Holiday Reviews > Caribbean > Jamaica > Negril > Negril Hotels > Riu Tropical Bay Hotel > Read Reviews
Riu Tropical Bay Hotel Reviews
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Mar 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Mccall |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
from the start to finish of our holiday was a great time the agents were brilliant at time of booking. the flight was enjoyable. the hotel was clean, plenty in mini bar, food was good although i dont like spicey food the chefs cooked me specail items. the staff were brilliant they couldnt do enough to help. excursions were well organised by the first choice agent. the entertainment staff realy pulled all stops out to give us a good time.the accomadation was everything you could want in a hotel, the beach was inside the complex it was clean staff were coming round to pick up glasses we had used.it was a holiday to remember with great joy thanks to first choice in slough and riu hotel negril
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss P Buxton |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
I have visited the Riu Tropical Bay twice with my family, and I am currently planning our third trip, which will tell you all you need to know. The food was great given the amount of people that are catered for on a daily basis-I'm a bit of a food snob, so if I'm happy with it then I think anyone probably would be. In response to the lady who complained about the food, claiming that there were not enough english options-go to Blackpool for your next holiday!
If you've never been to Jamaica before - and even if you have - then you can't go wrong with the Riu Tropical Bay. It's nestled in beautiful gardens, on the stunning white sands of Bloody Bay in the vibrant and chilled out resort of Negril, with plenty to do for adults and children alike. There are also plenty of opportunities to book trips from tour operators at the hotel, which is a must if you want to experience the real Jamaica.
The hotel staff are really hard-working and friendly, and the non-stop entertainment iis there if you want it, and if you don't just sit under a palm tree and let life drift on by. The bar staff are fantastic, and the frozen mango margaritas are a must- try, but if they aren't to your taste they will mix you up whatever you want.
Counting the weeks until I'm there again with mango margarita in hand!
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Ms G Jennings |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
It was paradise - could not fault the hotel at all. The staff could not be more helpful and so friendly. I was taken there by my sister and husband as a present for my retirement and what a wonderful present. My niece of 7 also came and she was not bored and there was plenty of variety food wise so how people can complain about the food I just don't know!
I was allergic to the mosquitos but the nurse and doctor were excellent - also the cleaner as she made sure I was well protected, bless her and I had no more problems after the first couple of days. This, of course, is through no fault of the hotel, just nature.
There were plenty of trips available and I can recommend the Bob marley Tour and also the horseriding - wonderful !
I have every intention of returning to this wonderful hotel as it was one of the most perfect holidays I have been on - I just could not fault it.
Just one thing - where all my postcards I sent ????? Wrote and posted them on my first day there and not one person has received. Are they still in the box ???!!!! Needless to say will bring them home with me next time. No complaint, quite funny I suppose - bit like Royal Mail here in England (Sorry!)
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Apr 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs S Brown |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
Just returned from 2 fantastic weeks at the Riu Tropical Bay.
Let me first say that when I read some of the negative reviews I was apprehensive.
I have been to Jamaica many times but never visited an all inclusive before. I went to Wyndham Rose Hall Resort and that was fab, so to hear that Riu was something less was very worrying, however I need not have worried.
There was 15 of us in the party, one of which went scuba diving virtually every day and had lots to say about his dives which were excellent.
Rooms - so clean - no bugs the whole time we were there. Slight musty smell but once we did not turn the air con on only the fan everything was fine.
This is definitely a 4 star and in answer to one review the hotels in UK do not all have excellent facilities - I should know as my job means I stay in quite a few supposedly 4 Star hotels, and some are very shabby to say the least - why do we always act snobby when we are abroad, yet at home we put up with far worse?
Our Rep Phileta was great - so helpful and so funny. No problem was her motto and she certainly meant it.
Beach - wonderful - clean, idyllic and peaceful - everyone seemed to love being on the beach although the pool was okay too, and had some wonderful relaxing swims there - beach and sea definitely better though.
Entertainment staff worked so hard to ensure you had a good time and taking part was your choice no pressure. Big up Slick (need some more reggae and basement other than Bob Marley though much as I love him).
Evening entertainment needed more work but the staff try so hard that you have to applaud their efforts.
