Royal Decameron Club Caribbean, Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £115
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
This lively hideaway at Runaway Bay consists of individual Jamaican- style cottages surrounded by lush tropical gardens bordering a long stretch of beach. In the afternoon, visit nearby Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls, then relax in the evening by dining in the open-air restaurant. 170 simply furnished air-conditioned cottages. loading...
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Royal Decameron Club Caribbean Reviews
" Two biggest complaints: Noisy rooms and Bad Food "
Submitted By: mbabbe
When I arrived, I tried to love the resort, but within a few hours realized that I couldn't. We stayed in 3 hotels during our 10 day trip and this was supposed to be the nicest, but so many things went wrong with the hotel, that my wife described it as "a nightmare.” Our $50/night eco-hotel was more enjoyable that this $170/night all inclusive.
Noise, Noise, Noise. If you go to Jamaica only to party, then this is your place. I would say about 50% of the bungalows are too noisy for a couple to enjoy, with only about 5 feet between many of the bungalows and the outside streets. The West side of the resort has constant truck noise on Highway A1, and the East side has Garbage trucks (for about 1 hour) at 4AM. If you're lucky enough to get a quiet bungalow then it'll be nice. I told the reception that I was here to relax, and they stuck me in the loudest room (right behind the main stage) and when I asked for a change, they put me next to the Garbage. Smelly and noisy.
Summary:
The Beach: Not a real beach. Looks like they tried to convert a rocky coastline into a beach. Thumbs down. I only used the pool, not the "beach".
The Food: Much lower quality that I expected. First night was okay (Jerk Pork) but low quality (very fatty), but second night was terrible. Their Mexican night is worse than Taco Bell. A real pity, since there is so much fresh fish just outside the gates.
The Drinks: All you can drink, was the only bright spot. Strong drinks too!
The Staff: Okay, but very impersonal. Felt I was just 1 of 400 guests, and they didn't care about me. So many rules: Sign up for snorkeling at 9AM. Sign up for Sailing at 10AM (don’t try signing up at 9AM). Missed out on many things I wanted to do (Scuba, sit-down restaurants, Glass Bottom Boat) because their rules made it difficult to do more than one or two things in a day. And they don’t tell you about the rules in advance, only when you missed the deadline.
The Low point: The main reason I picked this resort was they showed 3 sailboats in their pictures on their website, since I used to race sailboats and wanted to impress my wife. When I arrived they only had one that was “operational”, and actually it had a hole in it. We had to be rescued at sea, and it turned out they knew about the hole the entire time.
If this is your only place in Jamaica, then you are missing out and might as well stay in Florida. Either go to Port Antonio (near San San Beach and Frenchman’s Cove) for the real Jamaica or pay a little more for a better resort. Either that, or drink tons of their free drinks and everything will seem better than it actually is.
Noise, Noise, Noise. If you go to Jamaica only to party, then this is your place. I would say about 50% of the bungalows are too noisy for a couple to enjoy, with only about 5 feet between many of the bungalows and the outside streets. The West side of the resort has constant truck noise on Highway A1, and the East side has Garbage trucks (for about 1 hour) at 4AM. If you're lucky enough to get a quiet bungalow then it'll be nice. I told the reception that I was here to relax, and they stuck me in the loudest room (right behind the main stage) and when I asked for a change, they put me next to the Garbage. Smelly and noisy.
Summary:
The Beach: Not a real beach. Looks like they tried to convert a rocky coastline into a beach. Thumbs down. I only used the pool, not the "beach".
The Food: Much lower quality that I expected. First night was okay (Jerk Pork) but low quality (very fatty), but second night was terrible. Their Mexican night is worse than Taco Bell. A real pity, since there is so much fresh fish just outside the gates.
The Drinks: All you can drink, was the only bright spot. Strong drinks too!
The Staff: Okay, but very impersonal. Felt I was just 1 of 400 guests, and they didn't care about me. So many rules: Sign up for snorkeling at 9AM. Sign up for Sailing at 10AM (don’t try signing up at 9AM). Missed out on many things I wanted to do (Scuba, sit-down restaurants, Glass Bottom Boat) because their rules made it difficult to do more than one or two things in a day. And they don’t tell you about the rules in advance, only when you missed the deadline.
