Riu Ocho Rios Hotel

I traveled to the RIU October 2009 and am already scheduled to return in December. I traveled here solo and the staff enveloped me as one of their own, I went to all the local toursit attractions by day but went home and out with the locals and staff in my evenings. The staff here would do anything for any guest, they look after your safety at all times, they are constantly trying to entertain and engage you and have become my friends for a lifetime, most every employee at this resort knows me by name and I know not only their names but their childrens. I wish I could afford to go monthly, it was the most relaxation and stress free vacation I have ever had.

I've stayed at this hotel a number of times over the past few years - my most recent visit was in May 2009.

All in all, it is the best hotel I have ever stayed in and certainly worth the money. As an all-inclusive it literally caters to your every need - a huge choice of foods and activities, and only a few steps away from the beach.

It's only flaws are that it is situated just outside Ocho Rios and so you have to get a taxi to get there, and the free watersports that you don't have to pay extra for are limited, in comparison to the other hotels I have stayed in, in Jamaica.

Note that the hotel really does cater for you in every way, but you won't see the real Jamaica until you step out! It's paradise, but a created version of paradise from the clean air-conditioned rooms to the hotel staff's Americanised accents. To meet real Jamaicans and see the real Jamaica, make an effort to leave the hotel (at least once!) and visit Ocho Rios or a nearby town.

A few tips:
1. The private taxis that the hotel offer cost about 10 times the price in comparison to a local taxi. To use a local taxi, walk to the entrance of the hotel, stand by the side of the road and flag down any of the white cars that pass. They are local taxis and will stop for you if they have space to take you. Most of them go straight to Ocho Rios town centre (about 10 min drive away) but it's best to double check.

2. Despite some bad press, Jamaica is generally safe, but as in most tourist destinations you should be safe and aware. Keep your belongings with you and don't flash the cash too much. Only carry as much money as necessary and use JAMAICAN dollars, not American ones. (You often get a better rate that way and only commercialised shops and establishments accept US dollars)

Have fun!

februari 2009 I traveld to Jamaica, Ocho Rios. What can I say? Just Perfect! The room, service, surroundings, activities, drinks, food..

The Riu is a very solid resort. The rooms are spacious and very well maintained. There are 7 restaurants, all of which offer something a little different and all are very tasty. Plenty of watering holes scattered throughout the resort and along the beach. The beach is very beautiful and features water sports as well as beach volleyball and soccer.

All in all a very decent place to spend some well deserved vacation time! You can't go wrong with the Riu.