Alpinia: An Urban Oasis In Kingston, Jamaica

As a proud native of Kingston, Jamaica, I’m always happy to show off my city. This diverse city is the capital of Jamaica, and boasts a rich vibrant culture- home to the best of the island’s music, art, food, sports and cultural events. Kingston city is closely intertwined with the parish of St. Andrew, and boasts unbridled natural beauty in its three suburban city limits. Tucked away in the city’s sublime suburbs of Stony Hill lies Alpinia– an affordable one bedroom apartment and Kingston’s newest Airbnb. Here’s why you should book Alpinia on your next visit to Kingston, Jamaica.

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Alpinia’s Location

Alpinia is a self-contained apartment located in Stony Hill, walking distance away from the square where one can access restaurants, bars, supermarkets, public transport, a gas station and local market which sells fresh produce at affordable prices. As such, one seldom has to leave Stony Hill. The major shopping malls of Manor Park and Manor Centre are 5.0km (10 minutes’ drive) away and give one access to fast food franchises, first class restaurants and more shops and services. Alpinia has one bedroom, and can sleep up to three guests starting at US$60 per night, making it one of the most affordable Airbnbs in Kingston.

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• Taking Public Transport? You’ll need JUTC routes 52, 53 or 54, or take a coaster. Check out this free Kingston public transport guide.
• Driving? You get one FREE parking space. Reach out if you need a rental car, and check out this free Jamaican driving guide.

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It’s hard to believe that Alpinia lies within Kingston as the views are alpine and breathtaking, especially after the fog rolls in and at sunset. This brings me to the point of, why “Alpinia”? Well, alpinia just so happens to be the name of some flowering plants in the ginger family which grow profusely in Stony Hill. Alpinia is located in one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city, and Stony Hill ranks among the best places to live in Kingston and St. Andrew.

Airbnb Tour

Alpinia is a west-facing apartment located on the second floor of a split level building, so climbing stairs is a must– 23 steps to be exact. However, the stunning view is worth the short climb, and it comes alive every evening with the magical golden hues of sunset. This view is yours and yours alone from a private porch with two armchairs– perfect for relaxation, a long chat or leisurely sip of coffee, wine or Red Stripe beer. It’s also a great spot for pluviophiles to sit and watch the rain. Stony Hill gets lots of it, usually between 12pm to 3pm daily. The wet conditions keep the plants lush and green all year-round but also attracts bugs, mosquitoes and anoles. Alpinia’s windows are meshed to keep them outside where they belong.

Check-in is a breeze with a self check-in code provided 24 hours before arrival. This Airbnb contains a kitchen stocked with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, kettle, pots, utensils, chilled complimentary bottled water and cooking basics like tea, instant coffee, salt, pepper, sugar and oil. There’s also a washing machine provided for guests to use at their own convenience. The view from the dining table is heavenly with the mountains, trees and daily avian visitors as backdrop. So far, I’ve spotted Jamaican woodpeckers, blackbirds, parakeets, ring-tailed pigeons and a few others which I haven’t yet identified.

The kitchen gives way to a cozy living room outfitted with a couch, smart TV and console which contains a few books and games like dominos. I especially love the apartment’s artwork: a fierce cheetah in watercolor and a framed cover of Damian Marley’s Grammy Award-winning album, Stony Hill. From the living room, you can access the office– a spacious room with an executive desk and chair perfect for remote work, as well as a futon for a third guest.

There’s a short hallway which contains a closet, iron, ironing board, portable drying rack and first aid kit. At the end of the hallway lies a comfortable bedroom which contains a full-sized bed, four fluffy pillows, a ceiling fan, dresser, night tables, lamps, black-out curtains and towels. There are sockets near the bed too– perfect for charging your phone right before falling asleep. Across from the bedroom is a small bathroom which contains Jamaican-made shampoo, conditioner and body wash in refillable containers, an environment-friendly choice which eliminates single-use plastics.

Things to Do in Stony Hill

Stony Hill is a charming suburban neighbourhood located at Kingston’s northern tip but there’s still a lot to do. My top picks for places to visit in a 5-kilometre radius include:

• Falling Edge Waterfall
• Struan Castle
• Kingston Reggae Garden
• Langley Great House
• River Ryder Adventure Park
• Constant Spring Golf Club

Feeling hungry? Stop by Tastee’s, a local restaurant chain which sells some of Jamaica’s favourite patties. Tastee’s is walking distance away from Alpinia. Also, I recommend the curry goat at Country Style Café by the Square, or venture 2.0km away by car to Majestic Japanese Restaurant for the best sushi. Alternatively, you can get groceries from the Stony Hill Market, Master Mac Supermarket or one of the wholesales located at the Stony Hill Square and make your own meals at Alpinia. These and more recommendations are included in Alpinia’s house guide, available to all guests to ensure a rewarding stay.

Wrap Up

If you’ve made it this far, I think you deserve to hear the full disclosure that I’m co-host of this beautiful gem. Alpinia has been a labour of love for my partner and I, and is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants an authentic base steeped in local culture from which to explore Kingston. If this sounds like your vibe, check out Alpinia on Airbnb for more information, pictures and rates. Spread the word and help us become super hosts in no time.

Reserve Alpinia on Airbnb, and follow Alpinia on Instagram.

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