#15 of 38 hotels
The Monarc.ca popularity scale (#1/15) classifies all the hotels of a single destination according to the number of grades received on 5 and the total number of reviews.
in
Montego Bay
We went there for March break. We decided on the Palace because it was the smallest of the three and supposedly quieter. It definitely met our expectations. The small size meant not fighting for a cabana or chair, everything is close, food was great (especially the Steakhouse) Was quiet after 11pm and if you wanted more partying, you could go next door. Would definitely return! [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
Sanitary measures
The strong points
Small size
Food choices
The weak points
Room was dated (but nice)
Wifi was iffy a few times
0 0
Certified
Awesome vacation!
Kimberley Swyers, Salisbury, NB
2024-01-31
We found the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The rooms were comfortable and cleaned daily. The food was fantastic and we enjoyed the entertainment. We will definitely be back again! [Details]
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0 0
Certified
Not worthy of the PALACE name
Michael Mastalerz, Toronto, ON
2020-03-07
Not sure why this resort is not just a regular Hotel Riu, as it did not live up to other Riu Palaces. Firstly when we checked in, they did not have enough room keys so we were given one key to share between two people. We were told if we required an additional key, we would need to come back to the front desk at a later time. This has occurred in a Riu before, but we were given the option to have a key delivered to our room, and slid under the door when a key was made available. We were not given this option. Additionally we asked a question about when we would be able to meet our tour operator to return our airport transfer card and we were given a made up answer, which resulted in us wasting time two mornings to attempt to meet with him. Not how one wants to spend time on a vacation.
The smoking areas (this is designated a non smoking resort which is not noted on any tour operator or Riu sites) are small and uncomfortable. The resort itself is not big, but 12 seats combined between two designated areas is ridiculous. The locations of these areas does not make one feel welcome or wanted.
The food is the same everyday at all meals. There was no variety. Again nothing worthy of the Riu Palace name.
The service for drinks was considerably slow. Not quick like the other Riu Palaces that we've become accustomed to.
The servers and bar staff are the only redeeming thing about the resort. They are very friendly. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Servers and bar staff
The weak points
Front desk
Resort
Food
0 0
Certified
Enjoyable Resort Overall!
Kingcobra 34, Toronto, ON
2020-02-03
The accommodations and food were great. Buffet and 4 other restaurants were very good. Being so close to the airport it was a bit noisy with aircraft flying overhead. Weather was spectacular! [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
- Spacious Room
- Very Good Food
- Friendly Staff
- Short Distance from Airport
The weak points
Noisy aircraft flying low overhead
0 0
Certified
Amazing
Gurpreet Mander, Abbotsford, BC
2019-04-04
The resort is beautiful. The palace is in the middle and the riu reggae, and riu Montego Bay are on either side. The food is good. The palace is not too crowded which I like. It's easy to get beach chairs at any time of day. Pools are not crowded. There was a group of 6 of us all in our 20's. there's entertainment during the day and evening, but if ur looking for a party resort then the riu reggae is ur place. We liked that we can go to all the riu's to party, but come back to the palace to relax and have quiet time. The staff is amazing: Odeesia, soleil, Christina, jovan, Murray, tasha, and all the amazing bartenders. [Details]
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The strong points
Staff!!! Everyone is amazing!
0 0
Certified
Riu Palace - Amazing!
Karl and Sue, Calgary, AB
2019-03-30
The Riu Palace Jamaica is just that - a Palace! Everything from the staff and well kept grounds to the fantastic food and great beach, we would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a quiet Adults Only getaway. One benefit is having the other two Riu's on either side of the Palace. The Regae offers some great entertainment, but is a younger "adult" crowd, making it nice to get back to the Palace for quiet time. Riu Montego Bay is the family resort side and has all of the watersports available within a few minutes walk. Daytime entertainment by the pool is fun and it was never an issue getting a lounger. Service was awesome and you were never left waiting hungry or thirsty! Riu resorts never seem to disappoint on any level. Will be back. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
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Location
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Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Staff, restaurants and bars, good size room, great beach
The weak points
While you do get used to the airplanes taking off overhead, it is still a small annoyance.
0 0
Certified
FANTASTIC! RIU PALACE JAMAICA
Giovanni Francella, Toronto, ON
2019-03-19
LOVED THIS HOTEL!!! The staff, room, food, beach, all of it, #1. We stayed for one week and will be going back. The beach is clean, rooms are kept very clean, food is delicious especially the Italian restaurant and Krystal's. A big THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE STAFF!!! [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
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Cleanliness
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The strong points
All positive. Had no issues from the time we arrived.
