Hotel Mocking Bird Hill

The meals were a highlight: breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all great, and staff worked around our schedule so we'd have food when we needed it. The pool and deck were pristine, swimming was great, and the upper bar and third level had breathtaking views. Staff were friendly, helpful, and accommodating throughout our family stay in Jamaica. The hills have trails and other spots for walking or hiking through the jungle. My main issue was the heat. We came in the height of summer, and our room had no AC. The fans didn't help, and no breeze came in. With the bathroom in the middle of the room, the humidity added to the discomfort. I later learned a portable AC unit could be requested, but no one offered one when we asked for an extra fan. I'd like the owners to consider AC options for some or all rooms and make any available units easier to find in the booking details or amenities page. I'd consider staying again if these improvements were made.

The setting in the mountains is beautiful, and the property looks lovely. Staff other than management were kind and generally tried to make our stay pleasant. The chef was skilled, and the food was good overall, though prices for food and drinks felt extremely high for the region. Breakfast fruit was a letdown every time: there was no fresh melon, just very soft end pieces. At this price, I expected respectful service, dependable hot water, quick replies, and quiet nights. We didn't get those basics. Noise came through the unglazed windows, and the ice machine kept running at night. The manager knew about it but still wouldn't have it switched off, and didn't apologize. Her manner sometimes came across as dismissive and unprofessional, which affected the service. The owner would need to keep a much closer eye on things for the hotel to reach its potential. The value just doesn't match the cost. Next time we'd choose the slightly more expensive, more established resort a little lower down, where it's less isolated.

You can swim in the pool, settle down with a book, or head upstairs for a drink while the stars come out. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful plants, trees, and flowers, and it really feels like you're in the jungle. We enjoyed the surroundings over breakfast and dinner, with tropical rain at night or early in the morning. The staff were wonderful, the chef gracious, and the whole stay is one I won't forget soon.

We spent a week tucked into a lush mountainside, with sweeping views of the sea, horizon, and Port Antonio. The balcony looked out into the treetops of the “flame of the forests,” with blooming “birds of paradise” below, and resident peahen Coco often greeted us in the morning. I never made it to the pool, rooftop lounge/bar, or around the grounds, but my companions said it was all lovely, with plenty of photo spots. Simone, the manager, looked after our group of 12 from the moment we arrived. She was hands on, attentive, and always greeted us with a smile. Chef Peter and his staff served delicious meals, beautifully presented. Trudy, PeterGay, Sishona, and Queenie the housekeeper were always willing to help with our many needs and did it with pleasant smiles. If you love nature along with warmth and kindness, this is a wonderful place to visit. It's well worth it and comes highly recommended.