Whitfield Hall — Hotel in Jamaica

I recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, challenging myself with a hike up to nearly 7,402 feet above sea level. I stayed at Whitfield Hall, a charming hostel with deep historical roots, owned by a John Allgrove whose family has held the property since the 1800s. John’s passion for the history of the mountain and the local community added a rich layer to the experience. He is a walking history & geography book. ||The journey began in New Kingston, where I was picked up by Roydell a highly professional driver. Navigating the winding and treacherous mountain roads was no small feat, but Roydell’s expertise made all the difference as we rocked & rolled over unpaved roads. A word to the wise: these roads are not for the faint of heart, and an experienced driver is essential.||Whitfield Hall offers a truly rustic escape, far removed from the conveniences of modern life—something I discovered upon arrival. There’s no electricity, so packing your own charging station is a must to capture the beauty of the climb. The accommodation was basic but comfortable, run by the ever-helpful Everton and partner who ensured that my stay was as pleasant as possible. Everton also doubled as the cook, and his meals were a comforting delight after a long day.||The highlight of the trip was the early morning trek up the Blue Mountain, led by the seasoned guide, Hopeton who has over 30 years of experience climbing the mountain. We set off at 2 a.m, headlamps lighting our way through the misty, dark, rain-soaked path. The climb was as challenging as it was exhilarating, especially on the descent. Although the anticipated grand sunrise was obscured by clouds, the journey itself was a reward, offering breathtaking moments of peace and connection with nature.||Though we missed out on the panoramic views of Port Antonio, St. Thomas, and Kingston due to the weather, the overall experience was one of beauty and serenity. The hostel is undergoing reconstruction following a fire, and I can only imagine how stunning it will be once the work is complete.||This trip was not just about the destination but also the people who made it memorable. A heartfelt thank you to John, Roydell, Everton, and Hopeton. The spirit of community here is palpable, as everyone works together, leaning on each other in this remote mountain setting. If you’re seeking a truly unique and challenging adventure, a trip to the Blue Mountains is an absolute must. Thank you...

I spent a beautiful 2 nights at Whitfield Hall. I had the place to myself midweek and was very well looked after. The original coffee plantation foreman’s house sadly burnt down but this new house being built in its place (renovations quietly ongoing) will become just as homely I’m sure. It still has its original fireplace, which warmly lit the house in the evenings - there is no power here - so make sure to come with a power bank and just enjoy the fireflies and being disconnected to the modern world. There is natural blue mountain cold running water, which I happily drank without any issues. The coffee is also straight from the source! This is a no frills home away from home with all the basics you need plus the wonderful home cooking from Everton, who kept me more than well fed during my stay with fresh local dishes. I climbed to the peak with the inspiring Hopton who at his generous age glided up with ease (I left at 5.30am but you can leave whenever you want - 2am is for those hoping for a sunrise - for me the weather was thick with cloud so no view at the top but plenty to enjoy on the way up and down). Roydell was my driver to and from Whitfield Hall and did a fab job navigating the bumpy steep roads (he can be booked through the contact on the website).

All in all, if you are of an adventurous nature and happy to enjoy the simple things in life, Whitfield Hall is...

Twelve of us visited Whitfield Hall and had a fabulous time. What a special place! The trip was easy to organise, communicating with John via Whats App. We were picked up by Roydell and his nephew in Mavis Bank and they both expertly navigated their vehicles up the steep and windy road to Whitfield Hall. We were greeted by Everton who looked after us well, cooking us some delicious hearty Jamaican food. It was very peaceful so high up in the Blue Mountains. We listened to the sounds of the huge eucalyptus trees, the fire flies dancing around us, and we couldn't get enough of staring at the stunning night sky with the big dipper just ahead of us. We had a comfortable short sleep before heading off with our torches to climb the Blue Mountain Peak at 1.15 in the morning. It was a tough hike but Charlie, our guide was so patient and with his support we all made it to the top. Sadly the peak was covered in clouds and we missed out on seeing the sunrise. However, the descent through the forest was magical with amazing views across the mountain range. We loved everything about our stay at Whitfield Hall and would have loved to stay longer. It was a very very special experience for a group of city folk, meeting wonderful people and getting a sence of their life in the Blue Mountains as part of a tight and...