Disco -well, only complaint DJ needs to think about his audience not himself and cater to those attending!! Disco at Club Negril much much better.
Food - buffet fantastic food for everyone and if you complain about this you must just be a miserable so and so.
Japanese - not to everyone likes in my party but I loved the sushi.
Sir Anthony's was okay but all in all, the buffet took care of our needs.
Tours - did the tour to Dunns Rover, Ochio Rios and swam with the Dolphins a must - did the Rum tour, went to YS Falls and finally attended Black River and saw the Crocodiles again you must do it - there is so much to see and do in Jamaica we are saving the other tours for our next visit.
Staff - very friendly and always said "good morning" if anyone was unfriendly I'd say it was the tourists, they were the ones that stood out as they avoided eye contact when they could, not all, but there were a few.
Management - always around making sure everything was okay. Reception phoned second day of holiday to see if everything was okay.
This place is great, do not understand why people complain about Jamaica. Your holiday is what you make it end of - and in Jamaica if you’re chilled then everything is fine - the people are friendly if you treat them as people and not low class citizens. If you don't want to buy then don't.
I live in the UK and there are people who beg on the streets, there is crime and we do have to be vigilant there is poor accommodation and people who are thieves I could go on. Let's get real - Jamaica is a tiny island why this negativeness all the time?
Go and enjoy - you will have a wonderful time and at the Riu it is definitely "no problem".
We will definitely be back next year - already planning our trip.
Jamaica - Irie.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss C Costigan |
| Overall
Rating: |
5/10 |
| Comments: |
The hotel itself was really nice and clean.
However, the food was really off putting. They didn't seem to have much of a range of English food and food that they did make, wasn't very nice at all.
The swimming pool also made me and another one of my party quite ill.
The room was spacious and inviting. Although when i was out there, there was sewage problems which led to not being able to bath or flush the toilet for part of the day.
The internet we was promised to be able to use, was down the whole time.
Overall, i wouldn't actually visit another Riu hotel again.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr DJ Russell |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
Wow! My wife and I have just returned for the Riu Tropical Bay Resort in Negril having both agreed that this was one of (if not) the best overall holidays we have ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
I was unsure of travelling to Jamaica after hearing the bad press over past years, but was persuaded to try by my wife.
We have been too many 5* resorts around the Caribbean and I didn't think Jamaica would be able to compete with the likes of The Moon Palace in Cancun to which I've visited 3 times. Oh how wrong I was!
Flights and transfers were great with no problems and we arrived at our hotel to watch the sunset. We were checked into our room which was very clean and tidy, stocked min bar and optics, A/C and a partial ocean view.
The house keeping was excellent and left towel shapes on the bed daily.
The hotel it's self was very well organised with staff on hand to assist in anything you may need to enhance your stay. The food on offer was great; everything from traditional Jamaican fish dishes to burger and chips a menu that really does cater for everyone.
The Jerk Hut on the beach is a must, BBQ Chicken and sausage with a Jamaican Jerk sauce. Yummy!
For us one of the best features is the beach and the really warm, safe crystal clear sea on your doorstep, the bay has 3 additional hotels (Grand Lido, Couples and another Riu hotel) all with various water sports on offer.
The entertainment team were fantastic and get everyone involved daily in the beach activities. Bache Ball, Horse Shoes, Volley ball and more. Every day the winner of each event wins a bottle of Appleton’s Rum. (We came away with 3 bottles, which is an added bonus to having fun playing the games).
This type of involvement and the general friendliness of staff and guest really does make for a fantastic holiday. We made more friends and got more telephone numbers on this trip than ever before!
Every evening the entertainment team put on a show, these were always fun and entertaining and as a pre show warm up guests were asked to get on stage and take part in some sort of party game, all good fun and done in a light hearted manner.
Look out for 'Ninja' and Andre AKA 'Mini me' and their freestyle dancing before the show!
Make sure you venture outside the hotel as that is where the real Jamaica lies.
We had no problems and even when visiting the local market (near Negril). The locals are friendly and polite, if you are not interested in purchasing from them just be polite and say no thank you, they will leave you alone, after all the are just trying to earn a living so you can't blame them for asking.
