Riu Ocho Rios

We had an ocean view room on the first floor that was just steps away to the pool and beach access with of course the swim up bars for the adults and two waterparks made for both small and big kids! The food, especially local offerings was great with dinner reservation options. Our favorite was the steakhouse. Staff was super friendly and they kept us entertained at nice with various shows, bands and DJ. Room was typical size and kept clean. Wifi was solid throughout the building--even took a couple zoom calls without issues. The beach was clean and just serene. [Details]

We were very happy with the staff, even one I ran into was very well manned, the young guy who looked after our room did a magnificent job and respectful, food was great many variety, bar service excellent, pools,and surroundings was well mentioned, I did recommend some friends and family, will definitely good back, thanks had wonderful time. [Details]

Spotless resort
Great staff
Amazing food
Fabulous room

Definitely will be backbto Riu! [Details]

the staff were wonderful...they worked extremely hard to make sure we had a good time, and we did. the sand and beach were equally fantastic. There were 5 of us (my wife, kids, and mom) and everyone had fun. The only negative was the food...it was ok some days and not so great others. There was also a lack of variety. [Details]

Overall a very nice resort. Stayed in a very spacious Superior Family room with two bedrooms and a total of three king size beds. The only small complaint is the lack of towel racks in the bathroom and the fact that there is no shampoo and conditioner provided; the 3 in 1 soap was not great for the hair. The food was good and the jerk chicken grilled next to the pool at lunch time was delicious. The Italian restaurant was good but the others were not really worth the visit. It is nice that you do not have to reserve ahead of time for the restaurants. The pools were fine, nothing special. The water slides were fun and there is a nice waterpark for small children. The beach and ocean were beautiful with calm waves and smooth sand all around. Even though we were there at spring break, we never had any problem finding spots by the pool or on the beach. A nice bonus is the fact that you can take boat excursions straight from the resort. The catamaran tour with snorkelling and a climb up Dunns River Falls was great! The only thing that we missed at the resort was a basketball hoop, ping pong table, or other outdoor activities to keep a teenager occupied. The teenage club had a few things inside, I would have preferred that there were outdoor options. It would also have been nice if you could play pool for free instead of paying US$2/game and having to go to the reception every time to get tokens, as the machine did not work. We really enjoyed the nights with authentic entertainment with reggae bands and an amazing steel drum band.
Overall we were very happy with the resort and would recommend it. [Details]

The over all experience was —-loud!the price we paid, I had to big of expectations. The beaches are beautiful, the hotel resort laid out nicely, everything is fairly close to get to. Over all mostly Friendly staff. Food was good, drinks are overkill strong ( like most resorts) there is nobody monitoring your liquor consumption, so be wise and “know your limit,stay with in it” Also ask for less booze so to enjoy your drinks :)
There was music everywhere after 10am and not just from guests but the resort itself. (We enjoy a good party day or 2, but not all day everyday.) No music played together,3 different songs playing at the same time from different areas( bar, theatre,an exercise times). It was defiantly noise over load! It was hard to find a place you didn't hear noise be it music or construction with a new build going next door. Don't fall Sick though, they will do nothing to help you. Talked with a family who was very disappointed in the medical helping of an on-site Dr who did nothing for his obvious sick wife ( she was throwing up and having seizures).
We did do an excursion that was a bus ride up the mountain with a bike ride down, and a swim in the blue hole. Highly recommend! [Details]

The resort was gorgeous, Luxurious, and absolutely a must go for anyone, young or old. We had an awesome time on the beach, the water sports were great as well as the activities incl. yoga. The food was incredible and abundant! Free drinks, evening entertainment, gourmet restaurants and staff are all to die and go to heaven for! We'll be coming back and trying out RIU's in other countries! [Details]

Renovation on this hotel was impeccable. Grounds are well maintained including pools. Beach is beautiful and always have long chairs available. WiFi is free through out the hotel up to the beach. Food is very good. No restaurant reservations makes vacation more relaxing.Staff are very humble and give good service. Entertainment staff speak to all vacationers and get them involved with activities going on. hotel has elevators and handicap walkways. Most excursions are in the region of Ochio Rios -not a long bus drive. Over all this was my best vacation. [Details]