The weak points
We had to return home and leave a beautiful place with really nice people.
0 0
Certified
Pella family vacation 2019
Alfred Pella, Sudbury, ON
2019-03-14
Very clean staff very friendly food was amazing will be back next yr [Details]
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Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Room were very clean beds comfortable staff always friendly food was very good entainment was excellent
The weak points
YDid not like to line up for speciality reastraunts
0 0
Certified
Rui Palace - Treats you like Royalty!!
Samantha Beniprashad, Toronto, ON
2017-10-25
The Riu Palace truly lived up to our expectations. The hotel staff was absolutely amazing, very accommodating and checking in on us within our first 24 hours. We celebrated our wedding anniversary and a birthday. The hotel staff decorated our room for both occasions. The room was very clearly, our maid did an excellent job. The staff was very friendly & polite. The customer service was amazing, we were treated extremely well and would recommend this resort to anyone looking for a relaxing resort. The grounds were picture perfect with little to no mosquitos at night! We truly enjoyed the nightly entertainment at the Aqua bar! The bartenders were great at keeping the guests entertained. All in all, the Riu Palace exceeded our expectations! [Details]
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Cleanliness
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The strong points
Customer Service!!!
The weak points
No complaints
0 0
Certified
Below Expectations
Stephen Dugas, Dartmouth, NS
2017-04-05
This property did not deliver on what they say the property offers.#1. 24hr room service (unless otherwise stipulated as "light menu", which it was not stipulated), was not acceptable in comparison to any other comparably priced resort I've stayed at in Jamaica. This resort had no hot meals - at all, for room service. They would not even provide french fries. #2. This resort claims to offer "premium brand liquor throughout" but once again, this property did not have much of any premium liquor (even at the main lobby bar) that other comparably priced properties I've stayed at in Jamaica.#3. The evening entertainment was sub-standard for the price paid, especially when you have much better quality of nighttime entertainment at the two sister properties on each side of the Riu Palace. #4. I found it very odd that this property did not have even a small BBQ offering on the beach/pool area just to get a hot dog or burger (when again, the other two sister properties did and the cost of staying at either the Reggae or Montego properties was much less). #5. The Renova Spa was a joke. Again, not located at the Palace Resort (which we knew). My wife and I went for the "Spa Pedicure" and were very disappointed. The lady performing the pedicure on me cut my ankle (yes, my ankle) with the foot scraper brush, while my wife had her toe nails poorly painted and without toe separators. Sincerely, you can get far better value for the amount we paid at many other resorts - these are facts. As a traveler who's taken over 30 trips to all inclusive properties throughout the Caribbean in the last 19 years, this "5 Star" property, while very lovely, underachieves in value to any other comparably priced property I've stayed at. [Details]
Room
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Front desk & Reception
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Location
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Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Clean, new, friendly staff, lots of lounge chairs, good locations, outside shops nearby & quiet.
Great Hotel, food was amazing!Staff was super nice. Very relaxing, more activities just next door.
The weak points
Beach is very small and very quiet after 11pm, no nightlife at all. Not much to do outside the resort except if you want to grab a cab.
0 0
Certified
Perfect week
Nl St Johns Marquita Joy, Goulds, NL
2016-01-30
We have stayed at many Adult hotels this by far was the best, great food, great staff great place to relax [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Beautiful resort, close to airport
The weak points
not much of a beach for walking
0 0
Pro
LOVED IT
ginapal, Scarborough, ON
2015-05-28
If you don't like socializing on your vacation, then you've picked the wrong place! Everyone here has a good time and everyone talks to everyone. The food is amazing, the staff are always smiling. Some people complain about the pettiest thing, if you are looking for perfection then stay home Cant wait to go back! [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
location, staff, food, drinks, fun fun fun :)
The weak points
beach is on the smaller side.
yes there are limited planes overhead but that's what you get for being so close to the airport
0 0
Beautiful resort
Lena, Goulds, NL
2015-04-01
It far exceeded my expectations. Would go back there again. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
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Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
The staff were so friendl and very helpful..... From the staff at the front desk to the person maintaining the grounds.
Service, Restaurant, buffet incredible and swimming good,local shopping and transportation readily available
The weak points
beach limited to hotel, (no long walks)
0 0
Certified
RIU PALACE - LOTS OF FUN
Linda, Ottawa, QC
2014-03-05
Hotel was above average, however it is over-priced. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
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Location
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Cleanliness
Business Services
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Above average. Staff fantastic and efficient, food great, very clean.
