Jamaica - Riu Ocho Rios

While waiting for out bus to the airport a maid walked up and asked us for money. We were very bothered by this as this is very inappropriate. .. More>

While waiting for out bus to the airport a maid walked up and asked us for money. We were very bothered by this as this is very inappropriate.

outside the rooms the hotel is gorgeous, very clean, and friendly staff. the maid service was horrible and although you may put some things in the safe in your room, they will still come in while you're gone and go into your belongings so BE CAREFUL!! The restaurant food was excellent and the enter .. More>

outside the rooms the hotel is gorgeous, very clean, and friendly staff. the maid service was horrible and although you may put some things in the safe in your room, they will still come in while you're gone and go into your belongings so BE CAREFUL!! The restaurant food was excellent and the entertainment was fair.

The first two nights we had absolutely NO hot water. Once they sent the service man to check the room he told us we had to turn on both faucets in the sink full blast in order to get hot water in the shower. The housekeepers weren't friendly at all. They served the same food everyday. Lastly our ro .. More>

The first two nights we had absolutely NO hot water. Once they sent the service man to check the room he told us we had to turn on both faucets in the sink full blast in order to get hot water in the shower. The housekeepers weren't friendly at all. They served the same food everyday. Lastly our room had a Ant infestation. The best part of the visit was the drinks and music.

We paid for a ocean view room and it took three tries before they could get it right. We were exhausted after a two hour check in process that should have only taken a half an hour at the most .. More>

We paid for a ocean view room and it took three tries before they could get it right. We were exhausted after a two hour check in process that should have only taken a half an hour at the most

We did NOT have HOT water the entire week. I kept telling front desk. I had to go to front desk because our phones did NOT work either. On our last night there,Tues May 21st, our door handle fell off. We were stuck inside our room. We could not call front desk for help. We stood on our balcon .. More>

We did NOT have HOT water the entire week. I kept telling front desk. I had to go to front desk because our phones did NOT work either. On our last night there,Tues May 21st, our door handle fell off. We were stuck inside our room. We could not call front desk for help. We stood on our balcony and yelled down to people until someone got help for us to get out of our room. That was the only time we were asked if we would like a different room, despite my daily complaints about cold showers. According to other guests, our whole floor was without hot water. This was NOT how we wanted to spend our Honeymoon. It was like they didn't even care.

This was our fourth visit to Riu Ocho Rios and therefore there were not any surprises. The staff other than few members of front desk teams, will go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The front desk assistant manager Christopher Clarke is a superb professional. The chef Louis will acco .. More>

This was our fourth visit to Riu Ocho Rios and therefore there were not any surprises. The staff other than few members of front desk teams, will go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The front desk assistant manager Christopher Clarke is a superb professional. The chef Louis will accommodate your request for special meals. The swim up bars are very good. Hotel General Manager Katherine manages the properties very well I must mentioned that elevator far side on Junior suite side has never worked in last 8 years. So be prepared to climb up 60+ steps, if your are on fourth floor. I would recommend Riu Ocho Rios to everyone.

Very nice property!!! Staff was very good. (only a couple of employees that weren't up to the riu standards) We normally go to different resorts anually but would definitely consider going back to Riu Ocho Rios! Beach and ocean were also GREAT!!! .. More>

Very nice property!!! Staff was very good. (only a couple of employees that weren't up to the riu standards) We normally go to different resorts anually but would definitely consider going back to Riu Ocho Rios! Beach and ocean were also GREAT!!!

The hotel is getting a bit run down and the front desk staff does not care at all about your complaints. The matress in my room looked like a wave swelling accross it the wholes were so big in it. The Tv did not work asked for them to fix twice but was ignored each time.I found that the restaurants .. More>

The hotel is getting a bit run down and the front desk staff does not care at all about your complaints. The matress in my room looked like a wave swelling accross it the wholes were so big in it. The Tv did not work asked for them to fix twice but was ignored each time.I found that the restaurants were not filling the food trays once they were emptied in a timly manner so many times you could not get what you wanted. They make you where a dress shirt and long pants to some of the resturants but yet are too cheap to turn the AC on. Talk about sweating a meal off. The funniest thing was they served tater tarts with your steak at the "gourmet" reasturant.... Same tatter tarts served with breakfast. The ppols are falling apart with cement all broken off in many places and the wall light in the infinity pool fell out and were left hanging on top of the wall with the electrical wires dangling!! I went here two years ago and my only complaint then would have been the pool condition which has only gotten worse since. You must ask your self why I went back.. The only saving grace for this place is the great beach and reef off shore and the fact that the pool bar staff are fabulous and every one of them is a true asset to this hotel. The other asset is the entertainment staff they are also great and super nice. Better not lose these folks as they are your only hope to get anyone back.