The Low point: The main reason I picked this resort was they showed 3 sailboats in their pictures on their website, since I used to race sailboats and wanted to impress my wife. When I arrived they only had one that was “operational”, and actually it had a hole in it. We had to be rescued at sea, and it turned out they knew about the hole the entire time.
If this is your only place in Jamaica, then you are missing out and might as well stay in Florida. Either go to Port Antonio (near San San Beach and Frenchman’s Cove) for the real Jamaica or pay a little more for a better resort. Either that, or drink tons of their free drinks and everything will seem better than it actually is.
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" once in a lifetime "
Submitted By: philandann
We booked jamaica as a once in a lifetime holiday. But we will be going back there again very soon. Before going we read some of the reviews and looked at the weather forcasts it made us think oh! what have we done, but on arrival any bad thoughts were put right out of our minds. The initial appearance of the hotel was WOW, the staff are very friendly from Judith the front desk supervisor all the way down to the workers that where there every day cleaning and raking the beach. Every one of the staff tried to make you welcome and could not do enough for you to make you relaxed and to enjoy your holiday. Godfrey the rep was a very kind and helpful man. The only thing we think could be better was the entertainment at night like more outside shows or audiance participation even to use the singers that do the performance at the bar during evening meal time as they where brill. the overall holiday made us both very happy. thanks. Phil and Ann. Plymouth Devon
Advice: We have not managed to stop talking about this holiday and excellent hotel to our friends
Activities: To see my wife swimming with the dolphins at dolphin cove was my highlight of the holiday
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" What a holiday!! "
Submitted By: tommyb10
After a 10 hour flight we arrived at the hotel around 10pm and we served fresh fruit drinks as we booked in by the helpful staff. The hotel is clean with friendly and fun staff. There are loads of activities to enjoy in the local area which we booked through our first choice rep whilst on holiday. Great place to go for anyone who wants to relax or go out and enjoy the country. Take advantage of the food and drink. George the bar man will dance if you ask him well worth viewing!!! Have fun in paradise
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Paradise "
Submitted By: clareknight45
It was the first trip to Jamaica for my husband and myself, a treat as we have been married 25 years this year. My husband has always been into reggae, so we had promised ourselves this trip for years, so it had a lot to live up to....and it did. The accommodation was lovely, and it was cleaned every day. The air-conditioning was very welcome! The staff were lovely and made you feel very welcome. The food was brilliant, so much choice and to have iced water with every meal plus the waiters fetch you drinks from the bar. Brand name alcohol was available in all bars. It was an ideal mix to suit all, there were quiet areas & bars and lively areas for those who wanted it. Great choice of trips to suit all tastes. If you go First Choice, upgrade your flight to Premium, it is really worth it. Saving to go back as soon as possible!
Advice: Quieter and prettier than a lot of the Island
Activities: Dolphin Cove
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Great holiday shame about people who let our country down "
Submitted By: Ppaulinemary@aol.com
Firstly may i say the complex living accommadation ocean view and entertainment especially Kevin also known as Frisky was fantastic, food was excellant but like all holidays someone has to spoil it for you .
29 of us went for my daughters wedding for the 27/01/09 for 14 days from the 17/01/09 to 30/01/09 i had my lovely out fit all too match shoes ,hat and cerise pink handbag alas my handbag was pinched it really put a damper to my holiday for setimental reasons its not very often you go to such a beatiful location for your daughters wedding a big thankyou to Dianne who was our wedding co-ordinator .
I went to see head of sucurity who advised he would look into it but i got the feeling not to interested they tried but i think they could have put it out on tannoy for all holiday makers to see if they had seen it.Was not told by sucurity until the Friday that i should have got the police involved . Spoke to virgin rep and filled form in but how long that will take to get to Virgins complaints office is nobody buisness.
We also had our beach towels taken twice which are given too you by the complex but if you do not return them when you leave it would cost you some 25 dollars ,so keep hold of your towels tightly. Also look out for the trips cost is very ecspensive and then they take you through the markets which can pressure make sure you say a firm NO to their badgering.
