Riu Palace Tropical Bay

We have just returned from our first visit to Jamaica - hope it won't be our last! We stayed with another couple for 11 nights at the Tropical Bay to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversaries and it was fantastic - thank you to everyone at the hotel for making it so good. We had booked garden view rooms but I emailed the hotel advising them that we were celebrating and on arrival we had been upgraded to ocean front rooms - AMAZING - thank you so much, what a lovely way to start. The hotel itself is hard to fault. The staff are all so friendly and cheerful we felt like we made many new friends and they can't do enough for you - each and everyone of them had a smile and a good morning - or should I say a 'yeah mon'. The rooms are excellent being large and clean with huge beds, lovely showers and first class air conditioning which we had no problems with plus a ceiling fan. Add in the spirits dispenser and the fully stocked fridge (water as well) and a large balcony - what more could you need? Safe and pool towels included - no deposit required - a small thing but means a lot to us Brits! Also to be noted there are no lifts anywhere in this hotel - lots of slopes so accessible but nothing above ground level. Food throughout was excellent apart from the Italian - not so good service or food - we didn't try the Japanese but the Fusion and Steak House were lovely. Having said that the buffet was out of this world with so much choice and we couldn't fault any meal we had in here - extra thanks to Andre who made it even more special for us. All drinks were first class - no watered down options and all international known brands included. The Daiquiri bar / coffee lounge was lovely and cool and served excellent cakes and sandwiches as well as cocktails - we sat here to wait for our transfer back to the airport, lovely, relaxing end to our holiday. A mention also to the jerk hut which shouldn't be missed. The beach, as has been said before, is indescribable - soft white sand, clear, blue, warm sea and more than enough sun beds - we think this hotel has the best beach along not only bloody bay but the 7 mile beach too. I never swim in the sea and I swam in the sea at least twice a day EVERY day and I never went in the pools. Three very minor bad things - firstly be prepared for the long transfer from the airport. We arrived in rush hour and it took FOREVER to get out of Montego Bay, be prepared for a 3 hour transfer and you won't be disappointed - it was worth it on arrival though. Secondly the hotel specifies a dress code for the a la carte restaurants, people do not adhere to this and the hotel does not enforce it. Word of advice to Riu either don't have a dress code (or say smart shorts acceptable) or enforce the one you have. I really don't appreciate vest tops and flip flops when we have gone to the trouble of long trousers and shoes for the men. Thirdly we had a 7am start for a trip so needed breakfast before this and the buffet opens at 7.00am. We went to the 24 hour bar thinking we could get juice and croissants before we left. The juice was empty and there were no pastries - just melon and some cereal - sorry but that's not 24 hour all inclusive. We were advised to do the Fast track and lounge at the airport both on arrival and departure from Montego Bay (we didn't) - all I will say is don't waste your money, both arrival and departure were quicker and easier that Gatwick!! We took a mixture of USD and Jamaican dollars, both are widely accepted but we found you got better value with Jamaican dollars but either way take small notes for tips as they all appreciate any extra that you can give. For souvenirs we liked the stalls along the beach as they take no for an answer (and will haggle) which we found the craft market in Negril didn't! For trips would recommend Rick's cafe - a must do sunset, with a really good vibe. We also did river rafting, banana plantation, the rum factory, YS falls and the Pelican bar all to be recommended - just be prepared for the long drive wherever you go!! Ultimately I challenge anyone not to enjoy Jamaica and to not love the Tropical Bay - hopefully it will not be too long until we return - thanks again Riu and Jamaica.

We were married here in 2013 and have returned twice since. This was our first since the renovations and overall we are pleased with what they’ve done. Glass panels replacing the wrought iron on the balconies is really nice as are two new pools with gazebos. There is n abundance of loungers both poolside and at the beach, a huge plus for any resort, as well as plentiful towels so you could switch up your wet ones as much as you wanted. Exceptionally clean washrooms, and top notch maid service always completed in the morning. Staff were really friendly and seemed to be happy and eager to please. Real treat to hear Storm of the entertainment staff sing. Drinks were strong and food was excellent. Krystal was top notch, and the buffet as excellent for all 3 meals. Jerk chicken hut real treat. We preferred the rooms before the renos due to the absence of bathtubs ( though the new showers are nice with rain shower nozzles and open concept) Beds were comfortable, pillows soft and luxurious blankets provided. New furniture is rather IKEA cheap and can hold in the musty smell in rooms not used for awhile. Best beach location in the area with none of the seaweed and mud seen at the Royalton down the beach. Entertaining shows. Our only complaint was the absence of island/raggae music, which we expect to hear in Jamaica, instead we got annoying electronic dance club music which was distracting to anyone wanting a quiet relaxed atmosphere reading. Collective groan when Thunder would start setting up the speakers. We definitely will return, no need to look anywhere else. Shout out to Juliana, the best bar waitress, and Storm with her angelic voice. Riu aims to please with this resort.

At the recommendation of my sister & brother in-law, we joined them for a 1 week stay at the Riu Tropical Bay. I booked directly with Riu and therefore they provided shuttle service through Nexus from and to Montego Bay airport. Service was prompt & direct to our hotel. Check in was a breeze as there was no one else checking in at the time. Our room in building 6 was lovely, second floor off the garden with a view of the ocean to the left. King bed was firm, pillows fluffy, the bathroom layout roomy and balcony deep with 2 chairs and towel rack. Maid service was great and linens plentiful. We had a little trouble with the air conditioning in our building for a couple days but were able to manage at night with the sliding door open and ceiling fan on until it was remedied. We walked the length of Bloody Bay daily and Riu Palace has the best beach on the stretch. Food was perhaps the best we’ve experienced at an all inclusive, enjoyed every meal. Drinks were top notch. Every employee we encountered was fabulous. Five stars all around. Warm, friendly, helpful. Thanks to entertainment bar server Juliana for some good laughs and the “Dougie” drink named for my husband ;) Entertainment crew is talented and we enjoyed most shows. Our first full day there was stormy so we decided to take a couples massage at the spa. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and have decided to start all vacations that way. We came out to sunny skies feeling relaxed & ready to enjoy our week. We used the gym attached to the spa but found it very small and the equipment could use some updating. There was no shortage of beach loungers or towels. Always found an open spot and also some shade when needed. Property is very well kept and beautiful. We will definitely be returning! My sister was married at the Riu T.B and has returned twice more. It’s become a family favourite :)