Hotel Mockingbird Hill

Located on the foothills of the Blue Mountains just outside of Port Antonio, Mocking Bird Hill is notable for its hard to reach but beautiful location and grounds. It is a Eco-Hotel so forget about air conditioning - the evenings are often breezy and there were no windows, just slotted plantation style window and porch doors that allow the breeze (and mosquitoes) in - so use the provided mosquito netting at night or expect a few bites. If the night gets hot and there is no breeze, ceiling fans will help air circulation. Breakfast is mostly fruit and bread with great coffee and juice. I went on a birding trip with a private guide, leaving early in the morning, and staff packed a great breakfast picnic for me! I was very impressed. Besides the swimming pool, not much for children to do, but fine for couples. Dinners in the restaurant were hit-or-miss and generally not impressive. The true allure of this spot is in it’s beautiful gardens - numerous winding trails invite birdwatching and peaceful meditation. The staff were friendly and helpful. Transportation from airports in Kingston or Montego Bay can be very expensive or cumbersome - renting and self-driving the 4 hours from Montego is cheaper but not for the faint of heart as rules of the road are almost non-existent and there are some dangerous switch-backs. The road up to the hotel is also fairly rough. Also, I strongly advise exchanging your money to Jamaican Dollars before reaching Port Antonio as many vendors in the area will take advantage of tourists who only carry US$. We often found ourselves in issues because we didn’t prepare well with local currency. If you like things a bit less touristy, love gardens and birds, this is a beautiful location for a few nights.

A second stay at Mockingbird Hill after 7-8 years served to remind us what a special place this is. Enhanced by the natural beauty of the beaches, forests, mountains, and great people of Portland parish, this is technically a 4-star class hotel that actually provides a 5-star experience. What it lacks in modern amenities (e.g., A/C, minibar, daily newspapers, TV, etc.), it more than makes up for in beauty, charm, eco-friendliness, serenity, and especially top-notch personalized service delivered by a gracious staff and knowledgeable management. We stayed in room 10 this time. It may be a bit pricier than others, but the panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking and worth every penny. The complimentary breads, spreads, fruits, and beverages got us off to a perfect start each morning. An authentic Jamaican breakfast is also available. Free entry and transportation to nearby Frenchman's Cove (rightfully and consistently rated as one of the world's most beautiful beaches) is another huge boon. The owners will also gladly arrange reliable transportation to and from the airport and to the many incredible nearby sites. Dinner at the romantic Mille Fleurs restaurant is very pricey but very good. Also make sure you save time to take a leisurely walk in the impressive gardens that surround the hotel. You can easily get lost for hours there. While Barbara and Shireen (the owners) were away, we were left in the capable hands of Angie, Carmen, Orlando, and other smiling staff members who continually went out of their way to make our stay a complete joy. Thanks to each and every one of them!