RIU Ocho Rios Jamaica a hotel review

RIU OCHO RIOS LOCATION

The Hotel Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica is located directly on Mammee Bay white sand beach on the north coast. Ocho Rios, nestled around the lush countryside and waterfalls, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Jamaica.

 

ABOUT RIU OCHO RIOS

The hotel Riu Ocho Rios is one of many resorts that RIU Hotels & Resorts has in the world’s best destinations. Choosing this hotel was probably one of the fastest hotel selections we have ever made, though. There is something for everyone, and 24 h All-Inclusive system offers you many high-quality services and also gives you a stress-free holiday.

Under Jamaican legislation, you can’t smoke in the hotel (not even on a balcony) except in designated areas.

When we first arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by the staff and escorted to the hall to check-in. We were surprised how open the reception was, with no glass windows insight.

RIU OCHO RIOS ACCOMMODATION

There are 856 guestrooms with a traditional Caribbean style, ranging from double rooms to the fabulous suites. To make your stay extra special, every room has a mini-fridge, regularly restocked minibar and beverage dispenser.

Our home for our 14-night stay was a double room with a sea view. The spacious room with a king-size bed and sliding door to the balcony gave us the option to enjoy the breath-taking view of gardens, pool and the Caribbean sea. The air-conditioned room also had a private bathroom with hairdryer, separate sitting area, telephone, satellite TV and safe deposit box.

Good to know: the rooms from the central part of the “U” shape have the best sea views.

 

RIU OCHO RIOS RESTAURANTS AND BARS

There are a ton of All-Inclusive food options with at Hotel Riu Ocho Rios. You will never go hungry here. Breakfast with fresh smoothies, lunch and dinner are served in a buffet-style at the resort’s main restaurant. Moreover, there was plenty of food choice, which changed every day of the week.

You also have a choice of dining in one of 7 themed restaurants:

• Sir John” gourmet restaurant (à la carte)
• “Mandalay” Asian restaurant (buffet)
• “Piccola Italia” Italian restaurant (buffet)
• Steakhouse (à la carte; buffet starters and dessert)

Guests staying in the Deluxe Wing of the resort may exclusively try one of those three restaurants:

• Sir Richard” gourmet restaurant (à la carte)
• “Tushima” Japanese restaurant (à la carte)
• Romantic dinner on the beach (reservations required, additional charge)

While you’re there, try some of famous Jamaican Jerk Chicken!

If you don’t fancy going to a restaurant for lunch, make sure you visit The Jerk Hut at the beach and try the best jerk chicken with rice!

Tip: Be careful with the jerk sauce; it is very spicy (hot).

You can also grab snacks and sandwiches throughout the day at The Sports Bar, which is 24 hours a day.

Cool off with refreshing cocktails or cold drinks in one six bars, including a beach bar, two swim-up pool bars and a sports bar. For drinks after your dinner, there were three main bars where you could get almost any beverage (or cocktail) you can imagine. We were surprised that even when bars were busy, we never waited too long for our drinks.

 

RIU OCHO RIOS BEACH

 

 

One of the main reasons why we decided to stay at the Hotel Riu Ocho Rios was its heavenly white sand beach and inviting warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The property sits right on the soft sandy beach with countless sun loungers available for day use. A stunning beach protected by a nearby coral reef, with water so calm and clear you may see fish swimming just a few metres from shores, is an ideal place for snorkelling without paying additional money for snorkelling trips.

We spent the vast majority of our time at the beach.

RIU OCHO RIOS POOL

For those not keen on inviting Caribbean waters, the swimming pool is always perfect for relaxing and cooling down from the heat. And the resort has those 3; one of them is for children. Did we mention there was a swim-up bar? Oh, yes.

 

RIU OCHO RIOS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT (ACTIVITIES)

There is plenty of activities to keep guests entertained without leaving the resort. Sailing Hobie cat (small catamaran) and kayaking are other possibilities you can choose. If you are not sure how to use it, the staff is more than happy to teach you (a little tip is always appreciated). Another beautiful thing about RIU hotel is these activities are also all-inclusive for the hotel’s guests.

For those interested in diving, the hotel also offers one introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool for free!

Other sports and activities included in your All-Inclusive stay are a gym, beach volleyball, tennis courts, group fitness activities in the Riu Fit area, table tennis, and billiard and so much more.

 

KIDS

If you’re bringing little ones, The Riu Land kids club runs daily for kids aged 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. The hotel also offers live music, daytime and evening entertainment programmes for all ages and free entry to Pacha discotheque when open (drinks are not included).

RIU OCHO RIOS SPA

Another reason why to stay at Hotel Ocho Rios is its spa. Renova Spa offers massages and other services, including facials, body wraps and body treatments. With five treatment rooms, a variety of treatment therapies (including aromatherapy) and a spa tub this is the place to indulge and, relax in the care of highly trained professionals.

There is everything else that you may need, from car hire to various shops, boutique, kiosk, and even hairdresser. And if you fancy getting married here, the Riu hotel also offers a variety of wedding packages.

 

GOLF

For those interested in golf, guests can enjoy their favourite sport in a nearby golf course.

 

OVERALL

The massive Club Hotel Riu Ocho Rios is the 24-hr all-inclusive RIU hotel with beautifully kept ground and gardens and delicious food. It is a great place, offering entertainment and activities for everyone, perfect for sports lovers who want to enjoy the warm Caribbean waters. Although smoking is not permitted in the hotel except in designated areas, cigarette and marijuana smoke was evident.

Jamaica is a stunning country, with so much to see. The Hotel Riu Ocho Rios, situated in the central part of Jamaica’s northern coast, has a perfect location for those wishing to discover beautiful Jamaica. Not to be missed are famous Dunn’s River Falls, our favourite Blue Hole (The Irie Blue Hole) and rainforest adventure park Mystic Mountain located just a short drive from the hotel. It is easy to see why the resort is one of the best All-Inclusive resorts in Ocho Rios, and we would return here anytime!

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RUI OCHO RIOS:

 

Have you visited the Club Hotel Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica?

 

 

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