All the wonderful things in previous reviews are well earned and so are the criticisms. We were fortunate to have a car and a Jamacian Tourist Board "Meet the People" host while in Port Antonio, so we were not forced to spend our time at the hotel. But we did have a couple of meals at the hotel, and they were very good. The view from the room and dining was beautiful, so I have only praise for the hotel, its staff and the grounds. But I would not return and would not reccommend it to friends based on room and meal price. This judgement is based on extensive world travel - the price to value ratio is not good for me. But I recognise that everyone has a difference judgement on this, so if the prices do not bother you, do go because you will enjoy the facility.

I stayed at HMH last week, and I had a fantastic time. Such pretty grounds, gorgeous rooms, really friendly, kind staff and a beautiful location. I’ve travelled extensively and can confidently say this is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. I can only think of good things. Any negative reviews must surely be from bitter, twisted people!

The Rooms: Spotless, lovely and huge. The beds were very comfy, and massive – I didn’t expect a King Size bed in Jamaica, that’s for sure. But it seemed that everything was thoughtfully arranged and considered. Hot (eco-friendly!) showers, all the coffee and tea and other things you’d expect, including an iron, board and hairdryer. But one of the many things I wasn’t expecting was the box of yummy organic bathroom amenities (peppermint / lavender foot scrub anyone? Organic shea butter soap?) OMG I was in heaven. THEN I discovered the “gift box” left in my room. Apparently the owners support their community by buying everything locally if possible. So in addition to the bathroom amenities, they give you a traditional Jamaican handmade box (a local woman makes them), and every day (!) they put another local “treasure” in it for you to discover… orange marmalade, chocolate tea, spices….more, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise!

Anyway, if you’re trying to figure out which room is best, you should probably just ask the lovely owners, but they all have balconies so the biggest difference between them is the view. Some looked out to the ocean, but all of them were nicely private and my room felt really secluded. Some have hammocks!!

The Restaurant: OK, so I admit I am a very skeptical person. And when I hear claims of “award winning” or “creative food” I’m usually the first to run in the other direction. Am I ever glad I didn’t! The food was exceptional – it was almost entirely local and organic, but most of all, it was delicious. Highlights were perfectly cooked, flaky jerk-spiced fish, outrageously good banana pancakes (made by one of the owners, no less!), a gorgeous lobster bisque and a traditional Jamaican breakfast which I will remember probably forever. It was all that good. And I’m picky. They even had a really decent wine list! I was impressed!

The location and grounds: I was very surprised at how big the property was. When I wandered through the gardens, I almost got lost. There were loads of places to sit in seclusion, it was green and lush and really pretty. Apparently the hotel is known for birdwatching, but I don’t have a clue so I was happy to read my book instead. The owners pointed out places where people hold wedding receptions etc., and I could imagine it being the perfect place to get married. And they do yoga, too! I didn’t bring a mat, but I would have loved to do yoga in such a peaceful setting.

The staff: As a solo traveller I usually find myself feeling a bit out of place in a hotel, it can be uncomfortable and awkward. But, I couldn’t have felt more welcomed. The owner/ managers (Shireen & Barbara) are an absolute delight. You can tell that their staff just love them, and I can see why. They made sure my stay was as happy and as enjoyable as possible. Whether it was their offers to take me to town (where they were universally greeted with hugs and kind words) or the way they checked in on me to make sure I was having a good time, or just the fact that they made sure I wasn’t sat alone in the middle of the restaurant (something single travelers can’t stand!) the whole experience was wonderful.

I think Hotel Mockingbird Hill would be perfect for almost any traveller (unless they’re seeking a plastic kids-club or an all-inclusive boozy holiday). I can’t recommend it highly enough.

The room was delicious, well provided (hairdrier, amaca, coffe, tea, armchair) but the location is quite far and lost in the mountain!! The hotel has got beautiful nature all around, but it's very uncomfortable to services (beaches, restaurant). So you are constricted to stay there and the prices for lunch/dinner are crazy!! For a meal 25$, a sandwich 15.50$!! In added, the waitress was kind but too insistent (she insisted where i should sit at dinner!!). Finally, Port Antonio is awufull place and staying in this hotel you spend a lot of money for nothing! To avoid!!!

To rate a small hotel located in a very small town in a mountainous region on an island in the middle of a vast ocean that makes no pretensions to be an all-inclusive resort, one must rate the hotel as such and not in comparison to grand luxury hotels or resorts. What this tiny hotel may lack in comparison to the abundance of amenities and speedy service available at those resorts, it more than makes up for in its atmosphere, beauty, cleanliness, serenity, and truly individualized and caring service. While a rating of 4.5 out of 5 would be the most accurate rating for the Hotel Mockingbird Hill, I have no reservations in rounding that up to a 5 to truly capture the overall excellence of our experience there.
My wife and I spent the last week of December 2011 there, and we left feeling fulfilled and rejuvenated like no other trip we've taken in recent memory. While some of the credit goes to Jamaica itself for being such a wonderful travel destination anyhow, there is no doubt this was highly enhanced by the caring and pampering of a very sweet and hardworking staff, including the management. Imagine comfort and elegance without the stuffy formality found at so many hotels, and you have a good idea of what to expect at the Mockingbird Hill.
While the hotel can also boast a very good (3.5 or 4 out of 5) restaurant on the premises, one tip to other travelers would be to invest in the occasional cab fare to try other offerings in and around Port Antonio, particularly for seafood (which tends to be overcooked and extra pricey here).
Overall, this would be a truly outstanding choice for any type of traveler except children and young teenagers who would likely be bored with the calm and serenity of the hotel. Frankly, though, Port Antonio wouldn't be an ideal children's destination anyhow.
Very highly recommended!!!