Hyatt Zilara Montego Bay

A couple of weeks ago, my friend and I were able to travel to Jamaica for a long weekend at the Hyatt Zilara.  While it didn’t start off that great, we had a wonderful time and would definitely return.

Our Rooms

I love Hyatt’s product and have their credit card, so they know me as a frequent traveler.  I had arranged to have two rooms for me and my friend, hopefully connecting, and close to the ocean.  While they were not able to get us our connecting rooms, they did get us rooms in the same building and upgraded my room to an Ocean Front Butler Suite.  It was beautiful!

The Hyatt Zilara is all-inclusive, meaning your meals, snacks, and drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and included.  And because I was staying in a Butler Suite, it also included bottles of local rum, vodka, and gin in my room, as well as the daily snacks in the room.

My ocean front building at the Hyatt Zilara in Montego Bay

The Hyatt Zilara vs Hyatt Ziva

We stayed at the Hyatt Zilara, which is the adults-only section of the hotel.  The larger section is the Hyatt Ziva, which is the family section.  People who are staying at the Zilara section could go to any restaurant on either side, but folks staying on the Ziva side had to stay on that side, which was huge.

Because both resorts can be accessed by the Zilara guests and the property to so big, the hotel provides transportation is provided by way of golf carts if you don’t feel like making the hike.  They are readily available by calling the front desk or just going to the front circle of the hotel.

The Service

Most of all, the service that was provided by every employee we encountered was exceptional.  Seriously, for as much as I travel, that is a big statement for me.  The employees all had smiles on their faces, looked you in the eye to greet you and just seemed to want to make our trip as enjoyable as possible.  One example – I had brought my drone to get some aerial shots in Jamaica. Because I had read about the drone laws in Jamaica,  I wanted to make sure it was okay for me to fly my drone at the hotel. I walked up to a security guard to ask if it was okay and he just smiled and said, ‘Of course!  No worries!” And it was like that with everyone we met.  The workers at the pool were there to make sure the guests were having a good time; the staff behind the bars were making sure the guests got what they needed; the servers at the restaurants wanted to make sure our dining experience was fabulous.

Bottom Line

Lastly, getting to the hotel was EASY once we got through security at the airport in Montego Bay.  We also used Club MoBay, which is a service that makes getting through security a breeze entering and leaving Jamaica.   When arriving, a representative from Club MoBay will greet you when you get off of the plane and assist you through customs.  They are kind of a Fast Pass (Disney reference)!  When departing Jamaica, you get to go through an expedited line and visit their departure lounge, which provides snacks and drinks while you wait for your flight.

The hotel was about a 15-minute drive from the airport.  There is a Hyatt lounge that you’ll see after going through customs and collecting your luggage.  Go there, get a cocktail and a snack while you wait for your transportation to the hotel.  This is all included with your hotel booking.  So basically, your vacation starts at the airport!  I must have had perfect timing because I only had to wait about five minutes before the next bus was leaving.  My friend had to wait about 30 minutes.

Have you ever been to Jamaica?  It still remains one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean!

Hyatt Zilara Montego Bay Review

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13 Comments

  1. Lucy Nelson on August 1, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    Snorkeling right on the beach there or nearby?

    • travelingemptynester on August 1, 2017 at 7:57 pm

      Yes! We saw people snorkeling right from the beach and snorkeling equipment can be borrowed at the hotel.

  2. Ufuoma on August 2, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    A hotel with an outdoor pool? COUNT ME IN!
    Great post and really detailed review. I’ll consider if I ever head out to Jamaica.

    http://www.theufuoma.com
    travel lifestyle passion

  3. pennyglobetrove on August 2, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    I’ve been to a number Hyatt hotels across the world and they always live up to the expectations. The pool looks really relaxing and fun. Perfect for a hot summer day!

  4. Lindsey Nicole on August 2, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    I think I’ve stayed at a Hyatt hotel in the past and I always remember how amazing their staff is. That really looks like a great trip.

  5. Fev on August 2, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    Great post and glad you had a great experience! I really hope to visit Jamaica one day in the near future and when I do I’ll definitely check out this resort before I book!

  6. This Epic World on August 2, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    Wow! I didn’t know there was a Hyatt lounge at the airport! I think things like this make the entire experience so smooth and enjoyable that at every turn you know you are being taken care of and getting worth for your money.

  7. NieNie on August 2, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    Hyatt Hotels are so nice and this is such a lovely review. I don’t usually stay in chain hotels, but I would definitely consider staying here. Your pictures make it look so inviting!

  8. Jen on August 2, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    Golf cart transportation provided? What a dream! I would definitely opt for the adults-only portion of the hotel 🙂

  9. Jessica on August 2, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Poolside bar? Sign me up! I love the idea of the adults only side. When you’re trying to be all cute and coupley, it makes sense to keep to the couples-only side. I’m a HUGE fan of all-inclusive romantic getaways. Less to worry about! This is a beautiful property and would love to visit if I make it there one day.

  10. kjaroundtheworld on August 3, 2017 at 5:47 am

    Perfect combination Hyatt and all-inclusive. I’ve never been to Jamaica, but I’d love to visit in the next year or two.

  11. moumita on August 3, 2017 at 11:38 am

    A great detailed review

  12. Johna on August 3, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    Looks great! I’ve had a few friends that have recommended the Hyatt in other countries so must really be a beautiful and relaxing place to stay at.

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