Beautiful place, friendly staff and guests, great food and energy. We will be back but: Ocean view room wasn't worth the upgrade. AC was down from Monday eve until Wednesday eve. The first two times they came they just played with the thermostat. Food themes and activities poorly communicated. A web site would be useful. [Details]

The resort is beautiful, the staff is great, excellent service, good food
Thank you [Details]

I used to love this resort and would normally recommend anyone visiting Jamaica to go to this resort, but now I feel differently after my last stay here. I have been to this resort 5 times in the past and loved it but too many changes were made to this hotel after their renovations that ruined it. First- NO NITE CLUB- in the past they used to have a night club in the resort for the guest to enjoy at night now its gone and dead at midnight...BORING! Second- They used to have 3 buffet restaurants and now they reduced it to one big buffet that gets over crowded and repetitive with the food selections. In the past they would have special food nights like freshly made tacos , roti and fresh grilled fish made in the lobby for guests. Third- Specialty restaurants dining HORRIBLE - reservations are no longer an option you now have to wait in line an hour ahead of opening times to secure a spot that is not even guaranteed. Fourth- Too much kids allowed in every pool section, they recently added more pools to this resort , they should at least restrict one pool for adults only to allow us to some relaxation away from the abrupt screaming loud aggressive splashing and jumping in the pools from kids ruining the chill vibe for the adults. Fifth- Not enough music, in the past they would have constant music playing in the pool areas and the beach, now the beach has no music playing, the pools have some but its played very low and soft and they turn it off after while.....waaaay too quiet and boring , I dont want to hear kids and other ppls convos along with listening to the kitchen staff bang dishes getting ready for lunch or dinner. Sixth- What kind of 24 hour snacks is that they are offering real people- Cold freezer burn sandwhiches and non sweet apples and bananas along with some type of digusting flour passing off as nachos? LAWD Jamaica , your better than this man, you guys were amazing with everything in the past including the best food WHAT HAPPEND? GO back to the old ways ...TRUST ME it was MUCH BETTER. Love the new look but not the new changes. Will definitely return to Jamaica but not to this resort that used to be my favorite unless major changes are made. Sorry guys ! [Details]

This hotel is very big, but very intimate at the same time. The beach and ocean are amazing, plenty of chairs. The rooms are slightly dated but very clean. The buffets and ala cartes are all very good. Had a great week of rest and relaxation and will definitely go back. The hotel is stsrting a renovation in April so will look forward to see the exciting changes. [Details]

I have never been to Jamaica but have travelled to both Cuba and Dominican. I paid more to travel to Jamaica with my wife so I expected more from it. The weather was mostly cloudy the whole trip, which I know is always a gamble but apparently the weather drastically changes from the airport to Ocho Rios. The 5 star hotel we stayed on was way too strict for it to feel like a vacation and we did not have access to food 24 hours, which sucks when you are jet lagged. The bus ride from the airport to the hotel was almost 2 hours and our bus driver did not even try to entertain us. We booked 3 excursions, one of which was the most popular and heard about one, Dunn's River Falls(not impressed), Horse back riding in the ocean(not impressed) and Konoko Falls(highly recommend). The tour guides make these trips worth it! We only had a “mute” bus driver for the horse riding who left us there for an extra hour, which has us all freaking out that he forgot us. They were very strict on the transportation to Dunn's River and it was WAY over booked to be enjoyable. Konoko Falls- I don't think I can say enough good things about it; small group, awesome tour guides, no pushy camera men, good food, very attentive staff all around, etc. Also don't even get me started on the airport: 2 hours to check in, boarding time off by an hour, no seats near gate, lack of food selection, etc. Let's just say I was glad to be home which is never how you want to feel about a vacation. [Details]

If you are looking for a nice 4-star all-inclusive resort, you will find it RIU Ocho Rios. We knew this prior to booking based on previous reviews but thought it worthwhile saying again as the star rating for this resort has still not been changed. This is advertised as a 5-star resort, but we would consider it a 4-star in regards to quality of drink choices (limited premium alcohol), service from waiters and waitresses, overall cleanliness of common areas (lobby, bathrooms, pool, beach), types of food offered (very limited high-end choices), general facility maintenance and upkeep (currently planned to be renovated next Spring), extremely dated decor and unmatched paintings/themes in the same room and theme restaurants. Aside from the star rating not matching reality, we really enjoyed our time at the resort.