The RIU is a nice facility. Very big and lots of people. Lots of children around if you have kids. Biggest downfall was all the smokers, not the fault of the hotel. Food is OK, but their restaurants that you make a reservation for nothing to write home about. I feel the food quality could go u .. More>

The RIU is a nice facility. Very big and lots of people. Lots of children around if you have kids. Biggest downfall was all the smokers, not the fault of the hotel. Food is OK, but their restaurants that you make a reservation for nothing to write home about. I feel the food quality could go up a few notches. Otherwise, clean room, nice pool/bar/beach areas. If you like a big resort with lots of people then a good place to go.

Loved the hotel and the beach!AWESOME !!! .. More>

Loved the hotel and the beach!AWESOME !!!

The beach was very nice, however did feel a little crowded at times. We loved having Jerk Chicken on the beach at lunch. It was so good. The buffet food was excellent but also felt crowded. The drinks were not made correctly. I received a Mojito twice with out lime and a Margarita garnished with an .. More>

The beach was very nice, however did feel a little crowded at times. We loved having Jerk Chicken on the beach at lunch. It was so good. The buffet food was excellent but also felt crowded. The drinks were not made correctly. I received a Mojito twice with out lime and a Margarita garnished with an orange. I ordered a Miami Vice and this was made incorrectly too. The Rum was not blended into any of the Pina Coladas. Overall the hotel was nice. I had an excursion that was very disappointing.

My vacation started out with a few hiccups. We arrived at the resort that was absolutely beautiful. The lobby was out standing with a view to die for. The grounds were clean and the beach was great... More>

My vacation started out with a few hiccups. We arrived at the resort that was absolutely beautiful. The lobby was out standing with a view to die for. The grounds were clean and the beach was great. Our rooms were not ready for severals hours, then they took us to what we thought were ready rooms, only to find out their not clean. The supervisor Selena was great. She made everything amazing after that. Jermaine could not stop apologizing for the inconvenience and made us feel so welcome. Ms. Mills in St Anns remember our breakfast drinks by the second day, house keeping ask us if we were happy with everything the first night and the the young lady sorry I cannot remember her name who did the dinner reservations got us into two speciality restaurants for the four days and three nights we were there. The entertainment can do with some improvement, but it was good. the Jerk on the beach was great and the buffet the best especially the Jamaican night. I would like to thank Anne also for replying to all my e mails and for the Birthday cake delivery. All in all the trip was great and I will definitely be back.

This place is amazing! Cannot recommend this place highly enough, I have categorised my review as follows: Transfer Takes around 1.5-2 hours depending on if you get stuck behind slow vehicles as... More>

