Secrets St James Montego Bay

The hotel is a bit run down but still has everything you need. Access to everything gives you the option to be at the louder pool area or quiet side. The beach is under construction but still has lots of activities. The staff is the most helpful and kindest I've ever met. All the restaurants were amazing [Details]

I loved my vacation at St James resort. I love JAMAICA!! [Details]

Definitely not a 5 star hotel
Require renovation
Amazing view [Details]

This was our second trip to a Secrets Resort (Secrets Cap Cana in 2019). It was also the first time we traveled at "peak season". Overall our stay was great and met our expectations (though we'd say Secrets Cap Cana was a step above this resort).

There were many positives about the resort including all the staff - they were great! There were a variety of food options and overall the food was good. There was plenty of space to eat and drink outdoors. Our room had a partial ocean view and generous sized balcony which was great on the the few afternoons where we had some rain.

There are two resorts on a fairly "compact" piece of property, and while I wouldn't call it a "party atmosphere", if you are a "people person" either of the Secrets Resorts here would be a great option (if you want plenty of space to yourself or a quieter atmosphere, this may not be the resort for you - an upgrade to the preferred rooms give you access to separate beach and pool areas which are a bit less crowded). There were a few evenings where corporate events were held on the beach but they were very good about respecting the quiet hours and the events ended at 10 (I think, may have been 11).

We're early risers so we didn't have an issue finding lounge chairs on the beach (our preference over the pool), but if you like to sleep in you'd have trouble finding a chair (at least one with an umbrella/shade) - again, this likely isn't as much of an issue of you are preferred guest.

Even though the resort was very busy, we only had to wait one evening for a short time for a spot for dinner. All restaurants (except some seating at Himatsu) were first come first served, which we preferred. With the exception of Oceana, all the restaurants are in one area, and if you had to wait, you were given a "pager" so you could grab a drink at the piano bar and sit outside while you were waiting.

The beach area(s) while not expansive was very well looked after. The water was beautiful, and the walk to the bar was very reasonable (as busy as it was, it was far quicker to make the short walk to the bar yourself, rather than wait for service on the beach).

The resort could use some "TLC"; on the surface everything is fine, and it is clean, but if you notice details you can see that some areas do need some extra attention.

Overall, we had a great time. The only reason we would choose a different place next time is that we prefer something a little less crowded, but if that isn't an issue for you, we'd recommend this resort. [Details]

Overall, a nice property. The staff were pleasant and friendly. The food was above average. The beach was below average. The VIP section beach at the St. James side was very rocky and a bit challenging to walk on. We are not big drinkers, so we found the alcoholic beverages more than sufficient for our needs. The patties and Secrets burgers were very good and we highly recommend them. The jerk chicken pop-up is a great experience and very tasty. Rooms were clean with better than average appointments. The housekeeping staff were diligent and thorough. The COVID-19 protocols were sufficient and we felt safe enough to go without face coverings for the entirety of our stay. This was our second time staying at this resort and it was a good secondary option given how late we booked. [Details]

Check in took a few hours longer then it should have. Rooms weren't ready and once they were they didn't know where our bags were in the lobby and gave us only one towel in the room. Mini fridge was fine and stocked [Details]

Outstanding facility,bell men were very good. Very clean [Details]

We had a great time at this resort! The food, the entertainment and the staff were all amazing and we did not want to leave! I would return to this resort. [Details]

First impressions of this resort is that the grounds are beautiful and well kept, The rooms are decently large and very nice. We were in a garden view room but also had a view of the ocean [Details]

Grounds are impeccable, Food in every restaurant was above and beyond expectations. Friendliest staff I have ever encountered. Stayed in the Preferred Club, only down fall from this section is it is so far from the main pool with the swim up bar. The Preferred lounge is fantastic, always some thing on the little buffet. Many mornings had breakfast here rather walk to the main buffet. Spa was under construction for renovations however most services were still available. The construction of the Breathless next door was not noticeable at all. Lots of great entertainment, water sports. Feel confident in Highly recommending this resort. I traveled with 3 other single ladies and every one of us had a fantastic time. [Details]

