In 2008 The RIU Hotels and Company empire expanded its franchise by opening its fourth Jamaican branch in one of the most popular tourist destinations, Montego Bay. It is the only classic RIU hotel on the island, boasting over 800 rooms, and beckons travellers with its vibrant energy and warm hospitality. It also houses a conference centre which can accommodate up to 200 persons.
RIU Montego Bay caters to families, single travellers, couples and persons on business within the area. This hotel has a very diverse population of guests streaming into its illustrious lobby on a daily basis. These guests include Europeans, South Americans and local visitors which create a dynamic balance of different cultures intermingling under one roof.
It’s about closeness
“Travelling to Negril and Ocho Rios is very far, over an hour and a half, especially when you have children,” said the General Manager. This hotel prides itself with being less than thirty minutes away from the airport. “Guests have commended how fast it is to get from the plane to the pool and start their vacation with very little hassle,” explained the general manager.
Being a family oriented vacation destination, RIU Montego Bay has a large kids club decorated with several popular cartoon characters. Energetic and trustworthy caretakers are present to keep an eye on the little ones. Other features include a complex jungle gym and a toddler pool. The company’s mascot Luca the turtle is a frequent visitor to the kids club and is there to entertain and build merriment among the children.
All about having fun
However, let’s not forget our teens and young adults. The activities at Riu Montego Bay are well put together by the hardworking and innovative entertainment team. The hotel has scheduled activities which includes playing football, aqua aerobics, tennis, volleyball and other beach and pool activities. The entertainment team also hosts different themed shows each night which caters to all age groups.
RIU Montego Bay usually has special rates year long, however KareemsQuest.com recommends visiting them during the slow tourist season to get the best rates.
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Decore
Though deemed a very large scale hotel, It presented a cosy, “home away from home” impression. The lobby was bathed in soft lighting reflected by the multi-colour glasswork decorating its interior.
The intimate charm from the lobby is extended to the rooms which contain comfortable beds, mini bar, a tv, and air conditioning which you can adjust to your liking. The Mediterranean layout of the rooms overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea intensifies the tropical allure of our beautiful island, Jamaica.
Indulge in the food
There are several buffets on the property which open at different times along with four full restaurants with varying themes, and some catering to reservations only. Selecting food is a real mind boggling experience as there is a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
- Kulinarium: This restaurant offers à la carte dining and serves exquisite creations by the chefs. Some of the most distinguished dishes include:
- Causa de Camarones, a typical Peruvian dish, made with potato pureé and prawns.
- Chupe de Langosta, a broth made with lobster, potatoes, and cheese.
- Grilled Huachinago, a fish typically found in South America and Central Mexico.
- Steakhouse: This restaurant offers à la carte dining and is perfect for those who love steak. Some of the dishes include:
- Ribeye steak
- New York strip steak
- Fillet mignon
- Asian restaurant: This restaurant offers buffet-style dining and serves Asian dishes. Some of the dishes include:
- Sushi
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Italian restaurant: This restaurant offers à la carte dining and buffet-style starters and desserts. It serves Italian dishes. Some of the dishes include:
- Spaghetti carbonara
- Margherita pizza
- Tiramisu
Please note that appropriate attire is required for dinner
Gym and Spa
The resort has a gym and spa, both aimed at giving RIU guests a very relaxed environment to de-stress. The Renova Spa has a clean, crisp and fresh smell due to the presence of lemon grass incense throughout the establishment.
A warm, jovial and very professional staff awaits to offer relaxing massages, facials and also hair and nail packages. The variety of gym equipment gives endless possibilities to creating and staying with a workout program.
The night comes alive in the “Pacha” which is a club within the hotel. The resident DJ keeps the vibes going between 11 pm- 2am. Disco lights and fog machines both add to the excitement and the enticement of the “Pacha”.
Over the years RIU Montego Bay has received several awards for its outstanding performance. It earned the service excellence award from Travelocity, and also received awards from Apple Destinations, Trip Advisor, Expedia and Thomson First Choice.
RIU Montego Bay not only facilitates amusement but is also a very charitable organisation. It has sponsored students attending the Montego Bay Community College which included tuition and book allowances.
The hotel is very involved within the Spanish-Jamaican foundation and collaborates with other hotels to give back to the community. RIU Montego Bay also did a labour day project at the Coral Garden police station in Montego Bay which involved refurbishing and painting.
Must Try:
General Manager:
Meal- Paella, a Spanish seafood and rice dish.
Activity: Entertainment Nights.
Head Chef:
Meal: Grilled Fillet of Salmon or Risotto king prawns and seafood.
Pros and Cons to Consider Before You Book
Pros:
- Prime Location and Convenience: Forget long airport commutes! Riu Montego Bay boasts a prime location, just 30 minutes from the airport, whisking you away to vacation bliss in no time. This is ideal for families with young children or travellers who prefer to minimise travel time.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Travelling with little ones? Riu Montego Bay has you covered. The lively kids’ club, brimming with cartoon characters and supervised by energetic caretakers, keeps your little adventurers entertained for hours. Let them splash in the toddler pool or conquer the jungle gym, while you soak up the sun on a nearby deck chair.
- All-Inclusive Value: For those seeking a hassle-free vacation experience, Riu Montego Bay’s all-inclusive packages offer great value. From meals and drinks to entertainment and activities, most expenses are covered, allowing you to relax and budget effectively.
- Variety of Dining Options: Foodies, rejoice! Riu Montego Bay boasts a culinary adventure with a variety of buffets and themed restaurants. Tantalise your taste buds with a fusion of Jamaican and international flavours, from fresh seafood to jerk chicken and local specialties.
- Vibrant Nightlife: As the sun dips below the horizon, Riu Montego Bay transforms into a kaleidoscope of nightlife. Dance the night away at the Pacha club, where pulsating beats and dazzling lights keep the party going until 2 am.
- Their adult-only property, Riu Reggae is located next to this property-
Cons:
- Resort Size and Ambiance: Riu Montego Bay is a large resort with over 680 rooms, which can feel crowded and impersonal to some travellers. If you prefer a more intimate and secluded atmosphere, this might not be the ideal choice.
- Potential for Beach Crowds: The resort’s shared beach can get crowded, especially during peak season. Early risers or those seeking tranquillity might need to strategize to secure their prime spot on the sand.
- For some the design of the rooms may look a bit dated.
- Potential for Upgraded Amenities: Some amenities, like premium drinks or à la carte dining options, might require additional fees outside of the standard all-inclusive package. Be sure to clarify what’s included in your chosen package to avoid surprises.
- Distance from Major Attractions: If your vacation itinerary includes exploring beyond the resort grounds, be aware that reaching major attractions like Dunn’s River Falls or Ocho Rios might require booking excursions or taxis, adding to your overall vacation expenses.
Ultimately, whether Riu Montego Bay is the right choice for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you’re seeking a convenient, family-friendly all-inclusive resort with plenty of on-site activities and vibrant nightlife, this resort offers undeniable value. However, if you crave a more intimate atmosphere, prioritise off-resort exploration, or prefer pristine, uncrowded beaches, you might want to consider alternative options.
How long does it take to get to Riu Montego Bay, from these central points:
- Montego Bay (Sangsters International Airport): 4 mins.
- Ocho Rios: 1 hr 33 mins.
- Negril: 1 hr 27 mins.
- Kingston (Norman Manley Int. Airport): 2 hrs 26 mins.
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)
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