The Verdict: Which Should You Book?
- Book RIU Ocho Rios if: You want a classic, high-energy beach vacation, love being close to eco-adventure parks, and want guaranteed entertainment for a family or large group without breaking the bank.
- Book Princess Resorts if: You are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, crave cutting-edge modern design, want premium adult spaces (like overwater villas), and prefer a secluded, luxurious retreat.
Watch my full video below
When you are planning a Caribbean getaway, dropping several thousand dollars on a vacation package comes with a lot of pressure. You want pristine beaches, premium food, and accommodations that actually look like the brochure. In the landscape of Jamaican mega-resorts, two giants consistently dominate the conversation: the legendary, action-packed RIU Ocho Rios in St. Ann, and the ultra-modern newcomer, Princess Senses The Mangrove / Princess Grand in Hanover.
While both offer the ease of all-inclusive packages, they cater to entirely different styles of travel. Let’s break down the layout, the luxury, and the real value to see which one deserves your hard-earned vacation budget.
While both offer the ease of all-inclusive packages, they cater to entirely different styles of travel. Let’s break down the layout, the luxury, and the real value to see which one deserves your hard-earned vacation budget.
The Vibe
RIU Ocho Rios is a beloved staple of Jamaica’s North Coast tourism. With over 900 rooms, it is a bustling, high-energy paradise. If you have kids who want to spend all day at the Splash Water World water park or you want to participate in legendary pool foam parties, RIU delivers that classic, social, unpretentious resort energy.
On the flip side, the newly opened Princess Senses The Mangrove (adults-only) and Princess Grand (family-friendly) complex in Hanover represents the new wave of Caribbean luxury. The architecture here is sleek, dramatic, and minimalist. Instead of the traditional resort layout, the Princess property feels upscale and exclusive, trading standard pool blocks for stunning swim-out suites and architectural marvels tucked neatly along the coastline.
Dining and Drinks
At RIU Ocho Rios, dining is all about scale and efficiency. You can expect massive buffets with live cooking stations and theme restaurants covering Italian, Asian, and steakhouse favorites. It is plentiful and satisfying, though it caters to the masses.
Princess Resorts takes a more boutique approach to its culinary spaces. The focus shifts toward beautifully designed à la carte restaurants, specialty steakhouses, food trucks, and premium mixology. For foodies who care about presentation and upscale spirits, Princess takes the edge—and a great addition is that all their restaurants are located on one strip.
Mammee Bay vs. Green Island
Geography is the ultimate tiebreaker here. RIU Ocho Rios sits right on the border of Ocho Rios in St. Ann, sitting along the beautiful, wide shores of Mammee Bay. It is a prime position for travelers who want to experience Jamaica’s natural wonderlands.
Princess Senses sits on the western end of the island in Green Island, Hanover—roughly an hour’s drive past Montego Bay towards Negril. It offers a much more secluded, private-estate atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Your resort choice dictates your entire geographic experience. If you plan on leaving the property to explore the local culture, you need to know what attractions are actually near your parish. To avoid getting stuck in unexpected transit times, check out the parish-by-parish breakdowns and regional route planning maps in our pocket-sized Explore Jamaica guide to structure your days perfectly.
Adventure Spots Near These Hotels
- Chukka Good Hope: Easily accessible from either corridor for an action-packed day trip, this massive nature park combines deep Jamaican heritage with ziplining over rivers, rugged ATV courses, and a jungle waterslide. Check out our full experience at Chukka Good Hope: Where History Meets Adventure.
- Lethe Great River Rafting: Located in the hills near the Hanover/St. James border, this excursion allows you to glide down a beautiful river on a hand-crafted bamboo raft. Discover more regional gems on our Hanover Attractions Page.
Related Coverage on Kareem’s Quest
- Discover how this property compares to other local options: 4 BEST All Inclusive resort Rooms in Jamaica?
Read my detailed breakdown on the rooms: A Look Inside the rooms at Princess Resort Jamaica
Watch the latest Kareem’s Quest Adventure videos on YouTube, click the link below
Ready to Go Beyond the Quest?
You’ve followed Kareem’s Quest, seen the photos, and now you’re feeling the call of the island. It’s time to stop scrolling and start planning your personal Jamaican adventure!
We created two definitive e-magazines to serve as your ultimate local guide, letting you build the perfect itinerary:
Get the Ultimate Jamaica Tour Guide Booklet. This is your blueprint for maximizing culture, cuisine, and famous landmarks. Use it to plan itineraries and visit the best places across the island.
For the Adrenaline Seeker: Grab the Jamaica Adventure Lovers Booklet. Packed with expert advice on thrilling river excursions, challenging mountain trails, and secluded off-road destinations.
Follow Kareem’s Quest
Useful Information about Jamaica
Click to check Jamaica’s Foreign Exchange Rate.
What is the weather like in Jamaica
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees/ 89.6°F. It is usually warm to hot all year round.
What is the time zone in Jamaica
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Immigration/ Custom Form
Every visitor is required to fill out a C5 form before entering Jamaica
