Fast, furious and fascinating, KINGSTON is unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Given its troubled reputation, it's hardly surprising that few tourists visit, and though the scare stories are absurdly exaggerated, Jamaica's capital is not a place for the faint-hearted. With a population fast approaching one million, the city seethes with life, noise and activity; it's a side of Jamaica that couldn't be more different from the resorts. The live-for-today vitality of the place is tempered by a cool elegance and a strong sense of national history. In addition to being the seat of government and the island's administrative centre, Kingston is Jamaica's cultural heart, the city that spawned Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Beenie Man and countless other reggae stars, and it's the place to experience the best of local art, theatre and dance.
Though undeniable, the crime and violence in Kingston is largely confined to the ghettos, and as these are positively not places for casual sightseeing, you're actually no more at risk here than in any other big city. Take the usual precautions - don't walk the downtown streets alone, take cabs after dark, keep jewellery and valuables out of sight - and you're unlikely to run into any problems. If you do decide to visit, you'll find that not only is it easy to steer clear of the troubled areas, but that there's little of the persistent harassment that bedevils parts of the north coast.
A handful of interesting museums, galleries and churches can easily fill a couple of days of sightseeing; the island's best clubs, theatres and some great restaurants will take care of the evenings. In addition to the lovely Blue Mountains, plenty of other attractions surround the city. The area is littered with historic sites, such as the forts of the English buccaneers in atmospheric Port Royal , while white-sand Hellshire and Lime Cay beaches are the perfect places for a dip in the ocean.
Kingston's main sights are divided between the area known as "downtown", which stretches north from the waterfront to the busy traffic junction of Cross Roads, and "uptown", spreading up into the ritzy suburbs at the base of the mountains. Downtown is the industrial centre, its factories and all-important port providing most of Kingston's blue-collar employment. You may be surprised at how attractive and easy-going Uptown feels. Most of Kingston's hotels, restaurants, clubs and shopping centres are here, and it's where you'll spend most of your time. Some of the residential districts are simply beautiful, while the central high-rises suggest a modern city anywhere in North America.
All international and some domestic flights land at Norman Manley International Airport on the Palisadoes - a strip of land that frames Kingston Harbour southeast of the city.
Kingston Hotels Accommodation - Hotels in Kingston Jamaica
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COURTLEIGH HOTEL AND SUITES , 85 KNUTSFORD BOULEVARD - Kingston, Jamaica
The Elegant Courtleigh Hotel And Suites Is Located Only 25 Minutes Away From The Norman Manley International Airport In The Heart Of The Citys Premiere Financial District, New Kingston Offering Unparalleled Personalizedservice. Kingstons Top Shopping, Cultural And Entertainment Centers, Nightclubs, Restaurants, International Business Offices And Emabassies Are Within A Five Minute Walk. The Hotel Is The Perfect Jump Off Point For Visits To The Old Pirate City Of Port Royal, Lime Cay For Swimming And The Blue Mountains For A Hiking Or Sight Seeing Tour. The Hotel Itself Has A Magnificent View Of The City, Kingston Harbor And The Surrounding Mountains. The Courtleigh Hotel And Suites Features Luxurious Deluxe Rooms And Suites With Executive Desks, Direct Dial Telephones With Voice Mail, Internet/E - Mail, Cable Television, In - Room Safeaccess, Coffee / Tea Maker, Iron And Ironing Boards In Every Room. In Addition To Laundry Service A Guest Laundromat Is Available And An Ironing Room Is Provided On Every Other Floor. A Business Center Located On The Ground Floor Provides Computer, Printing, Photocopying, High Speed Internet And Secretarial Service, Plus An Executive Boardroom For Six. The Hotel Is Also One Of The Citys Favourite Dining Venues Thanks To Its Award-winning Restaurant, Alexanders, Which Serves Local And International Cuisine. The Renowned Mingles Pub And Pool Bar Is Also Located On The Property. Fridays After Work Escapade And The Saturday Latin Mingle Are Popular With Kingstons Fun Lovers.
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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL , 18 RUTHVEN ROAD - Kingston, Jamaica
This Tourist Class Property Was Converted From One Of The Cities Fine Edwardian Homes Nestled Behind Secure Walls. A Quietness That Is Derived From Security And Special Rural Condition Created With The Presence Of Fruit And Blossom Bearing Trees. Hotel Is Close To All Activities Including An 18 Hole Golf Course.
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 HILTON KINGSTON , 77 Knutsford Boulevard - Kingston, Jamaica
Located in the midst of Kingston's bustling financial and diplomatic district, this luxurious hotel is splendidly set on more than seven acres of lush tropical landscape. With its array of executive services, including a business center and Internet access, as well as an outdoor pool and fine dining, the Hilton Kingston offers everything you need for a productive and pleasant stay. Let the tour desk arrange a visit to an idyllic tropical beach, 19 km (12 miles) away, or explore the misty, mysterious Blue Mountains, source of some of the world's richest coffee and just 34 km (21 miles) from the hotel. The hotel offers 303 guestrooms with dial-up and wireless Internet access, televisions with U.S. cable channels, and in-room safes. Decor includes carpeted floors, wood ceilings, and light-colored wood furniture. Microwave ovens and refrigerators are available on request (surcharges).
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 JAMAICA PEGASUS HOTEL , 81 KNUTSFORD BOULEVARD - Kingston, Jamaica
The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel invites guests to enjoy the Olympic size outdoor pool, two lighted tennis courts and modern, well equipped fitness facilities. After a good workout or stressful business meeting, a visit to the day spa will pamper guests. The multilingual staff is available to assist guests with the 24-hour business center, event planning and secretarial services. Golf packages at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club and horseback riding and polo packages at the Kingston Polo are available upon request.
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 STRAWBERRY HILL , New Castle Road - Irish Town - Kingston, Jamaica
Strawberry Hill is located 1 hour away from the Norman Manley Airport. This property is a modern-day classic mountainside retreat with harmonious proportions on a former tea estate. Designed by Ann Hodges, its 12 airy cottages are based on 19th century buildings. It is the perfect choice for guests who value, luxury, privacy, romance and verdant beauty. For your leisure, the hotel offers the Aveda Concept Spa and the Strawberry Hill restaurant. Both of which attract a clientele that values authenticity and first class service.
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