Jewel Runaway Bay Resort: Terrific trip!

Traveled to Jewel Runaway Bay with my husband and 2 children (4&7). This resort came highly recommended and in most areas didn't disappoint. Food was very good. Stone oven pizza. Italian and Japanese restaurants. Buffet has A LOT of seafood and I'm allergic so there weren't many buffet choices, but there is no limit at the a la carte restaurants. Pool service was great. Buffet and restaurant service quite slow. Beautiful beach with on site snorkeling, but it isn't huge in case you want to go  [... read more]for a long walk. Several bars, including a swim up. Waterpark was terrific and is unlimited. Art hut with Clive at the beach was awesome and the kids loved it. The ride from the airport was 1 hr and 10 minutes, but the airport/ shuttle was so unorganized we didn't get to the resort until 3 hrs AFTER we landed which made for a very long day for the kids. No duty free store on site. Pasta bar only at the Italian restaurant. Would have been nice to have one in the buffet. The steel drum band was the best nightly entertainment. We didn't go off resort as the kids were too small for any good excursions. However, my husband and his friend walked past the beach/ property line and had conch for lunch one day. They said this was the best meal they had all week, despite being charged far too much. All in all, we had a great trip and would return.

Riu Reggae: Great Resort

The hotel was new, clean and very modern. The rooms were a bit small and the mattresses and pillows were very uncomfortable. The beach was small but being able to walk through the other resorts made it more enjoyable. The food was very good. The salad bar was well done. I love all Jamaican people and the staff was trying but still need to learn some skills. The shows were entertaining especially the Michael Jackson show.

Riu Reggae: It's Average

The Riu Reggae is overall an average hotel. Public areas are modern and sleek, but the rooms show signs of being rushed. Our room was cleaned between 4 and 6 pm every day, when we were tired and wanted some time to get ready for dinner. They either need more housekeeping staff or a better schedule. Pluses were the staff and the food - both amazing. Great selection of tasty offerings for all meals at the buffet. Roger at the jerk hut was great! Beach is small, man-made, and the "sand" is mainly c [... read more]rushed shells. Wouldn't stay here again as there is better value to be had in Jamaica, but if you get a good price go ahead and book! Good location close to the airport in Montego Bay.

Sandals Dunn's River: Amazing Beauftiful Wonderful

The grounds were beautifully landscaped and grounds were constantly swept. We found the resort was very compact - not far to get from point A to point B. We were upgraded to concierge - Diamond acccommodation. The service was excellent. We were assigned to Sapphire accommodation. We asked to see these rooms. They did not hesitate. The view from the Sapphire rooms - gardens and ocean were nicer than our view. We did have the view of the ocean- but no gardens. The night we arrived we enjoy [... read more]ed outside Italian dining watching the super moon! The Japanese dining will not be forgotten. Food everywhere was excellent- especially the soups. We did not participate in the activities as we were there to relax. Last but not least - the staff - the staff - we were hoping that some of them would kidnap us!

Riu Reggae: Ok resort for the money we paid

Grounds very congested. Too many chairs in a small space. . Spent most of our time at Riu Montego Bay. Rooms were ok but followup from management re issues were not followed through i.e. 3 days to get blanket, mini bar filled once in 7 days . Some rooms made up some not at all. Food staff and bar staff were excellent. Food was ok buffet was as good as a la carts. Other than premium drinks at Reggea we enjoyed our time at Riu Montego Bay better as they had drink service around the pool and on th [... read more]e beach. Beautiful foyer and sitting area at Montego Bay as well as casino (small but fun) and excellent staff . Its new and hopefully they will work the bugs out.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Huge resort

I Brenda, found the resort to be very large(as I have a disability)but overall was very nice. Had a few days of mishaps, no AC for 2 days, and 1 day no hydro. There should be some generator backup, had to walk up 4 flights of stairs Food was good but restaurants where way to warm (complaint by most). Great beds.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Amazing resort with some hiccup's

The resort itself is beautiful, the staff are very friendly and accommodating. However, our week didn't go without a few hiccup's. When we arrived we needed to move to a different room with working air and one bed instead of two doubles. We were in our new room within 24 hours. The second and bigger hiccup was that we were without power for three days. One of the days turned out to be a rain day so we were left very limited activity options, the staff set up games in the lobby etc.though. The bi [... read more]ggest issue with no power for this long is washrooms and food. Washroom were not working and began to smell, and food was very limited. This was our second time to this resort and we had an amazing time and will go back again, as long as the power issues get sorted out.