This place is amazing! Cannot recommend this place highly enough, I have categorised my review as follows: Transfer Takes around 1.5-2 hours depending on if you get stuck behind slow vehicles as the road is mainly single carriage. Didn't really bother us all that much, as we had a chance to sit back and see the real Jamaica. Arrival The hotel was very organised and prepared for our arrival. Can't have taken any more than 5 mins to check in, very efficient, and were given a free upgrade to ocean view- result!! Bags were taken up to our room and arrived within 5 mins. Room The room was extremely clean and well maintained. Shower was always hot and the pressure good. Soap and towels were replenished every day. Air conditioning was sooo good! we actually had to turn it down for a while some days as we were too cold! Mini bar always kept stocked. We did tip the maid some days, but on the days we didn't, noticed no difference in the service. We used the in room safe, but on the days where valuables were left out by accident, had no issues at all. Pools The pools were large and never felt crowded. sometimes think they could have done with a little bit more cleaning, but due to all of the drinks being spilt in the pool, this could be the case at any hotel. had loungers in the pool to lay on, and temperature was good. We did not use the deluxe pool, were happy at the livelier pool. The pool bar here was fantastic. Service was excellent, fast and always served with a smile and a yeah mon! Drinks were not watered down at all, sometimes a little too strong, as they area all free poured. Beach Beach was gorgeous and always clean. The beach vendors do hassle you a little, but a simple "no thanks" and there is no problem. Even if you do not purchase anything, they love to talk to you and tell you about their country. We did not take water shoes and had no issues in the sea. Water was lovely and clear all the way out to the edge of the swimming area. Restaurants We did not eat at any of the a la carte restaurants, due to the queue to book every morning. The buffet was more than adequate. Breakfast was plentiful with lots of different choices Lunch we ate at the Plantation buffet next to the standard pool. However YOU HAVE TO TRY THE JERK HUT!! Chicken straight from the barbeque served with rice and peas and barbeque or jerk sauce..or both! Also did sausages on some days, I wouldn't recommend these as very greasy, but each to their own. Staff We did not encounter one rude member of staff. Even though they were all extremely busy they always had time for a chat and a laugh. They all seemed to love their jobs, and we made a lot of friends due to their kind nature. We have come to the conclusion that previous reviews that mention "rude obnoxious staff" were probably rude an obnoxious themselves. We witnessed several people barking orders at bar staff, with no manners, no please or thank you, so what do they expect?? I treat people how I expect to be treated, and so we have nothing but positive words to say about the staff. All in all, we cannot wait to return, and are already looking at dates for next year. Would recommend this hotel very highly. If you have any other questions, please feel free to message me.

We stayed in the hotel from 23/5/13-06//06/13 On arrival the room allocation was very efficient and quick we were allocated a room in the deluxe block room 1455. The room did not smell and was... More>

We stayed in the hotel from 23/5/13-06//06/13 On arrival the room allocation was very efficient and quick we were allocated a room in the deluxe block room 1455. The room did not smell and was clean to an acceptable standard, maid service was good, no real issues. Other comments regarding cockroaches, we never so any in our room or on our particular landing, the only time we so any was when fellow guests for what ever reason decided to take food back to their room then leave the plates with food on them by the bins or outside the doors. So what do they expect !! The food and selection was acceptable when one considers the prices you pay. Staff in the various restaurants were always helpful in particular Diana in the St Annes restaurant lit up the room with her smile, around the reggie pool Lenny Whyte gave very good service and banter The swimming pool and beach was clean and we had no problem in obtaining a sun bed, be careful though if you are going on the beach and seek shade under the coconut trees the coconuts tend to fall, the gardener worked really hard, so if your feeling generous the old dollar tip would do no harm. Regarding tipping I noticed the Americans tended to throw a dollar down and got served quicker, I choose to frequent one bar on a night and tipped well at the end of the holiday, the minimum wage is around $50 a week therefore tipping is an essential part of their wage, even though at times in Jamaica tip expectation is a nuisance. The entertainment staff worked hard but it was just noisy and boring, the steel band show, beach party and Michael Jackson night was reasonable. we thought the entertainment staff seemed to spend to much time miming and dancing, and shouting in between. The hotel appeared to be secure we did not venture off the complex only on organised tours, if you want trinkets to take home, the airport have numerous shops you can spend your last dollars in. Regarding currency we took both US dollars and Jamaican Dollars in reality you only need US dollars as all the prices are in US dollars and changed given in local currency. The Thompsons rep very was very helpful, trips we went on were the Dunns Falls, Blue Mountain Bike ride and the Reggie Trip to Nine Mile, reviews can be seen on the web site. We met a number of regular British and American visitors who have been back several times, would we go back the answer is no because the world is a big place and we need to see it, however we would certainly use the RIU group again.