Very helpful. Glasses of champagne upon check in. its our 2nd time at this resort. 2yrs ago we stayed in Wild orchid. at that time we had bottle of rum & Jamaican brandy-not this time yet folks in pool advised they did. Secrets is everything they say it is. Would highly recommend [Details]

Terrific trip to Secrets St James. Hotel gave us complimentary champagne breakfast in our room to celebrate our anniversary. The food was excellent and hot (a pleasant surprise) and the champagne chilled. Service and quality of the breakfast was beyond expectation.

Restaurants - as a vegetarian I often worry about variety - this hotel far exceeded my expectations. There was an abundance of choice even for me. Huge salad bars, veggie wraps at Oceana were terrific at lunch time, plenty of choices at the bar - even no-alcohol cocktails were amazing. Bordeaux and Himitsu were our favorites for evening meals.

Rooms - were clean and spacious. We were on the 3rd floor and had a lovely view of the pool and ocean. Highly recommend requesting high floor to take advantage of the views.

SPA - was top notch and I highly recommend the massage and reflexology treatments.

Overall the whole experience was just amazing. You will not be disappointed with this hotel. only about 15 minutes from the airport.

Thank you to all the staff who made our trip memorable. We look forward to returning. [Details]

This was without a doubt the best all around experience we've had at an all inclusive. Everything was perfect from the location, very friendly and welcoming staff, large room and with perfect views and location, great selection of restaurants, fantastic tasting food, and resort cleanliness. We are in our early 40's which was the average age group (some younger/some older) and were traveling as a couple. However you will not feel out of place travelling solo to this resort as it was very welcoming and relaxing. [Details]

really liked it here [Details]

What a great trip. This place rocks. Premium brand drinks, quiet, over the top service. 2nd time, there will be a 3rd. [Details]

The service was beyond our expectations. Everybody is super friendly and ready to cater to your every need. The food was good, not amazing, just good. Best meal was the surf and turf at the French restaurant. Italian was good too. Rooms are nice, free wi-fi if you upgrade to Prefered Club. This resort has Grey Goose! They also have Heineken which is brewed in Kingston. Water activity staff is great. They take you snorkelling every day as there is a coral reef right off the beach. Germaine and his crew were great. Leonard A. at the pool at Wild Orchid was amazing! You'll see why if you go.
I would definitely return. Everyone I spoke to would also return or was a returning guest. Wild Orchid side is a bit more of a party while the St. James is quiter however still nice. [Details]

Great, clean, freindly and fun. Had a blast. [Details]

Nothing mind-blowingly amazing here. Everything was just good.
*Very clean resort.
*Food was okay-liked that you don't need reservations anywhere. Our favourite was the Italian restaurant.
*Front desk service was cold. *Everything "extra" you have to pay for (ex. we had a late flight and they wanted us to pay $25/hour to keep our room).
*We found that tipping got us better service and not tipping got us ignored.
*A bit of the lounge-saving game was played at the main pool.
*Ridiculous that you don't get free WiFi. They wanted $15/day for WiFi.
*I wouldn't pay extra for Preferred club: their pool was in full shade by 2pm.
I might go back, but the price would have to be right. [Details]

The staff at this resort are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They are so helpful and always smiling. The rooms are very clean and well maintained. The beach width is very small and the preferred side of the beach has tons of rocks. The regular side didn't have any. This is one of my favourite resorts and I would recommend it for anyone who is celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary. [Details]

We had a fantastic time at this gorgeous resort! It was only a short bus ride away from the airport. The staff were amazingly accomodating, the resort was impeccably maintained. The rooms were beautiful, the food was delicious and the weather was perfect! There was never an issue getting a lounge chair around the pool or on the beach nor did we ever have a problem getting into a restaurant at night for dinner. [Details]

