Downtown Kingston gets hotel

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said the development of ROK Hotel Kingston on the Kingston waterfront will further contribute to the revitalisation of Jamaica's capital city.

The 168-room property, which is owned by PanJam Investment Limited, is set to open this year. The 12-storey contemporary hotel, located on Ocean Boulevard includes dining options, residential opportunities, and business meeting spaces.

"This investment is quite timely, as we are taking aggressive steps to position Kingston as a vibrant urban tourism destination and developing its surrounding areas to offer a variety of authentic cultural and entertainment experiences through music, food, art and adventure. The continued show of confidence by investors, even at this challenging time, is evidence that Jamaica is still a coveted destination and a powerful global brand," Bartlett said.

Downtown Kingston has been experiencing a rebirth is recent years, especially with the opening of Ribbiz, a top entertainment spot, and the famous fish place, Gloria's, on the Kingston waterfront. The creation of a boardwalk, which is being done as part of the Port Royal Street Coastal Revetment Project, is likely to add to the lustre of downtown Kingston.

Bartlett said that the investment in the hotel, which overlooks the Kingston Harbour -- the seventh-largest natural harbour in the world -- will add a "new dimension to Jamaica's tourism product and the city's accommodation offerings".

General Manager for ROK Hotel Kingston, Jaap van Dam, welcomed the endorsement from Bartlett.

"This investment in downtown Kingston is reflective of our intention to contribute to the rejuvenation of Kingston's tourism brand. As the global economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognise the significance of this investment to the local area and the potential to help grow the tourism economy. As a member of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, ROK Hotel Kingston will reach a wide audience of international business and leisure travellers, as well as Hilton's loyal base of Hilton Honors members," said van Dam.