In regards to food, the time we went (late November) must have been a quieter time (most restaurants were only closed once or twice a week, we had no issues getting into the restaurants we wanted to). I've read reviews that getting into restaurants can be challenging because of the multiple closed days (we witnessed this on our last day when the schedules outside of the restaurants had been updated indicating that they would be closed 3 - 4 days per week). We also didn't expect to eat right at 6:30 p.m. when they open and typically went down around 7:30 - 8 p.m. The food quality in the restaurants was great, but not consistent when we went back to the same restaurant a second night (different sauces used, salad ingredients were different and not as advertised - this could be due to a different chef, but a 5-star should have these minor consistency pieces down to a science). The Jerk Hut on the beach was decent, but not authentic jerk-style food (it looked like it was marinated in a sauce and reheated on the BBQ, not using the proper wood smoke for the true jerk flavour). The 24-hour Sports bar was a great bonus feature, the only change I would like to see is the selection of snacks. The choices were only restocked once a day (from what we could see), so they could be quite limited. If you got there when it was fully stocked, there are self-serve burgers (fresh lettuce and tomato toppings available, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, salt, pepper, etc.), hot dogs, basic sandwiches, fruit salad (very limited), plain nachos, cheese sauce (pump style), and popcorn. If you are looking for something fresh at all hours, you will be disappointed. The Italian restaurant was open until 2 a.m. and had much more variety for a late night snack. The buffet restaurants were great. Lots of options to choose from, especially if you are a person willing to try new things...we never went hungry or felt we were lacking in the food area. We loved the self-serve beer and wine stations!

The bars were hit and miss regarding service, but our drinks were definitely NOT watered down and sometimes the service was too good (drinks coming before we were finished, no time to say you wanted to try something different - so sometimes we would leave and go to a different bar instead LOL). There were a few times we were ignored completely, not sure why when the bar we were at was not busy.

Our room was comfortable and had a decent view of the ocean (we booked Deluxe Junior Suite Oceanview). Air conditioning worked great and the ceiling fan above the bed was a nice feature. We learned that if you open the patio doors, the AC shuts off, so if you like a cool room, make sure to close the patio door completely each time. The shower was iffy in regards to consistent temperature and water pressure, but not unbearable. We also had the jetted tub which was lovely after a long day walking around. The bed was firm, but very comfortable, there was an optional comforter in the closet (which we never needed). The pull-out couch was smelly and not comfortable (the cushions or frame need to be replaced), but we hardly used it as we were on the patio most of the time or used the bed for watching the flat screen TV instead of the couch. The mini fridge was great at getting our drinks cold and had a small freezer compartment (we filled a ziplock bag with ice from the ice machine to have on hand). I wish we could request the type of beverages instead of getting the same things every two days (we don't drink diet pop and didn't need the tonic water - club soda was nice to water down the sugary pop). The hard liquor cabinet was a great feature and I really liked the measured pours from the device on top of the bottle (options: rum, gin, whiskey, vodka). I would have liked to get some basic juice options instead of all the pop. They also include 4 beer (two regular Red Stripe and two lite) and two large bottles of water. There isn't a coffee maker, but with the 24-hour sports bar, coffee wasn't an issue and we could also get it with Rum Cream (similar to Bailey's) to start the day off right. ;)

The beach was beautiful, soft sand and shallow water for wading and snorkelling. Fish are plentiful and there is a small reef area for different varieties of fish and plant life to investigate. We also made use of the water sport activities (kayak, pedal boats, etc.). You have to sign a waiver each time and are reminded that you cannot swim in the area that you are using for the activity (swimming is only in the sectioned off areas next to the beach). There are sea urchins and the reef itself can be quite sharp. The waves are definitely bigger and I can see why it is a bit more dangerous to be swimming past the sectioned off areas. Chairs weren't an issue when we went, but if the resort was full, you'd probably want to get a seat sooner than later. The pool was also never an issue for getting a chair and the swim-up pool bar was great. Lots of guests leave their cups everywhere when they are done, so it can be messy, we did help a bit in this area when we could. I think most of the 'mess' that I've read about comes from lazy guests dumping their plates and cups everywhere. Although, we also witnessed a lot of extended socializing sessions among staff instead of actual work being done, so it's an area that could definitely still be improved on the resort side.

