Princess Hotel and Resort Jamaica tries to break that stereotype with a ridiculous number of themed restaurants—we’re talking 14 or 15 different outlets depending on which side you have access to. There’s a Jamaican "Jerk Hut" which is surprisingly authentic. They don't shy away from the Scotch Bonnet pepper.
Then there's the "O'Hara" Irish Pub. It feels a bit weird to be drinking a Guinness in 90-degree Caribbean heat, but the air conditioning is ice-cold, and it’s a popular spot for late-night crowds. The seafood at the specialty restaurants is usually locally sourced, thanks to agreements with the fishing communities in Hanover.
One thing to note: the reservation system for the a la carte dinners can be a bit of a headache. You’ve got to be tech-savvy. Everything runs through their app. If you aren't checking for table availability the moment it opens, you'll be back at the buffet. The buffet is good—don't get me wrong—the Blue Mountain coffee station alone is worth the trip, but after three nights, you’ll want that Italian or Teppanyaki experience.
The Entertainment Paradox: Waterparks and Nightlife
The waterpark at the Princess Grand is a beast.
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It’s got several slides that actually provide a decent thrill, and the "Lazy River" is a genuine highlight. It winds through tropical landscaping and is surprisingly long. For families, this is the "set it and forget it" part of the vacation. The kids’ club is huge, and they actually have activities that aren't just "sit in a room and color." They do outdoor excursions and mini-olympics.
Nightlife is where the two sides of the resort really diverge.
On the Senses side, the vibe is more "chic lounge" and "sunset cocktails." On the Grand side, it’s high-energy stage shows. They hire local talent—dancers, fire breathers, and reggae bands. It’s loud. It’s vibrant. It’s very "vacation mode." If you’re someone who likes to go to bed at 9:00 PM, try to request a room away from the main theater area.
The Sustainability Question
Building a resort of this scale in a mangrove environment wasn't without controversy. Environmental groups in Jamaica were vocal about the impact on the coastline. Princess Hotels responded by implementing a fairly robust water treatment system and committing to mangrove preservation zones.
They also use solar power for a portion of their energy needs. Is it a 100% "green" resort? No. A property with over 1,000 rooms rarely is. But the effort to integrate with the Hanover landscape rather than just bulldozing it is evident in the way the buildings are spaced out.
Why People Choose Princess Over the Big Names
Jamaica is saturated with brands like Riu, Sandals, and Royalton. So why pick Princess Hotel and Resort Jamaica?
Value is the big driver. Usually, a brand-new resort offers competitive "introductory" rates to get people through the doors and build up those TripAdvisor reviews. Even a couple of years into operation, the price point for the level of luxury—especially the swim-out suites—tends to be lower than the equivalent at a more "established" Jamaican brand.
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There's also the "newness" factor. The plumbing works. The Wi-Fi is fast (mostly). The mattresses haven't been slept on by ten thousand people yet.
Practical Realities: The "Fine Print" Experience
You need to know a few things before you land.
First, the currency. While everything is technically paid for, you’ll want some US dollars or Jamaican dollars for tipping. The staff works incredibly hard. Many of them commute from as far as Lucea or Savanna-la-Mar.
Second, the "Island Time" is real. Even at a high-end resort, service can be slower than what you're used to in New York or London. Embrace it. You’re on vacation. If your drink takes an extra five minutes, just look at the ocean.
Third, the mosquitoes. You’re near a mangrove. They spray the property, but nature is persistent. Bring the DEET. Seriously.
Is It Right For You?
If you want a tiny, boutique hotel where the owner knows your name, this is not it. This is a massive, high-energy machine designed for maximum entertainment.
It’s for the family that wants the kids occupied from dawn till dusk so the parents can actually read a book. It’s for the couple who wants a modern, "Instagrammable" suite without paying $2,000 a night. It’s for the group of friends who want multiple bars and a nightclub within walking distance of their bed.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stay at the Princess Hotel and Resort Jamaica, follow these specific steps:
- Download the App Early: Don't wait until you get to the lobby. Get the Princess Hotels app a week before you arrive. Use it to check out the daily schedules and familiarize yourself with the restaurant booking windows.
- Book the Transfer: Don't rely on random taxis at the airport. The drive to Green Island is a bit long, and you want a reputable, air-conditioned shuttle. Many people use specialized services like Jamaica Customised Vacation and Tours or the resort’s own transport.
- Choose Your Side Wisely: If you have kids, you must stay at the Grand. If you are a couple, the Senses side is worth the extra cost just for the peace of mind (and the quiet pools).
- Pack for the Sun: The Jamaican sun in Hanover is intense. The breeze off the bay can be deceptive. High-SPF sunscreen and a rash guard for the kids at the waterpark are non-negotiable.
- Explore Outside the Gates: While the resort has everything, take one day to see the real Jamaica. Head into Lucea for a more authentic feel or take a short trip to the Blue Hole Mineral Spring.
- Request a Room Block: If you’re traveling with a group, email the resort two weeks ahead of time to request rooms in the same building. Because the property is so spread out, being in Building 1 while your friends are in Building 8 is a logistical nightmare.
The Princess Hotel and Resort Jamaica represents a new era of Jamaican tourism—one that moves away from the traditional hubs and offers a scale of amenities that's hard to beat. It’s a massive, polished, sun-drenched experience that delivers exactly what it promises: a high-end escape where the biggest stress is deciding which of the 14 restaurants to try first.