Just got back from Riu, 7 nights. I would rate the overall hotel experience "average", maybe a little better than average. The hotel is very large and this takes away from some of the service I... More>

Just got back from Riu, 7 nights. I would rate the overall hotel experience "average", maybe a little better than average. The hotel is very large and this takes away from some of the service I have to come to expect and received at other hotels. The front desk is very very busy, and seems very understaffed. Check in was relatively easy, however we had to wait about 3 hours for our room to be ready (check in at 3:00 pm, they finally let us into our room around 6:00, it was about 7:00 before the key was ready as the key card machine was down). Take your swim suite in your carry on and you can hang out at the pool or beach until the room is ready. We stayed on the delux side and the room size was great with a great view of the ocean. It was nice having the step down living room area. The delux side allowed access to the delux pool and all the "reservation" resturants, and internet access from our rooms. If you are going, stay on the delux side. The food was average, there was a lot of food and you can find something to eat, but they didnt have alot of jamacian food. The drinks seemed really strong to me and I always had to ask them to add more juice/water. The individual staff members were wonderful and made my trip great. The entire staff (even at the fornt desk) try to help as much as they could. Our airconditioner in our room was not working the first two nights and we had to switch rooms. The entertainment staff were also very friendly and did a great job. We left everything out in our rooms (laptop, ipods, passports) with no problems at all. One day, when we came back to the room all of our valuables were locked in the safe for us (by hotel security) and we had to call them to get the key. Personal property was safe on the beach and by the pool as well. The beach is ABSOLUTELY beautiful and so worth the trip to this hotel, or Ocho Rios, Clear blue green, shallow water. There is also some good snorkeling right in front of the hotel, where you can stand (I am 5'9"). you can rent snorkeling equipment for $25 per set (mask and tube only) they give the money back to you once you return the equipment. I would recommend you bring your own as the flippers help alot if you want to go a bit further. I went scuba diving and saw more fish snorkeling in the chest deep water than I did on the dive. The dive shop team were great!! Lloyd was my dive master and he did a great job. The hotel was very clean and the cleaning staff did a good job. The pool on the delux side was cleaner than the pool on the other side. The visability in the pool on the regular side was horrible during our scuba lesson. That is the pool where they have all the activities. I liked the Japanese resturant. We tried Sir Richard and that was good as well. I didnt care for Mamee bay as much. If you like coffee drinks, they nescafe machine is good, but they dont have one in the resturant where they serve breakfast. Also take some beach/sand shoes as there are some shells, I got stuck in the foot bottom and had to tweeze something out. No one asked us to tip, but it was much appreciated whenwe did, so stocking up on some $1 and $5 go a long way. if you are not expecting a 5 star experinece you will have a great time. The beach is and staff make this trip wonderful. My whole family found the beds comfortable. The vendors on the beach were also very low key and I didnt find them to be pushy at all. When I return I will stay at a smaller hotel.

We travelled here as part of a large group as a friend was getting married. This is not the type of Hotel we would usually stay at; we prefer smaller more intimate resorts and probably wouldn't... More>

We travelled here as part of a large group as a friend was getting married. This is not the type of Hotel we would usually stay at; we prefer smaller more intimate resorts and probably wouldn't ordinarily choose to visit Jamaica either, again preferring the smaller Caribbean islands. The Hotel is enormous and very busy. There are two pools, one which is deemed to be the quiet pool and a party pool. We spent nearly all our time on either the beach or the quiet pool but even the quiet pool was pretty rowdy and loud on some days. Despite the size it was never a real problem to get a drink and the staff were generally OK and the same can be said about the food. This is mass-produced food but the food, considering it was mass-produced, was pretty good. We stayed in a Deluxe room so took advantage of the other restaurants, none of which were amazing but the change in scenery from the main buffet and the slightly different food options was a welcome change. We didn?t have the ?musty? smell in our room which a few people complained about and found the general Hotel area to be very clean. The entertainment wasn?t for us but seemed to be enjoyed by the vast majority of people and seemed to prove very popular, as did the nightclub! All in all, this is not the type of Hotel we would usually stay in ? and probably wouldn?t in the future - as we were only at this Hotel to celebrate a wedding but that?s not the Hotel?s fault! I can see why this Hotel is so popular with large groups and our group absolutely loved the place. We also enjoyed our break which, given the fact we weren?t looking forward to staying at such a huge resort, is a testament to the Hotel. So if you are looking for a small intimate Hotel with relaxed al la carte dining, quiet beaches on a small island (the Hotel is 1:45 from Montego Bay) this Hotel and Island is in no way for you. However if you like to be entertained, like to join-in with the entertainment or are part of a large group, this place would be ideal. P.S ? The wedding was very good!