In regards to check-in and check-out, it was quick and painless. The bus ride to and from the resort from the airport in Montego Bay was approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours, so if you are like me, make sure to use the bathroom just before boarding. LOL I hate having a wrist band, but I get that they need some way to track their guests and to ensure the people on the resort are actually supposed to be there.

The staff is sometimes completely engaged and sometimes not at all. I believe ongoing Customer Service training and optional staff reviews by guests, or 'secret-shopper' type people hired by the resort, for all staff would do wonders for the resort and it's reviews.

Overall, I would recommend this resort and would be willing and happy to stay here again. [Details]

Paid for an ocean view, got a garden view. First rooms or the older side of the RIU beds extremely worn and hard to sleep on. I talked to management and they moved to the upgraded suites. All i wanted was the ocean view i paid for a proper beds. I should not have to pay an upgrade for proper beds. However Carlton did make things right and went well above the requirements to assure i was happy. I would return however only to the side that has the proper bedding. [Details]

We spent a week at the Riu Ocho Rios resort! It was a fantastic experience! The staff were great and very hard working! The rooms are clean and well stocked (We loved the towel creations!). The food is great, all you need is the main buffet restaurant! Beach is beautiful and the staff work hard to keep things tidy. Pool is beautiful as well!
One last tip...make sure you get the jerk chicken at the Jerk Hut located on site at the beach...yum-o! Thank you Rio Ocho Rios for a wonderful stay!!!! [Details]

My family and I had a blast at the Rui in Ocho Rios! The people, service and food was incredible. Most of all, our excursions we went on with Chris Jamaica Tours was the highlight of our trip. This is the second time my family has used Chris and he is fabulous! He is respectful, fun and very patient. We felt extremely safe with him during our adventures! Thank you Chris for taking care of our family!! [Details]

Hotel was clean, staff was friendly, food tasted great - Jerk chicken on the beach FABULOUS, beach was beautiful. [Details]

We enjoyed our stay at this resort and it was the closest we have come to a smoke free one we've experienced.Lobby area, entertainment section & restaurants all smoke free. Our room was very nice, comfortable king bed, large washroom, sunken seating area and a large patio. Everything was close so not much walking. Public washrooms were kept exceptionally clean and well stocked. The beach area was raked every day and lots of comfortable lounge chairs available. [Details]

##My vacation at this resort was a disaster, we normally take our vacation at Couples Sans Souci Resort but this time we where accompanied by our three boys and daughter-in-law so we decided to go to the Riu resort in Oho Rios, Jamaica, one of the manager lied so much to me it made me so upset on two occasion. I eventually reported it to someone by the name of Carlington Pryce, Public Relations Manager and was told an investigation would be started on it and they would get back in touch with me, its now 10/25/17 and I am still waiting on a response (lol). I can safely say I won't be taking my family to any RIUs ever.

1. We meet some acquintances in the elevator who told us that a promotion was going on where they would send guess who wanted to take advantage of their promo to the sister RIU in Negril, they told us more over breakfast. I then went to inquire about it at the front desk the attendant started the paperwork, told me to hold on and went in the back office only to return with the manger who told me that they no longer was offering it because everyone had already left which was a lie, I had just finish speaking to them and they did not leave till later that afternoon.

2. Next day we took a drive to Negril to visit Rick's Cafe, while there we decided to tour the Riu in question, we asked the manager there if we wanted to return can we use the facilities for the day was told by him all the manager from our Riu needed to do was send an email. Upon returning to our Riu I informed the manager and was told by him he would look into it and get back to me and he never did.

