Bette
Look at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. It's next to the Royal Hideway & very nice. No steps down to beach - just ask for room on 1st floor. West Wing verandahs are directly on the water. Beach Wing verandahs are directly on the beach. We prefer the West Wing - terrace is over the water & the fish know when you are eating breakfast, but there would be about 10 steps to climb to get to the dining area. Lunch can be served on the beach. You might remember that my husband hates to travel - but he will go here. We love it. Owners are very nice & much of the staff has been with them for years. It is expensive around the holidays but the prices usually don't go up until Dec 15th. Their policy used to be - Xmas & New Years, must book for 10 days. Don't know if it is still that way. Have also stayed at the Royal Hideaway several times, back when it was the Plantation Inn. And those steps to the beach would be difficult with a mobility problem. To me, one of the attractions of the Jamaica Inn is that it is not a chain. Owned by same family for years. The sons of the orginal owner now run it - Eric and Peter Morrow.
http://www.jamaicainn.com/