Royalton Blue Waters: Amazing honeymoon and resort!

This hotel was just constructed and completed a couple months ago so rightfully so we were expecting some hiccups along the way. When we arrived it was like the place had been doing business for years already. The smallest hiccup was when checking in the front desk didn't have our diamond club and honeymoon package on their account. We came prepared with a letter and a few emails printed off and they accommodated with no problem at all and we were able to get the diamond club and honeymoon packa [... read more]ge. This was the only real thing close to an issue we had all week. The rooms were amazing. The resort was amazing and kept very clean the entire time. They had security guards almost everywhere so the place felt very safe. They had security even making sure the wrong people on the resort didn't go into other people's buildings. The beach was so nice and always clean. The water was a bit rough most days but that was minor to us. The food was amazing and we never got sick of it or sick from it. One very nice thing we noted was the quick 25 minute drive from the airport to the resort. Overall an amazing week and we couldn't have asked it to go any other way.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Beautiful resort, but some issues

The grounds were nicely kept and well maintained. The 2 coves closer to hotel offer little beach area or swim area. The one further away (8 minute walk) had larger beach and swim area. If your looking for waves, this is not the place. Staff were friendly and evening entertainment was okay. Nothing to exciting going on. But that was okay, cause after a day of sun and swimming your pretty tired. There is an issue however with the power. Went out couple times. Then out for a full day. Was not grea [... read more]t. Often run out of cups at swim up bar too. Bring a bubba. My friends stayed an extra week and power was out 2 full days. Was only the resort, not the island. This is my 4th time with this chain at different locations, and depending on your desires it may suit you. To large for me though.

Riu Palace Tropical Bay: Awesome Experience

Everything at the RIU Palace Tropical Bay Negril was fantastic. All services, maids, bartenders, servers, chefs, front desk Smiley...everybody was helpful and polite. We will definitely return to RIU. Food was excellent, beach was awesome.

Riu Reggae: Vacation at Riu Reggae- Jamaica Nov 24/16.

1) The resort is 5 minutes from airport. We were on Vacation and NO reason to sit on the bus for more than hour waiting to leave- there is need for better organizing. 2) Airplanes taking off low right over the hotel all day. 3) Hotel is nice, opened Nov 19/16 and still in finishing progress. The garden has palm trees and shrubs. They were just planted and it will need 1-2 years to look lavishing green. Lots of potential. 4) Check in and check out was fast, staff was very friendly, pleasan [... read more]t and attentive to our needs. 5) Rooms are nice, big, with big terrace. Fridge is replenished as needed. Bathrobes are very nice touch. Room service was very good. 6) Beach- small- if you like to walk this is not beach for you. First few feet in the water nice sand then unpleasant mud and water grass. 7) 2 Pools with pool bars. People sitting in the pool and drinking all day and you have to swim in it? I don't thing so. Does not feel appealing. Lots of loungers around the pool with canopy or umbrella, service offering refreshments. 8) We expected better food selection in five star hotel. However, what was offered was prepared well and tasty. 9) Something new at Riu Resorts. No more booking for restaurant. Did not like that. To get in you have to line up 1 hour before opening and at the end we did not get in. The Steak House food and service was the best. We were waiting just for a short time to get in but they already solved the waiting problem; they offered sparkling wine, chair and you did not have the feeling you are waiting. 10) All in all we had very good time, weather was perfect, staff very nice. We love Jamaica, next year we would like to try Riu Negril resort.