The weak points
Over-priced. Staff at water sports - unfriendly. Not having entertainment/water sports, etc., available at the Palace - have to always go next door.
Small man-made beach (drop off in water).
0 0
Certified
Awesome Holiday
Shirley Boldt, Renfrew, ON
2014-03-02
We were extremely pleased with Riu Palace Jamaica. It was only 10 minutes from the airport which was wonderful. The front staff were very friendly upon arriving greeting us with a glass of champagne. Our rooms were spotless and we liked the new modern look. The food was amazing. The buffet had many choices and they were all delicious. The food was also amazing at the specialty restaurants and the staff was attentive and very friendly. Also the drinks were quite good and the bartenders were great. Thanks to Andre and the rest of the bartending staff. The entertainment crew made our vacation a lot of fun. Many Many thanks to Benny, Lorenzo, Renee and MoMo. My husband and I like to keep active. The morning started with aerobics on the beach, then pool volleyball and then pool aerobics. We visited Riu Montego Bay in the afternoons to kayak, paddle boat, play beach volleyball or just walk on the beach. In the evenings there were live bands at our resort or you could go to the shows at Riu Montego Bay. The shows were very good. We had an amazing vacation and can not say enough about the wonderful staff at Riu Palace Jamaica. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
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Cleanliness
Business Services
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Great staff, delicious food, lots of activities,friendly smaller resort
The weak points
The beach was small for people who like to walk, but lots of room to swim and sunbathe.
0 0
Certified
Beautiful resort but...
Brent Branchaud, Cornwall, ON
2014-03-01
Beautiful resort. Extremely efficient and friendly staff. Beach leaves a lot to be desired (small and rocky). Quality of food is disappointing. Lack of variety at the buffet and the quality in restaurants a la carte was not there. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Staff friendly and very efficient. Pool very nice. Resort beautiful.
The weak points
Beach very small, not enough sand and full of rocks. Lack of variety in food and inconsistency. Overall disappointed with food compared to Riu Palace Macao in Dominican Republic. Lack of entertainment at night.
The friendliest staff that couldn't do enough for you. The a la carte restaurants were great
The weak points
The planes flying over every 5 minutes. The entertainment
0 0
Certified
RIU Palace Jamaica
Gf, Edmonton, AB
2014-01-18
This new adults only hotel is something to see, has very friendly staff, excellent service, has a very relaxing atmosphere, and the rooms are superior. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Very modern hotel and rooms. 24 hour free Wi-Fi in rooms, throughout hotel, and at the pool and beach. Good variety of international and Caribbean food. Service excellent. Very friendly staff. Privileges at RIU Montego Bay Hotel next door.
The weak points
I would not say this is a weak point, however, since hotel near airport, planes take off over hotel resulting in some loud noise outside for a short time.
0 0
Certified
Rui Palace treats guests like Kings and Queens!
Alison Pinkerton, Kingston, ON
2014-01-07
Let me remove my crown to tell you about the exquisite stay we had at the Rui Palace in Montego Bay. Staff are absolutely amazing- Delmer, Rochelle, Orette, Audley, Ricardo, Dr. Phil (Philmore), Dwight, Juliane at the front desk, and all of the cleaning staffer were exceptional. We were treated like royalty and there was never a moment where we were not spoiled and pampered but with sincerity and honest care and concern. What a well trained staff!! Since the Riu Palace was opened only 2 months ago, we were favourably impressed by the completion of the project whereas at other resorts, construction issues carry on while guests adjust their daily activities. Everything was up and running with no disruption to our enjoyment of the facility. Our purpose for our trip was to lose ourselves in relaxation and peace. The Rui Palace was perfect for this mission- we could chose a spot and escape with the sounds of the surf and the heat of the sun to surround us. Go as a couple for a romantic experience not for an abundance of activity. I highly recommend having the Romantic dinner on the beach- truly a highlight! Water sport activity booking system is easy and staff are friendly and helpful. The life guards are watchful and attentive so you can enjoy yourself whatever activity you chose! The Vogue bar was our favourite during the late afternoon and evening but every bartender was well versed in all of the drinks that we ordered. It was a total pleasure to be served by the entertaining wait staff out on the beach, by the pools, and in the bar areas. Every single person made a special effort to get our drink order exactly how we wanted it. Finally, one of the most important elements that we look for in a resort is the food. All restaurants were fantastic with service that surpasses any that we have had at any other all-inclusive resorts. The food is fresh and with lots of variety so that you are never bored. We were very content with the buffet for breakfast and lunch because the quality of food was impeccable. What made the difference too was having staff who were engaged in our dining experience. Nothing beats the personal touch! Kudos to the Riu management team for being Number One in this aspect. We saw the chefs numerous times walking around and making sure that all was perfect for our dining. I highly recommend this Riu Palace for your R and R destination in Jamaica. [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Staff first and foremost are the KEY element to this particular Riu Palace's success! People count and everyone from the gardeners to the management team made us feel exceptionally welcome!
