The hype
Travelers love the 'Stay at 1, Play at 3' perk and the friendly staff, but the 'Elite Club' upgrade is widely considered a waste of money.
Riu Palace Jamaica All Inclusive Adults Only
$400-550/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a grown-up, manageable all-inclusive that's a 10-minute drive from the airport but still lets you crash the party at the rowdier resorts next door.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Access to Riu Montego Bay and Riu Reggae facilities without the chaos
- Infinity pools with swim-up bars that actually have ocean views
- Zero commute: you can be poolside with a drink 45 minutes after landing
Resumen rápido: It's the 'classy' sister in the Riu family, but the airport noise and humidity-worn rooms remind you that you're in a high-traffic zone, not a secluded hideaway.
Reseñado por @AymeeO: I absolutely loved the vibe here! The pink and purple accents are super cute, and the room feels massive. Even though we didn't touch the minibar or the jacuzzi, just having them there made the stay feel extra luxe. Definitely coming back for that giant shower!
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'premium' liquor dispensers often contain standard brands, and the specialty restaurants (Steakhouse, Italian) are frequently described as 'lackluster' compared to the buffet.
- You hate long shuttle rides (it's 10 mins from MBJ)
- You want a mix of chill pool time and access to foam parties next door
- You prioritize ocean views over absolute silence
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally reliable, though they sometimes miss dusting high surfaces.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout lines show age and humidity damage (mold spots) in some rooms. Jacuzzi tubs often have 'brown water' issues if not flushed regularly.
- Maintenance: Post-hurricane wear is visible. Peeling paint on balconies and some flickering hallway lights are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Towels can be scratchy and 'graying' rather than bright white. Bedding is clean but basic.
- Odors & scents: Distinct musty/damp smell in ground floor rooms due to the tropical climate and aging AC systems.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Low-flying aircraft (6am - 10pm)
- Hallway chatter and carts on tile floors
- Bass from the Riu Montego Bay party pool (if in the west wing)
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- Dinner reservations for specialty restaurants are required and fill up fast—book via the Riu app immediately upon arrival.
- The 'Elite Club' upgrade gets you a dedicated pool area and 'premium' drinks, but reviews consistently say the value isn't there.
- Room service is 24/7 but the menu is limited to basic comfort foods.
Qué llevar
- High-fidelity earplugs (for the planes)
- Insulated tumbler (cups are small and ice melts fast)
- Small bills ($1s and $5s) for tipping the hardworking staff
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- 3rd floor Ocean View for the best balance of view and privacy
- Courtyard-facing rooms for slightly less aircraft noise (but less view)
Habitaciones a evitar
- Ground floor rooms (privacy issues with foot traffic)
- Rooms on the West side closest to Riu Montego Bay (party noise bleed)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am a light sleeper requesting a top-floor room in the East Wing (furthest from Riu Montego Bay) to minimize pool noise. Please avoid ground floor units.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the airport noise really that bad?
Yes. You are practically on the runway. It pauses overnight, but starts early. If you love aviation, it's cool. If you love silence, it's hell.
Can I use the facilities at the other Riu hotels?
Yes! You have full access to Riu Reggae and Riu Montego Bay (pools, bars, parties), but guests from those hotels cannot enter the Palace. It's a one-way velvet rope.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes, but it's small and can get seagrass (sargassum). The water is calm, but bring water shoes if you're squeamish about sea vegetation.
Is the 'Elite Club' worth the extra cost?
Consensus says no. The 'better' view is often marginal, and the 'premium' alcohol is hit-or-miss. Save the money for excursions.
Do I need adapters for the outlets?
Mostly no. The resort uses US-style plugs (Type A/B), but bringing a multi-port USB charger is always smart as outlets can be scarce near the bed.
Is there a heated pool?
The pools are not heated. They can feel chilly in the morning or during cooler months (Dec-Feb), but are refreshing in the summer heat.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
The jerk chicken hut at Riu Reggae (next door) is often better than the one at the Palace—walk over for lunch.
- ✨
Ask for 'Appleton Reserve' specifically at the lobby bar; otherwise, you get the rail rum.
- ✨
The 'Renova Spa' is actually located between the hotels; check for port-day specials when cruise ships are in town.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'humidity smell' in the rooms is real—AC struggles to dehumidify effectively.
💡You can walk to the 'Whitter Village' shopping mall (about 15 mins), but the sidewalk is narrow and traffic is fast.
💡The 'infinity' pool view is partially blocked by a small fence and public beach traffic.
💡Room keys are often demagnetized by mobile phones; keep them separate to avoid a trek back to the lobby.
💡The 'Cappuccino Bar' in the lobby has the best coffee and pastries, far superior to the buffet machines.
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