"Still Looking for a Good Beach in Jamaica"
We are a retired couple who enjoy visiting resorts which appeal to our adult lifestyle, those that have superior accommodation and amenities, good quality food and service as well as enjoyable entertainment. This was our second visit to Reggae this year, previously visiting in April, and returning in June to celebrate our wedding anniversary. There are many positives to be enjoyed, but there are some concerns worth mentioning to other travellers contemplating visiting this Riu Resorts property.
The Riu complex in Montego Bay is comprised of 3 adult only hotels, Reggae, Palace and Montego Bay. From our experience, Reggae, the medium sized (~450 rooms), appeals to the 30-80 age groups, originating from mainly from USA, UK and Canada. Its 3 pools and beach areas support varied interests, ‘the party’, ‘volleyball’ and ‘quiet zone’ venues. It is also the closest to Sangster Airport, 7-10 minute drive, and just beyond the end of the runway. You become familiar with the sound and sight of planes flying 300m above. From the beach area, you can entertain yourselves guessing the airline. From the rooms planes are rarely seen and pose very little noise.
On both occasions, we arrived at Reggae about 10:30 am and although our rooms were not immediately available, they were assigned well before the stated 3:00pm check-in time by very friendly front desk staff. Enjoyed refreshment/brunch/lunch in the buffet while we waited to be notified via email when room was ready. Note: Download the RIU app beforehand. Once checked in, you are assigned Wi-Fi user ID and password access, log in. When room cardkeys are assigned, you can book a la carte restaurants, contact housekeeping and make special requests through the app – worked great.
Rooms:
Our rooms on both visits were in the 210X block, 2nd floor, halfway between the front desk and beach area, overlooking manicured gardens and a side view of the ocean from the balcony. On our second visit, an elevator mechanical issue impeded access to the room but was addressed within 1 day. Clean, bright, well equipped and secure is probably the description of both rooms. Everything worked as expected. A/C cooled the room perfectly, except once during a system wide outage, there were ample outlets to charge devices, flatscreen TV had a wide choice of channels. There is a beverage bar area with 4 international selections, mini fridge with beer, soda and water as well as coffee maker with supplies. Replenishment is every other day. Washroom was spacious with dual sinks and a walk-in shower. The King-sized bed and bedding were comfortable. Anything additional we needed was ordered and delivered promptly – additional pillows, water, room towels etc.
Restaurants and Bars:
We did visit most of the bars, a la carte restaurants and buffet. We found service generally exceptional, the lone outliers being Bamboo (oriental a la carte) inattentive if not rude staff, and challenges at swim-up pool bars ordering drinks because of too many people parked on the stools. Food quality, selection and abundance was best at the buffet. The beach ‘Jerk Shack’ was also an impressive lunchtime alternative to enjoy chicken, sausages, rice with beans and cabbage. Beach and lobby Bars do serve both local and international selections and the pour is generous. The lobby bar also has a snack bar section with burgers, nachos, patties and sandwiches for those in between hunger pangs. Tip: bring your own “bubba” to pool bars – more hygienic than the recyclable plastic cups they use.
Pools and Beach
Unfortunately, this is where the cons of the resort start to surface. The 3 pools are really waist deep wadding pools (don’t pack your floaties – not allowed), two with granite tables. I guess their purpose is to act as drink holders for social gathering. The larger ‘party pool’ does have staff leading fun exercises, games and entertainment. The ‘quiet pool’ is more laid back, relaxing and better serviced. Only saw people playing volleyball in the centre pool twice.
When busy, it is challenging to obtain service because of the crowd around the swim-up bar section. The number of patrons spending most of their day in the pools, consuming beverages does put a strain on filtration to the point water is often cloudy. Look up Spanish word for ‘pool’.
Kudos to the bar staff and animation team that work here, you’re amazing!
We’ve been spoiled by beaches of Jamaica’s northern neighbor. Reggae’s beach is relatively small (~150m) with ample quality loungers and side tables placed in very tight quarters.
The beach is man made with lots of crushed rocks leading to the sand seashore. The ocean itself contains a lot of bottom growing plant life not conducive to swimming or standing. Walked to sister properties at Riu Palace and Montego Bay, same beach same issues, Park yourself where you see a bare area for a cooling dip.
Compounding the beach access are numerous kayak vendors harking their wares (trinkets, souvenirs and drugs) to those strolling or sitting on the beach. At one point up to 11 kayaks were in the flotilla, at the shore, blocking Reggae guests access to sea or land.
The swimming area is adjacent to the sports complex and ‘quiet zone’ beach. Expect noise and pollution from powered watersports and catamaran loading/unloading activities.
For us, biggest pool and beach issue and easiest to resolve was all guest compliance with Reggae rules. There are no ‘boom boxes’ allowed on the beach or pool areas. Likewise smoking and/or vaping is allowed only in designated areas (law), near amphitheatre bar and west end of beach. Security should be able to control these activities, but you can only find them when they are supporting the Jerk Shack from collapsing.
Our first approach to security regarding a groups boomboxes, smoking and vaping at the ‘quiet zone’ beach as well as vaping in ‘quiet pool’ and at swim-up bar was greeted with ‘I’m on my way to lunch’. This was escalated to Customer Service, but no action evident.
The following day the same group was back, same issue, same reporting to Customer Service.
No results, until it was escalated to the resort manager, and then security’s prominence and actions were effective. Simple rules apply to all guests for a reason.
Entertainment
We did not partake in the nightly entertainment, too many seatings and various resorts over the years have made them repetitive and after a day in the sun we tend to crash early. Found one of the shows at the amphitheatre a little loud, woke us both from sleep at 11pm. Did enjoy the daytime live band at ‘party pool’ and saxophonist and flautist at dinner buffet.
In summary, Riu Reggae was a worthwhile experience for us, quick transfer to resort/airport, quality managed resort, great friendly staff, comfortable rooms, amazing food, beverages and service. However, we felt shortchanged in our pool and beach experience and expectations. Will we return, probably not. Would we recommend to others, definitely but with caveats.
