Charming Port Royal

by Brooke
(Pennsylvania USA)

My mother and I stumbled upon Port Royal while doing business in Kingston. We wanted to stay somewhere near the airport and my mom always wanted to see Port Royal, she had drove through with my father in the early eighties but did not stay.

We chose Morgan's Harbor Hotel, now the Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina & Spa. The first day was spent in offices in Kingston doing boring work things.

The second day I fell in love with Port Royal. I fell in love with the people, the dusty streets, the pirate stories and so much more. I was mesmerized by the old pirate captains graves at the charming little church "downtown".

That night we walked into town and stopped at the first bar we saw. We actually heard the bar before we saw it. Music blasting from loudspeakers on the second story with what looked like a nice crowd.

We made our way upstairs ordered drinks and were introduced to Hamlin the bar owner. We chatted for a bit had a few more drinks then decided to do some more walking around town.

We then came upon anglers bar. This place was a blast! In the narrow little alleyway outside the bar people were cooking food dancing and just hanging out. Everyone was very nice.

When it was time to head back to the hotel the friends we made at the bar insisted we did not walk back alone and escorted us to our hotel, they wanted nothing from us only our friendship and to make sure we got back safely.

This was a short stay for us and we were headed back to the United States the next day. Business called again a year later and we were almost scared to return worried that the wonderful impression left on us could never be as special as it was the first time.

We were wrong, it was even more special. Everything was the same and once again I was almost in tears as we left that charming little town.

I have traveled all over the world, many islands in the Caribbean, quite a few countries in Europe and nothing left a mark on my heart like Port Royal.

The view across the harbor looking towards lights Kingston haunts me to this day. Go with an open mind and do not expect Negril or any other resort town, I've been to them all and Port Royal is much more special.

Wellesley's Note
I agree with you Brooke! Port Royal is indeed a special place; It is not Ocho Rios nor Negril, just Port Royal :-)

In fact the city itself is probably one of Jamaica's richest heritage. Love it! Thanks for this awesome feedback my friend!

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Did YOU have a fun vacation in Jamaica? Do like Brooke did, please share it with us now - we love to hear (and showcase) em! :-)