Hotel Riu Ocho Rios 5*

Stayed here solo four nights. Location in Ocho Rios is top notch. You will be close to all the best excursions. The resort was very well maintained. Forget all the people saying it's old and dated. Absolutely not! The room was immaculate. My only issue is the mattress. It wasn't very comfortable to ME. The entertainment was great. The Saturday party was for everyone from 3 to 80, didn't matter. Fun and lively for all ages. Food was pretty good as far as resorts go. Staff was very accommodating. I highly recommend this RIU. The distance from MBJ may seem daunting at 1.5 hours. But it's worth it. Hire a private driver as I did. My guy is Kool Tony Tours JA. He's on here and IG.

We loved our stay, beautiful ocean with clear water, white sand and long wide beach. You can see the beach from the lobby and the buffet terrace. Absolutely stunning view. The first thing I want to mention it's difficult to find information about the resort because most fb groups run by tour operator and info is biased and tied to tours and advertisement. Its really a shame for a resort that popular. So I had to find out things by myself and here are my remarks: 1. Saturdays are insanely busy due to locals and guests arriving from another Riu resorts to attend white/neon party. If you come on Saturday, the chances to upgrade the room are low. This is low season. 2. There can be a shortage of certain food on the weekends at the end of breakfast/lunch/dinner, so it's better to come early. 3. Its a low season, but I found the resort busy. Especially during meal times. I cant imagine what is happening during busy season. Resorts is relatively big so the pools and the beach arent too busy or crowded. 4. Staff seems to be overworked during weekends and I felt sorry for them. Otherwise customer service was wonderful from the beginning to the end, I cant say enough about all the staff, spa, kids club, customer service, restaurants, buffet, entertainment. Staff is what give this place a life. The problem is ignorant guests who pollute this wonderful place with caps and debris including pools and beach. I found sharp glass pieces on the beach. Be careful walking on the beach. 5. There was a moderate amount of kids considering the season and my son made several friends. He was happy at the RiuLand, which is open 10-12 and 3-5 and has an indoor playground with slides, trampoline, ball pit. He played balls and did some activities. Its mostly free play though. Parents can stay outside and watch kids through the windows. There are night shows for kids which was fun at 7:30. During the beach party they have an option to drop kids at kids club for pajama party until 10:30 pm. 6. I found it difficult to follow the activities schedule as the app doesn't indicate location of activity. 7. There are five pools, 2 pool bars are adults only, one sports pool with balls you can borrow, one infinity pool and one activity pool. There were fun activities for kids. The schedule is subject to change. Mindful of some weird guests who make out and swear in front of children although there is an adult only pool right beside activity pool. 8. Food was excellent and lots of options for vegetarians. Most nights there was a vegan/vegetarian station. I was not suffering from lack of gluten free options, as I can easily survive without bread or cookies for a week. There are tons of other options. Ice cream was amazing and lots of variety. Fresh juices and alternative milk are avaliable for breakfast. 9. Plenty of food in sports bar, fruits, sandwiches, etc. All of us are picky eaters. 10. We did a photoshot and it was excellent. Photostudio at the gift shop. 11. Night shows are outstanding. 12. Our room was fine, as requested, right next to kids club and waterpark. We were missing a table in the room. A small table would be nice. 13. Kids waterpark is excellent. 14. Ocean is warm and shallow and very suited for my 6 year old. Lots of fish. 15. Lots of cats and kittens on the resort, they look well cared for. Lots of little 🦎 lizards and various birds. 16. We fed fish and turtles in the pond. There are hundreds of fish and a bunch of turtles. We bring a fish food from home. Our tropical view room was facing the pond. 17. Gift shop prizes are ridiculous. 18. Steam room and a little pool at the spa is free one hour per day, but it's 10 to 3 pm. I wish it was open later. There is no jacuzzi at the resort. 19. It is not allowed to take food out of the buffet. There is no poolside or beach service. The resort is very clean and well maintained. 20. Lots of lounges. Lots of shade from palm trees. 21. They make an excellent Irish coffee at the bars. 22. We loved Italian restaurant which is a buffet and ala cart. Birthday cake was very good (white cake) and enough for 4 people. 23. I cant remember any names but I want to thank spa, kids club and buffet staff from all my heart. I hope to come back.