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Thursday, November 7, 2024
HomeTrip DirectoryCarnival Jamaica: TPOL Goes to Candy LandCourtyard Marriott Jamaica: For Carnival, Stay at the AC

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.


a building with trees and cars parked on the side of it

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 (seeĀ 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:

RoomĀ 

There was a standard room with basic amenities.

a room with a bed and chair a blue chair and ottoman in a corner of a room

a large field with buildings and a crane in the background
Not the best view

Bathroom

I would prefer an infinity shower for next day hangovers.

a bathroom with a mirror and sink a shower with a white curtain and black bottles a group of bottles of shampoo

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!a tray with coffee maker and cups and water bottles on a table

$10 Food & Beverage Credit

What would you buy with your food and beverage credit?

a bottle of beer on a counter a receipt on a leather surface

Bonvoy Appreciation NightĀ 

I arrived on a Wednesday. That night there was an open bar for those with Marriott status. That was the highlight of my stay.a patio with a green wall and a table and chairs a bottle of liquor on a table

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.

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