THIS IS MY SECOND TRIP THERE AND I WILL GO BACK A THIRD TIME. NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD GO TO THE SAME RESORT TWICE, BUT THIS RESORT HAS IT ALL. THE STAFF ARE THE FRIENDLY AND HAPPY.I NOTICES A FEW CUT BACKS THIS TIME BUT ONLY MINOR [Details]

Had been to 2 Secrets resorts in Mexico and they were wonderful. Had expected the same but a little disappointed in the St James/Wild Orchid mostly because of the food and drink quality. Had to change rooms the 2nd day as the shower flooded into the hallway on first use and after maintenance came to fix it it continued to flood into the adjoining toilet area. Entertainment staff at poolside seemed to be lacking enthusiasm and sometimes we didn't even know events were taking place it was so low key. Was glad to have not paid extra to go to Wild Orchid when you share everything with the two resorts being joined. Overall we enjoyed the experience but would go back to the Mexico Secrets but not this one in Jamaica. Would rate it 4 not 5 star. [Details]

Great staff, food, resort and overall experience for couples wanting a getaway. [Details]

From start to finish our experience at this resort exceeded expectations by far. It was a fairytale vacation. [Details]

WOW... #1 on all fronts. No complaints!! Highly recommend for those who want a nice location to relax. [Details]

The grounds were beautiful and well kept. The staff was beyond excellent. Our room was very nice and clean with an ocean view. The food was also excellent! I have not one complaint about Secrets St. James :) [Details]

Fantastic destination for couples! Turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, lush tropical gardens....Paradise Found. Polite, helpful and friendly staff. Great unlimited "a la carte" dining with plenty of dining choices...no reservattions required. Overall a terrific vacation. [Details]

It was very, very nice but the price was double anywhere else we've been and I cant justify the difference. [Details]

Great Resort. The friendliest people I have encountered on vacations down south. The food is above average and the rooms are nice. Wifi is slow but that is to be expected. [Details]

So glad we stumbled upon this place when getting ready to book. We looked at other places at Runaway Bay and Negril with decent reviews, but tended to believe some of the negative reviews of these places. I would say the only downfall to Secrets Montego Bay was the beaches were a little small and there was more seaweed than I had hoped (or compared to Veradero, anyway). Don't get me wrong, the white sand on the beach was beautiful and it was definitely large enough for the amount of people that were using it. if you don't care about a spacious beach, then you can't lose with this place.

Wifi was not included with our package at St. James. We did get it for one day at $15 per day. But overall, we could have cared less about having internet. The internet was also quite slow.

We didn't have our hopes up for the guided snorkelling tour, but was impressed once we got out there. I had no idea there would be so much coral out there. There were pretty fish, but not a lot. I loved the fact that there was even a little under water cavern to swim through.

Even the standard Oceanview room was exceptional. An upgraded would have been wasted on us. Plenty spacious and it was nice having the jacuzzi tub within reach of the bed.

The restaurants and food were great for an all-inclusive. The settings of the outdoor patios were beautiful with mostly nice views overlooking the bay. Made for a nice setting in the evenings around sundown.

One of the best qualities about this place was the staff. Almost all of them were very friendly and loved to have fun. We had so much fun with our waitstaff and bartenders.

If you are hesitant to have the local alcohol, you do have the option of Heineken, Grey Goose, Canadian Club, Johnny Walker Black, etc.

My wife and I were on our honeymoon and all we wanted to do was relax; and that we did. We kept ourselves busy on the resort and had little desire to try any of the local trips. And by busy, I mean sitting by the pool, the sea, sitting in the sea, sitting at the swim up bar; you know, that sort of stuff.

This was only my second all-inclusive, but I highly recommend Secrets. They treat you well. I could have paid $200 less per person to go to Riu in Montego Bay or Negril, but the extra money was well worth it. [Details]