Melia Braco Village: resort was beautiful. ,

The hotel looks just like the photos online. This is a resort you go to sit and watch the waves and eat.. nothing else to do there. Cant even ride a bike without a hotel escort. Room humidity level on electronic thermostat was at 94%. Everything was damp, even all of the bedding. The bed though was the most comfortable bed I have ever been in.. it kind of sucks you in and cuddles you all night..truly a good nights sleep. Staff are wonderful, kind and truly genuinely nice. If you are like us [... read more] and like to explore and have some sort of adventure, this is not the place for you. Swimming was impossible. Rocks & current ruin any attempts at swimming or snorkeling in the warm sea we have paid so much to swim in. Don't bother with The Level, too expensive for what you get above the regular side. We ended up changing resorts to someplace with more activities and things to see. I would recommend this resort for seniors only.

Grand Palladium Jamaica: Grand Palladium was not as good as expected

I will give 3 stars to the Grand Palladium Jamaica. We travel a lot and I compare GP Jamaica with the other two Palladium's that we've already went to at Riviera Maya and Dominican Republic. This is at the bottom of the list ... and we came here having high expectations ... Why ? First of all we are returning guests for Palladium - the only think they have for returning guests are 4 very small cookies ... Is better to be a returning guest for Bahia Príncipe or Iberostar where we've got upgra [... read more]ded room, separate check in, more services, even a weekly private party for returning guests at Bahia Príncipe Tulum etc ... so, the returning guests for Palladium are not valuable customers ... Somebody asked me - what we can do or change to make your stay better? - I will say change the people's more precisely change the management team. We love Jamaica and previously we had amazing experiences at SansSouci, Sandals and Veranda. The property is huge, beautiful beaches, the property is old but well kept and clean. One of the issues is the fact that the property is renovating 2 restaurants, part of the building and more ... that means great news for future customers ... but for us, was less choices, one of the beach with no washroom, noise etc. and they are doing nothing to accommodate the customers or to limit the consequences. The food and restaurants. The food was ok, nothing more. Less choices than at Bahia Principe or Iberostar. Less choices than at Palladium Riviera Maya ... the peoples at the restaurants generally unfriendly ... The best experience for us was at the steak house, great service, great food. At Palladium to reserve a restaurant is a privilege ... Was low season and the customers are waiting in line outside of the restaurants to get a table ... simply unacceptable ! I don't even imagine what will be for the Christmas and the end of the year ... At Palladium Jamaica the kids Club was great. Our 5 YO daughter just love it. Overall this hotel has potential and can be great ... But for the same price I will recommend to choose a different hotel chain for now. Finally - Grand Palladium or Lady Hamilton ? I was happy I didn't spend the money for Lady Hamilton ... Is not worth the difference, you have access to the same services, same restaurants, same beaches the same room size and amenities ... We had the room 1123, great location close to everything. Stayed November 2016, travelled with family

Riu Reggae: great time

Nice resort. New. Is not a 5 star if they don't have drink service to beach and pool area. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. House keeping is working through some issues. Made me wait until 5 to check in.

Riu Palace Jamaica: Lazy Vacation In The Sun

The Riu Palace Adults Only offers good value for the hard earned money you spendt on your vacation. The rooms are very clean, everything in it works, like plumbing (no plugged or slow draining drain), hot water (water is HOT), shower heads (not plugged by calcium) the bed is very comfortable and there are ample pillows available. The TV offers a many different channels and if you are into Soccer and Cricket you will never leave your room. Program wise there is something for everyone and channels [... read more] are available in most popular languages spoken in the Caribbean. The Hotel offers a wide variety of foods. Breakfast and Lunch, there is something for everyone. There are 5 different Restaurants open at night which offer Italian, Classical, Japanese, Steak House and Buffet Type meals. The Food is absolutely GREAT and TASTY. WARNING: bring dress pants, they won't let you in the Italian, Classical and Japanese establishments unless you wear dress-pants. Shorts are not allowed. I did NOT bring long pants, (for heavens sake am in Jamaica) and therefore did not visit the Classical and Japanese establishments. I did get to eat in the Italian Restaurant and the Osso Bucco was truly excellent. The bars, lobby bar, aqua bar and two pool bars where great. The Riu palace Hotel needs to be complimented in their decision to serve good and well known brands of liquor and liqueurs at their bars. But most of all, the employees made my stay a memorable one. I found the staff being very friendly and laughing comes east to them. I will be back, I had a very good time. Thank you.

Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach: Very good but one major dissapointment

No real surprises. It was consistent with all reviews we had seen before. The facility was great, the beach was fine, the food was, in fact, very good and the staff were very friendly. Generally what we have come to expect with Iberostar. We were celebrating a big event in our lives and we were visiting an Iberostar resort for the seventh time...we are loyal Iberostar clients! But the disappointment to us was that the aloof staff at the front desk gave us one of the worst room locations in t [... read more]he resort. When we asked to have a room that we had requested, we were given another poor location, just marginally better. The next day we went to our booking rep (to avoid the front desk staff) to make a complaint and later got a much better room but still not what we requested. We find it odd that this resort doesn't take better care of their returning guests when other Iberostar resorts have worked so hard to impress us with their service. Will we stay at Iberostar next time? I'm not so sure.

Grand Palladium Jamaica: Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort

Upon arrival at the Grand Palladium in Jamaica we were first told that they didn't have our booking. They discovered our reservation at the sister resort - Lady Hamilton! We found out from the relatives we were meeting from the UK that they wrote to Palladium asking that our group stay together in the same part of the resort. They went one step further and upgraded all of us (5 couples) to the Lady Hamilton. What a nice surprise! Friendly and engaging staff in the restaurants made the exper [... read more]ience wonderful - particularly Garfield who really went out of his way to accommodate our large group. Throughout the week the resort ran out of supplies - bananas, fresh pineapple, gin, beef (at the steakhouse). The breakfast buffet items seemed to deplete quickly and less options available as the stay went out, Seemed like they were watching the budget!!

Grand Palladium Jamaica: Horriable hotal with the worst service

The beachs are great, ocean calm and water great for swimming. Food is awesome in the buffet but other then that it's ok went to the steak house which was horrible under cook steaks,raw potatoes couldn't even finish the meal. The staff is probably the rudest and least caring I have ever had always expected a tip even if they did nothing to deserve it. We had springs in the mattress popping out worse sleep in a hotel only way they would let us change rooms was to upgrade to a larger room for a [... read more] costly price and really nothing we could do other then pay more for a upgraded room. Wouldn't recommend this resort to anybody can get a lot better place and happier workers in different resorts. Have no desire to even return to Jamaica

Hedonism II: Great vacation resort!

The hotel room was excellent, clean and well air-conditioned. And plenty of hot water. However, the resort is for couples who are "swingers", not for single guys like myself. Very few singles were there during my week there. In fact, a single person is at a major disadvantage there among swinger couples.

Grand Palladium Jamaica: Not worth the money

It was an ok resort but not worth the money. There's lots of pros and cons so I'll list what comes to mind. If you like bland, boring food, the buffets are for you. The al-a-cart restaurants were good as was the sports bar. The staff was friendly but don't expect much more than that. The staff were also more than willing to offer us marijuana, cocaine, and even offered the services of a prostitute to one of our friends. Not sure what kind of resort this is. We couldn't even get our mini bar/fri [... read more]dge restocked. We had a leak in the bathroom that no one ever repaired, so water was constantly coming through the wall. We had complimentary coffee in our room but no coffee maker. We also got ripped off for $60 after the photo hut gave us a blank DVD and did not respond back to me when contacted about it. The entertainment department did a great job with their shows and assorted activities. Lots of options for off resort excursions but be prepared to pay lots. Coarse sand on the beach which wasn't exactly nice to walk on. The pool was really nice, except it was half closed for renovations. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it. You can definitely get better value for your money.