29 of us went for my daughters wedding for the 27/01/09 for 14 days from the 17/01/09 to 30/01/09 i had my lovely out fit all too match shoes ,hat and cerise pink handbag alas my handbag was pinched it really put a damper to my holiday for setimental reasons its not very often you go to such a beatiful location for your daughters wedding a big thankyou to Dianne who was our wedding co-ordinator .
I went to see head of sucurity who advised he would look into it but i got the feeling not to interested they tried but i think they could have put it out on tannoy for all holiday makers to see if they had seen it.Was not told by sucurity until the Friday that i should have got the police involved . Spoke to virgin rep and filled form in but how long that will take to get to Virgins complaints office is nobody buisness.
We also had our beach towels taken twice which are given too you by the complex but if you do not return them when you leave it would cost you some 25 dollars ,so keep hold of your towels tightly. Also look out for the trips cost is very ecspensive and then they take you through the markets which can pressure make sure you say a firm NO to their badgering.
Advice: LOVELY ACCOMADATION NEEDS A LITTLE MORE CUPBOARDS FOR CLOTHES GREAT FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT SUPERB
Activities: DUNN RIVERS FALLS . LAGOON RAFTING AND DOLPHINS
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Virgin
" SHORT BUT SWEET! "
Submitted By: Pnuts
My husband and I spent only a short break (4 nights) at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean resort but it was so fantastic that we wished we had booked longer. We loved the thatched self contained cottages which were so novel and different. The food was delicious with so much to choose from! ALL the staff were extremely friendly to us and everyone eagerly assisted us - nothing seemed too much trouble. Loved the beautiful green trees and plants everywhere and of course there was the beautiful sandy beaches. Our cottage could have benefited from a touch up here and there, but it was very clean - maid service everyday. We enjoyed the comforts of colour cable TV, air conditioning and en-suite bathroom and food and drink "on tap". Being native Jamaicans we sometimes went out and about ourselves returning to enjoy the fabulous nightlife which had something for everyone til the early hours of the morning. All in all, it was the best time ever, and I keep searching the net to find a good bargin, so that we can return there again soon. In the meantime, I'm spreading the word to my friends about this wonderful resort and can't commend it more hightly. LOVED IT. Thanks everyone for a brilliant time - short but really sweet! PMc
-
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" relaxing getaway "
Submitted By: wmcg
We have just booked to go back to the Royal Decameron in October it will be our second visit. The first time was for our wedding which was done beautifully the wedding co-ordinater and staff took care of everything.
Our party consisted of 8 people ages ranging from 15 - 60 and each of us loved every minute of our fortnight holiday.
The food was excellent, all staff were friendly and brilliant the cottages and grounds were cleaned to a high standard all in all we had nothing to complain about.
We would highly recomend two trips the river tubing safari which was fantastic the best thing i have ever done and rafting on the Martha Brae which we did the day after our wedding it was wonderful.
my husband and i are quite well travelled we holiday 2-3 times a year and i think i am quite hard to please, this hotel is outstanding it might not be a 5 star resort but we couldn't find any fault with it.
Our party consisted of 8 people ages ranging from 15 - 60 and each of us loved every minute of our fortnight holiday.
The food was excellent, all staff were friendly and brilliant the cottages and grounds were cleaned to a high standard all in all we had nothing to complain about.
We would highly recomend two trips the river tubing safari which was fantastic the best thing i have ever done and rafting on the Martha Brae which we did the day after our wedding it was wonderful.
my husband and i are quite well travelled we holiday 2-3 times a year and i think i am quite hard to please, this hotel is outstanding it might not be a 5 star resort but we couldn't find any fault with it.
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Fantastic Holiday "
Submitted By: kaz60
We booked this holiday by chance to spend our 30th Wedding Anniversary away and could not have asked for a better place to spend it. It was a holiday of a lifetime and we will definately be returning. The staff and accomodation were excellent and the beach was amazing. It was the best place to relax and chill. The menu could could do with some variation but all food was always cooked thoroughly and hot to your choice. We would recommend for couples rather than with young children but overall FABULOUS!!!!!
-
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Royal Decameron "
Submitted By: leelee18
Greeted on our arrival with a cooling drink and very friendly staff. What a contrast compared to the grumpy and unfriendly cabin crew on the Thomson flight.
