Courtyard Marriott Jamaica: For Carnival, Stay at the AC

Courtyard Hotel Review is part of the Carnival Jamaica: TPOL Goes to Candy Land Trip Report.

Carnivals are a money grab (see Capitalism Killed Carnival). To offset the exploitation, it is wise to book a hotel with points. This is difficult to do far in advance (see Jamaica Carnival: Marriott Still Unavailable), but patience is rewarded as the date approaches. I had two choices for my stay in Kingston: the AC Kingston or the Courtyard. While the AC was a newer hotel, the Courtyard was cheaper on points and located right next to the costume pick-up. I went with the latter and here’s what I found:

Room 

There was a standard room with basic amenities.

Bathroom

I would prefer an infinity shower for next day hangovers.

Coffee

There was no espresso maker in the room. Worse, the price of an espresso at the bar depended on who was ringing it up. I would ask for a doppio and be charged $6, the price for 2 espressos, or I would be charged $4.50, the price of a double. Imagine my anger when in the middle of the Carnival parade, I discovered that there is a Starbucks at the AC Hotel and that the cost of a double espresso is $2!

$10 Food & Beverage Credit

What would you buy with your food and beverage credit?

Bonvoy Appreciation Night 

I arrived on a Wednesday. That night there was an open bar for those with Marriott status. That was the highlight of my stay.

Overall

Looking back, I suggest staying at the AC. The hotel is right on the carnival route. There is a Starbucks. And it’s brand new.