Abhinandan R.
Google
A High-Pressure Sales Trap & Total Scam – Save Your Money!
I recently stayed at Moon Palace Ocho Rios, and it was a nightmare from start to finish. This property is less of a resort and more of a high-pressure sales floor designed to dupe guests.
The Ticket Scam
The most egregious part of our stay was being scammed on activities. We purchased $300 worth of outside activities directly through the hotel. When we arrived at the venues, the tickets the hotel gave us were invalid. When we went back to the hotel for a resolution, they "conveniently" took 2 days to even respond. Finally, on the day we were leaving, they had the nerve to offer us a $25 credit for $300 worth of useless tickets. This is theft, plain and simple.
The Constant Sales Pitch
The lobby feels like a timeshare office. There are only 3 receptionists but at least 10 desks dedicated to selling vacation packages. We were hounded with phone calls 3–4 times every single day. They even try to "woo" you with macaroons just to bait you into a $50,000 membership pitch. It is intrusive and exhausting.
Misleading Logistics & Poor Transport
The hotel claims to be 90 minutes from the airport; it actually took well over 3 hours in a cramped, uncomfortable bus. We ended up paying for a private taxi back to Montego Bay just to avoid their miserable shuttle service.
Rude Staff & "Recycled" Food
The staff were incredibly rude. They "forgot" a simple birthday request, yet had the audacity to ask us to buy a vacation package immediately after. To make matters worse, the food was not fresh and frequently looked like leftovers recycled from previous meals.
The "Placeholder" Reality
The resort lacks basic amenities. Staff even admitted that this isn't a "true" Moon Palace property—it was a buyout of a different resort that they plan to close once a new location opens in Montego Bay. It is clear they have checked out and no longer care about guest experience.
Final Verdict: This is a second-rate property masquerading as luxury while actively scamming its guests. Do not stay here.