A beachfront setting, five swimming pools and plenty of food choices – the Riu Montego Bay proves its worth as a Jamaican retreat.
The Riu Montego Bay is fronted by a white ribbon of sand and shrouded in tropical palm gardens. Although it feels tucked-away, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the town centre. The hotel’s just for adults, so a peaceful atmosphere’s guaranteed.
This hotel has plenty of luxurious touches. Four of the five pools are accessorised with sunken sunloungers and one of them comes with a swim-up bar. A clutch of restaurants give you plenty to pick from at mealtimes.
These double rooms come with a balcony or a terrace. Home comforts include a Satellite TV, bathrobes, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. You'll have central air-conditioning, a bathroom with shower plus double washbasin, a fan, an electronic in-room safe, plus a sitting area with sofa. There are 2 single beds or 1 King-size bed, a drinks optic with local-brand spirits, a minibar, plus iron and ironing board.
These double rooms come with a balcony or a terrace. Home comforts include a Satellite TV, bathrobes, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. You'll have central air-conditioning, a bathroom with shower plus double washbasin, a fan, an electronic in-room safe, plus a sitting area with sofa. There are 2 single beds or 1 King-size bed, a drinks optic with local-brand spirits, a minibar, plus iron and ironing board.
Stay in Montego Bay
Choose from a selection of cruises that you can combine with a stay in this destination
We stayed at Riu for a few nights in February and couldn’t have been happier with our experience. It’s a strange time to travel but every single staff encounter was delightful and responsible with Covid protocols. Masks, hand sanitizer, temp checks and social distancing were strictly enforced. I’d venture to say that it felt safer than the US in terms of Covid. The grounds and shared spaces were immaculate and we were impressed by how seriously all Riu employees took the pandemic. Yes, some restaurants are closed depending on the day of the week but I can’t blame them with such a sharp dip in tourism. Should you like an a la carte meal that’s not at the resort, the front desk will happily arrange a car to a nearby restaurant. We did this twice and it was great to see parts of Jamaica outside of the resort complex. Also, for those whining about food and snacks that they expected, there are two very modern grocery stores right across the street from Riu.
Lastly, beyond grateful that Riu has gone to the length to partner with a third party health care organization to provide rapid tests prior to returning home. Probably wouldn’t have visited Jamaica without this.
The Riu team made it abundantly clear that they’re focused on the health, safety and enjoyment for their guests. Can’t wait to return one day soon.More
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789charliep, 60763
AVOID AT ALL COSTS
I’m currently at the Riu writing this review. When we booked our trip, we requested an early check in. I called to confirm this twice and was told that the hotel was generally empty so early check in was no problem. We arrived at 1pm and was told that the room was not ready yet. This was irritating but not the biggest deal. We had lunch and went to the pool for about 4 hours, came back to get our room and once we entered, it smelled like mildew. Additionally we were informed that only 1 sometimes 2 of the 5 restaurants on the resort were actually opened. This was not indicated on the website. When we asked for a room with a better view, we were told that we had to pay an additional $49/night. We begrudgingly agreed to that and had to wait an additional hour for that room to be ready. During this time, we decided to wait in the lobby bar to get a snack. The snacks available are...cheese and mayo sandwiches, tuna sandwiches and hot dogs. At this point we thought surely this was a joke, unfortunately it was not. We finally got to our room to get ready for dinner at the one open restaurant bedsides the buffet and our safe does not work. Now we have to wait for security to come and fix the safe. He comes, he leaves and then he comes back 30 minutes have elapsed at this point. Once he finally leaves, we attempt to go to dinner and the one restaurant that is open for the night is at capacity, never once was it indicated that we needed to arrive early. The restaurant was not full. We had no choice but to eat the buffet food. When we get to the buffet, all of the food is congealed, cold and stale. I’m currently sitting at the buffet writing this review whilst gnawing on stale bread and a piece of cheese. Save yourself the headache and disappointment, DO NOT STAY HERE. I want to leave here immediately and stuck here for 5 daysMore
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Amanso83, 60763
Great stay!