The weak points
Repetitive music - a narrow selection. I would recommend that someone choose a wide variety of musical selections to suit the time of day and the clientele so that the music enhances the vacation experience Room Service- limited and not tasty.
0 0
Certified
Riu Palace
Mark Grabill
2013-12-29
Overall Fantastic experience , Great food & service . Only issue was lack of access & poor reservation process to book the restaurants on site - [Details]
Room
Quality - Price
Front desk & Reception
Beaches
Location
Bathroom
Staff / Crew
Cleanliness
Business Services
Food & Restaurants
The strong points
Incredible food & service from staff
The weak points
Poor reservation process for dinners in specialty restaurants
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Great Place
It definitely met our expectations. The small size meant not fighting for a cabana or chair, everything is close, food was great (especially the Steakhouse) Was quiet after 11pm and if you wanted more partying, you could go next door. Would definitely return! [Details]
Awesome vacation!
Not worthy of the PALACE name
The smoking areas (this is designated a non smoking resort which is not noted on any tour operator or Riu sites) are small and uncomfortable. The resort itself is not big, but 12 seats combined between two designated areas is ridiculous. The locations of these areas does not make one feel welcome or wanted.
The food is the same everyday at all meals. There was no variety. Again nothing worthy of the Riu Palace name.
The service for drinks was considerably slow. Not quick like the other Riu Palaces that we've become accustomed to.
The servers and bar staff are the only redeeming thing about the resort. They are very friendly. [Details]
Enjoyable Resort Overall!
Amazing
Riu Palace - Amazing!
One benefit is having the other two Riu's on either side of the Palace. The Regae offers some great entertainment, but is a younger "adult" crowd, making it nice to get back to the Palace for quiet time. Riu Montego Bay is the family resort side and has all of the watersports available within a few minutes walk. Daytime entertainment by the pool is fun and it was never an issue getting a lounger. Service was awesome and you were never left waiting hungry or thirsty! Riu resorts never seem to disappoint on any level. Will be back. [Details]
FANTASTIC! RIU PALACE JAMAICA
Pella family vacation 2019
Rui Palace - Treats you like Royalty!!
Below Expectations
Great Resort!
Perfect week
LOVED IT
Cant wait to go back! [Details]
Beautiful resort
Excellent Trip
RIU PALACE - LOTS OF FUN
Awesome Holiday
Beautiful resort but...
Riu Palace Montego Bay
RIU Palace Jamaica
Rui Palace treats guests like Kings and Queens!
Since the Riu Palace was opened only 2 months ago, we were favourably impressed by the completion of the project whereas at other resorts, construction issues carry on while guests adjust their daily activities. Everything was up and running with no disruption to our enjoyment of the facility.
Our purpose for our trip was to lose ourselves in relaxation and peace. The Rui Palace was perfect for this mission- we could chose a spot and escape with the sounds of the surf and the heat of the sun to surround us. Go as a couple for a romantic experience not for an abundance of activity. I highly recommend having the Romantic dinner on the beach- truly a highlight!
Water sport activity booking system is easy and staff are friendly and helpful. The life guards are watchful and attentive so you can enjoy yourself whatever activity you chose!
The Vogue bar was our favourite during the late afternoon and evening but every bartender was well versed in all of the drinks that we ordered. It was a total pleasure to be served by the entertaining wait staff out on the beach, by the pools, and in the bar areas. Every single person made a special effort to get our drink order exactly how we wanted it.
Finally, one of the most important elements that we look for in a resort is the food. All restaurants were fantastic with service that surpasses any that we have had at any other all-inclusive resorts. The food is fresh and with lots of variety so that you are never bored. We were very content with the buffet for breakfast and lunch because the quality of food was impeccable. What made the difference too was having staff who were engaged in our dining experience. Nothing beats the personal touch! Kudos to the Riu management team for being Number One in this aspect. We saw the chefs numerous times walking around and making sure that all was perfect for our dining.
I highly recommend this Riu Palace for your R and R destination in Jamaica. [Details]
Riu Palace