Our cottage was clean and tidy and although it could of done with a little updating in the bathroom was sufficient for our needs. The cot supplied for our son as requested was already in the cottage. The whole complex was very clean and the food was of a very good standard.The whole feeling of the place was a lot more friendly than the normal hotel experience. Although the pool was not very child friendly (our son is 17months old) the lifeguards on hand where always very watchful of our son. The entertainment crew were also very friendly.In fact all the staff made us and especially our son feel very at home. Everyone went out of their way to talk to him even though they didn't need to. We are already trying to book again for next year we enjoyed it that much. Dunns river and Dolphin cove are a must
Our cottage was clean and tidy and although it could of done with a little updating in the bathroom was sufficient for our needs. The cot supplied for our son as requested was already in the cottage. The whole complex was very clean and the food was of a very good standard.The whole feeling of the place was a lot more friendly than the normal hotel experience. Although the pool was not very child friendly (our son is 17months old) the lifeguards on hand where always very watchful of our son. The entertainment crew were also very friendly.In fact all the staff made us and especially our son feel very at home. Everyone went out of their way to talk to him even though they didn't need to. We are already trying to book again for next year we enjoyed it that much. Dunns river and Dolphin cove are a must
-
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" On arrival I was disappointed and... "
Submitted By: Mr A Barry
On arrival I was disappointed and felt that perhaps I had made the wrong choice for my Family. The Chalet/ Huts do need a re-furb and certainly a marketing exercise and some good investment would see this rsort go up a couple of notches. However the holiday was excellent after a couple of days I was enjoying myself and relaxing so much I almost went native. My party consisited of my wife , son (21 ) and daughter (13) and I can only say it was great. Yes there are things that could be better but the whole package came together, the entertainment staff so talented, the majority of the waiters brilliant, the food acceptable varing from very good to moderate but always edible. We travel several times a year and in the late spring had 2 weeks in Abu Dhabi/Dubai who have a lot going for them but to me Jamaica wins.You will be hustled but that is their way fo life, enjoy it some of the interactions make the holiday, do not be afraid to go out it is different but enjoy it. Other people have mentioned George on the jetty, he is a great guy and makes the visitors very welcome. You do need to get out from the site and see other parts of Jamaica but ask me would I go back and the answer is Yes. I am still getting to terms what is was about it the Decameron Club and I would say evertime it was the feel rather than the look but saying that I bet we have all enjoyed staying at some really big hotel only for no one to talk and take a real interest.
I am not an expert but talking with the Jamaicans is a pleasure. We went on several non tour operator trips and enjoyed everyminute as they say in Jamaica 'No Problem'.
My advice go try it and see how it works for you , it certainly worked for us, well done Club Caribbean.
I am not an expert but talking with the Jamaicans is a pleasure. We went on several non tour operator trips and enjoyed everyminute as they say in Jamaica 'No Problem'.
My advice go try it and see how it works for you , it certainly worked for us, well done Club Caribbean.
-
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" When we arrived we were frighten... "
Submitted By: Mr MD Mike
When we arrived we were frighten by the way it looked in front. It was like an alley way. But when we relaxed and begin to look around it was not bad after all. The cottage was clean and the food was great. The staff was very friendly. We really enjoyed ourselves. Being a small resort, we were able to do things like dance on the stage and playing the drums.
We should not have judge the resort by its front cover. We had alot of fun and would return again.
