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Resort Review: Iberostar Wave Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Santeka Grigley
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
For my birthday, we checked into the Iberostar Wave Rose Hall Beach, an all-inclusive beachfront resort located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This wasn’t my first time staying at the property — it was actually my third visit — and while we had an overall good stay, a few things left us feeling like this might be our last. From IHG Platinum perks (yes, Iberostar now partners with IHG!) to birthday surprises that didn’t quite go as planned, here’s everything you should know before booking.
Iberostar Wave Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica - Resort Review
About Iberostar's Resorts in Jamaica
One of the biggest draws of the Rose Hall Iberostar complex is that it’s actually three resorts in one, all located along a stretch of beautiful beachfront:
Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach – Family-friendly, lively, and more budget-friendly
Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites – Upscale, family-friendly with elevated service and suites
JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar – Adults-only luxury with premium dining, spa, and exclusive amenities
Photo Credit: Google Images
We stayed at the Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach, which is part of the – designed for guests looking for a fun, accessible all-inclusive experience.
Birthday Stay Expectations vs. Reality
As IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Members, our stay was supposed to include potential perks like a room upgrade (based on availability). At check-in, we asked if we received one and were told yes — but after entering our room, it was clear it wasn’t an upgrade at all.
The team promised we’d be moved to a new room the next day… which was a bit inconvenient, especially during a celebratory trip. On top of that, my boyfriend had paid for a birthday package that included:
Room decorations
A birthday cake
A bottle of champagne
It wasn’t set up when we arrived, but the staff promised it would be ready in the new room the following day. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen either. It took three days and a bit of persistence before the setup finally happened. When it did, it was a lovely gesture and added a sweet touch to the trip — but getting there was a bit frustrating.
Resort Vibes: A Bit Too Quiet This Time
While the property itself is clean and well-maintained, the overall vibe felt surprisingly quiet. Even though we visited during a busy season, the resort seemed oddly low-energy. There wasn’t a ton of social interaction, activities felt sparse, and by night, things got… well, kind of boring.
The late-night party was especially underwhelming. The DJ wasn’t playing crowd favorites or current hits, and the energy just wasn’t there. Plus, the party was held on the adults-only side, and although there were supposed to be golf carts available to shuttle guests back and forth — that simply wasn’t the case. We ended up walking, which wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t what was promised.
The Food: Great During the Day, Lacking at Night
One thing this resort still does well is daytime dining. There’s food available almost nonstop until around 11 PM, and my favorite spot was the casual lunch stand near the pool. Every day, they served up something new and delicious — from jerk chicken to burritos. It hit the spot every single time.
The buffet also had a great range of choices for breakfast and dinner — with everything from made-to-order omelets and tropical fruits in the morning to pasta stations, sushi, salads, and desserts in the evening.
But after 11 PM, food options disappeared — unless you were staying at the luxe adults-only JOIA Rose Hall. For a resort that hosts a party until 2 AM, it made no sense that no late-night snacks or food were available. Unless you hoard leftovers in your room, you’ll be going to bed hungry.
Spa Service: Relaxing... Until It Wasn’t
One of my birthday treats was a spa appointment at the JOIA Rose Hall, the adults-only section. Getting there was seamless — a golf cart was waiting, and I was personally escorted to the spa entrance. The treatment itself was relaxing and well done.
However, once my appointment was over, I wasn’t allowed to exit through the same entrance because I wasn’t a Grand guest. Instead, I was led out through a side exit and told to walk around the building to the main entrance to catch a golf cart back. It was awkward and, honestly, not the vibe you want after a calming spa experience. I understand the exclusivity, but there’s a more guest-friendly way to handle it.
Resort Amenities at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach (Waves Collection)
Here’s what you can expect as a guest at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach:
General Amenities:
Beachfront access with loungers and umbrellas
Outdoor pool and swim-up bar
Daily entertainment and activities
Fitness center
Water sports (kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding)
Kids’ Club
Games and sports courts
Theater shows and themed nights
Wi-Fi throughout the property
On-site shops
Multiple à la carte restaurants (Italian, Caribbean, Japanese, etc.)
Buffet dining available for all meals
Snack bar and coffee station
Bars located throughout the property
Golf cart transportation between resorts (although not always reliable)
Spa & wellness center (located at Grand Rose Hall)
IHG One Rewards recognition & perks
Room Features:
Private balconies or terraces
Flat-screen TVs
Air conditioning
Mini-bar restocked daily
In-room safe
Coffee maker
Room service (limited hours)
Final Thoughts: Would We Return?
While we had a good stay overall, it didn’t feel like the same resort I remembered from my previous visits. The service was inconsistent, the vibe was low, and several moments — especially the birthday surprise and room upgrade confusion — missed the mark. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, beachfront all-inclusive with solid food and a beautiful setting, Iberostar Rose Hall Beach might still be a fit. But for our next trip to Jamaica? We’ll definitely be exploring other options.
Pro Tip: If you’re an IHG One Rewards Member, staying at Iberostar resorts will earn you points — but benefits and upgrades are subject to availability and not guaranteed. It’s always worth double-checking your status and what’s included before you arrive.
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