Hotel Mockingbird Hill

Beware: The property is for sale or in process of being sold. The owners are absentee, and the manager has not kept up the hotel's services. I'm sure this was once a wonderful hotel, but no longer. Four of us stayed 3 nights -- all reservations are pre-paid and non-refundable, otherwise we would have left. The property is perched on a hill, and the grounds are beautiful and lush, though seating throughout the walkable property is rusted out metal. The manager promotes the hotel as "sustainable" though that simply means no a/c, no refrigeration, no ice. (We have stayed in many sustainable properties over the years, and all provide a water station so you can refill your water bottles, etc, and also ice). The rooms have a fan and mosquito netting over the bed that partially blocks the breeze from the fan (manager suggests to use the mosquito netting, it is a tropical environment). No screens on the windows, and some of the shutter slats are painted shut. We found cockroaches in our rooms. Beds were comfortable, and bathroom fine. The outdoor seating was quite worn, same with around the small pool (heavily chlorinated). The bar is no longer open, though the manager will sell you warm beer and red wine. The restaurant has been rented out to a chef who is temporarily on the island. He does a nice job under the circumstances, serving breakfast and dinner, both a bit pricey. The chef and the server were delightful. Note that the property is not walking distance to anything, so you must travel by car to restaurants, shops and beaches. Angela (manager) lent us an ice chest for some items we needed to refrigerate, though we had to drive to buy ice each day (not a sustainable-friendly thing). Given all of the above, one would think the pricing would be discounted -- it isn't. The price was similar to the other 5 hotels we stayed in (all wonderful) as we toured around the island.

We stayed at Hotel Mockingbird Hotel in Port Antonio for 1 night in mid-March as part of a tour with Arrowhead Birding Tours (Dwayne Swabay was a great guide). Check in was quick and easy…there are lots of steps so keep that mind if that is an issue. The hotel is surrounded by the rainforest on a steep hill with lots of flowers. There are great views from the top floor of the main dining room. It was odd being the only guests on the property, but there was a night watchman. We felt safe and left our room wide open to get some breeze…there is no AC. This hotel has some age, but everything was clean. Our room was basic but had a big bed with a mosquito net, a bathroom, and stuff for making coffee…all we needed. We had a large sitting area and deck overlooking the rainforest…we even had a female peacock roost right off the deck. We had a chance to do some birdwatching before it got dark and found a roosting Potoo. We went out in the evening and got some great views of a resident Jamaican owl. We did have dinner there…again was odd to have the chef to ourselves. Our dinner was good, but our guide was not happy with his fish. We left before breakfast. This is a nice quiet place with its own little slice of paradise…I would recommend.

Our main goal in Jamaica was to explore the smaller endemic wildlife in the eastern part of the island, so we booked this hotel with this purpose in mind. The garden of the hotel is large and has many spots to watch the local wildlife. We in fact only left the premises once to head to the blue mountains. The rooms are spacious with the possibility to make yourself a tea or coffee (coffee and fresh drinking water is provided) whenever you feel like it. Rooms are clean and equipped with everything you need for a stay. Following their eco concept AC is not installed but fans and the wind from the sea are enough to cool you down. The staff is very helpful, always friendly if approached. Breakfast can be included - go straight for the Jamaican options for breakfast. Chef Mike is Italian but is very experienced in the Jamaican Cuisine. If you expect the same prices as in the streets for the menu you shouldn’t bother to order. Angela was taking care of every request and can organize whatever tour you want to do. We enjoyed our stay very much are grateful for this pieces of nature close by the place where you sleep. As our purpose might be very specific: check their website for all details before you book. If you’re used to (or expect) all-inclusive beach resorts you might find this hotel a bit odd. As a small place of peace and stillness close to Port Antonio you’ll most likely enjoy the maximum of 10 guests inside of a beautiful (because not overdone) garden.

Not stayed here just decided to go for dinner as we were staying locally. The views are great but the food less so. Firstly what restaurant doesn’t have white wine, when serving fish on the menu. Also no Diet Coke or orange juice but we did get warm water beer and sprite so not all bad. The meal was average, starters were okay, nothing special but the mains were just a piece of fish two potatoes and big pieces of ginger. A total rip off for $95 plus the restaurant is separate to the bar $14.5 so they bring you two bills and it’s cash only. When it came to desert we weren’t asked if we wanted some we were told “you don’t want desert do you” 🤣 waitress tried to take away my drink that was half full and obviously wasn’t trained in waitressing. Such a shame as it would have been a lovely place to have a nice meal. If nothing else it reminded us a bit of faulty towers.

We had a wonderful week at the mockingbird hotel. Immersed in 7 acres of lush gorgeous jungle. It was peaceful and re-energizing. Absolutely gorgeous unspoilt and almost deserted beaches and falls nearby. The staff at mockingbird were incredibly kind and helpful. Angela organized a wonderful hike into the blue mountains for us at the last minute. The cherry on the cake was the food. Michele, the new italian chef, is absolutely amazing. We ate so well that we didn’t go anywhere else the entire time we were there.!The place could use a refreshing facelift but it was clean and the beds were very comfortable. We had the whole place to ourselves for most of the week and slept to the sounds of nature which was lovely- until a group of guests showed up and it got a little noisy as there are no windows (only shutters). Overall a wonderful magical place.

Lovely stay in January, Angela was a very thoughtful host. Despite challenges of lockdown the hotel very much felt like a 'home from home' and the room and grounds were excellent. Beautiful views of the coastline and well located for Port Antonio and beaches.

Overall liked the property, they have some overall staff and communication issue to sort but good option for a short or weekend trip.

Very nice relaxing location with wonderful garden. Hotel a bit dated - fans not aircon. Very nice staff. Swiffrian the nightwatchman let us in after a late arrival and looked after us very well when we had problems with a flat battery.