Shirley Retreat

This hotel is widely regarded as a peaceful retreat, offering a warm, inviting, and safe atmosphere that many guests describe as a "home away from home." Its signature feature is its ability to provide a quiet and comfortable stay, making it an excellent choice for business travelers seeking convenience, solo travelers prioritizing safety, and sightseers looking for a central base to explore. While some aspects of the property are noted as being a bit dated, its consistent cleanliness and friendly service ensure a pleasant experience. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to order breakfast the night before and consider bringing their own toiletries, as in-room amenities are basic.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, though it maintains a basic, no-frills approach. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. A notable convenience is the availability of a microwave downstairs for guest use, along with access to coffee, tea, and hot water. The hotel also sells water and cold drinks at reasonable prices. However, it is important to note that there is no swimming pool on site, and rooms typically lack an in-room microwave, refrigerator, kettle, or iron and ironing board. The property also does not have an elevator, which guests with mobility concerns should be aware of, and there are no phones in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, describing them as well-kept and spotless. The beds are frequently highlighted as being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While most rooms are considered spacious, some guests noted that the bathroom doors can be a bit constricting. Feedback on hot water availability is mixed, with some experiencing consistent hot water and others finding it not always available. The air conditioning generally works well, though some units can be noisy. Noise levels from outside the room, including thin walls and sounds from neighbors or early check-outs, are occasionally mentioned, and some guests reported issues with shower heads needing cleaning or bathroom tiles appearing dated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast as an additional option, which many guests describe as delicious, particularly the local cuisine from Maurva's Kitchen. The breakfast variety and portions are generally well-received, with specific praise for fresh and tasty options. However, some guests found the breakfast to be expensive for the portion size and noted that choices could be limited or bland. It is important for guests to order breakfast the night before, typically by 5 PM, as the kitchen may not be open or available for last-minute orders, especially on certain days like Saturdays. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant where meals and snacks can be purchased.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a perfect and central location, placing guests in close proximity to many key attractions and amenities. It is within easy walking distance of the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House, making it ideal for sightseers. Various restaurants and cafes are also conveniently located nearby. The area is described as a safe and walkable residential enclave, providing a sense of security. The hotel offers secure parking on-site, with an attendant, which is a significant advantage for guests with vehicles. While the location is central, some guests noted that the immediate area might not be well-lit at night, and traffic can be heavy when entering or exiting.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is described as quick and efficient, with staff assisting with luggage transport. The security personnel are particularly commended for their helpfulness, courteousness, and customer-centric approach, contributing significantly to guests feeling safe and secure on the gated property. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unhelpful staff or issues with housekeeping not replacing towels or providing extra blankets.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that there is ongoing construction next door to the hotel, which can lead to noise disturbances, particularly during the day from 8 AM. While the hotel aims to be a quiet retreat, this external factor can impact the peaceful environment. The property does not feature a dedicated lounge or bar area, which some guests noted as a missing amenity. For convenience, the hotel sells water and cold drinks on-site at reasonable prices. Guests are advised that rooms do not include an in-room safe for valuables, and basic toiletries are limited to soap.