Seem like the managers of this Riu don't have a clue of what they are doing or are these privileges only for the few who they deem fit for them.

If i can give NO STARS I would..... [Details]

My 10 day stay was wonderful. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Response to any issues was prompt. The food was excellent. The room was comfortable and well kept in terms of cleanliness. Excellent beach.I would recommend this hotel to anyone. [Details]

My husband visits this resort once a month, for a week at a time with three coworkers. They are hetecto assist the Jamaican military in a large project.

Staff at this hotel told my husband when he asked, that it works be $75/n extras to bring me. Online prices reflect this. He asked how to pay the extra, since his work pays for him. They said just to arrive and pay the extra $75/night.

However, once we arrived (and they knew I was trapped here), suddenly the price was 40% more.

They would not answer why my husband was told $75, simply parroting "prices vary". That's NOT what they told my husband originally.

They ripped us off and I highly advise not supporting this hotel as they clearly lack integrity. [Details]

Great resort with lots of amenities. Good restaurants and pool facilities. Beautiful beach area with lots of lounge chairs. [Details]

We enjoyed our stay at the riu ocho rios resort very much. the staff was extremely friendly and the beach view was visible from almost every where, which I truly loved. One suggestion I would have in order to improve food service would be to have a second location for breakfast. It was very busy in the St.Ann restaurant. It would have been nice to have had a breakfast restaurant on the deluxe side. [Details]

We travelled as two couples to Riu Ocho Rios February 2016. The bus ride was unusually long (almost two hours) with stops and very slow driving. We had previously stayed in Runaway Bay so knew the drive was over an hour, but this was a lot longer. Check in was quick and our rooms were adjoining with a pool and ocean view. However, we quickly learned that what we thought we had paid for and received Adults only, the hotel had changed to no longer have this section. While everything turned out fine, we expected to have Adult only and did not! The food was amazing, particularly the Japanese a la carte. The buffet was really good, but also really chaotic. It rained 5 days of our vacation and we made the best of it, but it added to the damper of not having the trip we thought we had paid for. We did one excursion to Dunn's River Falls and it was a lot of fun despite the rain. The Riu does need some updating, but staff were super friendly and accommodating however, the carrier rep was not when we voiced our concerns about the missing Adult section. Our room was always clean and comfortable. Unlikely to return as we didn't feel we got the best for our money. [Details]

Beautiful hotel, friendly staff, wonderful food. We stayed on the deluxe side and it was well worth it. Highly recommed this hotel and location. Excersions offered were great also. [Details]

lovely beach and wonderful staff [Details]

Big time disappointed,stress out didn't expect that its gonna be a nightmare vacation, we were looking for this vacation.Aside from vacation i decided to come here instead of going home to spend my bday thinking it would be a great getaway for us but it was horrible,very very poor service, some staffs not even helpful we share our sentiments to the assistant and manager but it seems they don't care. The assistant manager of this resort is very rude the way she treated us and talked to us is unacceptable. First thing we get to the room our locker don't work, the tv is outdated and remote control not even working,our AC not working for a king size bed we get only 3 tiny pillows.I think we deserve to be treated fair for what we paid for this vacation.I strongly will not recommend this resort to all my family and friends and definitely this will be my first and last stay in this resort. [Details]

My 3 friends and I went to Riu Ochos Rios from Oct 8-15.
This resort was a great value for the price. The food is amazing at the resort and better than any tropical place I have been. Drinks are just as good as well (they actually will blend you drinks right on the spot). But #1, was the staff, they are all very friendly and welcoming. Shout to Neshawn at the Deluxe Pool. He works hard everyday to help guests enjoy their time. He is hilarious and entertaining every day. The Jamaican people are one of a kind and their culture is truly amazing.
The beach was always clean, it was awesome you could rent a kayak or paddle boat for free (after signing a waiver). The beach party was the best night of the week. The only items that I preferred to be changed is the safe comes with a key (would prefer a coded lock) and you have a physical key to open your door (and only one). It would be nice to have swipe cards and more than 1. [Details]

Everything was great except for the cleanliness of the main pool and the outdated rooms. The resort can use a few renovations but besides that it was a great time. [Details]