Secrets St. James Montego Bay - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10392 reviews

• 

  Not A Five Star Resort

  Went to Secrets for the first time hoping for a quick get away with a friend. We knew we got a good deal, but we didn’t expect a 5 star resort to be… closer to a 2 star. We even learned that stars aren’t real - it can be assigned based on what facilities are offered (I.e. the spa). The facilities were showing their age, cockroach’s hanging out, WiFi going in and out, electricity went out multiple times, no “above and beyond” service and definitely a party resort. Our trip started great - very close to the airport, absolutely stunning views and we got ungraded to an ocean front with a view. However, it quickly declined… Pros: 1. Amazing views/water. I mean, come on - can’t get much better than that!!! 2. Nightly entertainment - really impressed! Actual talent and lots of fun shows. 3. Some great drinks/cocktails! Not all were amazing, but lots were. Didn’t offer premium liquor though… that was in the preferred guest lobby only, 4. Kind staff. Most all of the staff were kind when asked about something. One even tried to refuse a cash tip I offered for helping me. 5. Jerk chicken cart on the beach! 6. Fresh coconuts on the resort! 7. Preferred guest pool area. Good loungers with individual shades, clean pool and nice staff. Cons: 1. We got into our room and found the mini bar empty and the tablet to order things dead. Construction going on around the complex, so not always “beautiful” to walk past. One restaurant closed, a bar, a pool… luckily wasn’t loud. 2. No true shaded umbrellas on the beach. Very small palapas that weren’t really covered. 3. Very minimal drink service at beach/pool - and no food service offered. 4. Found food to be the most disappointing thing… very little offered close to st James side, even in preferred section. Room service took a long time - 2 hours for breakfast on check out day. Buffet was underwhelming. Pastries and cookies tasted stale. Coffee bar was… sad. The coffee was literally not drinkable (how?!?! Maybe not cleaning the machines). Room service coffee was ok. So few vegetables - I got 1/8th of a carrot with my lamb. Most meals weren’t just bad, but inedible. We ended up spending $100 on a bottle of wine to eat at Breathless next door one night. Food was better. Not amazing… but better. I would have killed for something better than frozen food that appeared microwaved. Oh and weird things like - ordered the crème brule but got flan or the soufflé and got a brownie… 5. I don’t know if this was because the st. James pool was under construction, but no differentiation between preferred and non preferred club guests. 6. Where are the AC parts of the resorts?! Aren’t there elderly people that go here!?! The only places with true air conditioning were rooms, the casino and the night club. All the restaurants had open walls and doors that let all the air out. I could never relax at a bar or a coffee shop because it was always so hot. 7. Last day - no call or anything about check out. No one to arrange bag pick up… odd. 8. Ordered orthopedic pillows and got pregnancy pillows? 9. The one night we went to the buffet (mistake) it was an hour late in opening. We sat in the heat until it opened only to find it very sad. My college food was far superior to this. 10. Guests - a lot of guests were partying. Smoking cigarettes at the pool and beach - weed, vapes and even hookah! People had their hookah and bongs IN THE POOL. I couldn’t believe it! All this being said - I will not be returning to this resort. I will take my business elsewhere. Probably Excellence Oyster Bay as I’ve enjoyed staying with them in Mexico. I got a good deal and I got what I paid for. Next time, I won’t be so cheap.

  Sep 03, 2025
• 

  Improved And Amazing!!!

  We hadn't visited the Secrets properties in Montego Bay for many years and I am happy to have gotten back here. As soon as we arrived a member of the staff greeted us with a golf cart, loaded our bags and gave us a quick tour of the property to show us the beach because I mentioned how we had just stayed in Negril and loved that beach. He couldn't wait to show us how they improved and expanded the beach area. Let me just say WOW! What a major improvement! Soooo pretty with plenty of seating options. The room, staff, food, drinks and entertainment were all amazing. You have access to both Secrets Resorts and guests stay in the Preferred Club at either can go over to Breathless as well. Check out the pictures from the Breathless rooftop pool. Beautiful views and a nice swim up pool bar too. I'm glad we went back to this property after all these years to see how amazing it is now!

  Sep 03, 2025
• 

  Is ok

  This hotel is rundown but the people are great. the food is mid nothing special. The beds are great. Rooms are big and the entertainment is great.

  Sep 03, 2025
• 

  Best Wedding Coordinator

  Chinoy was our wedding coordinator at Secrets St. James, and we couldn’t have asked for a better person to guide us through our destination wedding! From start to finish, she was clear, patient, and kind, always making sure Phil and I felt calm and reassured. On our big day, she handled everything with such grace—even when I was running late, she gently reminded me not to worry and encouraged me to just enjoy the moment because she had everything under control. Chinoy made sure every detail was in place, that the schedule flowed smoothly, and most importantly, that our guests were having the best time. She didn’t just coordinate—she brought amazing energy, even stepping in to hype up the crowd and help host our wedding when I needed that extra spark. She went above and beyond in so many ways, like surprising me at the spa with champagne and dessert. Those thoughtful touches truly showed how much she cares. Her professionalism, organization, and unmatched vibe made our wedding day absolutely perfect. If you’re planning a wedding at Secrets St. James, I cannot recommend working with Chinoy enough. She walks you through everything step by step, makes sure you feel confident and supported, and brings joy into the entire experience. Phil and I are beyond grateful—if we could do it all over again every year with Chinoy, we absolutely would! Thank you so much, Chinoy, for making our day unforgettable! 💕

  Sep 02, 2025
• 

  Great food!

  Beautiful property and good food.. I would be willing to go back but only after the infrastructure upgrades. Improvements also needed in customer service.

  Sep 02, 2025