Riu Palace Jamaica - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5021 reviews

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  Honeymoon at the Riu Palace

  Amazing place to visit but a few things missing that could have made it a 5 star rating. Really could not find fault with the hotel at all, it is spotlessly clean with no evidence of cockroaches as other reviews have mentioned, the cleaning staff are brilliant. We had a seamless check in and were often greeted to a good morning or hello from the reception team. The all inclusive food offer is also the best I've encountered, the drinks are perhaps not the strongest and could do with more alcohol in them. The entertainment is also very good and engaging. The entertainment team is great. Would have liked a bit of variety to the music though, some nice chilled music instead of the constant boom boom would have been welcomed to make it a bit more peaceful and tranquil. I wasn't overly impressed with the food offer in the restaurants which seemed to be just an extension of the all inclusive offer, easy enough to book into but we ended up preferring the buffet offering. Others we spoke to raved about them in fairness so perhaps it was just me. Previous reviews of young Americans running riot didn't prove to be an issue, indeed it was more of the middle aged ones that created noise although not to an overly excessive extent. Would be good if the reception bar didn't show American football games though as it became very loud in there at times. Perhaps the biggest disappointment for us was the beach and sea, the beach was ok but the sea was full of seaweed beneath the surface, it actually felt like walking on grass. We visited Doctors Cave beach 15 minutes down the road which only highlighted what we were missing at the hotel. Would highly recommend going there for a peaceful day and beautiful sand and sea. Another great day out was going to watch Montego Bay Utd in the Jamaican Premier League, locals were so friendly and it was nice to encounter a football (English version) in a different environment. The damage to towels and linen policy is also a real thing, whilst we didn't fall foul of it because we literally treated them like gold, others did whilst we were there. Shouldn't really have to worry about receiving a huge fine for accidentally getting makeup on a towel. Despite me being picky and highlighting a few things, all in all we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would seriously consider revisiting.

  Jan 21, 2026
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  Excellent hotel

  Me and my wife stopped at this hotel from 28/12/25-8/1/26. Well whot can I say about this hotel,it lived up to all expectations,food,hotel,rooms were 5 star rating ,staff gave 100% and always friendly and the service on the beach from bar staff was brill.you had the option of using the riu reggae and riu montego bay,we tried once and these are not a patch on the palace. I would recommend this hotel to anyone that is unsure and I would definitely book up again. We've stopped in riu palaces around the world and I must say this came a close top one for us.

  Jan 17, 2026
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  Cockroaches…..in the minibar!

  We asked for a room in a quiet location. Our first night was horrendous. Groups of drunk guests shouting in the corridors until 4.30am. The next morning we paid to upgrade to the Elite Club and moved rooms to the top floor. Just before we went for dinner, I opened our minibar fridge and was horrified to see several large cockroaches running about in the fridge. We took photos and a video and reported this to Reception. We were assured that the roaches would be removed, the room would be fumigated, and that the fridge contents would be changed. After dinner, we asked the Reception staff if they had sorted the issue, and they assured us that they had. However, when we returned to our room at the end of the evening, we were horrified to see that the cockroaches were still in the fridge, and that the contents had clearly not been replaced. I returned to Reception and insisted that they removed the whole fridge from the room. This was at 1am. The fridge wasn’t replaced until later that afternoon, meaning that we didn’t have any drinks in our room for over a day. I complained to Reception, not about the cockroaches, but about the lack of action by housekeeping, and because nobody took the time to check that the promises they made had not been carried out, especially considering that we had paid for the room upgrade. We then received a cursory phone call from a junior manager and that was it. We enjoyed our holiday. The food was excellent, the drinks are top quality, and the staff are so welcoming and hard working. The only downside was the noise at night. Take earplugs!

  Jan 15, 2026
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  Ultimate Bucket List

  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.

  Jan 09, 2026
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  Fantastic Xmas/New years vacation!!!

  Just got back from 9 nights at the RIU Palace Jamaica. We went from Dec. 25th to Jan. 3rd. I have zero complaints! We were nervous booking because of the hurricane, but there was no visible damage to the hotel. Weather was fabulous...85 and sunny for 7 of the 8 days (New Years Day was cloudy all day). Airport to resort: Do NOT get a transfer...$20 cab ride, took less than 10 min! (hotel charges $25 to go back to airport) Check in: I did the on line check in, showed up, got my room keys! People were very friendly at the desk the entire week! Rooms: My room was perfect. My TV had ESPN, so I was happy...did hear complaints from others about their TV not working. Bed was fine, not super comfy, but it served its purpose. Great shower, hot and great pressure! *never saw a bug, but I make sure I am never on the ground floor...that is where the critters go! Resort: its small for a RIU Palace. More of a boutique layout. But I liked that it was small. Never seemed crowded. You are allowed to use the other two RIUs (Montego Bay and Reggae). We did go over to those two...much more busy...and more partying! Pools: Two pools. Swim up bar pool was big, the other one, ave. size. Salt water pools...crystal clear! *NOT heated! but when sun came out, made it very refreshing! Beach: man made, easy to walk. water was warm, but lots of seaweed, and murky...locals come up on kayaks to try to sell you stuff. they are not allowed to step foot on the beach itself. Entertainment team: Excellent! I have been to 20 plus RIUs, the pool entertainment was awesome! Genius was the leader...he did a great job! DJ Unstoppable did a great job with the music. Food: Buffet was good. *Felissa took care of us each day, sweet lady! Food was presented well. I am not picky, eggs for breakfast, chicken for lunch, and beef for dinner. We did eat at the Steak House and the Italian rest. Both were good, not great, but good. Pool bar: great service! If you want beer, they did have Henikens and Red Stripe, so you don't have to get a draft beer. Vodka, they did have Titos! Lobby Bar: excellent service! 24 hour bar: Good. *they do not have a sports bar (a negative for me). They did have 2 TVs in the lobby bar that had the college football on for New years. New Years Eve: The resort did a great job, had a band playing! Well done! I have read some negative reviews...I don't know what they were doing...I was there for 8 days, and did not hear any complaints by any of the guests! (with the exception of their TV not working) 1-10, 10 being the RIU Palace Pacifico (Puerto Vallarta), this came in as a 9 Wife and I were very happy....we tipped well all week, and it was great to see Jamaica getting back on their feet after that disaster!!! Great job RIU! My 4th trip to RIUs in Jamaica, first time at this one...I will be back!!!

  Jan 08, 2026