Had a relaxing stay! Restaurants were now open. Great food. Courteous service. Friendly staff. Protocols observed. Love the new look of the rooms! Enjoyed not feeling cramped in a large hotel. There are so many places to relax! More
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RYW876, 147311
Opportunities for Improvement
I arrived at the Riu Montego Bay with eight others. I found the checkin process was lengthy; as there were only a few individuals checking in. I paid for an upgrade for an oceanfront room 6029. Upon arrival I entered a musky room. I immediately called the Front Desk who had be moved to room 6224. That room was just as bad. I spoke with StaceyAnn and another young lady. Supposedly my complaint was escalated to the public relations person. I was informed that was not entitled to a refund as it was immediately reported. There was a flood in the building. **Full refund should be issued for upgrade.**
Then next fiasco was the CoVid testing process. After checkin in, StaceyAnn gave me a QR code to scan tact linked to Hospiten. Thereafter, I uploaded the required info. I received a confirmation Friday at 721p with the appointment time Saturday 230p. Friday I had to stay on-site all day as I was waiting for the appointment time. Then Saturday would have been the same. I was told to show up in the lobby at 930a Saturday and get a number. This started a lot of confusion. I received #14 from AnneMarie Security Manager. It took almost three hours to get the rapid test done. My excursion to Ocho Rios was delayed. I was frustrated and annoyed.; and upset with the process. **The process needs to revamped.**
On a positive note the property was renovated last year and looks clean. Staff was very courteous and helpful.More
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Michelle P, 34227
The Good The Bad and The Ugly
The Good:
Resort is 10 mins from airport.
The country and hotel recently back up and running but with limitations. Adults only resort. Property has great views, overlooks Sandals over water bungalows, beach spacious and clean with plenty of natural shade and chairs. Staff does their best to accomodate the guests. Service is good but slow at times.
Booked a spa service at Renova spa first full day- The Renova signature massage is wonderful- Natasha was amazing. Best service at the resort. Spa is clean and well equipped.
- Riu was refurbished last year. Rooms are large, clean but simple and have great views from the oceanfront rooms.
Common areas, pool and beach nicely redone and plenty of room to spread out. Lots of activity choices- watersports, boating, tours.
Food is typical island food. Simple dishes. Lots of jerk chicken.
The Bad:
Check in took 2 hours;
Covid testing application for an appt. took 30 minutes after check in. One person at that desk.
Rooms smelled like mold- Resort had a flood last year after refurbishment. We were charged an upgrade fee for oceanfront and had to relocate from that upgraded room because of the mold smell. One of our party had someone already assigned to her room before they were able to move her. New guest already had keys. One person in our party upgraded to oceanfront and wasnt charged for an upgrade like some of us were. To not charge one of our party an upgrade and charge the rest of us was pretty disgusting. The resort should reimburse us the upgrade cost.
Fridge in room not stocked with water. Resort rationed water as well. They would only give you 1 large bottle at a time. Had to replenish everyday. Requested a makeup mirror on the app and by phone but never received it. Room amenities nonexistent. Housekeepers were noisy in the hallway early in the morning getting their carts ready.
Food choices were poor. Cheap cuts of meat except for the chicken and served same dishes everyday. Ran out of buffet food late afternoon 1st day. All restaurants closed except for buffet, a lunch grill and one specialty restaurant operating per evening. Get there by 6-6:15 or you won’t get seating. Unlimited alcohol but if you want a better wine you have to order it and pay extra. House wine quality was poor. My party complained the liquor was watered down. Entertainment weak.
The Ugly:
Covid testing process was a disaster. We were told one thing before arrival and one after. Had to delay outings due to unsurity of when we would be tested. Some got email notification of test appt some didnt. We waited 2.5 hrs line to
get tested. The test was free of charge. Riu resort guests from sister resorts in the mix. Guests angry at disorganized process. Resort ignored the appts and gave numbers randomly at 9:30 AM daily first come first served but changed it back after there was almost a riot in the lobby. Some guests were leaving in less than 24 hours and hadnt been tested yet.
There were alot of young noisy adults in the pools, in the hallways and rooms late at night. The resort says no spring breakers but they were there.
All in all if you want to go to the Carribean during this pandemic you will hv to be very flexible. Riu Montego Bay is not a 4 star resort, its more like a 3. It’s the kind of resort for young adults who like to party who arent concerned with an upgraded room or a foody experience. More
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