Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica

Edited to include: Montego Bay airport is fine. It has been up and running for months. Do not believe USA news, media, etc. Several resorts are rebuilding after the hurricane. Go on and take the trip. The people are a blessing and need our help boosting their economy. I had an amazing time overall. The staff and food were well worth the visit. I took my sons on their first trip to my favorite country to celebrate their birthdays, which made the experience even more special. The variety of flavorful vegetarian dishes was a pleasant surprise. I did enjoy smoked salmon, lobster, and a shrimp pasta as well—each dish was equally delicious. The rooms could use some updating, but they were otherwise comfortable. As a professional cleaner, I did notice a few areas that were missed or could have benefited from extra attention. That said, I still felt comfortable and truly enjoyed my stay. We booked the Chukka excursion, which was a full day of activities including ziplining, horseback riding, a catamaran cruise, bamboo rafting, snorkeling, and ATV riding. The drive was about an hour in morning rush-hour traffic, but only 35–45 minutes on the return trip. We also took a ride to Devon House for the famous ice cream and made sure to stop at Scotchies for authentic jerk chicken—both were must-do experiences. My sons visited the sister resorts next door for foam parties and additional entertainment. They also caught rides to hang out at Pier 1 and a newer club, 2727. They felt safe, welcomed, and had a great time. I love the beach and can lounge all day. There is a small private beach on the property, and guests can also access the sister resort beaches. One thing I didn’t love was that locals are not allowed to fish or use the beach. The only real downside was the proximity to the airport—planes do fly overhead occasionally.

Worst hotel and all inclusive we have ever seen. The reviews are online are completely opposite of our experience. Riu Montega bay next door is much nicer on all levels. The front desk was rude and not helpful. I asked if they had an atm and their response "no, walk out the front gate turn left and go up a couple blocks to the bank across the street from burger king". It's NOT SAFE outside those gates for tourists. They also failed to tell us that RIU next door inside the gates had atm. The nearest area that is safe for tourists is about a 10 minute drive. They refused to help with wifi saying although is say's unsecured it is secure. Just don't log into any banking apps or anything too important. That being said they want you to use their app for everything. The app is glitchy to say the least. We were only able to book 2 nights at the sit down restaurants out of a 5 night stay. It felt like they were just trying to rob us. Just outside the lobby on the way to the restroom their are lot's of award plaques. If you read them the last award was given in 2018. The rooms were not only in need of repair they were absolutely filthy.They don't actually have king size beds. They push two double beds together to create a "king". The sheets don't fit. The housekeeping staff were screaming and yelling down the halls every morning waking us up. At one point they were fighting so loudly and violently they we thought about calling for help. The food was decent when it was available.The restaurant staff was good overall. Lot's of time in between buffet and restaurant closings with a snack bar option that would have been fine for a prison. Same with room service unless you like soaking wet soggy bread. Beautiful beach although I'm not interested in trading a drink and piece of chicken for some marijuana. This guy was standing behind a fence in between the resorts on the beach harassing everyone that walked by. He looked like a character from a horror movie. We can't believe Riu put their name on this and will never stay at a Riu resort again.

Riu Palace Jamaica was a beautiful hotel, 15-20 minutes from the airport. Be advised that you hear planes fly over the beach, but the resort was peaceful and quiet. I had a few issues with Riu Palace. Please tell the driver to take you straight to the resort if not your driver will become a tour guide, the ride was $25. This resort was beautiful but not of Palace status. Upon arrival a few of the fountains were being repaired that aligned the walkway to the beach, which disrupted the ambiance of being a palace. The lobby didn't have a large, golden chandelier that a Palace would have, when i think of a Palace i imagine the grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra India. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the overall value was great, due to access to Riu Reggae and Riu Montego Bay which gave us options to dine at multiple buffets, restaurants and to enjoy various social activities. keep in mind that lobster and crab are not available until July-March, so if you are seafood lover, book your trip accordingly. The other issue I had was the music. I could not believe that i did not hear any reggae at the Riu Palace, we are in Jamaica!!! reggae should have been blasting 24/7, the music was more SOCA or something other than reggae, I would have really loved a more laid-back groove such as Peter Tosh, Bob Marley or Steel Pulse. Security at this location is top notch, very helpful and informative.

We can't rate the Riu Palace Jamaica highly enough. The staff were exceptional from the ladies who cleaned our rooms to the serving staff in the restaurants especially Zavia , Aubrey and Kelly. The entertainment team in the day especially Stephen and Dinero were fabulous they informed you of the events going on but didn't mither you . All the staff were so happy and friendly nothing was too much trouble we will definitely be returning. Buffet and a la carter restaurants were all delicious with the food being hot and varied.

We enjoyed our stay, the food was excellent, the staff was also great very friendly. It was not real busy while we were there and we loved the small feel of the resort. However are rooms lacked alot, our air conditioning didn't work correctly it would not shut off as it was suppoes to. It would only shut off if we turned the unit off. The tv did not work we complained to staff nothing was done about it, the bath tub had no drain plug so you couldn't use it. The rooms were kinda run down, a coat of paint does not fix everything. We would have enjoyed some different music by the pool not everyone ants to listen to reggae all day, since it was an older crowd we thought some 60-70-80's music would have been great. The entertainment staff was great though very friendly!

This resort was so fun, the staff were amazing. They keep everyone entertained all day and into the night. The servers along with bar tenders were great as well. The only negative is the room AC does not go below 23 Celsius so it was always warm and muggy l.

Great time at Riu palace. Loved being able to go to all three resorts. The food was good, a lot of selection. The breakfast servers were amazing. Super attentive and kind. The rooms are pretty basic but clean and nice. The location has nothing to do with the resort but of if I were to travel to Jamaica again, I’d go to Negril or Ocho Rios for the beaches and attractions as we enjoy off resort activities as well. One comment I do have is the Riu properties note that gratuities are included however tips are appreciated. As someone who cares to do the right thing I would suggest making it one way or the other. Most resorts that include gratuities do not allow additional tipping. I felt obligated to do so as I would at any other resort but was never really sure what was right.

It would be unfair to give this hotel anything but a 5 star review. The staff are all welcoming, and happy to meet you. The food is always varied and delicious. The rooms are well serviced well equipped, and spotlessly clean. The hotel is only a short ride to the airport. Beautiful beach with drinks service. Great choice of restaurants after booking.