Riu Montego Bay and Riu Ocho Rios

I’ve decided to write my review on the Riu Montego Bay and Ocho Rios together, as the 2 properties are very similar.

At both properties, I was very impressed with the warm, welcoming color scheme and décor in the lobby area. The entire lobby area was well designed, with a seating area, bar, and a board with the daily schedule of events. All Riu resorts are All-Inclusive.

A short walk from the lobby there is a open-air theater, bar and lounge. This is the site for the resort’s nightly entertainment.

The Montego Bay property, which opened in August 2008, is slightly smaller with 681 rooms. It has one very large pool, a beautiful sandy beach, a spa and work out facilities, and a kids club for ages 4-12. Riu Montego Bay has a main buffet restaurant, Rose Hall, as well as 3 a la carte restaurants.

The Riu Ocho Rios Resort opened in 2005. It has 856 rooms in 3 buildings. One building is the “Deluxe Wing”, which has 300 Junior Suites. Riu describes this as a “hotel within a hotel.” The perks include 24 hour concierge service, an ocean view balcony with every room, as well as exclusive access to the on-site Japanese Restaurant.

This Riu property has 2 beautiful pools and a very nice sandy beach. Riu Ocho Rios has a main buffet restaurant, along with 5 a la carte restaurants. At the a la carte restaurants, reservations must be made early each morning (the day you want to eat there).

Although there are no “connecting rooms,” both Riu properties give you the option of having 2 side-by-side rooms turned into a “family suite.” This is a great option for those traveling with small children, and giving parents and kids to have their own room.

My first experience with Riu—in Cancun—made me think this was a “Party Chain” and I have been hesitant to recommend the chain to clients. The reason behind this misconception is I was in Cancun around Spring-break time, and I heard guests of the Riu bragging about the Liquor wells in the rooms. Yes, I saw the liquor wells in each of the rooms I inspected in Jamaica. However, the management will remove it upon request, especially when children are staying in the rooms.

Now, granted I was visiting these two resorts during the slow, hurricane season. The hotels were at minimum capacity, so there wasn’t a “party atmosphere.” Could it be different during high season? Of course. But what really struck me about both Riu properties is that the staff and management sincerely want you to have a good time and enjoy yourself. There was a certain warmth at both resorts. And the grounds are beautiful, well-laid out with lots of activities, beautiful pools and beautiful beaches. I would have no problem recommending Riu resorts to my clients.