We should not have judge the resort by its front cover. We had alot of fun and would return again.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:travel by Jen
" went for 2 weeks 8th may and was so... "
Submitted By: Mr M Erskine
went for 2 weeks 8th may and was so pleased to have picked here over riu in ocho rios. everything was superb from our own cottage to small and friendly atmosphere of the complex. my wife is a chef and commented that the food was of a very good standard especially in the a la carte restuarants. the staff did everything to make sure you enjoyed yourself, george at jetty bar is the best barman in the world!. hairdryer in the room blew and within 1 minute of reporting , a guy came and replaced it .free watersports included water ski-ing and a glass bottom boat which took you to reef for snorkelling, and all for free.booked trips with raquel our rep , and she organised the outings on specific days that suited us with a no problem man.dunns river falls is a must and si is bob marleys homein nine mile.best surprise was rafting on marthe brae river, good relaxing day out.shopping in ocha rios is a buzz but expect to be hassled a bit. a firm no thanks is always greeted with a no problem man, so don't be afraid to go out and explore jamaica it's great and the people make it an experience not to forget
-
- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Fantastic holiday & great value.... "
Submitted By: Mr J Sawyer
Fantastic holiday & great value. Not pretentious like many higher rated hotels, just good food, good drink and a great laid back ambience. Can't believe the negative reviews we've read from others. We've travelled widely (Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Far East, Indian Ocean etc etc) and have to say we enjoyed this holiday immensely. May not be the flashiest of places but very low key, comfortable and atmospheric. You really feel like you're in Jamaica, not like in some of the bigger chain hotels.
We thought the food was excellent, very pleasantly surprised. You should never go hungry here.
Beach superb.
The best part of the holiday was George, the main man in the swing bar on the jetty. This was truly a piece of paradise, with the best of hosts. We stayed for 2 weeks and can safely say that he made the holiday, what a character. Thanks George for a great time. We will definitely be back soon (if George is still there), this time with all the family, they'd love him! We've still got the photos of him & us in the swing bar and look at them often to remind us of the great time we had.
As George would say - Later Baby!
Or, How you doin' Papa?
Yeah Man, what a holiday. Cheers George, see you soon, with any luck.
We thought the food was excellent, very pleasantly surprised. You should never go hungry here.
Beach superb.
The best part of the holiday was George, the main man in the swing bar on the jetty. This was truly a piece of paradise, with the best of hosts. We stayed for 2 weeks and can safely say that he made the holiday, what a character. Thanks George for a great time. We will definitely be back soon (if George is still there), this time with all the family, they'd love him! We've still got the photos of him & us in the swing bar and look at them often to remind us of the great time we had.
As George would say - Later Baby!
Or, How you doin' Papa?
Yeah Man, what a holiday. Cheers George, see you soon, with any luck.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" What an absolutely wonderful... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Davies
What an absolutely wonderful holiday!! From the minute we arrived everyone tried their utmost to make our stay special. The food was very good, plenty of it and a wide selection. The food could have been hotter on occasions but when you consider the amount of guests being catered for it was a really good effort. The standard of cleanliness was excellent. Staff are cleaning and tidying the area continually. The dining rooms were really clean with staff wearing personal protective equipment when filling up the serving areas. Waiters were friendly and efficient. Rooms were cleaned daily to a high standard. The only let down was the entertainment, it got a bit tedious when it was the resident dancers but there were some guest performers who were fantastic. There are plenty of excursions to be booked at the resort but we found a really good, reliable taxi driver who charged reasonable rates. Try Dolphin Cove for the swimming with Dolphins, it's a really emotional experience. Dunns river falls and the Bob Marley tour are both top tours.
-
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
loading...
Now for the very, very BIG positive, this is our second time to Royal Decameron and it will not be the last, we requested the same beach front cottage as last year and as soon as we arrived Judith new all about it as she remembered us and we got to move after one night. We are very well traveled and we have never been back to a place twice, we are so glad we did this time as our relaxing and restful holiday was mirror image to last year. The staff from Ameril the first choice rep to Judith in reception and several waiting staff are the reason, they are fantastic, to name but a few, David the breakfast/lunch waiter, Tarma, Mr Green, Danavon, Adrian (all who remembered us from last Year)and few more new staff too many to remember. Kerry Anne was on maternity leave, she was missed, her singing was lovely. The chefs are also great (likewise the food they produce) but the bar staff sometimes need a kick up the you know what. Could not believe George has gone a great loss.The chambermaid was great, likewise the beach guy. Look after them and be sure they will look after you more. It is well worth the slight investment, please do remember they do enjoy there work but they also have so little compared to us holiday makers.
Whatever you want from a holiday Royal Decameron is the place to be as you can choose from a quiet time on the beach or the great entertainment around the pool.
If any one reads this and you do go, please say to named staff above the red wine man and his wife says hello.
Advice: Fantastic
Activities: All three restaurants
Good for: Beach