For a great evening out make sure you visit the world famous Rick’s Cafe to watch the locals cliff jump. (Guests can also jump if you feel brave enough). A local band play during the evening while you drink and relax under the amazing Caribbean sunset....
And Finally...
On a slightly negative note (it's probably just me) I did find it very sad that the beautiful white soft sand of the Riu beach was being littered with cigarette butts.
It seemed that a lot of smokers found it too much trouble to place the butts in an empty cup or water bottle to disposal later.
At one point I saw a group of 4 people all smoking and all flicking their dog ends onto the beach as they boarded the sunset cruise boat. I just think it's very sad that people have that little respect for the beautiful surroundings that they chose to holiday in.
Enjoy your stay! No Problem Mon!!!
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Oct 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs V Smith |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
When my husband booked this holiday for our family, I too was worried about previous bad press in Jamaica, but I have to say that I was proved very wrong!
What a beautiful hotel with the most lovely, helpful staff. The beach also lived up to expectations of what you imagine paradise to be.
The buffet was excellent with lots of vegetarian options. Fantastic cocktails and wines too. My husband especially enjoyed the Jerk beach hut with the wafts of lushious food smells tempting everyone at lunch time!
I would agree that the only downside was the 'musty' smell in the rooms, but didn't really notice after a day or so.
We would all love to return one day as our six year son still talks about it now (one year later!)
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Apr 2005 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
L Miles |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
I always think that there are so many places in the world to visit, why go back anywhere twice... maybe I just haven't been going to the right places!
This is the first place I have been that I would definitely want to go back to at some point.
The Hotel:
The hotel was fantastic - we had a problem with our first room (really bad bugs) but they moved us and after that there were no problems.
The rooms were clean, and big, with good air con and a great mini bar with optics (novelty factor!!)
The hotel staff were all very helpful, and would leave you alone to relax if that’s what you wanted - they would try and get you to join in, but not bully you off your sun bed!!
The food in the restaurants was amazing. Prawns were huge, and be adventurous on Jamaican night, the food is great!! We didn't eat in the a la carte restaurants as the buffet was always so good!
The Beach:
Gorgeous.... a true Caribbean white sand beach. The water was always calm and full of fish - take some bread from the restaurant to feed them and you will find yourself surrounded by the most amazing fish!
Outside the hotel:
We did get a taxi to the local arts market - our taxi driver was great - very friendly. When we got o the market we changed our minds - it looked a bit intimidating, more because there were no other tourists so we knew we would get seriously hassled to part with some cash. Instead we asked the taxi driver to take us into Negril, where we arranged for him to come back and get us.
There were a few shops selling touristy things, but head to the supermarket to buy your blue mountain coffee and 100% cocoa butter - its so much cheaper than in the tourist shops!!
On this side of the island, it’s a long trek to the usual tourist things - eg Dunns River etc!
Don't bother with all that - go to YS falls - incredibly beautiful (hummingbirds buzzing round- fantastic!!) and so few tourists.
Also the black river cruise was excellent - the amount of big crocs was fantastic, as well as all the other wildlife!
Conclusion
The island was brilliant - lots of people are wary of Jamaica, but I think it unfairly gets bad press - the people are lovely, the island was beautiful, and the Riu Tropical Bay was the best holiday hotel I have ever stayed in.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2002 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs D Rodgers |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
I have to say that the Tropical Bay is one of the best hotels that I have been to, when ever we go to the Caribbean/Mexico we always stay with the Riu group as they seem to offer best value for money I know that is not always important but it helps.
When I thought of Jamaica I thought white sandy beaches, rum and tropical paradise, but when we landed I was a bit surprised as everywhere seemed to be built up, after about 10-15 minuets into the transfer to the hotel I could see why Negril is so popular. The hotel is set in lush tropical gardens the staff are really very friendly and can not do enough for you, there is constant entertainment but above all else it has to be the most relaxing place that I have been to. The food was amazing and if you are into trying different types then you never need to eat the same thing twice because there is such a variety. When it came down to the room we were given I could not have been happier as we had a sea view (sunset is fabulous).
I can recommend going to Dunn’s river falls and doing the river rafting they are experiences that you will remember.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
