Villas Vs Hotels: Are Villas Really More Expensive Than Hotels in Jamaica? Here’s What Most Travelers Get Wrong
You’ve probably seen it before: A private villa in the Caribbean with stunning views, a full staff, and amenities that rival any resort. Then you scroll down to the price and think, “Whoa. That’s out of my budget.”
But is it?
The truth is, most travelers misunderstand villa pricing — and as a result, they assume luxury villas are only for celebrities, corporate retreats, or ultra-wealthy families. In reality, villas can often be more affordable than resorts, especially when you’re traveling as a group.
Let’s break it down and clear up the confusion about the cost of villas vs hotels.
The Pricing Illusion of Villas vs Hotels: Total vs. Per Person Pricing
Here’s the biggest misconception:
Villa pricing is shown as a total amount, while resorts advertise per-person, per-night rates.
So when you see:
- $2400 per night for a villa (entire property) VS
- $350 per person, per night at a resort
it’s easy to assume the villa is more expensive. But when you’re traveling with a group — say, 8 to 16 people — that “expensive” villa may actually come out less per person than the resort.
Example:
Mais Oui Villa (sleeps up to 16, fully staffed):
- $2400/night ÷ 12 guests = $200 per person, per night
- Includes private court, pool, full staff including concierge, and chef services
Moderately-priced Luxury Resort:
- $350/person/night x 12 guests = $4,200 per night
- Often excludes premium dining, spa, or private activities
Add in the additional cost of groceries at the villa and your total cost is competitive compared to the cost of the resort.
💡 You’re not paying more at a villa. You’re just paying differently. And, in fact, you could be paying less with a villa stay.
Read our blog post: Budget smart: What’s your Jamaica villa vacation going to cost you?
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Villas vs Hotels: What Villas Include That Resorts and Hotels in Jamaica Usually Don’t
When comparing costs, it’s not just about the room — it’s about what’s built into the experience, and what’s not.
At a fully staffed villa like Mais Oui, your group enjoys:
- A private chef who prepares meals based on your preferences and selections
- Housekeeping, butler, and concierge services tailored to your stay
- Private amenities like your own multi-purpose court for tennis, pickleball, and basketball, pool, hot tub, rooftop lounge, and miniature-golf
- Spa services available on-site (booked separately, not included in the base rate)
- Custom trip planning with your group’s interests in mind
It’s important to note that gratuities for the staff are not included in the nightly rate, and should be budgeted separately. This isn’t a hidden fee — it’s a standard part of villa stays in Jamaica and an essential way to ensure the team who serves you earns a living wage.
If a villa is staffed by 5+ people who provide round-the-clock service, it’s only fair that gratuities reflect the value of their work. At Mais Oui, we’re proud to have a team that guests consistently rave about — and they deserve recognition for their care, skill, and professionalism.
Villas Are Made for Groups
When you travel with a group to a resort:
- You need multiple rooms (and you often cannot guarantee that they are near each other)
- You have to coordinate schedules constantly
- You’re often separated during meals and activities
With a villa, your entire group stays together, eats together, and plays together — without needing reservations, restaurant limits, or coordination stress.
You can gather around the table. Celebrate birthdays in private. Host tournaments on your own court. Take over the rooftop lounge and watch a movie under the stars.
That’s not just a different price point — it’s a different vacation experience.
But What If You’re Not a Big Group?
Even for smaller groups (like 4–6 people), villas can still be a great deal — especially when you factor in:
- What you save on food and alcohol
- What you gain in privacy and peace
- How much less you spend on add-ons and “upgrades”
And let’s not forget — you’re paying for an experience you can’t get at a resort: true personalization, total privacy, and space to simply be.
What Guests Say
“We were shocked at how affordable the villa was when we split the cost. It ended up being less than what we paid at a resort last year — and we got ten times the experience.”
— Tamara R., Florida
“Once we broke it down by person, it was a no-brainer. We had staff, our own court, spa treatments, and the place all to ourselves. It felt like our own private resort.”
— Heather, California
So, are villas more expensive than hotels in Jamaica?
Not necessarily. Don’t let the villa’s price tag fool you.
Luxury doesn’t have to mean overpriced — and villas aren’t just for the rich.
So next time you see a villa’s total nightly rate and feel a little sticker shock, pause and do the math.
You might just discover that a fully staffed, private Jamaican villa is not only within reach — but the smarter, more affordable choice for your next group vacation.
So, if you’re traveling as a group, don’t just look for hotels in Jamaica. Consider staying at a villa like Mais Oui in Discovery Bay – an 8-bedroom, fully staffed luxury villa designed for families, friends, and groups who want the amenities of a resort set in the comfort of a private home
Book Direct & Save:
Love our villa? Book directly through our website for the best rates and personalized service: MakeItJamaica.com
Prefer to book through an online agency?
If you feel more comfortable booking through a third-party platform, you can find us here (note that they charge additional fees):
- VRBO: Mais Oui Villa on VRBO
- Airbnb: Mais Oui Villa on Airbnb
However you choose to book, we look forward to welcoming you to Mais Oui Villa for an unforgettable stay in Jamaica!
You don’t have to figure it all out alone — and you don’t have to settle for less.
Let’s create the kind of trip you’ll talk about for years.
Support Locally Owned Small Businesses
Mais Oui Villa is a locally owned and operated luxury villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Whether you’re planning a vacation, retreat, wedding, or special event, choosing a locally owned venue makes a difference. Your booking directly supports local workers, vendors, and the community — helping sustain jobs, empower artisans, and preserve Jamaican culture — all while ensuring a more personalized and memorable experience.
As an owner-operated property, we take pride in offering a level of care, attention, and service that larger resorts simply can’t match. Our exclusive concierge service and thoughtfully included amenities set us apart, providing an elevated experience without the hidden costs often found elsewhere.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com
Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll-free) or 914.709.0457
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