Mobay Kotch - Hostel

This hostel is such a gem for the price, location, and experience. The locals all seem to know it. I was walking down the road and everyone knew I was headed there. The staff are all really friendly, and the other people staying there are cool. I don’t think I’d have liked Jamaica as much if I hadn’t stayed here. Thanks 🫶 You might get greeted by a cat at night and a dog all day, if you’re the chosen one :D Harmony Beach is an easy walk away, free to enter, and felt really safe for swimming and watching the sunset. The hostel is right next to the city centre, with great jerk chicken stands. Jerkie and Pickapeppa are very friendly. They may leave you alone at first, but once they know you and see you like them, they’ll sit beside you and let you hug them.

I stayed for three days and thought it was great value, including the very reasonable airport pickup service. The room was clean and nice, with a big bathroom and a really comfortable mattress.

We had a comfortable, friendly stay with our 8-year-old. Our private double room came with shared facilities, which were clean, and shops were nearby. The staff were helpful, and I’d stay again.

Mobay Kotch is a welcoming place with people from all over the world, and a great base for exploring or relaxing in Montego Bay. The listed building has a lot of history, which many people may not realize Jamaica has to offer. Vanessa, the proprietor, is knowledgeable and approachable, as is Mel the housekeeper. You can walk to the town centre in a minute, to a free beach in 10 minutes, and to Doctors Cave, a paid beach, in 20 minutes. There are loads of food options: vegetarian food at Millenium Victory, KFC, takeaways, and a supermarket just across the street. You can cook on site or choose from all kinds of places, obvious and less obvious. There are also plenty of street vendors selling traditional food, and fresh fruits and vegetables Jamaica is famous for. Picka, the playful dog, will keep you both entertained for hours, and Jerky, the cat, is just as mischievous. Everything you need is within reach, and I’d definitely recommend staying here.